Pressing On: Embracing Our Call to Serve

Devotional

Day 1: We Have More to Do—Don’t Settle Before the Journey’s End

It’s easy to look at how far you’ve come and want to rest, but God’s people are called to press on until the work is truly finished. The tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the green pastures and wanted to settle, but Moses challenged them not to stop short of God’s promise. In our own lives, we may be tempted to become comfortable and stop serving or growing, but God calls us to keep moving forward, both personally and as a church. There is still more to do, more people to reach, and more ways to serve. Don’t let comfort or satisfaction keep you from the greater things God has ahead. [28:30]

Numbers 32:4-6 (ESV)
“The land that the Lord struck down before the congregation of Israel is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.” And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan.” But Moses said to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here?”

Reflection: Where in your life have you grown comfortable and stopped short of what God is calling you to do next? What is one step you can take this week to move forward in faith and service?

Day 2: The Power of Sacrifice—Believing the Gospel Is Worth It

Throughout history, followers of Jesus have made incredible sacrifices because they believed in the power of the gospel to change lives. From Jesus Himself, to the apostles, to missionaries like Adoniram Judson, and even to those who serve faithfully in unseen ways today, the common thread is a willingness to give up comfort for the sake of others. The call to serve is not about the size of the task, but about faithfulness and believing that every act of service matters in God’s kingdom. Your sacrifice, big or small, is part of God’s ongoing story of redemption. [35:18]

2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (ESV)
“Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.”

Reflection: What is one area where God may be calling you to sacrifice your comfort or time for the sake of others? How can you take a practical step toward that this week?

Day 3: To Not Serve Is Sin—We Are Called to Action

God’s Word makes it clear that knowing the good we ought to do and not doing it is sin. The call to serve is not just a suggestion, but a command rooted in love and grace. We are not motivated by guilt or fear, but by the joy of salvation and the desire to honor Christ with our lives. Each believer has a role to play, and when we withhold our gifts, we miss out on God’s purpose for us and for the church. Let the grace of God move you from passive receiving to active serving, knowing that your obedience brings joy to God’s heart. [45:35]

James 4:17 (ESV)
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

Reflection: Is there a way you’ve been holding back from serving where you know God is prompting you? What would it look like to say “yes” to God’s call today?

Day 4: You Are God’s Workmanship—Created for Good Works

You are not an accident or an afterthought; you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for a purpose. When you put your faith in Christ, you are made new, and God has prepared good works in advance for you to do. Your unique gifts, experiences, and passions are all part of God’s design to bless others and build His church. Serving is not about earning God’s favor, but about living out the new life He has given you. Step into the good works God has prepared for you, trusting that He will equip you for every task. [52:01]

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Reflection: What is one good work you sense God has prepared for you in this season? How can you intentionally walk in it this week?

Day 5: Serving Together—Building Community and Leaving a Legacy

The church is not just a gathering, but a family where each person’s contribution matters. When you serve, you are not only meeting needs today, but you are also building a foundation for future generations. Others have gone before you, making sacrifices so you could know Christ and be part of His church—now it’s your turn to let others stand on your shoulders. Whether it’s opening your home, leading a group, or simply welcoming someone new, your service helps create a community where people can encounter Jesus and grow in faith. [40:41]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your church family you can encourage or invite to serve alongside you? How can you help build a stronger, more connected community this week?

Sermon Summary

As we gather on this special Sunday, standing at the threshold of a new chapter for our church, it’s important to remember that our journey is not yet complete. The story of the tribes of Reuben and Gad in Numbers 32 reminds us that it’s easy to settle when we find comfort, but God calls us to press on until the work is finished. Just as these tribes were tempted to stop short of the Promised Land because they found good land for their livestock, we too can be tempted to rest when we experience blessings or reach milestones. Yet, Moses’ challenge—“Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?”—echoes to us today. We are called to take our place, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of the whole body.

Throughout history, the people of God have moved forward because individuals believed in the power of the gospel and were willing to sacrifice for it. From Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, to the apostles’ perseverance, to missionaries like Adoniram Judson, and even to those who faithfully served to keep this church alive when it seemed impossible—each has played a part in God’s unfolding story. We stand on their shoulders, and now others will stand on ours. The call is not just to receive, but to serve, to give, and to invest in the next generation.

