A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

218

A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

C. The Corporate Dimensions: as a community of servants, we are called to demonstrate practically in every level the kindness and grace of the Lord who is our head.

1. We are salt (to preserve) and light (to illumine) to the world in its decay and darkness respectively.

a. Christ died in order to purify us to be his possession, zealous to do good in the world, Titus 2.14 – . . . who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness

and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

b. We preserve and illumine the world where we gather and live, Matt. 5.13-16 – You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. [14] You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

2. As the body of Christ, we are called to abound in every good work as servants together in our communities and neighborhoods.

a. God’s grace is the source of our good works together, 2 Cor. 9.8 – And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.