The Worth of a Christian I. Introduction. A. There is a value in suffering as a Christian: I Peter 4:16. B. Paul sought to persuade others to be Christians. C. There must have been something worthwhile in being a Christian. D. Christian: literally, one who belongs to Christ. E. The value of a disciple is measured in one's influence in this life. F. How much are you worth to God and to others? 1. Man says, "What is he/she worth?"(discuss) 2. Define worth: The quality of a thing which makes it useful(Webster). II. Body. What is your worth.... A. To Jehovah? 1. God created man so he could serve him. 2. In every age, service has been demanded. a. Not just "bare" necessities: dedicated. b. Consider the requirements for great men of OT. 3. Would God choose you to a special task? 4. Note: Matthew 6:33. 5. Hence: Luke 17:10(look at context). B. To other disciples? 1. How is your influence with other Christians? 2. What have you done "in the body?" Ephesians 4:16. 3. When they needed: a. Teaching? Hebrews 3:13. b. Encouragement? I Thessalonians 4:18. c. Physical help? James 2:15-16. C. In the local church? 1. Willing to do what needs to be done? 2. How much time and effort put forth? 3. What will people remember about you? 4. God wanted His people in local assemblies. a. Work must be done to have the assembly and other works. b. Examples: Worship requires preparation; Bible classes. 5. Am I a problem or a problem solver? 6. This was not a profitable "saint": III John 9. D. Within your family? 1. As the head...as the wife...as a child? 2. A family of Christians is different from a worldly family. 3. Principles of righteousness to be practiced. 4. What am I doing to improve my family? 5. Is it possible that I am the problem? or the solution? 6. Does this apply? Matthew 7:12. 7. A large portion of America's families are dysfunctional: how are you preventing this in your family? E. To your community? 1. What do your neighbors see in you? 2. Isn't this appropriate: Matthew 5:13-16? 3. Helped any neighbor?(consider the Samaritan) Spoke to neighbor? Invite to study the Bible? 4. Would your neighbors be sorry to see you move? 5. Only a positive influence will result in positive good: Romans 13:10. 6. How would you have like to have had Paul as a neighbor? III. Conclusion. A. Just what AM I of worth to the cause of Christ? B. That is a decision that only you can make. -James L. Yopp