APPROVED OF GOD

2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.;

Mt. 25:14-25; Mt 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

People seek approval. (Teens want the approval of their friends. Employees seek the approval of their boss.)
We should all seek GOD’S APPROVAL!
Does God approve of what I’m doing?

GOD’S STANDARDS OF APPROVAL (see Mt. 25:21). 5 essentials…

I. “WELL” —Approval of the CALIBER of our work (Excellence)
A. Anything worth doing, is worth doing “well.”
1. The Bible says Jesus “hath done all things well…” (Mk. 7:37). HE IS OUR EXAMPLE.
2. Jehu (2 Kings 9:20-24, 27, 30-33 cf.10:18-30)
3. Philippians support of Paul (Phil. 4:14).
B. Too many do things halfheartedly. Mediocre ministries.
Colossians 3:23-24— “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Who are you doing it for?
Ecclesiastes 9:10— “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…”
C. Jesus deserves our BEST.

II. “DONE”— Approval of the COMPLETION of our work (Achievement).
A. Our job is not done yet! It is no time to quit now. Finish what you start.
B. God’s never commends quitters.
C. What have you ever accomplished for the Lord’s sake? The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul (Prov. 13:18).

III. “THOU GOOD” — Approval of the CHARACTER of the worker (Integrity).
A. Notice, this is an individual commendation (“THOU…”). We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
B. Jesus went about “doing good.” God does not commend just any kind of doing, but doing the GOOD THING.
C. Goodness is part of the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22). ILLUS. Barnabas (Acts 11:23-24).

IV. “FAITHFUL” — Approval of the CONSISTENCY of the worker (Determination)
A. Be not be weary in “WELL DOING” (Gal. 6:9).
B. The one thing God requires of us is FAITHFULNESS (1 Cor. 4:2).
C. Are you faithful? Are you consistent?

V. “SERVANT” — Approval of the COMPLIANCE of the worker (Self-denial).
A. A servant has no plan of his own.
B. A servant has no property of his own.
C. A servant has no problems of his own.

These are characteristics of one who is approved of God - All five are ESSENTIAL for God’s approval.
1. Your CALIBER of your work
2. Your COMPLETION of your task.
3. Your CHARACTER in your work
4. Your CONSISTENCY at your work
5. Your COMPLIANCE to God’s direction.

Will you bear God’s stamp of approval?