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1 Corinthians 4:1-5, Matthew 25:31-46

A “mystery” in the New Testament is something that had at one time been hidden but is now revealed to God’s people. Jesus spoke of, “the mystery of the kingdom of God,” which He was revealing to them at that time (Mark 4:11). Paul used the word mystery 21 times in his letters. In each case, the “mystery” involved a wonderful declaration of spiritual truth, revealed by God through divine inspiration. A mystery is that, “which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets,” and from them to us through God’s Word, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness” (Ephesians 3:5, 2 Timothy 3:16).

The Bible tells us that the mystery of God is Jesus Christ, “For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery ​— ​Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:1-3).

As God’s Spirit filled children, His Church, We too have to be found faithful, since we too are given responsibility for The Mysteries of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, and the very Word of God.  This responsibility connects every congregation and every Christian. As Does the Great Commission.

Judgment: “The Father, in fact, judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son,” Jesus explained how we would be judged (John 5:22).

The Lord is coming back in judgement and He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the motives of the Heart. Jesus will be my judge and yours. So, we are not to be concerned with what people say if we are following God’s Word and will. If you want to judge others or yourself (which we are called to do in 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11) make sure it is a righteous judgment as Jesus said in John 7:24, according to the Word, tempered by love and mercy. All we can really judge are the actions of the person and not their motives… That is what we are to leave to Jesus. We are connected by having the same Judge and through the same judgment… God’s Word.

The Church, you and I, have been given all that we need to fulfill our purpose where He has placed us. If that purpose is not fulfilled, His gifts are wasted. What is the use on having an eye or a hand that does not serve the entire body? Are we being found faithful with God’s gifts?

We are going to be held responsible for how we used what was given us. Each of you is a steward or manager of the gifts, abilities, and all that God has given you.

As a Christ follower, a Christian, a Believer, you are made a part of God’s Church and each of us are given responsibilities in His Church. Your responsibility goes way beyond singing a few songs, prayer, placing some money in a box or plate, and holding down that pew for an hour and a half or so when you are here.

Either you take up your responsibility or you leave it lay and be irresponsible. And if you don’t take it up, let me tell you, you would be in famous company. Many have sought not to take up their responsibility; the psalmist in the 55^th Psalm longs to fly away with wings like a dove to find rest, Elijah ran from Ahab and Jezebel, and the most popular of those seeking to run from their responsibility: Jonah…

Many congregations have shirked their responsibility to go and make disciples, to be the Church to their communities, to do there best to reach the lost, they  have forgotten that they are to practice the “one anothers” of God’s Word in community and in doing that have turned their backs on both God and their fellow man, whom God’s Word clearly teaches that we are to love. When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone in your community? And done so out of Love? How were you the Church during the lock down?  Did you go to your Nineveh or run or stay in your Tarshish? If you shirked your responsibilities, there may be a big fish waiting for you…

Our responsibility lies in loving God and others—by serving God, by serving others, working for the Lord, whether it is, “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world,” or giving to the hungry, the naked, and visiting those in prison, or serving in our workplace, or doing whatever we do (James 1:27, Matthew 25:35-36). And our motivation is that we have God’s own promise that in Christ our work is not in vain, “Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work whole-heartedly, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). We, as Christians, belong to Him! “For I know the plans I have for you”–this is the LORD’s declaration–“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope,” if you are outside of God’s plan… not accepting your responsibilities… then are you His (Jeremiah 29:11)?

Imagine a world, a country, where the Church took their responsibilities seriously to spread the love of God, to be the Church, make disciples, and be a part of their communities in doing so. Would we be where we are now?

Digging Deeper

• Have you taken responsibility for the congregation you worship with? (see Romans 12:5)
• Have you taken your God given responsibility to spread the Gospel?
• What will happen if you shirk your responsibilities as a Christian and a member of the local Church?

Further reading:

Luke 12:42- 48, John 12:48, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 15:58, James 2:26, Psalm 9:7-8, John 7:24, 2 Corinthians 13:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11, Ephesians 3:1-7