HOW A CHRISTIAN CAN BE LIKE A FINE WATCH

INTRO:

1. By taking something with which we are familiar, we can draw some simple comparisons.

2. In times past, I have campared Christians to "a postage stamp", "a pencil", "a tree", etc.

3. Today, I want to compare a Christian to a fine, dependable watch.

I. FULL OF GOOD WORKS.

A. A fine watch is full of good works. Some of these works are set in jewelled elements in order to work without friction or with as little friction as possible.

1. Each Christian should also be full of good works. Operating, as far as possible, without friction.

a. It is said that Dorcas, "was full of good works and alms deeds which she did", Acts 9:36.

1) This good woman was not only full of good works but she DID good works! Not just in her mind, but in her actions. Not just good intentions. We are told that the path to hell is paved with good intentions.

B. Every individual member of the church must "be ready unto every good work", Titus 3:;1.

1. Paul tells us in Gal. 6:10, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

2. Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, "Let your light so shine among men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven", Matt. 5:16.

3. Paul says that God will give "glory and honor and peace to every man that worketh good,..." Rom. 2:10.

4. Paul tells us in Eph. 2:10 that we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works".

5. James says, "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." Jas. 4:17.

C. There are many other scriptures that tell us that we are to be full of and abound in every good work.

II. KEEPS GOING IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER.

A. I don't consider my watch, since it is very cheap in price, as being among the fine watches of the world, such as a Rolex, It was made in the Republic of South Africa. My son bought it there when he was preaching there. He gave it to me when he came home and bought him another.

1. It doesn't really matter from which nation a child of God may come, he can and is to be full of good works.

2. But, I can say one thing for the watch, it kept on going and doing its work as I travelled here and there, high and low, in heat and cold, around the world.

B. Those who are true Christians, keep on going in all kinds of weather.

1. Paul suggests that this is what we should do.

a. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord", 1 Cor. 15:;58.

2. He also told Timothy to keep on going regardless of the conditions set before him. 2 Tim. 4:1-5.

3. Jesus says that "Brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved." Matt. 10:21,22.

4. In Rev. 2:10, the Lord says: "Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer; behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." Read also, 2 Tim. 3:12.

III. HAS USEFUL HANDS.

A. The hands on a watch are very important and useful.

1. Just think of trying to tell time with a watch that has no hands on it.

2. This is like one trying to prove his faith and Christianity without any actions on his part. Jas. 2:14-26.

B. The hands of a Christian are also very important and have a very useful purpose.

1. Solomon says: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do; do it with all thy might..." Eccl. 9:10.

a. We need to find a use for our hands and use them for good. Eph. 4:28.

C. We sing, "Into our hands the gospel is given, into our hands God giveth the light. Haste let us carry God's precious message, guiding the erring back to the right."

D. Solomon says: "He becometh poor that worketh with a slack hand; But the hand of the diligent maketh rich." Prov. 10:4.

E. David told the men of Jabesh-gilead, "Now therefore let your hands be strong..." 2 Sam. 2:7.

IV. CLEANLINESS INSURES GOOD PERFORMANCE.

A. For a watch to function properly, it must be kept clean.

1. Many times, whenever your watch quits running, it is found to be very dirty inside.

B. A Christian must have a clean life and heart in order to do his best work.

1. David said: "Create in me a clean heart", Psa. 51:10.

a. Jesus tells us that we are cleansed by His word. Jno. 15:3; Eph. 5:26.

2. The Psalmist asks a question and then answers it this way:

a. "Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah? And who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart;..." Psa. 24:3,4.

C. We are told that the "blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all unrighteousness." 1 Jno. 1:9.

1. We are also told that "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 1 Jno. 1:7.

V. THE MAIN SPRING MUST BE KEPT RIGHT AND WOUND TIGHT.

A. The heart of a man is his mainspring and it must be kept right.

1. Solomon says: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Prov. 4:23.

a, We sing: "Have thine affections been nailed to the cross, Is thy heart right with God."

VI. HAS TO BE REGULATED FROM TIME TO TIME.

A. From time to time a watch has to be adjusted for accuracy.

B. Christians also need to be regulated from time to time.

1. We are regulated by the Word of God. Jas. 1:21-27.

a. Paul tells us that all scripture is given for that purpose. 2 Tim. 3:16,17.

2. He also tells us to "Study, to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15.

3. We are further told to "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." Col. 3:16; 1 Jno. 2:1.

CONCLUSION

1. Yes, we as Christians are to function as a fine watch.

2. We do this by: Being full of good works. Continuing in all kinds of circumstances. Using our hands in every useful deed. Keeping ourselves clean. Keeping our hearts with all diligence. and Keeping ourselves regulated for accuracy.

3. But, in order for one to do all these things, he must first become a Christian.

4. Why not obey the Lord today by becoming a Christian?

5. Then, live soberly, rightteously, and godly the rest of your life; that heaven might be your eternal home.

by Jim Sasser

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