As we gather on this Lord’s Day morning to worship God, I welcome you all to our service. I’m excited to delve into a vital topic from Romans chapter 12, specifically focusing on verse 11. In this verse, Paul encourages us to be diligent in our service to the Lord. It’s a message that I believe is crucial for every Christian to hear and reflect upon.
Paul, in Romans 12, speaks about being transformed by renewing our minds and utilizing our abilities as members of Christ’s body. He emphasizes love for our brethren and abhorring evil. My focus today is on the concept of diligence in service, encapsulated in three simple yet profound commands. This leads us to question how we, as Christians, act in our service to the Lord and in our secular occupations. Unfortunately, slothfulness is a trait we often see in both areas.
As I examine this text, I want to explore what it means to not lag in diligence, to be fervent in spirit, and to serve the Lord. These concepts are not just about our secular work but also, and more importantly, about our work in the Lord’s vineyard. We need to be diligent in entering the heavenly rest, developing Christ-like character, and keeping our hearts pure.
This morning, I also want to contrast our diligence in personal pursuits with our efforts in the Lord’s work. It’s disheartening to see how we can be enthusiastic about hobbies or work, yet lack the same fervor in our spiritual lives. We should not be lazy in God’s business. The Bible warns us about the dangers of being lukewarm in faith and the consequences of slothfulness.
As we consider these teachings, I urge you to self-examine. Have you been slothful in your service to the Lord? If so, what are you going to do about it? Some may choose to ignore this call, while others may make an effort but then grow weary. My prayer is that we all respond to Paul’s encouragement and begin a new life of faithful service.
For those yet to serve the Lord, this involves hearing and believing the Gospel, repenting of sins, confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, and being baptized for the remission of sins. And for those who have been lagging in their diligence, it’s time to recommit to serving the Lord wholeheartedly.
