Sermon Notes For 2-22-26 Part 7 We Will Serve The LORD?

Now, let’s turn to The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 25. Now, with God’s help today, let’s finish up our current topic which I have entitled, “We Will Serve The Lord?”

And over the last several weeks we have studied together 6 essential questions which when they are applied in our lives will enable you & me to serve The Lord and others correctly & Biblically, instead of self-centeredly, or superficially!

So once again, these 6 essential questions we have studying together, when they are applied in our lives will enable you & me to serve The Lord and others correctly & biblically, instead of self-centeredly, or superficially, Amen!!!

So once again, lets addressing this final question out of the 6 which is, — “How Do We Serve?

Now, last Sunday we had began to consider the how to - which would be based upon, our attitude. Or, our motives. Or, Our (Conduct/Behavior), *When It Came To Serving (One Another) Within The Body of Christ.

*Or, when it came to serving the unsaved person or persons who are caught up within this falling world, just as we were! *or, when it came to serving The Lord—Himself!

Now, let’s notice Matthew 25: 35 for I was hungry and you gave Me food. I was thirsty and you gave Me drink. I was a stranger and you took Me in. 36 I was naked and you clothed Me. I was sick and you visited Me. I was in prison and you came unto Me. 37 Then the righteous will answer any said unto Jesus, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? Or, thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and took You in? Or, naked and clothe You? 39 Or, when did we see You sick? Or in prison and come unto You? 40 And The King will answer and say unto them, Assuredly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you did it unto Me, Jesus Said!

But this time, let’s notice again Matthew 25:35 thru 40. A little different, from the perspective that these are different categories of ministry or service that could be done for others within the Body of Christ, or for those who are unsaved, as we once were! Show you what I mean!

Now, let’s notice Matthew 25:35. for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink. (A Food Ministry).

See The Book of Acts 6: 1 Now, in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, it is not desirable that we should leave the Word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when the apostles had prayed, they laid hands upon them.

37. Then the righteous will answer any said unto Jesus, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? Or, thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and took You in? Or, naked and clothe You? 39 Or, when did we see You sick? Or in prison and come unto You? 40 And The King will answer and say unto them, Assuredly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of These My Brethren, you did it unto Me, Jesus Said!

Now, turn to Romans Chapter 12. Now, may I share with you 3 important things we ought to know when serving The Lord that will in most cases, will involve serving people who are made in the likeness of God, whether they be saved or unsaved.

Nevertheless, our attitude, or, our motives, or, our conduct/behavior will really matter to God!

Quote Matthew 25: 40. And The King will answer and say unto them, assuredly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these My Brethren, you did it unto Me, Jesus Said!

Now let’s see Romans 12: 11. Not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, serving The Lord. How? 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Now, turn to Psalms 100. Now remember, there are 3 important things we ought to know when serving The Lord and that is in most cases it will involve serving people who are made in the likeness of God. Whether they be saved or unsaved. And therefore, our attitude, or, our motives. or, our conduct/behavior will really matter to God!

Now, let’s see Psalms 100:2A. Serve the Lord with gladness; (Stop there) (Question), what does that mean? And what would that look like practically?

First, what does it means? 1) Serving God from joy, not drudgery God is not only concerned with what we do, but how and why we do it. •Not forced •Not resentful •Not merely out of duty •But from gratitude, love, and delight in Him It is the opposite of serving God with a complaining or burdened spirit.

Deuteronomy 28:47 warns Israel for not serving God “with joy and gladness of heart.”

Glad service flows from remembering:•Who God is •What He has done •That serving Him is a privilege

2) A Heart Attitude — Not Just Emotions “Gladness” doesn’t mean you always feel happy.

Biblical gladness is •Deep joy rooted in God •Willingness of heart •Thankfulness even in hardship You can be tired, suffering, or discouraged — yet still serve with gladness because your joy is anchored in the Lord.

