Fit for the Master’s Use
• Text: Luke 9:62
Introduction
• 1. Some are not fit for the kingdom of God such as the worldly-minded.
(text)
• 2. This prompts the question, “Who is fit for it?”
• 3. “Fit” defined.
• a. We usually think it means to be suitable, that which is fitting or
appropriate.
• b. Euthetos: “ready for use, fit, well adapted, lit., well placed...” (W.E. Vine,
p. 446)
I. To Be Fit Is to Be Useful
A. A consideration of the text.
• 1. One who is attempting to plow but is not giving attention to it will do an
unsuitable job.
• 2. The worldly-minded “Christian” will not do a suitable job for the Lord
because his focus is elsewhere.
• a. His hypocritical example damages the image of Christ and the church.
• b. He causes problems in the church. (1 Cor. 3:1-3)
• c. He will eventually fall away. (2 Tim. 4:10)
• 1) Demas loved the present world and gave his attention to it.
• 2) Demas was of no value to the Lord or Paul.
B. The Lord wants His disciples to be the “salt of the earth.” (Matt.
5:13)
• 1. Salt that loses its flavor is fit for nothing. (Luke 14:34-35)
• 2. The “Christian” who loses his “fitness” is good for nothing.
II. Qualities of The One Who Is Fit for the Master’s Use
A. He realizes he is no longer his own. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
• 1. He can no longer do as he pleases but as the Lord wills. (Matt. 16:24;
7:21)
• 2. The fact he is no longer his own means his service to God never stops.
(Rev. 2:10)
• a. The religion of Christ is a way of life. One’s life is not compartmentalized
in that he gives a portion to the Lord but the rest is his to do as he wants.
• b. His attitude must be that of Paul: to press on. (Phil. 3:12-15)
B. He is committed to the Lord.
• 1. The rich young man failed the test of commitment. (Mark 10:17-22)
• 2. He will be faithful to the Lord no matter what it costs him or what he has
to face.
• 3. Paul stood alone in defense of the gospel but he continued to stand. (2
Tim. 4:16)
C. He does good works. (Titus 2:14; Eph. 2:10)
• 1. He teaches others, in word and by example, how to become a Christian.
• 2. He encourages other Christians. (Heb. 10:24-25)
• 3. He corrects the erring. (Jas. 5:16; Gal. 6:1-2)
• 4. He looks to the material needs of others. (Eph. 4:28)
D. He lives a godly life. (1 Tim. 6:6)
• 1. He attempts to bring everything in his life into harmony with the will of
God. (Rom. 12:1-2)
• 2. He takes seriously what God has said about his relationships in all aspects
of his life.
• a. Marriage. (Eph. 5:25f)
• b. Children. (Eph. 6:1-4)
• c. Work. (Col. 3:22-24)
• d. Government. (Rom. 13:6-7)
• e. Care of the body. (1 Tim. 4:8)
• f. Material and financial matters. (Rom. 13:8)
• g. The world. (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Pet. 2:11-12)
E. He seeks to mature in Christ.
• 1. By producing the fruit of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22)
• 2. By adding virtues to his faith. (2 Pet. 1:5-9)
• 3. By studying the word. (2 Tim. 2:15)
• 4. By exercising his spirituality. (Heb. 5:14)
• 5. The mature Christian is the one most useful.
Conclusion
• 1. What a joy to be a Christian. To think that I can be of value and use to my
Savior and the Almighty God of heaven.
• 2. How tragic when one allows himself to become useless to the Lord thus
worthless and unprofitable in His sight (John 15:1-8)
• 3. Want a quick measure of your usefulness to Him? Consider your
usefulness to the local church.
• a. What would this church lose if it lost you?
• b. Of what value are you to this local church?
• c. Can this church count on you? If not, how could the Lord even begin to
count on you?
