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A Different Look At Whom We Serve -- Part 1
Carey Scott Cwsermons@aol.com
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(You Might Be Serving The Wrong One)
Romans 6:16 (KJV)
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Every child of God, is to understand the principle of servitude. We should all know that servitude in the scriptures was equivilent to slavery. Of course, our concept of slavery is much different than what God established. We only think of slavery as that which happened in the last century of which we in America are still trying to heal the wounds created by this evil practice
In a study of this concept, we are to notice that the words for servitude are many. A Study of Vines Dictionary will find each of these words offers similar but contrasting definitions. The words cross reference to include ministers, bondservants, bondmen, bondwoman, slave, steward, servant. These words are descriptive of the character, title, station, and work of people. Some of these words describe the action taking place and some just describe a job function. Some describe an office or job description.
There are many senses in which these words are used. A true child of God, understands most of them. I would suggest though, that we are not really serving God like we should be. I would suggest that the ones that should be served the most, are the ones that are neglected the most.
Service to God is mentioned in many ways and forms. Our spiritual service of worship is that which proves in us the will of God, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom 12:1-2). We are to perform duties to God. We have obligations and responsibilities to Him. We have no problem in doing most of them. This is in consideration of what God has done for us. He knew that sinners would not be acceptable to Him. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Our sins, also known as our iniquities have seperated us from God (Isa 59:2). Without something in the form of grace, redemption, and propitiation, we could never have a relationship with God. We could not call Him our Father, which is in Heaven. But while we were yet sinners, God sent His Son so that we may have eternal life (John 3:16).
In a lesser sense, we do service to our Lord Jesus Christ. We do this when we learn of Him, and allow Him to bear our burden of sin. He offered to take our yoke (of sin) upon Himself.
By learning obedience, He became the source of eternal salvation (Heb 5:8-9). In that Jesus came to do the will of God, He showed Himself to be an example to all of His followers. Thus, we should have no problem in following Him.
Although we do not usually consider the Holy Spirit one to be served, we do so when we take His work and apply it to our lives. When we study and meditate upon the word of God, we realize that the Holy Spirit gave this to us as He was directed by God, and Christ. When we allow His work to permeate and infiltrate our very being, then we are in a sense, becoming His servant.
Many of those in the church feel very confident that they serve Diety as mentioned above. Many feel that upon doing their duty to Diety, then Diety will reward them. For the majority of christians, this is all the service they ever offer.
But there are two other things which deserve our service. I would suggest that we rethink our application of service being in an upward direction only and apply the word to the original intent of being outward as well. Who are we talking about? Well, since I said outward, that obviously excludes "me". The only service that is worthwhile that we can offer ourselves, is to be faithful to God. We learn that we should be humble and that we should give up pride and replace it with servitude to Christ. By placing ourselves in subjection to His will, we make ourselves servants of Christ. But let us look at what is required to be a servant of Christ.
Col. 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Our reward of the inheritance is made possible by the grace of God. And if we are to receive this reward, it is only because Jesus our Lord made it possible.
John 12:26
If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Jesus offers to be with us, if we follow Him. There is that great big word again. Probally the most important word in all of the Bible. "If" is a word that means conditions need to be met in order to receive the object or reward. The key phrase is "if any man serve me"
Romans 6:6
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Jesus also said that serving two masters was impossible. If we serve Christ, then we no longer serve sin. If however, we continue to sin, then we are not serving Christ. It is impossible to serve Christ and sin. Our actions will tell Christ, if we are serving Him or sin.
Galatians 1:10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Jesus is the Lord of our life. We submit to Him. We humble ourselves before Him. If we expect Him to save us, we know that it is only on His terms. By being our Savior, He becomes our God, Lord, Master, Leader, King, Authority, and Guide. If we do not honor Jesus by our obedience, then we are forsaking Him. When anything is given preference over Him, then we cannot be His servant. If we play politics and do things to be seen by men, we cannot be or should not be the servant of Christ.
Matthew 4:10
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Jesus was teaching that Satan could not offer an acceptable substitute for God. Jesus quoting from scripture answers Satan who was asking Jesus to bow down before him. There is only one God who is worthy of honor and glory and our worship.
Carey Scott, Evangelist
Greenwood Village Church (TX)
Cwsermons@aol.com
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