Handout for Sermon:  Am I An Asset?                                                                                                     April 3rd, 2022, Manchester, TN.

INTRODUCTION: In life you will be faced with many decisions and choices. There are so many “forks” in the road in life’s journey that deal with choices and decisions. No matter what choices you have made those have brought you into this room today and for that I am very grateful. SO, we are now gathered together on this Lord’s day to worship God and study.

Personal story: How and why I ended up preaching for the Manchester Church?

Today’s sermon is a little different as I would like for us to consider the two terms that we usually do not associate in reference to spiritual things: asset & liability. When it comes to our spiritual walk and work for the Lord, we should think of ourselves as an asset for God and that we need to avoid the liabilities that would pull us backward. In fact, sometimes Christians behave and live in ways that they become a “liability” for personal spiritual growth, development and for God’s kingdom.

Lesson:

1.DEFINITIONS: ASSET & LIABILITY.

ASSET: A useful or valuable thing, person, or quality. Property owned as having value and available to meet debts and commitments. Synonyms: benefit, blessing, advantage, talent, investment, resources, goods, and belongings.

An asset is designed to increase in value the longer you have it. It gives more to you than it takes from you. Time is your friend when we consider an asset.

LIABILITY: The state of being responsible for something. A person or thing whose presence or behavior is like to cause embarrassment or put one at a disadvantage. Synonyms: accountability, responsibility, answerability, hindrance, burden handicap, encumbrance, or debt.

A liability decreases the value of something. It takes from you more than it gives you. Future sacrifice.  A good example of liability: credit cards.

Jesus used imagery along these terms in the parable of talents. Only difference was He is telling us that WE ARE TO BE AN ASSET TO GOD!!!!  Take what you have and make an increase! In our lesson today I want you to think of your presence and involvement in other peoples lives. Are you giving more that you are taking? Are you bringing value into the relationship?

In your Home?
In the Church?
In the World?

Matthew 5:13-27 Jesus used other comparisons to teach the same idea. We are Salt & Light! Both items are for the benefit of others. Salt=preserves and improves. Light=illuminates, guides and protects. So, salt and light are assets!

Philippians 1:21-26 Paul speaks of His life as being an asset to others, in fact that took precedence over his own life and choices.  It was better for others that he would stay longer to help and provide them what they needed. We all need to develop this kind of mindset and heart!

Why are we constantly praying and asking God for longer lives, better health, increased wealth, and security? If you are not going to use what you are asking from God to shine some goodness to the world…. why should God answer your request positively??? God will most likely not give it to you-in your home, in your Church family or in the world.                                                                 The Christians purpose in life is to give value to other people!

LESSON:  DO YOU UNDERSTAND? YOU ARE AN ASSET FOR GOD!

1.MY NEED FOR GOD TO SUSTAIN AND RESTORE ME.                                                                           I cannot be valuable to others unless I can see myself as great with God & because of God in my life. I need all those great things that God provides, and I am dependent upon Him! However, we must be careful in our serving and helping others that we do not “drain ourselves dry!”

Scripture: Luke 5:15-16, Luke 6:12, Philippians 4:13 (4-14), Romans 15:5, Psalm 121:1-2, 1 Peter 5:10

MY POWER TO INFLUENCE THE PEOPLE IN MY LIFE. Do you understand how important you are? DO not underestimate just how influential YOU are or can be! Matthew 5:16, Matthew 17:20 Remember WHO YOU are? Gods redeemed, a vessel for God to use! 2 Timothy 2:20-26

Scripture: Women: Acts 16:1, 1 Peter 3:1-4, Titus 2:3-5, Men: Ephesians 6:4, Acts 6:3-7

MY MISSION TO SHOW THAT GOD’S WAY IS BEST. A love for God & humanity that demands we evangelize the world, first start with family, Church friends, neighbors and then the world.

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 6:33, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Romans 10:1, 1 Corinthians 15:58.

SUMING UP: Time is the unknown variable. Time is on our side as God doesn’t want any to perish but is longsuffering. So, we need to get busy “Sowing seed” Luke 8:16-18

Look inward:

Do you consider yourself an asset for the Lord’s kingdom?
What do you intend to do with what God has given and continues to give you?
If you are not going to use it for the good of God’s mission, He may decide to take it away.