MOTIVATION FOR SERVING
Kingdom of God superimposed.
Why I serve – I love Him
I want to be a part of what God is doing
Revelation of Kingdom – affection on things above/eternal
Matt. 13: 45-46 – Like pearl of great price. Sell everything else to buy it!!
Seek ye first the Kingdom of God. Live with an eternity view. Have a relationship with the King, working in harmony with Him.
Jesus (John 13:3)
Washed disciples feet. Now leaving them, loved them, foundations of the church/future.
Knowing – be aware, behold, had knowledge, be sure.
Have relationship with the Father through prayer.
Phil. 3:7-8
Eph. 1:18 - Know – hope of your calling.
2. That the Father had given all things into His hands.
a) Source - The Father
Promotion comes from the Lord
Of all my life, fountain of life, all my springs are in thee.
Sought presence of God.
b) All things - no good thing would be withheld from me.
He will meet my needs, emotional, spiritual, practical.
Everything I need to accomplish the work he has given me to do.
c) Knew what was given into His hands, what he was entrusted with
– by God/delegated.
Ministry call on life/partnership with husband.
Husband, family, sphere of influence in church.
Gifts, talents, material possessions to steward.
Disciples – fire would go through
Foundation for church
Carriers of glory – building stones
Jesus loved them and saw past carnality.
3) Went to God
Lived for eternity.
Heb 11/10
Abraham / Lot - Looked for a city. Had foundations. Builder and maker is God.
Lot – went along and enjoyed the benefits. Abraham – open hand, yielded choice, son – trusted God.
City – organised, government, structure, king rules, authority invested. Rev.3 – share throne v10 rule and reign.
Heb 11:25-26
Choose hardship – looking ahead for reward.
Not payday yet.
Not a little cabin in the corner of gloryland.
Sons and daughters – heirs – joint heirs in Christ.
Suffer with him – glorified together – glory revealed in us.
Become more and more like Him (or carnality – nature of beast).
Fire – draw near to presence of God, Hear Him . Face struggles and pressure e.g.
4. That he was from God
Identity struggle. You are a Child of God. This settles things. We only need to please God.
God – pleaser – man- pleaser – Gal 1:10.
Saul was not secure in this. 1 Sam.15:24 he needed people’s approval, look good in front of people. Feared people.
V24 I feared the people and obeyed their voice.
V30 I have sinned, honour me now before my people.
Look good in front of people – people approval. Can’t put boundaries, say no. Can’t bite the hand that feeds you!
What things don’t please God:
1 Cor 10.
1. Lust after evil things Desire Him – his will, purpose destiny
2. Idolatry God is first place above self
(The way of the cross lay down own
desire)
Money – open hands.
3. Immorality Clean, pure life – embrace fire.
4. Tempt God – under difficult Fear God, Respect God – always good,
circumstances faithful.
6. Complain, discontent Grateful, praise, thank God.
What is better for us? God shaped by our society.
Needing appreciation – Faith = servanthood.
Test – Luke 17:10.