B) In Your Motives •Serving because you love God, not to impress people •Not for recognition or reward •Not to earn salvation Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

C) In Your Actions Toward Others Serving God includes serving people. Practical examples: •Helping someone in need with kindness •Encouraging others •Teaching, giving, praying, hospitality •Serving in church or ministry without bitterness Gladness shows in tone, patience, and kindness.

D) In Worship Psalm 100 connects glad service with: •Singing •Praise •Entering God’s presence joyfully Not mechanical worship — but heartfelt.

E) In Everyday Life Serving God isn’t only church work. It includes: •Your job •Family responsibilities •Acts of obedience •Daily faithfulness When done for Him, ordinary tasks become spiritual service.

A Simple Picture Serving with gladness looks like: “Lord, I get to serve You — not I have to.” It is the spirit of someone grateful for grace.

Why This Matters (Especially for Ministry) Since you’ve shared that you study for spiritual growth and teaching, this verse is crucial: A person can serve God: •Faithfully •Sacrificially •Publicly …and still not serve Him gladly. God values the heart behind the service.

Now, see Psalms 84: 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand days. *I would rather be (a doorkeeper) bin the house of my God,than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You! "(Note) Psalms 84:10 says, I would rather be (a doorkeeper) in the house of my God.

Doorkeeper, means, A Strong's Definition: "çâphaph," (Hithpoel) to Stand at or Guard the threshold or at the entrance or the exit of a building.

Now, turn to The Book of Colossians Chapter 3. Now, remember, there are 3 important things we ought to know when serving The Lord and that is, in most cases it will involves serving people who are made in the likeness of God. Whether they be saved or unsaved and therefore, our attitude, or, our motives, or, our conduct/behavior will really matter to God! Now, let’s notice Colossians 3: 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily as unto The Lord and not unto men, 24 knowing that from The Lord you will receive The Reward of The Inheritance, for or because you serve The Lord Christ 25 But he or she who does wrong to act unjustly or wickedly, or to sin with no repentance. 25 But he or she who does wrong will be repaid for what he or she has done, for there is no partiality, or favoritism from God!

Now, let’s go back to Matthew Chapter 25. Now, this time let’s see The Gospel of Matthew 25: 41 Then (He) The King in Vs. 34, will also say to those on the left hand - in vs. 33. Depart from Me you cursed into his angels. Why? 42 For or because *I was hungry and you gave Me no food.*I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink. 43 *I was a stranger and you did not take Me in. *Naked and you did not clothe Me. *Sick and in rison and you did not visit Me. (Stop here)

Now, let’s see something very important— In The Gospel of Luke 16: 19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus full of sores (who was laid at the rich man’s gate,) Why? 21 Desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's Bosom. And the rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments (In Hades), the rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Stop here)

Now, let’s notice again Luke 16: 19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus full of sores who was laid at the rich man’s gate, Why? 21 Desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. (Stop Here)

Now, let’s go back to The Gospel Of Matthew 25: 44 Then they in vs. 41, also will answer (Him ) saying Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not minister unto You? 45 Then He will answer them saying, Assuredly I say unto you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these - you did not do it to Me! 46 And so these in vs. 41, 44 & 45, will go away into everlasting punishment. But the Righteous, (those) in vs. 33 & 37, will go into Eternal. Now, here is something extra to study and to learn from. Question, Why God’s People Israel failed to serve the LORD correctly?

The Bible is very honest about how and why God’s People Israel failed to serve the LORD, Below is a clear biblical walkthrough moving from faithfulness → compromise → collapse → discipline → mercy.

How Israel fell from Serving the LORD. They started well — but then they forgot (Judges 2:6–10) “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua. And then all that generation were gathered unto their fathers… And there arose another generation… which knew not the LORD.”

