Have you ever intentionally paused and thought about the incredible cost and benefit of your freedom in Jesus Christ? A true and real eternal redemption from sin and death? In a world that demands our allegiance to many temporal things, how do we respond to God who has delivered us?
As redeemed people in Christ, we are called to serve God in both our worship and service daily, not out of obligation, but as an outworking of His saving grace. Let’s briefly look at the foundation of our redemption, and practical ways to serve our redeemer.
I. First, Understanding our Redemption in Christ
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)
Redemption for the believer is God’s sovereign act of purchasing sinners from bondage to sin and death through Christ’s atoning work in his life, death, resurrection and glorious ascension. We were helpless, but God brought rescue out of His love and for His glory. This motivates us to a joyful obedience and a life of service. We serve because we are free in Christ.
“Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Titus 2:14 (ESV)
As one theologian put it:
“We are not our own: let us therefore live for him and die for him. We are God’s: let his wisdom and will therefore rule all our actions.”
II. Serving in Worship: Responding to Redemption
Worship is our response to redemption, viewing it as a “spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1 ESV). This includes gathered worship (instruction from the Word of God, observing the ordinances, singing, giving) and personal devotion.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Because of God’s mercies in saving us, worship becomes a joyful act of surrender.
III. Practical Ways We Can Worship & Serve
Just as God redeemed a people for Himself – see Pastor Zad’s great message on this – (Exodus 19:5-6, 1 Peter 2:9), Christ calls the redeemed into service. Here are four ways we live out this response of worship and service (not exhaustive), each motivated by joyful obedience because of our deliverance.
1: Gather with the Saints in Worship
Gather with the local church to praise God and lift high the name of Jesus through singing, prayer, giving, hearing the preached Word, and observing the ordinances. God has redeemed us to be an intentional community of believers.
Application: Commit to regular attendance and participate. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not spectators, we gather together to participate in worship and celebrate the resurrection. May we intentionally prepare our hearts beforehand through prayer.
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.” (Psalm 107:2, ESV)
2: Lovingly and Humbly Serving
We look to Christ’s servant leadership by meeting needs, reflecting our savior who “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
Application: Serve your family, those around you and in the marketplace by carrying out acts of self-sacrificial love, compassion and outreach.
“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28, ESV)
3: Pursue Holiness in Daily Obedience
Live out redemption by killing sin and pursuing holiness in your work, relationships, and daily life. As a delivered people, we are “zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14 ESV)
Application: Begin each day intentionally with the Lord. Saturate your heart with scripture reading and prayer. Put Biblical principles into practice at home, your job, and community.
“If Christ has died for me, then I cannot live in sin any longer, but must arouse myself to love and serve Him who hath redeemed me.” – CH Spurgeon
4: Proclaim the Gospel to the Lost
Fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
Application: Build relationships with those around you and share the Gospel. “Reflect Jesus to those who God has placed you with.”
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)
V. Closing Thoughts
Paul cuts it straight: “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20, ESV)
May this anonymous puritan prayer be a pattern for our lives as we seek him.
“GREAT GOD, In public and private, in sanctuary and home, may my life be steeped in prayer, filled with the spirit of grace and supplication, each prayer perfumed with the incense of atoning blood. Help me, defend me, until from praying ground I pass to the realm of unceasing praise. Urged by my need, invited by thy promises, called by thy Spirit, I enter thy presence, worshipping thee with godly fear, awed by thy majesty, greatness, glory, but encouraged by thy love.” – The Valley of Vision