How can we discern if our service aligns with God's will and strength? Scripture Foundation “If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the word of God; if anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” — 1 Peter 4:11 Key Observations from 1 Peter 4:11 • Two spheres: speaking and serving. Both must flow directly from God’s provision. • The strength comes from God, not self-effort. • The ultimate purpose: God’s glory through Jesus Christ. • When these elements align, God alone receives credit and honor. Clear Marks of Serving in God’s Will and Strength • Reliance, not self-reliance: inner awareness that dependence on the Lord is essential (John 15:5; 2 Corinthians 3:5). • Scriptural harmony: the activity lines up with clear biblical commands and principles (Psalm 119:105). • Christ-centered motive: desire for Jesus to be exalted eclipses any personal recognition (Colossians 3:17). • Spiritual fruit, not mere results: love, joy, peace, and other Spirit-produced qualities accompany the work (Galatians 5:22-23). • Sustained ability beyond natural limits: God’s supply enables endurance and effectiveness that surprise even the servant (Philippians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 15:10). • Humble gratitude: spontaneous praise rises to God rather than self-congratulation (1 Corinthians 10:31). Complementary Passages • Philippians 2:13 — “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” • Hebrews 13:20-21 — God equips believers “in every good thing to do His will.” • Romans 12:1-2 — A transformed mind discerns “the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” • Ephesians 2:10 — We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance.” Practical Indicators to Watch • Prayerful initiation and ongoing conversation with the Lord before, during, and after serving. • Confirmation through mature believers and local church leadership. • Peace that guards the heart, even when circumstances are demanding (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:7). • Alignment with personal spiritual gifts granted by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7). • Absence of manipulation or coercion; God’s strength liberates rather than pressures. Steps to Remain in His Supply 1. Daily surrender: consciously yield plans and abilities to Christ. 2. Scripture saturation: let God’s Word shape motives and methods. 3. Ongoing dependence: ask for fresh filling of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). 4. Accountability: invite trusted believers to speak into the process. 5. Regular thanksgiving: celebrate every glimpse of fruit as evidence of His strength, not yours. When service reflects these biblical patterns, it rests in God’s will, runs on God’s strength, and returns God’s glory back to Him. |
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