Prepare to Serve God and Others
ECWA Theme for 2026
“Prepare for Service, keep your lamps burning…”
(Luke 12: 35, NIV)
Introduction
Serving God is depicted in the Bible as a calling requiring selfless love, dedication, humility and not for personal gain. In Matthew 20: 28, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” NLT. The core of what Jesus is saying is that serving is believer’s life purposes. Again, Jesus says in Mark 8: 35 that, “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the ‘Good News’ will ever know what it means to really live” TLB. Here, Jesus reminds us that man’s best use of his time is his highest legacy and only way to meaningfully impact the world(See: 1 Cor. 15: 58).
As we all know, it is widely understood that Christ’s victory over death makes “New Life” possible and is where the Bible says reward for faithful living can be expected when we eventually get to heaven. This study is aimed to help us understand that our purpose goes beyond just a willingness to serve God and others, it requires a transformed heart, as true serving is not possible without a changed life (See Gal. 1: 13 - 24; Heb. 6: 10). To articulate that serving God must align with being saved and guided by divine inspiration to avoid embarrassment, it’s worthwhile we consider the events in Acts 19:13-16; Acts 16: 6 - 10.
In a sense, without being saved, while harboring pride, worldliness, materialism, fear of failure, busyness, lack of faith, greed, selfishness, bitterness, anger, anxiety, resentment, worries, being distracted and lack of reverence for God are pitfalls, a person cannot truly serve God while living this way, as these are fundamental obstacles that block genuine service. Even when believers know these things, often they shrink and trade the high calling of kingdom service.
Building upon our previous study, we engaged in a focused reflection on the narratives in Matt. 25: 1-13 and Luke 19: 11-27 as prime examples of “Divine blessings and Missed opportunity,” to serve as warning and reminder for ourselves to remain watchful and service ready when the Lord comes.
Questions
1. The Apostle Paul following his conversion described his life as a bond-slave to Jesus Christ, he focused entirely on finishing his assigned work to spread the Gospel sacrificially despite intense suffering and death threats (2 Cor. 11: 16 –33).
A. What, in your view, drives Paul’s daily sense of obligation
B. Reading Heb. 12: 2, highlight the triumph of faith over adversity in the story of Esther and Mordecai in Esther 3: 1 – 6; 4: 5-17; 5:1 - 10, 7:1 - 10. From the story. draw a parallel with Luke 22: 47 - 53 regarding the different events and explain what each biblical narrative illustrates.
2. The intent of our actions is important. Comment on what should affect our action to work according to Colossians 3: 22 - 25. Discuss other related reasons that’s the cause of tension. Explain what usually influence your attitude to work and serving Christ.
A. In Mark 10: 35-45 and Matt. 20: 20-28, several people make a request. With 1 Kings 2: 19 and Psalm 110:1, discuss what you think they were anticipating from Jesus. Explain anything you found interesting from how the discussion continued regarding God’s kingdom.
B. Paul in Galatians 5: 13-15 discuss our former way of life of slavery before salvation. In view of the demands, obligations and negative consequences of slavery, what are ways to approach freedom because of responsibilities in Christ. How can the church help believers to avoid falling back.
3. Matt 24: 36 - 40 and Lk. 17: 26-35 talks about sudden separation between the righteous and the wicked. As a follower of Christ, what services and work would you be doing to demonstrate physical readiness at the return of Christ.
A. Hebrews 6: 10-12 emphasize acts of service and show the purpose of continuing in hard work. How does the text change your attitude and motivate you for service.
B. According to Proverbs 19:17, God takes personal responsibility for kindness shown to the poor. How is generosity towards the poor viewed. What, from this passage can you highlight regarding serving the poor
4. Romans 12: 9 -13 outlines practical markers of genuine Christianity and fervent service. Reflect on the practical application of the passage in your own life and discuss one thing you are doing to encourage others emulate you.
A. Which of these instructions in Romans 12: 9-13 is most challenging for you. Cite any example(s) to explain your reason
B. What does it mean to be fervent in service, and how can one remain fervent and not get weary considering the demand of work and daily family and professional life
C. Ephesians 2: 10 states that a believer is God’s workmanship created by God to perform good works. How does this affect the view of your personal identity and any work that you feel God has called you to do.
