Serve the Lord
* How is our service for the Lord? Do we really give him our all? We serve the things we love the most. God should come first in every thing we do. There are 5 key elements that need to be present to keep us serving the Lord.
1 .S= Saved; vs. 1,2,3,10
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
2. E= Endure; vs. 12,13,14,15
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
3. R= Reason; vs. 17,22
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
4. V=Vessel; vs. 18,.19,20,21
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
5. E=Enjoyment; vs. 23
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Psalm 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Conclusion: How is your service for the Lord?