Embracing Our Sacred Calling to Serve God
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to a life of devotion, a life that is not merely a passive existence but one that actively engages with the mission of God. The opportunity to serve God is not just a privilege; it is a sacred calling to be a part of His grand design. Serving God is not about sitting idle, but about producing good spiritual fruit and being a part of spreading the Gospel so that others may be saved from eternal separation from God. Serving may sometimes feel like a sprint, performing one large task and then moving on to the next, or it may require endurance, committing to many small tasks over a long period. Regardless of the nature of the task, serving the Lord will always bring joy to our souls through the Holy Spirit and the opportunity to build treasures in heaven.
Our time on earth is short, and it is a rare gift from God to serve Him while we are in our fleshly bodies, not yet able to see Him in all His glory. We are blessed to believe without seeing, as Jesus said to Thomas. When we leave this earth, assuming we are saved, we will spend eternity in the New Jerusalem with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It will be more amazing than we can imagine, but we will never again have the chance to serve Him from this earth, where our only motivation is faith. Therefore, it is crucial to seize this once-in-an-eternity opportunity to serve God.
When we meet Jesus, we must ask ourselves whether we want to list accomplishments with eternal value or if we want to say we spent our lives in leisure, collecting trivial experiences. We are called to write a blank check to God, to serve and commit to a local church, and to be on mission for Him. Serving in the church may not always be glamorous, but it is done with joy. To belong to a local church means to devote ourselves to mission, unity, and generosity. It means to keep the main thing—the Gospel—the main thing, and to make every effort to maintain unity in the spirit. We are called to be examples to others by living a life that reflects Christ's character and teachings.
Key Takeaways:
- Serving God is an active commitment that brings joy to our souls and allows us to contribute to the eternal kingdom. It is a conscious choice to engage in tasks that may challenge our flesh but ultimately fulfill our spirit. This service is not just for our own salvation but for the salvation of others, a true manifestation of God's love in action. [49:33]
- Our time on earth is a unique opportunity to serve God in a way that will not be possible in eternity. We must cherish and maximize this chance, understanding that our faith-driven service here has eternal significance. This perspective transforms our daily lives into a mission field, where every act of service is a seed for the kingdom of God. [30:38]
- The question of what we will present to Jesus at the end of our lives should motivate us to pursue actions with eternal value. Our lives are not meant for mere self-indulgence but for meaningful contributions to God's plan. This mindset should drive us to live intentionally, with a focus on the legacy we leave behind. [31:55]
- Commitment to a local church is not about self-recognition but about selfless service to God's mission. It is a declaration of our willingness to be used by God in whatever capacity He desires. This commitment is a reflection of our understanding of the church as a community where we are united in purpose and action. [32:32]
- Unity in the church is not about uniformity but about harmonizing our diverse gifts and callings for the common good. It requires effort and sacrifice, as we prioritize the collective mission over personal preferences. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a source of strength and encouragement within the church. [34:58]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
> "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
2. Romans 12:4-5 (NIV)
> "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
3. John 20:29 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the new believers in Acts 2:42-47 devoted to, and how did this devotion manifest in their daily lives?
2. According to Romans 12:4-5, how does Paul describe the relationship between believers in the body of Christ?
3. In John 20:29, what does Jesus say about those who believe without seeing? How does this relate to our faith-driven service on earth? [30:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the devotion of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 serve as a model for our own commitment to a local church today? [09:37]
2. What does it mean to be a part of the body of Christ as described in Romans 12:4-5, and how should this influence our interactions within the church? [08:17]
3. Reflecting on John 20:29, why is it significant that we have the opportunity to serve God on earth without seeing Him in all His glory? How does this shape our understanding of faith and service? [31:14]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of being actively committed to serving God. What are some specific ways you can increase your involvement in your local church? [09:37]
2. Reflect on the idea of writing a "blank check" to God. What areas of your life have you been hesitant to fully commit to God's service, and how can you change that? [24:48]
3. The early church was devoted to fellowship and unity. How can you contribute to fostering a sense of community and unity within your church? Are there specific actions you can take this week? [33:43]
4. Consider the concept of serving with joy, even in less glamorous roles. What is one "behind-the-scenes" task you can volunteer for in your church, and how can you approach it with a joyful heart? [32:32]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of living a life with eternal value. What are some activities or habits in your life that may be more about self-indulgence than meaningful contribution? How can you shift your focus to actions with eternal significance? [31:55]
6. How can you practice generosity in your daily life, not just financially but also with your time and talents? Identify one specific way you can be more generous this week. [38:39]
7. Reflect on the idea of unity in the church. Are there any personal preferences or grievances you need to set aside for the sake of the church's mission and unity? How can you work towards reconciliation and harmony? [34:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Joyful Service Transforms Lives
The act of serving God is not a mere formality but a transformative experience that brings profound joy to our souls. When one chooses to serve, they are not only committing to tasks that may challenge their physical and emotional limits but are also fulfilling their spiritual purpose. This service goes beyond personal salvation; it is an expression of God's love in action, reaching out to save others and bearing good spiritual fruit. It is a conscious decision to be an active participant in God's mission, to spread the Gospel, and to make a tangible difference in the world. Serving in this way is a source of joy that is not dependent on external circumstances but is a result of the Holy Spirit working within us. It is in these moments of service that one can truly feel the treasures being stored in heaven, as each act of kindness and dedication becomes a part of the eternal kingdom. [49:33]
"Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches." - 1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV
Reflection: How can you identify and utilize your unique gifts this week to serve others in a way that brings joy to both you and those you are helping?
