Christian Life

June 5, 2023

Serving

Romans 12.1-8

We all have ways that we are conforming to the world around us. Hard not to do when you walk this planet. But as we spend more time in God’s Word and allow God’s Word to spend more time in us, the Spirit uses the Word to renew our minds and transform us to live and love like Jesus. We begin to see the world more and more through His eyes. We begin to want what He wants. We see that His will for us is perfect. And then offering the whole of ourselves to Him…serving Him…just makes sense. It’s the only reasonable thing to do.

Because of what God’s done for us, we want to serve Him…and we do that by serving others.

God’s gifted you for a reason…are you using your spiritual gift to build up the body? Of course that assumes that you know what your spiritual gift is. One way to discover what your spiritual gift is…is to serve. If you hear about an opportunity that sounds good to you, then just try it. If it’s an area of giftedness, you’ll know. It will “feel” right, and we won’t be able to talk you out of it. If not, you’ll know that too, and you can try something else. Remember the Christian life is not a one-and-done but a lifestyle…training not just trying.

If you want to experience the fullness of joy and abundance of life that Jesus talks about, you’ve got to get serving. So find ways to serve. As you exercise your spiritual gifts, don’t be surprised to see God use them in tandem with others, bringing you closer together and closer to Him.

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This post is based on a sermon from our For Future Reference series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

August 13, 2015

A Worshipful Life

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 ESV

As we turn to the last four chapters of Romans – Paul describes what it means to live out our lives in spiritual worship.

It means presenting our whole selves and lives completely to God.  We do this with hearts fully devoted to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, through the help of the Holy Spirit.

The aim of the Gospel of Christ is not merely to teach us how to live morally but helps us connect with God, as we delight in His will and live a life transformed into worship – a lifestyle of worship that inspires a fervent love for Jesus.

It is a life of worship and service that mobilizes us to make a difference – to make an impact in the lives of those around us.

A life focused on intentionally building Christ-centered relationships.

Paul gives us advice on how to go about doing this in the remaining chapters of Romans.

The Gospel Transformation Bible (GTB) has this to say on this section of Romans:

“Christians love. That is what we do. In this is our entire ethic summed up. Yet we love not to earn God’s love for us, but in reflection of, and being assured of, his love.”

It is in this section of Romans that Paul describes ways to demonstrate that love, echoing many of the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels.

As Christians, this is our call – to emulate Jesus in all we say, think and do, as a form of worship.

Paul teaches that as Christians, we have been blessed with gifts according to the grace given to us, gifts we are to use.

A question we might ask ourselves is how are we using our gifts? Are we using them for His glory?

Our call is to use God’s gift’s in love and service to our Lord and Savior – to serve His cause and further His kingdom.

After all, the whole purpose of our faith is to come to a saving knowledge of God, to grow in holiness and serve Him on this journey we call life.

Over time we learn that our actions, habits, character and, might I say, even destiny – flows from our thoughts and beliefs, built over time, one action, one habit at a time.

We must all face the question – Will you conform to the world or renew your mind?

Godly people renew their minds through biblical teaching, study of God’s Word and application of the precepts and truths taught as the Holy Spirit regenerates our hearts.

Although the world and culture around us has its own definition of success and approach to the problems of life, Paul teaches a different approach – an approach focused on a higher calling, conceived and born in love, filled with mercy and grace.

An approach based upon the hope we have in Jesus, an approach we call – the worshipful life.

Until next time… keep reading!

Jim