Faithful Service: Trusting God's Promises and Rewards
Summary
In my sermon today, I emphasized the unwavering truth that God is not a cheat. I began by reflecting on the significance of our communion service, reminding the congregation that the act of communion is a constant reminder of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for us. I stressed that the benefits of Christ's death are not limited to Easter but are enjoyed daily by believers.
I then delved into the heart of the message, focusing on the assurance that God will never cheat us but will ensure we are rewarded for our work of faith. I referenced Hebrews 10:35, urging everyone not to cast away their fearless confidence, as it will bring a great recompense of reward. I explained that our confidence in God, His Word, the blood of Jesus, and the name of Jesus Christ is crucial for receiving the rewards we expect from Him.
I further expounded on the nature of faith using the example of Enoch from Hebrews 11:5-6, who was taken up to heaven without experiencing death because of his faith and pleasing walk with God. I encouraged the congregation to live lives that testify to the goodness of God, ensuring that our actions inspire others to seek Him.
I also addressed the practical aspects of our faith, highlighting that our service to God comes with expectations of reward. I reminded everyone that God is mindful of our service, time, love, patience, and financial sacrifices. I reassured them that God will settle us and repair any difficulties we encounter in our service to Him.
I spoke about the importance of having expectations when serving God, as seen in the lives of Abraham and other faithful servants from the Bible. I encouraged the congregation to serve God with gladness and joy, knowing that our service is not in vain and that we will not suffer loss or lack for serving Him.
I touched on the practical steps we must take alongside prayer, emphasizing that Christianity involves both spirituality and practicality. I encouraged the congregation to ask for mercy and expect God to meet us at our point of need.
As I concluded, I prayed for those struggling financially, battling sicknesses, or facing family challenges, asking for God's intervention in their lives. I also welcomed new visitors and shared the joy of witnessing their desire to be baptized and join our community of faith.
Finally, I led those who had not yet accepted Christ into their hearts in a prayer of salvation, asking for God's strength and deliverance for them. I concluded the service with the act of communion, reminding everyone of the power in the body and blood of Jesus and the miracles we should expect as we partake in faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our confidence in God is not to be taken lightly or discarded, for it is the key to unlocking the rewards that God has in store for us. Just as we would not carelessly throw away something of great value, we must hold fast to our confidence in God's promises, knowing that it will yield a glorious return. ([15:51])
2. The life of Enoch serves as a powerful example of how walking with God and pleasing Him through our faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Our lives should be a living testimony that draws others to Christ, and in doing so, we can be assured that God will reward our faithfulness. ([19:37])
3. Serving God should be done with expectation, not as a mere formality. When we serve, we should do so knowing that God is just and will not forget our labor of love. Our service is an investment in the kingdom of God, and He will surely settle us for any challenges we face in the process. ([27:36])
4. The act of serving God is not only a privilege but also comes with the assurance of divine protection and provision. As we obey God's instructions and fulfill His purposes, we can trust that He will take care of our needs and reward our faithfulness. ([36:14])
5. When we give of our time, love, and resources to the work of God, we must do so without murmuring or complaining. Our giving should be an act of worship, done in faith that God is mindful of our sacrifices and will reward us in His perfect timing. ([37:49])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:35 (NIV) - "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."
2. Hebrews 11:5-6 (NIV) - "By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: 'He could not be found, because God had taken him away.' For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
3. Hebrews 6:10 (NIV) - "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:35, what are we encouraged not to throw away, and why? ([15:51])
2. What was unique about Enoch's faith and his relationship with God as described in Hebrews 11:5-6? ([19:37])
3. How does Hebrews 6:10 describe God's attitude towards our work and love shown in His name? ([24:42])
4. What practical steps did the pastor suggest we take alongside prayer to ensure our faith is both spiritual and practical? ([42:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to maintain our confidence in God, and what are the potential consequences of casting it away? ([15:51])
2. How can Enoch's life serve as a model for our own faith journey and relationship with God? ([19:37])
3. In what ways does the assurance that God will not forget our labor of love impact our motivation to serve Him? ([24:42])
4. How can we balance spirituality and practicality in our Christian walk, according to the pastor's message? ([42:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt your confidence in God wavering. What steps can you take to strengthen your confidence in His promises this week? ([15:51])
2. Enoch's life was a testimony to others. What specific actions can you take to ensure your life is a testimony that draws others to Christ? ([19:37])
3. How can you serve God with gladness and joy, even when facing challenges? Identify one area of service where you can improve your attitude. ([33:15])
4. Think of a recent sacrifice you made for God's work. How did it impact your faith, and how can you remind yourself that God is mindful of your sacrifices? ([24:42])
5. The pastor emphasized the importance of having expectations when serving God. What specific expectations do you have for your service, and how can you align them with God's promises? ([31:23])
6. Identify a practical step you can take this week to balance your spiritual practices with practical actions. How can you ensure that your faith is both active and effective? ([42:35])
7. Consider someone in your life who is struggling. How can you be a source of encouragement and support to them, reflecting God's love and faithfulness? ([50:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence Unlocks Divine Rewards
Confidence in God is not a mere feeling; it is a steadfast anchor for the soul, a promise that unlocks the treasures of heaven. When one holds fast to this confidence, it is not just an act of spiritual discipline but a key that turns the lock on the vast storehouse of God's rewards. This confidence is not blind but is based on the character of God, His promises, and the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is a treasure that should be guarded and valued, for it holds the potential for a great return. It is the assurance that, despite the trials and tribulations of life, the faithfulness of God remains unshaken, and His rewards are certain for those who persevere in faith.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23
Reflection: How can you actively guard and grow your confidence in God's promises in your daily life? [15:51]
Day 2: Faithfulness Attracts Heavenly Rewards
The life of Enoch is a testament to the extraordinary outcomes that can arise from a life lived in close fellowship with God. Walking with God is not a passive journey; it requires active faith, a life that pleases God, and a heart that seeks Him above all else. This kind of faith is not silent; it speaks through actions and lifestyle, drawing others to the light of Christ. It is a faith that believes in the unseen and trusts in the eternal rewards that God has prepared for those who earnestly seek Him. By living a life that is a living testimony, one can be assured that God will not overlook their faithfulness but will reward it in His perfect timing.
