No Ifs, Ands, or Buts: Commitment to Serving God

Serving god right Lesson 5

Let’s recap “If” vs. “Even If” “And” vs. “And Then” “But” vs. “Now” “If” people try to serve God on their own conditions. “Even if” people serve Him unconditionally. “And” vs. “And Then” “And” people try to include other things in their service of God. “And then” people serve God exclusively. “But” vs. “Now” “But” people try to delay serving God. “Now” people serve Him urgently.

lookUps: Why should we serve God? Look up the following verses and write what they say about why we should serve and worship God. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Psalm 103:1-5 Isaiah 6:1-3 Revelation 5:13 Isaiah 40:28

Question #1: Why should we serve God? Ecclesiastes 12:13: Serving God is the point of human existence. Psalm 103:1-5: He is good to us. Isaiah 6:1-3: Creatures greater than humans worship God. Revelation 5:13: Creatures lower than humans worship God. Isaiah 40:28: He is the greatest One Who Is. The point: We have plenty of reasons to serve God.

Question #2: Why don’t some people serve God? Short answer: sin Romans 1:18-20: People already know about God but refuse to acknowledge Him. Romans 8:7-8: Human nature is hostile to God. Isaiah 64:6: Human efforts to make themselves righteous are insufficient. Hebrews 11:6: It takes faith to please God.

Question #3: How can we start serving God? Short answer: Jesus John 1:9-14: Jesus is God, but He became human and gave us a way to become children of God. 1 Peter 2:24: Through Jesus, our sins are forgiven and we are able to serve God. John 14:6: Jesus is the only way to get to God. Romans 1:16-17: Faith in Jesus can save anyone. The first step to serving God is believing in Jesus!

Question #4: How do we serve God? Believe in Jesus! Read the Bible, God’s written Word to us. Romans 15:4: The Bible was written to teach and encourage us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17: Scripture is inspired by God and useful for the Christian life.

Question #4: How do we serve God? Pray: talk to God, because He’s listening. Philippians 4:6-7: Instead of worrying about things, pray about everything. Prayer produces peace. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Consistent prayer is part of God’s will for His people.

Question #4: How do we serve God? Repent of sin, but know that you’re not alone. Romans 8:9-11: The Holy Spirit provides power against sin. Titus 2:11-12: God’s grace teaches us to reject sin.

Question #4: How do we serve God? Tell the world about Jesus. Matthew 28:19-20: Jesus told us to do this. Matthew 9:35-38: Jesus asked us to pray that more people would help spread the gospel. Romans 10:13-15: Preaching the gospel will help more people be saved.

Question #5: How do we keep serving God? The previous instructions still apply. Philippians 3:16: We should apply and live up to what we already understand about God. Seek wise counsel. Proverbs 13:10, 19:20: Obtaining wise counsel is key to living wisely. Be careful who (and what) you listen to. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: Test everything, including advice, against Scripture. Keep studying the Bible. Ephesians 5:17: Find out what pleases God. This is literally possible!

Lookups: What pleases God? Look up the following verses and summarize what they say about what pleases God. Psalm 69:30-31 Psalm 147:11 Proverbs 12:22 Romans 12:1 2 Corinthians 9:7 Colossians 3:20 1 Timothy 2:1-3 1 Timothy 5:4 Hebrews 13:6 James 4:10

Lookups: What pleases God? answers Psalm 69:30-31: God is pleased when we sing praise to Him. Psalm 147:11: God is pleased by people who revere and trust Him. Proverbs 12:22: Honesty pleases God. Romans 12:1: God is pleased when we offer ourselves to Him. 2 Corinthians 9:7: Giving generously pleases God.

Lookups: What pleases God? answers Colossians 3:20: It pleases God when children obey their parents. 1 Timothy 2:1-3: Prayer pleases God. 1 Timothy 5:4: It pleases God when we care for our families. Hebrews 13:16: It pleases God when we share with other people. James 4:10: God is pleased by and honors those who are humble before Him.

The ethics flowchart A visual aid to Biblical decision-making Developed by and used with permission from Mr. Dan Mack

Notes on the flowchart Step 1: The Bible directly addresses a lot more than people think it does. Step 2: E.g. obeying parents and obeying the government. Step 3: Don’t try to jump through loopholes! Step 4: See Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8-10 for more information. Step 5: This requires cultural sensitivity, awareness of surroundings. Step 6: This step tends to cause the most disagreement, but see Romans 14 for more information.

Question #5: How do we keep serving God? Serve God by serving others. Mark 10:41-45: Jesus came to serve. The way to be great in God’s Kingdom is to serve. John 13:3-17: Jesus served His disciples as an example for them… and for us.

Let’s pray