So then, what went wrong? •Faith was not passed on •Knowledge of God became secondhand •Memory of God’s works faded. Serving the LORD requires remembrance and teaching.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD
They Mixed Their God with Other So Called gods That Were Around Them. (Judges 2:11–13) “And the children of Israel did evil… and served Baalim…And they forsook the LORD…”

Listen, Israel didn’t abandon God overnight — instead they added other gods to their lives. Remember, compromise always begins with mixing or adding to.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Refused To Remove What God Had Condemned. (Judges 1:27–36)

God commanded Israel to drive out the Canaanites. Instead: “They did not drive out…” (a repeated phrase!) Result: •Pagan influence •Idol worship normalized •Moral decay What we tolerate today will dominate us tomorrow.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Served God Only When There Was A Crisis (Judges 2:14–19) Pattern: 1. Israel sins 2. God disciplines 3. Israel cries out 4. God delivers 5.Israel returns to sin “They returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers…” Service became reactive, not faithful

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Served the LORD with Their Lips, Not Their Hearts. Isaiah 29:13“This people draw near me with their mouth… but have removed their heart far from me.” Jeremiah 2:13“My people have committed two evils…” Outward religion continued, but inward loyalty was gone. God rejects service without love and obedience.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Trusted Rituals Instead of Relationship. Jeremiah 7:4.“The temple of the LORD… are these.” Israel believed: •Temple = protection •Sacrifice = security God said: “Will ye steal… and come and stand before me in this house?” (Jer. 7:9–10) Religious activity replaced obedience.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Rejected God’s Prophets. “They mocked the messengers of God… until there was no remedy.” (2 Chronicles 36:16) When correction came, Israel refused to listen. Rejecting truth hardens the heart.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Ended Up Serving Other Masters. 2 Kings 17:33“They feared the LORD, and served their own gods.”

This verse sums up Israel’s failure: •Fear without obedience •Worship without loyalty •Religion without repentance The Result From God: Was Discipline, But Not Abandonment!

God allowed: •Assyria (Northern Kingdom) •Babylon (Southern Kingdom) Not to destroy Israel forever, but to purify and restore. “Whom the LORD loveth he correcteth.” (Hebrews 12:6) The Core Reason Why Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They wanted the blessings of the LORD without the obedience of serving Him alone. Lessons for God‘s people during the Church age and into the tribulation times of the last days. Remember Israel fell when they: ✔ forgot God’s works ✔ tolerated compromise✔ replaced obedience with ritual ✔ served God selectively✔ ignored correction.

The Scriptures encourages God’s people to examine themselves.

And Here Is A Heart Check We Should Consider •Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, O God…” •2 Corinthians 13:5 — Examine yourselves. Ask Yourself : ✔ Am I serving out of love? ✔ Am I seeking recognition?✔ Would I still serve if no one noticed? ✔ Am I willing to serve in hidden ways? Faithfulness Check •1 Corinthians 4:2 — Stewards must be found faithful.•Luke 16:10 — Faithful in little → faithful in much. Ask Yourself : ✔ Am I dependable? ✔ Do I finish what I start?✔ Am I faithful in small tasks? Love Check •1 Corinthians 13:3 — Without love, service profits nothing. •John 13:35 — Love identifies disciples. Ask Yourself: ✔ Do I genuinely care about people? ✔ Am I patient and kind in service?

HERE ARE SOME WARNINGS ABOUT WRONG ATTITUDES OR MOTIVES. The Scriptures gives serious cautions. Serving for human praise •Matthew 6:1–2 — Do not practice righteousness to be seen. •John 12:43 — Loved praise of men more than praise of God. Pride in service Sermon Notes For 2-22-26 Part 7 We Will Serve The LORD? Now, let’s turn to The Gospel Of Matthew Chapter 25. Now, with God’s help today, let’s finish up our current topic which I have entitled, “We Will Serve The Lord?” And over the last several weeks we have studied together 6 essential questions which when they are applied in our lives will enable you & me to serve The Lord and others correctly & Biblically, instead of self-centeredly, or superficially!

