Serving and Helping in God’s Church
1 Timothy 2:3-4 New International Version (NIV)
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth
2 Peter 3:9 New International Version (NIV)
9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
The bible clearly states that God wanted all of us to be saved and come to repentance. This is one of the main reasons why God gave the great commission to us to be observed so we can be able to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, which leads to Salvation.
Romans 1:16 New International Version (NIV)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
But in reality, many people still nowadays haven’t come to repentance or to knowing Him. With this, God wants us to partner with Him in reaching the world.
Matthew 9:35-37 New International Version (NIV)
35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
One way we can partner with God is deciding to serve in His church, but unfortunately many Christians are afraid or hesitant to participate in this calling, due to some reason such as insecurity, laziness, bad experiences and a wrong perspective regarding serving God.
Why God want us to participate in His calling by serving in His Church?
1 Peter 4:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1) You are created with a sense of purpose – God didn’t create us just to enjoy life and His blessings, but rather God created us with a sense of purpose in His mind. To become a blessing, encouragement and extension of His love to others through our serving. In doing so, you will have a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your life.
Ephesians 2:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
2) You are created with a specific calling and part in His Church – God created us to be part of His church. He uniquely designed our gifts and talents to fulfill a specific role in His church. We are part of His church, and church will not reach its full potential without its missing piece, and that is you. (1 Corinthians 12)
3) Serving the Lord helps your spirituality mature and talents grow in Christ – As you obey God, in the process of serving Him, you will experience firsthand how faithful God is to His Word and promises. With this, your faith will be strengthened more and more each day and your faith in Him will become deeper.
John 7:17 New International Version (NIV)
17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own
4) There is blessing in serving God – One of the priorities a Christian believer should have, according to the bible, is to help the church (family of believers). In doing so, God promises a harvest if we never give-up.
Galatians 6:7-10 New International Version (NIV)
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
5) Serving in Church translates to loving God – The church is the Lord’s bride, so serving in the church translates to how you love God in your life.
Hebrews 6:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 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.
Things to keep in mind when serving God
1) Serve with all your heart – Serving is part of worshipping God, and God doesn’t want worship in a halfhearted manner.
Romans 12:1 New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1 Chronicles 28:9 New International Version (NIV)
9 “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.
2) Serve with Passion – Our service should reflect excellence and should be intentional (You serve not because somebody forces you to do it).
Romans 12:11 New International Version (NIV)
11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
3) Serve with humbleness – when we serve in humbleness (humility), God’s glory is being seen in us.
Ephesians 4:2 New International Version (NIV)
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
4) Serve with joy and gladness
Psalm 100:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
5) Serve with faithfulness
1 Samuel 12:24 New International Version (NIV)
24 But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
Now that your understand the importance of serving, are you willing to serve the Lord?
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All quotations from scripture in this training material unless otherwise indicated are taken from the
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
