July 17, 2012 Serving

Serving Romans 7:5-6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code. YOU live in a country that cherishes its freedom. You live lives based on what you like to do and want to do within the limits of the laws of the land. But to make the most of that freedom, to truly enjoy the blessings of your freedom, you have certain responsibilities as a citizen. Voting, volunteering, engaging in debate, helping one another—these are some of the basic responsibilities of the democratic government. The Apostle Paul is expressing the change that has come in the world because of Christ’s life, death, resurrection and ascension plus the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. There is a new freedom God has given to his people, a new freedom that releases one to live a life under grace. But notice one important word—“serve”. As in our country, living in God’s Kingdom requires you respond to your freedom by serving the King. You are to serve “in the new way”—serving with your heart and not because a law tells you to serve. You are to serve in loving obedience to God’s Word. You are to serve under the guidance of the Spirit, who has come to indwell all believers. You are to serve because you love God, willingly obeying his commands to do so. Grace has fulfilled God’s law. God has given you a great and wondrous gift. Now he desires for you to respond to the gift with loving service to him. What will you do today to celebrate your freedom, to serve God? It’s True, a loving heart willingly serves.