Character References

Title- Character References

Passage- 2 Cor 8:16-24

Attention- On a scale of 1-10 how important is a person’s reputation?

Introduction

Just in case you are one of those who don’t see the importance of a person’s reputation think about this...

When a girl is interested in a guy what does she do?

She asks around to find out what? What kind of reputation he has

When my daughter dates I will have a 12 page application process, why? I want to know what kind of guy he is

When you apply for a job they ask for what?

Character references, why?

They want to know your reputation

tells us “a good reputation is more valuable than money”

What is the main driving point (CPS)?

Friends, God wants to use those who have a good reputation

They are know among their friends and others for certain qualities they have worked to develop in their lives

The qualities that God looks for are often qualities that we are thankful for in a person when we see them

Why does the CPS matter, what is the consequence?

Can God use those who don’t have these qualities? Yes

God does not HAVE to use anyone, but I believe that when He uses those with a reputation that glorifies Himself He is most delighted

Should we be thankful for people who may not have these characteristics in their lives? ABSOLUTELY

We ought to be thankful for ALL people, regardless their reputation, attitude, race, gender, sexual orientation, age......

What I want us to see in this passage are three individuals for who Paul was thankful and God was using and we will look at some qualities that Paul points out about them.

Transition

The first quality that Paul notes is...

I. Obedience (17)

Explain

Titus was made aware of this need and felt the Lord directing him there and he simply obeyed

Verse 19…the brother, was obedient as well in his role

Here Paul is taking about an offering taken up for them and this brother was probably one of the men who took up the offereing

And was apparently willing to travel with Titus as well.

What do we see about these men…one of the first things we see is their obedience

Bridge to today

Bridge to today

We only need to look to the workplace or the military to understand this...

How long will you be employed if you don’t understand obedience

How many raises will you get

How many promotions

To be profitable to the company obedience is essential

The boss wants to know that if he asks something of you that you will do it

Relevance

I believe that God wants to know that when He asks something of you that you will do it.

If you have proven to Him that you spend your time making excuses and avoiding Him He will just move on.

But if you can be obedient God will be delighted as He is glorified

Why does this matter?

God doesn’t need to use you, He wants to…

God doesn’t NEED you to accomplish His will

But if you want God’s will for your life you NEED Him and you need to be walking in obedience to His will.

If you want your life to bring Him glory obedience is of utmost importance.

Transition

Another quality that Paul points out is...

II. Diligence (22)

Explain

Now we come to a third man and he is unnamed as well…know only as “the brother”

He is marked by his diligence

A trait within diligence is obedience so he fits into the first point as well.

But beyond obedience is diligence.

It is when you are excited and anticipate the situation

When you can’t wait to…when you look forward to it...

Bridge to today

How many of you like to take a nice Sunday afternoon nap?

For me it’s lunch?

After a busy morning here I am ready for some food!!!

By the time noon comes around I am eagerly anticipating what my wife has prepared for Sunday lunch

Some Sundays she puts it in the crockpot when we get up and by the time we leave you can already smell it

Then the sermon is over and people have left and there is one thing I am working towards…the door!!!

Why does this matter?

What if this was our attitude when it came to obedience to the Lord

Not just service types of obedience

Why does this matter?

But in our thoughts…our actions....our relationships

What if we knew what God expected and couldnt wait to obey

Well, what about serving Him in the local church

Do we do it eagerly or do we obey like most kids do at bed time...

I need a drink…I need to potty…I want a story…I want

We need to set aside ourselves and seek out what God wants for our lives and then be all in…go after it!!!

Transition

A final quality that Paul points out is...

III. Good reputation (18)

Explain

When Titus or these two unnamed men we talked about they were talked about in high regard.

*It was not just the church they were in either

The last word in the verse is plural…in the churches

It’s one thing to be well respected in your church but its another to be respected in other churches

Also notice that it was their reputation within the churches

I am sure they were respected in their communities but there is nothing mentioned about that

I think that is because it is more important what your reputation is before God and His people...

That is not to say your reputation outside the church doesn’t matter, it does a great deal

But if you cannot find respect within the church you are probably not following what God has for your life.

Bridge to today

Think of how it works within sports

Before the scouts come looking at a highschool or college player who is looking to them?

Their team mates

They are often the captain or are some type of leader

Then their opponents…they study them because they respect their abilities

Relevance

Now in the big picture what people do in sports most likely wont matter one bit

But the principle is similar

Why does this matter?

You want to be used of God?

You want to walk with God

You want to be seen as a righteous CHristian

It starts here (in your heart)

Then those in this local assembly will notice and look to you

Then you may be noticed by those outside the assembly

Whether ally or enemy

Conclusion

Review of the Principles and the Sermon Proposition

It all starts with inward personal revival

It starts with an obedient heart that produces obedient actions

Then from that obedience arises a zeal and desire to serve and obey

Then that zealous obedience builds a reputation

A reputation that God can use

Challenge to act now (your part)…immanence

It’s never too late to start obeying…to start developing zeal…to start builidng a reputation

Visualize Audience Implementation

It’ll take some work

It’ll take some sacrifice

But in the end you will hear....

Final Statement

Well done thou good and faithful servant

Would you bow your heads and close your eyes with me?

Closing Hymn

622- Thank You, Lord