And here are 6 essential questions that we have been studying together over the last several weeks. •Who Are We Really Serving? •What Does It Mean To Serve? •Why Do We Serve? •When Do We Serve?•Where Do We Serve? •And How Do We Serve? So once again, these 6 essential questions we have studying together, when they are applied in our lives will enable you & me to serve The Lord and others correctly & biblically, instead of self-centeredly, or superficially, Amen!!!

So once again, let’s addressing this final question out of the 6 which is, — “How Do We Serve?

Now, last Sunday we had began to consider the how to - which would be based upon, our attitude. Or, our motives. Or, Our Conduct/Behavior, *When It Came To Serving One Another Within The Body of Christ. *Or, when it came to serving the unsaved person or persons who are caught up within this falling world, just as we were! *Or, when it came to serving The Lord—Himself!

Now, let’s notice Matthew 25:35. for I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink. (A Food Ministry).

Now, let’s notice Matthew 25: 35. *I was a stranger and you took Me in. (A Shelter Ministry.) 36 *I was naked and you clothed Me. (A Clothing Ministry.) *I was sick and you visited Me. (A Visitation Ministry to those who shut in, hospitalized, or they are in a care facility) *I was in prison and you came unto Me. (An Outreach Ministry to those who are locked up or family members)37 Then the righteous will answer any said unto Jesus, Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? Or, thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and took You in? Or, naked and clothe You? 39 Or, when did we see You sick? Or in prison and come unto You? 40 And The King will answer and say unto them, Assuredly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of These My Brethren, you did it unto Me, Jesus Said!

Quote Matthew 25: 40. And The King will answer and say unto them, assuredly I say unto you, Inasmuch as you did it unto one of the least of these My Brethren, you did it unto Me, Jesus Said! Now let’s see Romans 12: 11. Not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit, serving The Lord. How? 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Now, let’s see Psalms 100:2A. Serve the Lord with gladness; (Stop there) (Question), what does that mean? And what would that look like practically? First, what does it means? 1) Serving God from joy, not drudgery

God is not only concerned with what we do, but how and why we do it. •Not forced •Not resentful •Not merely out of duty •But from gratitude, love, and delight in Him. It is the opposite of serving God with a complaining or burdened spirit. Deuteronomy 28:47 warns Israel for not serving God “with joy and gladness of heart.”

Glad service flows from remembering: •Who God is •What He has done •That serving Him is a privilege

2) A Heart Attitude — Not Just Emotions “Gladness” doesn’t mean you always feel happy. Biblical gladness is•Deep joy rooted in God •Willingness of heart •Thankfulness even in hardship You can be tired, suffering, or discouraged — yet still serve with gladness because your joy is anchored in the Lord.

What it looks like practically A) In Your Attitude •Willing instead of reluctant •Grateful instead of entitled •Cheerful instead of grumbling Example: Choosing to worship, pray, or obey even when you don’t feel like it — because you love Him. B) In Your Motives •Serving because you love God, not to impress people •Not for recognition or reward •Not to earn salvation Colossians 3:23. “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” C) In Your Actions Toward Others Serving God includes serving people. Practical examples: •Helping someone in need with kindness •Encouraging others •Teaching, giving, praying, hospitality •Serving in church or ministry without bitterness Gladness shows in tone, patience, and kindness. D) In Worship Psalm 100 connects glad service with: •Singing •Praise •Entering God’s presence joyfully. Not mechanical worship — but heartfelt. E) In Everyday Life Serving God isn’t only church work. It includes:•Your job •Family responsibilities •Acts of obedience •Daily faithfulness When done for Him, ordinary tasks become spiritual service. A Simple Picture Serving with gladness looks like: “Lord, I get to serve You — not I have to.” It is the spirit of someone grateful for grace. Why This Matters (Especially for Ministry) Since you’ve shared that you study for spiritual growth and teaching, this verse is crucial: A person can serve God: •Faithfully •Sacrificially •Publicly…and still not serve Him gladly. God values the heart behind the service.

