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What is our reasonable service?
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
The word for service is a religious word that means “service'' or “worship.” It is used five times in the New Testament, where it always refers to religious service, not secular. Thus, true reasonable service is literally a spiritual function (not an external function) whereby man's spirit is in communion with God's Spirit. Man's spirit is that part of his personality which reflects its closest and most intimate relationship. From such a fellowship with God, man's spirit not only reflects that Christlikeness which results from the association, but also responds in obedience to the will of Him who has justified his spirit.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 64.
The Call of the Cross
In "God's Word for Today" William Snider writes:
The basis of Paul's appeal for consecration is “the mercies of God.” John Bowring wrote, “In the cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time. All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime.” Wesley said when dying, “I the chief of sinners am, but Jesus died for me.” The cross is the epic moment of history for the world at large and the individual Christian in particular. We are forever dependent upon the cross. Because of the cross, we owe Him everything. While the theology of the cross is compelling to consider, it issues in a practical assignment. “Present your bodies.” Barclay observed that true worship is not ritual; rather, it is the offering of the body every day. The body is the instrument of service. Such an offering is not salvation by works, but rather, an appropriate response.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 65.
Give Cheerfully
Read 2 Corinthians 9:1-7
“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (v. 7).
Last Sunday night after service, a five-year-old girl trotted over to where I had been sitting and thrust a wadded-up piece of paper toward me. “What do you have?” I asked.
She did not say anything. She just smiled. I straightened out the paper and discovered it was a sheet from a coloring book. The edge was ragged from where it had been not-so-expertly torn from the book. The color choices were pretty, but it looked like the artist had struggled with things like direction and keeping inside the lines. But somehow, that beautiful lit-tle smiling face above the imperfect artwork changed my view. I thanked her profusely for such a fine gift and promised it would find a prominent place on my refrigerator.
My young friend could have thrown that wad of paper away. She could have decided it was not as good as her older sister's artwork and therefore did not deserve to be shown to anyone. She could have given it to me with a frown on her face. She might have even kept it for herself and never shared her work with anyone else. Instead, she did her best, chose a friend, and gave cheerfully.
Sometimes, the cheerfully part is all I feel I can do. It is awfully easy to look at the talented folks around me and decide the world is better off with-out my contribution. But then I remember that with God as my Father, I am sure to have at least one proud supporter. After all, who knows? Maybe that silly picture of mine, when proudly displayed on His fridge, can be a witness or encouragement to someone else. (Michelle Avery)
Let us give what we have and trust God to bless it abundantly!
This devotional is the Thursday, February 9, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
How should Christians use their spiritual gifts?
In "Doctrinal Discussion" Omar Lee writes:
Remember, gifts come from God, and He in His wisdom gives them as He wills. Some are gifted preachers. Others less gifted may still preach but will never attain what the others do. The call may be the same, but the gifts differ. Others may be musicians, skilled carpenters, etc. None should look down on another, because his work is a worship to God just as ours is. His work is a service just as ours is. Let us make sure that we use our gifts so that no part of God's great building (the Church) will be built out of shoddy material! Notice that these gifts are for others, not ourselves; therefore, we have nothing to be proud of in our success. In the list of gifts, practical service, deakonia, is close to the top of the list. Do not apologize for being a practical servant. After all, these are the ones who build the building for those who serve in higher realms. They may not know, but God knows that “gifted” leaders would fall from cloud nine if it were not for the practical people who keep the organization together.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 68.