What does it mean to "serve Him and obey His voice"? Setting the Scene “ If you fear the LORD and serve Him and obey His voice and do not rebel against the command of the LORD, then both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God.” (1 Samuel 12:14) The Call to Serve Him • Serve means more than completing tasks; it is wholehearted devotion. • Scripture links service with worship (Deuteronomy 10:12–13; Matthew 4:10). • It involves: – Prioritizing His glory in every choice. – Investing talents, time, and resources for His purposes (Romans 12:1). – Living as His bond-servant, gladly owned by the One who purchased us (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). The Call to Obey His Voice • Obeying begins with hearing: “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). • His voice is heard chiefly in Scripture, illuminated by the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 14:26). • Genuine obedience is: – Immediate—no delay (Psalm 119:60). – Complete—no selective compliance (James 2:10). – Joyful—rooted in love, not fear (John 14:15). Why Serving and Obeying Cannot Be Separated • Service without obedience drifts into self-styled religion (Mark 7:6–8). • Obedience without service becomes sterile rule-keeping (Luke 11:42). • Together they express total allegiance: attitude (serve) and action (obey). Practical Ways to Live It Out • Start each day in the Word, inviting God to speak before the world does. • Ask, “How can I show Christ’s character in this task?”—whether doing dishes or leading a meeting (Colossians 3:23–24). • Respond promptly when Scripture or the Spirit highlights a step—apologize, give, forgive, speak truth. • Keep short accounts with God; quick confession keeps the heart ready to hear (1 John 1:9). • Stand firm when obedience is costly; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served and obeyed even under threat (Daniel 3). Blessings Tied to Serving and Obeying • Deeper fellowship with the Lord (John 14:23). • Stability and peace in trials (Isaiah 26:3). • A compelling witness that draws others to Christ (Matthew 5:16). • Eternal reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). A Closing Encouragement Joshua’s generation pledged, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey His voice” (Joshua 24:24). The same privilege and responsibility rest with us today. In every season, His call remains unchanged: serve Him wholeheartedly and obey His voice without hesitation. |
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