Day 2: Seize the Earthly Opportunity
Our time on earth is fleeting, and the opportunity to serve God in our current form is unique and will not be available in eternity. This perspective should invigorate believers to cherish and maximize their time, understanding that their faith-driven service has eternal significance. Every act of kindness, every moment of service, and every sacrifice made in faith is a seed sown into the kingdom of God. This understanding transforms our daily lives into a mission field, where even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the eternal story. Believers are encouraged to live with the awareness that their time on earth is a rare gift from God, an opportunity to serve Him through faith without yet seeing Him in all His glory. [30:38]
"And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14b ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can serve God this week that you won't be able to do in heaven, and how can you make it a part of your daily routine?
Day 3: Actions with Eternal Value
The end of our earthly journey prompts a significant question: what will we present to Jesus? Will our lives showcase accomplishments with eternal value or merely reflect a pursuit of leisure and trivial experiences? Believers are called to live intentionally, focusing on the legacy they leave behind. This mindset is not about earning salvation but about responding to God's grace with a life that echoes His love and truth. It is about making meaningful contributions to God's plan, impacting lives, and advancing the Gospel. The choices made today are the stories told tomorrow, and each believer is encouraged to write their story with the ink of eternal significance. [31:55]
"Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." - Psalm 143:8b ESV
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today that will have a lasting impact on someone's life for the sake of the Gospel?
Day 4: Selfless Commitment to Community
Commitment to a local church is a declaration of willingness to serve God's mission selflessly. It is not about seeking recognition but about being a vessel through which God can work. This commitment reflects an understanding of the church as a community united in purpose and action, where each member contributes to the collective mission. Believers are called to devote themselves to mission, unity, and generosity within their local church, recognizing that their service is an integral part of the body of Christ. It is in the seemingly small and unglamorous tasks that the strength of the church is built, and through joyous service, the love of Christ is demonstrated. [32:32]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 ESV
Reflection: How can you commit to serving in your local church this week in a way that might go unnoticed by others but will contribute to the church's mission?
Day 5: Harmonizing Diversity for Unity
Unity in the church is not about everyone being the same but about harmonizing diverse gifts and callings for the common good. It requires effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to prioritize the collective mission over personal preferences. This unity is a powerful testimony to the world and a source of strength and encouragement within the church. Believers are called to make every effort to maintain unity in the spirit, reflecting Christ's character and teachings in their lives. By living in such harmony, the church stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. [34:58]
"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the unity of your church community this week, especially with someone whose gifts and callings are different from your own?
Quotes
- "We never stop growing, but it's not for the sake of trying to earn favor from God, but for the sake of the gospel because the world around us needs to see this in us." [44:13] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "Jesus calls the church his bride, not just an organization... it's his bride. And so, if Jesus is that committed to the local church, should we be any less committed to it?" [45:40] (Download | )
- "Being a Christ follower is not a 'let's keep our options open' kind of deal. Jesus said... 'let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'" [14:45] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "To belong to a local church means that you are devoted to the others in the local church not just to your own growth and to your own benefit but for the benefit of those around us." [18:35] (Download | )
- "To belong to a local church doesn't mean uniformity but it does mean that we seek to find unity and protect the unity of the body." [34:23] (Download | )
- "A healthy church is marked by generosity because it is full of generous people, and generosity looks different to each person, not just what comes from our wallets." [41:00] (Download | )
- "The opportunity to serve God is a great way for me to... produce good spiritual fruit and have the humble privilege of being a small part of God's big plan to spread the good news." [29:25] (Download | )
- "How blessed are we to be given such a rare chance to serve the creator of the entire universe in Heaven above while we're down here on Earth in our fleshly bodies." [30:38] (Download | )
- "When you meet Jesus and he asks what your accomplishments were on Earth... do you want to list tasks with eternal value or do you want to tell him that all you did was sit in a deck chair on a yacht?" [31:55] (Download | )
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