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STRIVING FOR A PROMOTION

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.     When people start a job, they usually begin with what is known as an “entry-level” position.

 

B.      In the course of time, they increase their knowledge and skills and put in for a promotion.

 

C.     NOTE:  Very few people would turn down a promotion. 

1.       It often means more money.

2.       It often involves less physical toil.

3.       It means more power and prestige.

 

D.     Did you know that when it comes to spiritual things, there is a way to get a promotion? 

 

E.      Let’s look at this concept under the title:  “Striving for A Promotion.”

 

I.                    STRIVING TO BECOME A SERVANT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

 

A.     All who are not Christians are servants of sin.

1.       John 8:34

 

Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

 

2.       Romans 6:16

 

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness.

 

B.      It is possible, however, to receive a promotion. 

1.       The promotion is to a servant of righteousness.

2.       Paul noted that this had happened to some who resided in the imperial city of Rome (Rom. 6:18).

 

Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

 

3.       The way to receive this promotion is found in one word, obedience (Rom. 6:17).

 

But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

 

a.       Obey:  Strong (5219):  to hear under (as a subordinate), to heed or conform to a command or authority

b.      The obedience must come “from the heart.”

1)      Our obedience must be from a heart of understanding.

2)      Our obedience must be from a heart of sincerity.

c.       What we must obey is “that form of doctrine.”

1)      Form:  the teaching which embodies the sum and substance of religion and represents it to the mind (Thayer, e-sword)

2)      That “form” involves the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus.

a)      1 Corinthians 15:1, 3-4

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel, which I preached unto you…For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.

 

b)      We, too, must die, be buried, and rise again.

-          We die to our sins (Rom. 6:6-7).

-          We are buried in baptism (Rom. 6:4).

-          We are raised to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).

c)       Romans 6:18

 

Being then (then when?  When we obey that form of doctrine) made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

 

II.                 STRIVING TO BECOME A CHIEF

 

A.     Becoming a chief, that is, a ruler sounds like a pretty good position to have.  Most would not turn down such a promotion.

 

B.      There is a way to obtain it in the spiritual realm.  However, most will not like how it is obtained.  It is gained by becoming a servant, a minister, or a slave.

1.       The mother of James and John came to Jesus on one occasion and requested for her two sons to sit by His side in His kingdom (Matt. 20:20).

2.       When the other disciples heard about what was done, “they were moved with indignation against the two brethren” (Matt. 20:24).

3.       Jesus took this opportunity to teach His disciples how to become masters and chiefs (Matt. 20:25-28).

 

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.  But it shall not be so among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:  even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

 

C.     Some might balk at this teaching.  Yet, Jesus lived what He taught.

1.       In John 13, Jesus took a towel and a basin and washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:4-5).

2.       Paul tells us that when Jesus left heaven, it was His intent to take upon him the form of a servant (Phil. 2:5-7).

 

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus:  who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant…

 

D.     Who makes life easier for the elites?  Servants

Who causes things to get done in homes and businesses?  Servants

Who provides services that others refuse to do?  Servants

Who are the unsung heroes in projects that become successful?  Servants

Who are the ones who allow the knowledgeable and skilled to focus on the important things?  Servants

 

E.      Let servants walk off the job and see how much really gets done.  They are truly the chiefs and masters of many things that get done in organizations and societies.

F.      My friend, if you want to become great, get out and serve others.

 

III.              STRIVING TO OCCUPY POSITIONS OF AFFLUENCE AMONG MEN

 

A.     We are in need of men and woman in position of affluence and influence in our society.  In many places, evil men are in those positions.

 

B.      There might be some who would like to be in those positions. 

 

C.     The key to getting into those types of positions is humble, faithful endurance.

1.       Joseph rose to become the second in command in the nation of Egypt.

2.       Daniel became one of the most influential wise men of the nation of Babylon.

3.       Nehemiah took Haman’s position as the chief counsel of the king of Persia.

 

D.     None of these men sought the position to which they rose.

All of these men endured hardship from their enemies.

Each of these men were faithful to their God regardless of the demands of others

 

E.      Three verses:

1.       Psalm 37:34

 

Wait upon the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land…

 

2.       Matthew 23:12

 

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

 

3.       1 Peter 5:6

 

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

 

IV.              STRIVING TO BE A RULER OVER MANY THINGS

 

A.     There is coming a day when we will enter into a realm that is much different from this one. 

1.       We call it “the world to come” (Eph. 1:22).

2.       We call it “the everlasting kingdom (2 Pet. 2:11).

3.       We call it “the unseen realm” (2 Cor. 4:18).

4.       We call it the place of “things above” (Col. 3:2).

5.       We call it “heaven” (Matt. 5:12).

 

B.      When we get there, we can become “a ruler over many things” according to Jesus (Matt. 25:21, 23).

 

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant:  thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things:  enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

 

1.       We have to do well.

2.       We have to do good.

3.       We have to be faithful.

4.       We have to use our talents.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.     Many people work extremely hard and put in many long hours striving to get an earthly promotion.

 

B.      If they would put in as much time and effort spiritually, they would receive many promotions in the spiritual world.

1.       If they would obey the gospel, they could be promoted to a servant of righteousness.

2.       If they would serve others, they could become a chief.

3.       If they would humbly and faithfully endure, they could be raised to positions of influence in this world.

4.       If they would use their talents in the faithful service of God, they will be promoted to a ruler over many things in the hereafter.

 

C.     We can receive many promotions in this life.  In the world to come, those promotions will mean absolutely nothing:  manager, supervisor, superintendent, councilman, congressman, or president. 

 

D.     The promotions we received in the spiritual realm, however, will mean everything. 

 

E.      A ruler over many things sounds pretty enticing!