Serve God

SERVE GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Joshua 24:15

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Supporting Texts: Exodus 23:25, Deuteronomy 10:12, 1 Samuel 12:24, Matthew 6:24, Romans 12:11

INTRODUCTION

Serving God is not just a duty but a privilege. Many people serve different things in life—money, career, personal ambitions—but true fulfilment comes from serving the Lord. Joshua made a firm decision that he and his household would serve God, setting an example for all believers. This message explores the significance, benefits, and responsibilities of serving God.

1. SERVING GOD IS A COMMAND

God expects His children to serve Him with all their heart.

a) God Created Us to Serve Him

We are made for His glory and purpose (Isaiah 43:21).

b) It Is a Requirement for Every Believer

Serving God is not optional for a Christian (Deuteronomy 10:12).

c) Service Demonstrates Our Love for God

True love for God is expressed in serving Him (John 14:15).

d) We Cannot Serve Two Masters

We must choose between serving God and serving the world (Matthew 6:24).

e) Biblical Example: The Levites

God chose the Levites to serve Him in the temple because of their dedication (Numbers 8:14-19).

2. BLESSINGS OF SERVING GOD

Serving God comes with great benefits, both spiritually and physically.

a) Divine Protection

God preserves those who serve Him faithfully (Exodus 23:25-26).

b) Supernatural Provision

God meets the needs of His servants (Philippians 4:19).

c) Strength and Renewal

Those who serve God receive divine strength (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Peace and Joy

Serving God brings inner peace and fulfilment (Psalm 100:2).

e) Biblical Example: Cornelius

Cornelius, a devoted servant of God, received divine visitation and blessings (Acts 10:1-4).

3. HOW TO SERVE GOD ACCEPTABLY

Not all service is acceptable before God; we must serve Him rightly.

a) Serve with Sincerity and Truth

God desires honest and wholehearted service (Joshua 24:14).

b) Serve with a Willing Heart

Service should be voluntary, not forced (Psalm 110:3).

c) Serve with Humility

True service requires a humble heart (Matthew 23:11-12).

d) Serve with Excellence

Give God your best in whatever you do (Colossians 3:23).

e) Biblical Example: Samuel

Samuel served God faithfully from childhood, and God honoured him (1 Samuel 3:19-21).

4. SERVING GOD THROUGH DIFFERENT MEANS

There are many ways to serve God in His kingdom.

a) Through Worship and Prayer

True service begins with devotion to God (John 4:24).

b) Through Evangelism and Soul Winning

Every believer is called to spread the Gospel (Mark 16:15).

c) Through Giving and Supporting God’s Work

Financial and material support is part of kingdom service (2 Corinthians 9:7).

d) Through Helping Others

Serving others is an act of serving God (Matthew 25:40).

e) Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan

He served God by showing kindness to a stranger (Luke 10:30-37).

5. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT SERVING GOD

Failure to serve God has spiritual consequences.

a) Loss of Divine Blessings

Those who refuse to serve God miss His rewards (Deuteronomy 28:47-48).

b) Spiritual Dryness

Neglecting God leads to emptiness and frustration (Jeremiah 2:13).

c) Separation from God

Ignoring God’s call to serve results in distance from Him (James 4:8).

d) Judgment and Eternal Loss

Rejecting God’s service leads to eternal consequences (Matthew 25:30).

e) Biblical Example: King Saul

Saul’s failure to serve God with obedience led to his downfall (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

CONCLUSION

Serving God is the best decision anyone can make. It is a command, a privilege, and a pathway to divine blessings. No one serves God and regrets it. Today, like Joshua, make a firm decision: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."