Fervent Service: Living in Hope and Honor

 

Summary

In Romans 12:11-12, Paul provides a series of injunctions that serve as a guide for Christian conduct. These verses remind us to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law, urging us to love God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. This love, coupled with a hatred for evil and a commitment to cling to what is good, forms the foundation of Christian behavior.

Paul warns against slothfulness in zeal, encouraging believers to resist this natural tendency by rekindling the flame of the Holy Spirit within them. This fervency in spirit is not a product of natural enthusiasm but a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power. Serving the Lord is presented as the ultimate antidote to slothfulness, reminding us that our lives and actions are not for our own glory but for God's. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centeredness to a life of service, recognizing that we are slaves to Christ, bought with a price, and called to serve His purposes.

The sermon also highlights the privilege of being co-workers with God, emphasizing that our service is a way to express gratitude for His grace. The honor of being part of God's redemptive work should inspire us to live with integrity and diligence, knowing that His eye is always upon us. Our actions reflect on His honor, and we are called to live in a way that glorifies Him.

Finally, Paul speaks of rejoicing in hope, a hope rooted not in the improvement of this world but in the anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This hope provides strength and perspective, enabling us to endure trials and tribulations with joy, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.

Key Takeaways:

- Fervency in Spirit: The call to be fervent in spirit is a reminder to let the Holy Spirit's power glow within us, overcoming natural slothfulness. This fervency is not self-generated but a result of the Spirit's work, urging us to remove hindrances and allow His power to manifest in our lives. [04:48]

- Serving the Lord: Serving the Lord is the ultimate motivation for Christian living, shifting our focus from self-centeredness to a life dedicated to God's glory. This perspective helps us overcome jealousy, envy, and self-promotion, reminding us that our lives are not our own but belong to Him. [06:54]

- Privilege of Service: Being co-workers with God is a profound privilege, reminding us that our service is an expression of gratitude for His grace. This honor should inspire us to live with integrity and diligence, knowing that we are part of His redemptive work. [13:46]

- Rejoicing in Hope: Our hope is not in the improvement of this world but in the anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This hope provides strength and perspective, enabling us to endure trials with joy, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. [44:42]

- God's Honor and Our Conduct: Our actions reflect on God's honor, and we are called to live in a way that glorifies Him. His eye is always upon us, and our conduct should be a testament to His grace and power, influencing how the world perceives the Christian faith. [19:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 12:11-12
- [00:51] - Foundation Principles of Christian Conduct
- [01:41] - Love and Hatred of Evil
- [02:29] - Brotherly Love and Humility
- [03:12] - The Spirit of Christian Life
- [03:56] - Fervency in Spirit
- [05:05] - Serving the Lord
- [06:11] - The Danger of Self-Centeredness
- [08:13] - The Privilege of Service
- [11:32] - God's Battle, Not Ours
- [13:46] - Co-Workers with God
- [17:28] - Gratitude and Service
- [19:43] - God's Honor and Our Conduct
- [29:28] - Rejoicing in Hope
- [44:42] - Eternal Glory and Present Sufferings

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:11-12
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
- Titus 2:11-13

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the specific instructions Paul gives in Romans 12:11-12 regarding Christian conduct? How do these instructions relate to the overall theme of the chapter? [00:11]

2. In the sermon, how does the pastor describe the concept of "fervency in spirit"? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this fervency? [04:13]

3. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate motivation for serving the Lord, and how does this perspective help overcome self-centeredness? [06:11]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "rejoicing in hope"? What is the nature of the hope that Christians are encouraged to rejoice in? [44:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of being "co-workers with God" influence a believer's understanding of their role in God's redemptive work? What implications does this have for daily Christian living? [13:46]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord as a way to express gratitude for His grace. How might this perspective change the way believers approach their daily tasks and responsibilities? [15:33]

3. In what ways does the anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom provide strength and perspective during trials and tribulations? [44:42]

4. How does the sermon suggest that a believer's conduct reflects on God's honor, and what are the potential consequences of this reflection for the Christian community? [19:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual fervor. Are there any hindrances in your life that might be quenching the Holy Spirit's power? What steps can you take to rekindle the flame of the Spirit within you? [04:13]

2. Consider your motivations for serving in your church or community. Are there areas where self-centeredness might be creeping in? How can you shift your focus to serving the Lord wholeheartedly? [06:11]

3. Think about a recent trial or tribulation you have faced. How did your hope in Christ's return and eternal kingdom influence your response to that situation? [44:42]

4. Identify a specific way you can express gratitude to God through your service this week. How can this act of service reflect your appreciation for His grace? [15:33]

5. Evaluate how your actions and conduct might be reflecting on God's honor. Are there changes you need to make to ensure that your life glorifies Him? [19:43]

6. How can you cultivate a mindset of rejoicing in hope, especially when faced with discouragement or setbacks? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on the eternal glory that awaits? [44:42]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can be more diligent and less slothful. What specific actions will you take this week to address this tendency? [05:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Fervency in Spirit: The Holy Spirit's Empowerment
The call to be fervent in spirit is a reminder to let the Holy Spirit's power glow within us, overcoming natural slothfulness. This fervency is not self-generated but a result of the Spirit's work, urging us to remove hindrances and allow His power to manifest in our lives. The Apostle Paul warns against slothfulness in zeal, encouraging believers to resist this natural tendency by rekindling the flame of the Holy Spirit within them. This fervency in spirit is not a product of natural enthusiasm but a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power. Serving the Lord is presented as the ultimate antidote to slothfulness, reminding us that our lives and actions are not for our own glory but for God's. [04:48]

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, ESV)

Reflection: What are some specific hindrances in your life that might be quenching the Holy Spirit's fervency within you? How can you actively remove these hindrances today?


