A LIFE DEVOTED TO SERVICE

PSALMIST CHALLENGE: PSALM 1-5

PROVERBS CAPSULE: PROVERBS 1

Your love for God prompts you to serve Him (John 14:15). You do good deeds because of a desire to glorify your Father in heaven. To have this response is to walk in love.”Everything in your life expresses your love for God! Paul explained this service by using the example of Jesus Christ. You are to walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us. This is the standard for Christians. Do not be a servant simply because someone else is doing so or because you will feel guilty if you do not. Rather, do good works because you love God and want to please your heavenly Father. You will delight in serving God! You will have an eagerness and an excitement about serving. Further, you will gain a wonderful contentment from being a Christ-like servant. These blessings result because you are offering a consecrated devotion to the Lord.

Paul mentioned two specific features of Christ’s devoted service in Ephesians 5:2. Christ presented Himself as an offering. The word offering refers to the attitude of devotion. The term is used in the Old Testament to designate the attitude of those approaching God in worship (see Leviticus 1:2). The worshiper was required to approach God with humility and willing compliance to the Lord’s regulations. The attitude was complete submission to God. The offering was given to God to express love, appreciation, and commitment. Each offering was to honour God.

Christ also presented Himself as a sacrifice. The word sacrifice refers to the action of devotion. God regulated sacrifices and blessed those who followed the specified rules for making sacrifices. Paul described this same action in Christ, who “gave Himself” because He loved you. The Christian is required to do just as Christ did, and obedience brings blessings! As one involved in good works, you are offering yourself as a sacrifice.”God views the service you render as a blessed offering. There is no limit to your sacrifice because, like Christ, you are devoted to love! Why should a Christian be involved, even obsessed, with the works of the church? Because he is devoted to service just as Christ was! Never look back in serving the Lord, it pays to be in God’s service. If one fails to serve God, such will serve the devil.

Word Affirmation: “At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD." - Zephaniah 3:20 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“As one involved in good works, you are offering yourself as a sacrifice."

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