Now, see Psalms 84: 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand days. *I would rather be (a doorkeeper) bin the house of my God,than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You! (Note) Psalms 84:10 says, I would rather be (a doorkeeper) in the house of my God. Doorkeeper, means, A Strong's Definition: "çâphaph," (Hithpoel) to Stand at or Guard the threshold or at the entrance or the exit of a building.

Now, let’s notice Colossians 3: 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily as unto The Lord and not unto men, 24 knowing that from The Lord you will receive The Reward of The Inheritance, for or because you serve The Lord Christ 25 But he or she who does wrong to act unjustly or wickedly, or to sin with no repentance. 25 But he or she who does wrong will be repaid for what he or she has done, for there is no partiality, or favoritism from God!

Question, Why God’s People Israel failed to serve the LORD correctly? The Bible is very honest about how and why God’s People Israel failed to serve the LORD, Below is a clear biblical walkthrough moving from faithfulness → compromise → collapse → discipline → mercy.

How Israel fell from Serving the LORD. They started well — but then they forgot (Judges 2:6–10) “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua.And then all that generation were gathered unto their fathers… And there arose another generation… which knew not the LORD.”

So then, what went wrong?•Faith was not passed on •Knowledge of God became secondhand •Memory of God’s works faded. Serving the LORD requires remembrance and teaching. (Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD
They Mixed Their God with Other So Called gods That Were Around Them. (Judges 2:11–13) “And the children of Israel did evil… and served Baalim…And they forsook the LORD…”

Listen, Israel didn’t abandon God overnight — instead they added other gods to their lives. Remember, compromise always begins with mixing or adding to.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Refused To Remove What God Had Condemned. (Judges 1:27–36) God commanded Israel to drive out the Canaanites. Instead: “They did not drive out…” (a repeated phrase!) Result: •Pagan influence •Idol worship normalized •Moral decay What we tolerate today will dominate us tomorrow.

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Served God Only When There Was A Crisis (Judges 2:14–19) Pattern: 1.Israel sins 2.God disciplines 3.Israel cries out4.God delivers 5.Israel returns to sin “They returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers…” Service became reactive, not faithful

(Question) How Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They Ended Up Serving Other Masters. 2 Kings 17:33“They feared the LORD, and served their own gods.” This verse sums up Israel’s failure: •Fear without obedience •Worship without loyalty •Religion without repentance The Result From God: Was Discipline, But Not Abandonment!

God allowed: •Assyria (Northern Kingdom) •Babylon (Southern Kingdom) Not to destroy Israel forever, but to purify and restore. “Whom the LORD loveth he correcteth.” (Hebrews 12:6)

The Core Reason Why Israel Fell from Serving The LORD? They wanted the blessings of the LORD without the obedience of serving Him alone. Lessons for God‘s people during the Church age and into the tribulation times of the last days. Remember Israel fell when they: ✔ forgot God’s works ✔ tolerated compromise ✔ replaced obedience with ritual ✔ served God selectively ✔ ignored correction.

The Scriptures encourages God’s people to examine themselves. And Here Is A Heart Check We Should Consider •Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, O God…” •2 Corinthians 13:5 — Examine yourselves.

Ask Yourself : ✔ Am I serving out of love? ✔ Am I seeking recognition?✔ Would I still serve if no one noticed? ✔ Am I willing to serve in hidden ways?

Faithfulness Check •1 Corinthians 4:2 — Stewards must be found faithful.•Luke 16:10 — Faithful in little → faithful in much. Ask Yourself : ✔ Am I dependable? ✔ Do I finish what I start?✔ Am I faithful in small tasks? Love Check •1 Corinthians 13:3 — Without love, service profits nothing.•John 13:35 — Love identifies disciples. Ask Yourself: ✔ Do I genuinely care about people?✔ Am I patient and kind in service?