## Willing to Serve

## Ephesians 4:11-12

This morning we have honored our veterans. I believe that is proper for us to do so. It is not so much the individual, but rather their service that we honor. Whether they were drafted by their country, like my father, or whether they volunteered to serve their country. It doesn't matter if their service took them to foreign shores, or they remained stateside. It doesn't matter if they served in time of conflict or in time of peace…their service is worthy of our honor. We salute them and thank them for their willingness to serve our country.

The Word of God has a great deal to say about one's willingness to serve God. King David asked the people an important question as preparation was being made for the construction of the Temple.

"…Who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?" (1 Chronicles 29:5b)

Willing service is honorable. Willing service is acceptable. Willing service is expected. I want to take some time this morning to challenge each of us concerning willing service. Why should we be willing to serve God? Is it really important for us to do so? Why not just let someone else do it? These are real questions that we each need to answer, and I believe this day is a perfect opportunity to consider our willing service to the Lord.

I. We Fulfill God's Purpose

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

A. God's purpose is for all to be saved.

1. For those who have yet to come to Jesus by faith…that is His purpose.

2. He wants all to come to Him and be saved!

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

3. If you have never accepted the free gift of salvation that God has provided through faith in His Son, Jesus, I want you to understand today that God's purpose for you is to be saved!

B. God has a purpose for us after we are born again.

1. His primary purpose is for us to be saved.

2. In Ephesians chapter 2:8-9, Paul clarifies how we are to come to salvation.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

3. It is by His grace through faith…it is as simple as accepting a gift.

4. Then Paul speaks of God's purpose for us after we have been saved. Note: v10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

5. Note that we are His "workmanship"

6. The picture here is one of an artist who creates a beautiful piece of art.

7. That creation is for a purpose.

8. Our purpose is to serve Him…good works….or work that reflects the One who has created us.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Cor 5:17)

C. Are we fulfilling His purpose for our life?

1. Not our purpose…but His!

2. Come to Him by faith…

3. If you have been saved, then willingly serve Him!

4. That is our purpose in this life!

II. We Reflect God's Glory

A. Our children reflect us as their parents.

1. Seldom a Veteran's Day goes by that someone doesn't comment on my picture on the bulletin board.

2. They say…that is Ben!

3. Well, it isn't…Ben never served in the Navy, but he reflects me in his looks.

4. He doesn't always like to hear it, but it is a fact!

B. In much the same way, we are to reflect our Heavenly Father.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

1. What do folks see when they look at us?

2. What do they hear when they listen to us?

3. Do they see Christ in us?

4. Will what they see cause them to glorify God?

III. We Impact Eternity

A. Don't miss this!

1. Sometimes the enemy tries to convince us that what we do is insignificant.

2. If he is successful, we will get discouraged and give up.

3. But I want to remind you that what we do for the Lord in fulfilling His purpose not only glorifies Him…but it impacts eternity.

4. Souls are being saved! Both here and around the world!

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: (Jude 1:21-22)

B. Only God knows the significance of reaching one soul for Christ.

1. Example of Bob Hughes

2. Robert Earl Hughes was born August 8, 1932 on a farm in Center, TX.

3. One of ten children, Bob quit school after the 8th grade to help care for the family.

4. At the age of 17 Bob joined the Air Force and was stationed at Clark Air Force Base in Manila, Philippine Islands.

5. While serving in the Philippines, Bob accepted Christ due to the influence of missionaries

6. After his discharge he entered Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO for training before returning to the Philippines to serve God.

7. In 1957 the Bible Baptist Church was established and people were reached with the message of the Gospel.

8. By 1975 the ministry had grown to the point that over twenty thousand people were attending weekly.

9. Just a farm boy from Texas…but what an impact upon eternity!

C. God takes the ministry we do and uses it to influence the course of eternity in the lives of others.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Why should we be willing to serve God? It is how we fulfill His purpose for our lives, it reflects His glory to those around us, and it will make an impact for all eternity!

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior this morning? If not, realize that it is God's desire for you to know Him. He's not willing that any should perish! Come today and allow us the privilege of sharing His wonderful gift of salvation with you today.

Christian, are we serving Him willingly? If not, may I encourage you to come today and volunteer for service? Isaiah said, 'Here am I Lord, send me!' Will you come today. It will make a difference for all eternity!