OUR SERVICE TO THE LORD

 

I appeal to you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Rom 12:1)

 

THE REASONS FOR SERVING GOD

 

A. To show gratitude for the grace of God

 

1. God loves our body.

a. God gives us everything to enjoy (Acts 14:15-17; Mt 5:45).

b. God protects us so that we may have a quiet and peaceful life (Ps 121 :3-8). ·

c. God keeps us alive (Jas 4:15; 1 Sam 2:6).

 

2. God loves our soul.

a. God gave His only Son to us (J'l 3:16; 1 Jn 3:16).

b. God freely forgives our sins (Rom 3:23-25; Acts 2:38).

c. God promises that we will enter His heavenly kingdom (2 Tim 4:18; Eph 1 :13-14).

 

3. It is only right to worship the Lord because:-

a. He died for us (Gal 2:20; 2 Cor 5:14).

b. We should live for the Lord (2 Cor 5:15; Rom 14:7-8).

c. We should not accept the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1-2).

 

B. To perform our duties

 

1. The duties have been entrusted to us.

a. Jesus said, "Freely you receive, freely you give" (Mt 10:5-8).

b. We are chosen by God to declare His wonderful deeds (1 Pet 2:9).

c. Paul said, "If it is not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission" (1 Cor 9:17).

 

2. Woe betides us if we do not preach the gospel.

a. Paul said: ''If I do this, I have a reward, but if not, woe to me" (1 Cor 9:16-17).

b. If we do not save other men we shall die in our iniquity (Ezek 3:17-18). .

c. Those who do not make use of the gifts of the Lord will be punished (Mt 25:14-30).'

 

3. To know our duties and serve the Lord faithfully.

a. Moses gave up everything and was faithful in God's house (Heb 11 :24-26; 3:2).

b. Esther saved her people by risking her life (Esther 4:13-16).

c. Nehemiah gave up his high rank and returned to his own country to rebuild Jerusalem (Neh 1 :1-11; 2:1-8).