Day 2: Serving the Lord: A Life of Dedication
Serving the Lord is the ultimate motivation for Christian living, shifting our focus from self-centeredness to a life dedicated to God's glory. This perspective helps us overcome jealousy, envy, and self-promotion, reminding us that our lives are not our own but belong to Him. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that serving the Lord is not just an obligation but a privilege that transforms our lives. By dedicating ourselves to His service, we align our actions with His purposes, allowing His glory to shine through us. This shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness is crucial for living a life that truly honors Him. [06:54]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your daily focus from self-centeredness to serving the Lord? What practical steps can you take today to dedicate your actions to His glory?


Day 3: Privilege of Service: Co-Workers with God
Being co-workers with God is a profound privilege, reminding us that our service is an expression of gratitude for His grace. This honor should inspire us to live with integrity and diligence, knowing that we are part of His redemptive work. The Apostle Paul highlights the privilege of being co-workers with God, emphasizing that our service is a way to express gratitude for His grace. The honor of being part of God's redemptive work should inspire us to live with integrity and diligence, knowing that His eye is always upon us. Our actions reflect on His honor, and we are called to live in a way that glorifies Him. [13:46]

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)

Reflection: How does recognizing your role as a co-worker with God change your perspective on daily tasks and responsibilities? What specific actions can you take to express gratitude for this privilege today?


Day 4: Rejoicing in Hope: Anticipation of Christ's Return
Our hope is not in the improvement of this world but in the anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This hope provides strength and perspective, enabling us to endure trials with joy, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. The Apostle Paul speaks of rejoicing in hope, a hope rooted not in the improvement of this world but in the anticipation of Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This hope provides strength and perspective, enabling us to endure trials and tribulations with joy, knowing that our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. [44:42]

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How does the anticipation of Christ's return influence your perspective on current challenges and trials? What can you do today to cultivate a deeper sense of hope and joy in your life?


Day 5: God's Honor and Our Conduct: Living to Glorify Him
Our actions reflect on God's honor, and we are called to live in a way that glorifies Him. His eye is always upon us, and our conduct should be a testament to His grace and power, influencing how the world perceives the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of love as the fulfillment of the law, urging us to love God with all our heart and our neighbors as ourselves. This love, coupled with a hatred for evil and a commitment to cling to what is good, forms the foundation of Christian behavior. Our conduct should be a testament to His grace and power, influencing how the world perceives the Christian faith. [19:43]

"Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways does your current conduct reflect God's honor? What specific changes can you make today to ensure that your actions glorify Him and positively influence those around you?

Quotes


The Apostle is giving a whole series of injunctions to these Christian people, the members of the church at Rome, and these are injunctions therefore for all of us. Having reminded them in the first two verses of the great Foundation principles which govern the whole of Christian conduct and behavior, he's then gone on to apply those principles in two main respects. [00:35:43]

Love is the Fulfillment of the law. Our Lord sums up the whole of the law of Moses in loving God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. If we were filled with love, most of the Practical problems in relationships and in conduct would automatically be solved. [00:51:04]

Fervency in spirit means that we have removed all hindrances to the manifestation of this glow and power of the Holy Spirit that is within us. That's the way you deal with this natural tendency to sloth, which is aggravated by the assaults of Satan. Those are the two main things then that we've considered so far. [00:47:00]

Serving the Lord. Now this is the most wonderful thought. This is the key, in a sense, to everything else, and it certainly is the Supreme motive in Christian Living and in Christian service. It's something we're always tending to forget, of course, and it's when we forget this we get into trouble. [00:59:20]

We are nothing but slaves. How often does he say this in different ways? You are not your own; you are bought with a price. Look at the way in which he starts most of his Epistles: Paul, as the authorized version puts it, a servant of God or of the Lord Jesus Christ, but what he really wrote was the BNL. [01:24:00]

Think of the privilege of being given a part in this work at all. Have we ever thought of that? Now there in that quotation I gave you from the first Epistle of Paul to Timothy, the Apostle brings that out. But let us look at it again. He's amazed at this great privilege of being given a part in this. [01:37:20]

We are co-workers together with God. Here is something that we can't understand. Men will never understand this. God could have done all this without us, as he could have done everything without us, but he's chosen to act and to operate through people like ourselves. Now that's the antidote to self-importance. [01:42:48]

We owe everything to him. By the grace of God, I am what I am, says the Apostle. Here are these people, I say, misunderstanding and competing and vying in the church at Corinth. I wonder if there's something wrong with these various ladies who are moving about. Could some Steward see to them and help them? [01:48:00]

His honor is involved in all this, and here again is the most potent motive and the most potent argument. Whether we like it or not, if we are Christian people and if we are members of the Christian church, we are joined to him. We are in Christ, and Christ is in us. [01:46:06]

The world thinks of the Christian Church as something weak, something contemptible, something halfhearted. Most of the people who go there, they say, they go there because they're afraid or because they haven't enough intelligence to stop doing it. They despise the Christian church. Yes, but my friends, that is because we are slothful. [01:59:12]

Rejoicing in hope. Now you notice the intimate connection between all these things. As I've already indicated on a previous occasion, Paul didn't put these down haphazardly, just putting the next one that came to his mind. There's a logical sequence here. There is a connection between each of these things and the others. [02:20:48]

Rejoicing in hope. What does this mean? Well, I say that the point at which we left off the last statement really opens this out: serving the Lord. And that has reminded us, you see, of the day when we'll be standing before him and before his judgment seat. [02:29:12]

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Transcript
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