Text: Eph 2:10
A. A powerful faith.
If one does not believe in something, he will not do anything – e.g. the 10 faithless spies (Num 13:31-33).
We will not try to evangelize to our friends if we do not believe that the gospel can convert them.
Without faith, we cannot please God (Heb 11:6), but faith can overcome difficulties in the work of the Lord (Mat 17:20).
B. A prayerful life.
If one cares enough to pray, he will care enough to be involved – e.g. the apostles’ prayer for boldness (Act 4:31).
We are more likely to visit those whom we pray for than those whom we do not pray for.
Without prayer, we can get discouraged (Luk 18:1), but prayer can remove hindrances in the work of the Lord (Mat 21:22).
C. A practical study.
If one does not make his knowledge practical, his knowledge will remain intellectual – e.g. the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees (Mat 23:3-4).
We will not be productive in the work of the Lord if we are more concerned with correcting others.
Without applying our knowledge of God’s word, we have a dead faith (Jas 2:17), but practical application of God’s word makes us fruitful in the work of the Lord (Luk 8:15).
D. A personal love.
If one is motivated by love, he will be driven to serve – e.g. Philemon’s love for the Lord and the brethren (Phm 5-7).
We are more willing to help those whom we love than to help those whom we dislike.
Without love, we serve in vain (1Co 13:1-3), but love makes the work of the Lord light (1Jo 5:3).
E. A persistent effort.
If one is not persistent in his efforts, he will give up when he does not see the desired results – e.g. Elijah’s discouragement (1Ki 19:10).
We will give up on the work of the Lord if we focus on the product instead of the purpose of our service.
Without effort, we cannot enter heaven (Luk 13:24), but persistence will open doors of opportunity in the work of the Lord (Mat 7:7-8).