"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God." - Hebrews 11:5
Reflection: In what ways can your life today be a testimony that draws others to seek God? [19:37]
Day 3: Expectant Service Secures Divine Settlement
Serving God is not a mundane task; it is a divine calling that comes with the expectation of reward. God, in His justice, does not overlook the work of faith and the labor of love. When one serves, they should do so with the knowledge that their service is an investment in the kingdom of God, and that God Himself will settle accounts, repairing any difficulties faced in the process. This service is not without its challenges, but it is also not without its rewards. The expectation of divine settlement is a powerful motivator that encourages believers to serve with joy and perseverance, knowing that their efforts are seen and valued by God.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
Reflection: What challenges in service have you faced, and how can you renew your expectation of God's settlement in those areas? [27:36]
Day 4: Obedience Brings Divine Protection and Provision
The act of serving God goes beyond privilege; it is a covenant that brings with it the assurance of divine protection and provision. As believers obey God's instructions and engage in fulfilling His purposes, they can rest in the knowledge that God is their provider and protector. This assurance is not based on human understanding but on the faithfulness of God who commands the heavens and the earth. It is a promise that as one walks in obedience, God will walk alongside them, taking care of their needs and rewarding their faithfulness with His abundant blessings.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Reflection: How does understanding God's promise of provision change the way you approach obedience in your daily tasks? [36:14]
Day 5: Worshipful Giving Invites Timely Rewards
Giving to the work of God is an act of worship that should be carried out with a heart of faith, not grumbling or reluctance. When one gives their time, love, and resources, it should be done with the understanding that God is mindful of every sacrifice. This form of worship is a seed sown into the fertile ground of God's kingdom, and in His perfect timing, it will yield a harvest of rewards. The act of giving is a demonstration of trust in God's provision and a declaration that He is worthy of all honor and praise. It is through this worshipful giving that believers can expect to see God move in their lives, rewarding their faith and their sacrifices.
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." - Hebrews 13:16
Reflection: What can you give to God's work today, and how can you do it with a heart of worship and expectation? [37:49]
Quotes
1. "God will never cheat you. He will make sure you get rewarded for your work of faith. So if anybody lied to you that God will cheat you, don't believe them. But God will never cheat you. However, what you need to do is that you have to keep your faith in him." [15:19]
2. "Do not therefore fling away your fearless confidence, for it has a glorious and great reward. How many of you are going to say I want to be rewarded greatly? Glorious and great reward. I want to be rewarded greatly by the Lord. Amen." [16:22]
3. "Your confidence in God, your confidence in the Word of God, your confidence in the blood of Jesus, your confidence in the name of Jesus Christ. Hallelujah. Because confidence must be in something. So when it says, don't cast away your confidence, it means that you need your confidence in Christ, your confidence in God." [18:10]
4. "God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown towards his name. Don't live your life anyhow. Live your life to please the Lord and he will not let you down. He will not disappoint you. Praise the Lord." [24:42]
5. "God has all kinds of ways to pay you for staying in faith and doing what he has called you to do. One thing is for sure. God wants you to receive a blessing. You are in church today because God wants you to receive a blessing." [28:26]
6. "Don't be a Christian who is just adding to the numbers. Be a Christian who finds something to do for the Lord. Amen. Wherever God has put you, whatever God has planted you, find something to do for the Lord." [29:53]
7. "Serve God with an expectation. Whatever you are doing for the Lord, God expects him to do something for you. The scripture says what? The expectations of the righteous shall not be cut off. Which means God expects you to have expectation as a child of God." [31:23]
8. "You will not suffer loss or luck for the rest of your life for serving God. Because you did not serve the Lord with the gladness of your heart, you will serve your enemies. I'd rather serve the Lord instead of serving my enemies." [33:15]
9. "God is mindful of your time because it takes time to serve God. It takes time to do the will of God. It takes time to, you know, do what pleases the Lord. You have to sacrifice one time to do something else." [38:20]
10. "God will settle you, and reparation is another one. That is, you know, when you have encountered difficulty in the course of doing something for the Lord, God will make sure that you get paid. Amen." [27:36]
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