Serving is not an optional extra; it is a vital part of our new life in Christ. To withhold our gifts and sit on the sidelines is, as Moses said, sin. But we are not motivated by guilt or fear, for we live under the new covenant of grace. God has given each of us the Holy Spirit, not just for our own benefit, but for the common good. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do. As we move into a new building and a new season, the needs will change, but the call remains: take your place with us. Whether it’s greeting, hospitality, leading a home group, or simply being present and available, every act of service matters. Let us not settle for comfort, but press on together, so that others may stand on our shoulders and the gospel may continue to change lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The journey of faith is ongoing, and comfort can be a subtle temptation to stop short of God’s calling. Like the tribes of Reuben and Gad, we may find ourselves in a “good place,” but God’s purpose for us is not yet complete. We are called to press on, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of the whole community, ensuring that no one is left behind in the mission God has given us. [27:44]
2. The sacrifices of those who have gone before us—Jesus, the apostles, missionaries, and faithful servants in our own church—remind us that the gospel is worth every cost. Their stories challenge us to consider who will stand on our shoulders and what legacy we will leave. Our willingness to serve today shapes the future of the church and the lives of those who will come after us. [39:41]
3. Serving is not merely a suggestion; it is a command rooted in the very nature of our salvation. To know what God has called us to do and to refuse is to sin, not because of legalistic pressure, but because we are denying the purpose for which we were made new in Christ. True service flows from a heart transformed by grace, not from guilt or fear. [41:51]
4. Every believer has been given the Holy Spirit for the common good. Our gifts, abilities, and opportunities are not for self-promotion or comfort, but to build up the body of Christ. Whether our role seems large or small, faithfulness in our calling is what matters, and God uses each act of service to accomplish His purposes in the world. [46:42]
5. The next season for our church brings new opportunities and new needs. Moving into a new building is not the end, but the beginning of fresh ways to serve, connect, and grow. God may be calling you to open your home, facilitate a group, or step into a new area of ministry. The invitation is clear: take your place with us, and let God use you for the good works He has prepared. [55:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[20:19] - Reflections on Our Time at City Hall
[21:06] - A Message for This Moment
[22:52] - The Story of Israel’s Tribes
[24:51] - Reuben and Gad’s Request
[26:01] - Moses’ Challenge and the People’s Response
[27:44] - The Temptation to Settle
[29:19] - The Sacrifice of Christ and the Disciples
[31:45] - Paul’s Suffering and Perseverance
[33:01] - Stories of Sacrifice in Church History
[35:53] - The Story of Genesis Church
[38:01] - Everyday Acts of Service
[39:41] - Who Will Stand on Your Shoulders?
[41:51] - The Sin of Not Serving
[43:59] - Law Versus Grace in Service
[46:42] - The Spirit’s Gifts for the Common Good
[52:43] - New Opportunities in a New Season
[55:12] - The Need for Deeper Community
[56:37] - The Invitation to Serve
[57:21] - Next Steps and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Numbers 32:1-23 (ESV) — (Selected key verses)

> 1 Now the people of Reuben and the people of Gad had a very great number of livestock. And they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, and behold, the place was a place for livestock.
> 2 So the people of Gad and the people of Reuben came and said to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the chiefs of the congregation,
> 3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon,
> 4 the land that the Lord struck down before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.”
> 5 And they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan.”
> 6 But Moses said to the people of Gad and to the people of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to the war while you sit here?
> ...
> 23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.

Observation Questions

What was it about the land east of the Jordan that made the tribes of Reuben and Gad want to settle there instead of crossing into the Promised Land?
How did Moses respond to the request of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and what was his main concern?
According to verse 23, what does Moses say will happen if the tribes do not follow through on their commitment to help the rest of Israel?
In the sermon, what examples were given of people who sacrificed for the sake of the gospel, both in the Bible and in church history? [[29:19]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the comfort and blessings found by Reuben and Gad were a temptation to stop short of God’s full calling for them? How does this relate to our own spiritual journey? [[27:44]]
Moses says, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here?” What does this reveal about God’s expectations for community and shared responsibility among His people? [[24:51]]
The sermon states that to know what God has called us to do and to refuse is to sin. How does this challenge the idea that serving is optional in the Christian life? [[41:51]]
The pastor mentioned that we are “God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” What does it mean for our identity and purpose as believers? [[50:07]]

Application Questions

Can you think of a time when you were tempted to “settle” in a comfortable place spiritually or in church life, rather than pressing on to what God had next for you? What was the result? [[27:44]]
The sermon highlighted the sacrifices of Jesus, the apostles, missionaries, and faithful church members. Who are the people whose sacrifices have made it possible for you to know Christ or be part of this church? How can you honor their legacy? [[39:41]]
Moses challenged the tribes not to let their brothers go to war while they sat comfortably. Are there areas in the church or community where you see needs but have been hesitant to get involved? What is holding you back? [[24:51]]
The pastor said that to not serve is sin, but also reminded us that our motivation is grace, not guilt. How can you discern whether your service is coming from a place of joy and gratitude, or from pressure and obligation? [[43:59]]
Every believer has been given the Holy Spirit for the common good. What gifts, abilities, or resources do you have that could be used to build up the church? Are you currently using them? Why or why not? [[46:42]]
As the church moves into a new season and building, what is one specific way you could step up to serve or support others? Is God prompting you to open your home, lead a group, or try something new? [[55:12]]
The sermon asked, “Who will stand on your shoulders?” What kind of legacy do you want to leave for the next generation in your family, church, or community? What step can you take this month to invest in others? [[39:41]]

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