In Col 3:24 we read, “ye serve the Lord Christ”. With the upcoming Preachers Conference, many of us have been serving to prepare for the conference and many more will be serving during the conference.
It is helpful to see from this passage some words from the Lord that will help us to be encouraged in our labor together. We will organize our thoughts for this sermon by asking four questions. Whom, What, How, and Why.
Whom are you serving? Col 3:24, “For ye serve the Lord Christ”. While others may be the recipients of your service, and while others may be giving you instructions, in truth you are serving the Lord. He is the one who said of nations serving Israel, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”, Matt 25:40. Realize that Christ considers you service to others as service to him.
When the Lord met Saul on the road to Damascus, he said to him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me”? You see by the question that what was done against the Lord’s people, was actually done against the Lord.
So, during this conference, you’re not serving me or someone in charge or our guests. In fact, you are serving the Lord. And that is because we are all members of his body.
What are you doing? Col 3:23, “whatsoever you do”. No job done for the Lord is either too big or too small. It doesn’t make any difference whether others notice or not. Remember, that Jesus saw the widow who gave two mites and stated that her gift was the greatest.
He is also said the one that said suffer unto me the little children, and forbid them not. Small things are big deals to God. So, no matter what you do when ye serve the Lord Christ, it’s a big deal to God. And we should treat it as a big deal.
How should you do it? Col 3:23 “do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men”. Some men, during the conference, may give you a gift card to show their appreciation for your labor. Some may say, “Thank you”, when you do something kind for them. And yet someone else may just walk out and say nothing. Treat them all the same because ye serve the Lord. And he always appreciates what you do for him.
Why should you do it? Col 3:24, “Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance”. You may be taking off from work during the conference. You may be taking your vacation to be able to serve here. Or you may be self-employed and not getting paid during the time you’re here. And you’re not being paid for your service now. Nevertheless, the Lord will reward you. And your reward will be far greater than any compensation you could receive now.
As a consolation, remember Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given onto you”. Sometimes when you serve the Lord, the satisfaction you derive from serving him is greater than any rest or satisfaction you could have on vacation. This is just a unique way the Lord gives you something now before he rewards you later.
Conclusion: thank you for taking the time to serve each other and our guests during the upcoming preachers conference. I certainly appreciate what you’re doing and I know they will too. However, the one who will appreciate what you’re doing the most is the Lord Jesus Christ. Because ye serve the Lord Christ.