Commitment

1 Timothy 1:11 …the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

Commitment is a fearful word to many modern day believers because to many minds, it means the need to be bound by someone or some institution other than self. Sadly, many do not see the need to be committed to the Lord, to the Lord’s Church, to service to the Lord. Many cite personal reasons, situations and practical occurrences as reasons why they cannot be committed to the Lord. The word commit means to be entrusted to. In the words of the apostle, the Lord has entrusted to him the glorious gospel of Christ. Unfortunately, many fail to grasp a very important truth that the bible gives to us.

The church ministry is an important work that GOD has COMMITTED, ENTRUSTED TO US. He has, according to His own will and good pleasure, entrusted to mere mortals the privilege of a ministry and a service that will touch eternity.

We need to understand three lessons regarding commitment to the Lord and His work:

1. GOD has already committed Himself. When the Lord Jesus came to earth, to die for sinful men, God the Father entrusted to the Lord Jesus the plan of salvation and our savior was faithful to that trust, never turning back and fully committed to the work. When the Lord Jesus Christ left planet earth, He committed to the church the great commission. He entrusted to His children His Great work of evangelism and church building. The apostles, imitating their Savior, gave themselves to the work and all except John, gave their lives for the work. The work of the Lord’s church is a great work, far greater than any other work we can undertake on earth: it is great because it involves the eternity of souls. It is so great that the Lord Jesus committed Himself to the church as we go about this task: I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD … Matt 28:18 – 20.

2. If God has committed Himself to the church and His work in this world, we need to commit ourselves to His will to do His work as well. God’s people need to be committed to the work! In the times of Ezekiel, God was looking for a man to stand in the gap, but he could not find any. (Ezekiel 22:30) The work of Christ has seen many servants quit the ministry, and the replacement has not been forthcoming. Paul sets the example of commitment, whereby in Acts 20:21 – 24, although knowing that he will be undergoing tremendous persecution, Paul says that even the threat of death will not stop him from completing the course that GOD has given to him. Paul was committed to the work of God, and nothing could take him away from his duties.

3. Our commitment reflects our spiritual character before the Lord: In the parable of the talents (Matt 25), the servant with the one talent did not serve the Lord with the talent he received. At the time of reckoning, the Lord Jesus after hearing his testimony, revealed the character of the servant: Matt 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant… A Christian that is not committed to the Lord reflects a disobedient and lazy character. On the other hand, the servant with the five and the two talents, were praised: Matt 25:23 …Well done, good and faithful servant;… the servant was profitable (good) and trustworthy (Faithful).

Christian, do you realize the need for commitment to the Lord?? Because God has demonstrated His commitment to our salvation, our souls and our security in life. Because He is committed to us, we need to commit ourselves (entrust) to the work of the Lord too. What is our character before the Lord?? Jesus asks this question; “Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things that I say?” (Luke 6:46) May we be committed to the Lord.

Evangelist – Pastor Johnny Tan
Ambassador Baptist Church