THE BLESSING OF SERVICE

Title: THE BLESSING OF SERVICE

By Rev Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Kings 4:8-17 - "And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman; and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread... And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid." 

Supporting Text: Matthew 10:41 - "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward." 

INTRODUCTION 
Service is a powerful spiritual principle that opens the doors to God's blessings. In the Kingdom of God, greatness is not determined by how much we are served but by how much we serve others. The story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:8-17 is a profound example of how service to God and His servants can bring unexpected blessings and miracles. Jesus also emphasized this in Matthew 10:41, saying that those who receive a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet's reward. This sermon will explore the blessing that comes from a heart of service, the principles that govern it, and how we can position ourselves to receive God's favour and reward through serving others.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF SERVICE 

a) Service as a Means of Honouring God (Matthew 25:40) 
Jesus taught that whatever we do to the least of His brethren, we do it to Him. Service is a form of honouring God, whether through hospitality, generosity, or caring for the needy. When we serve others, especially those who represent God, we honour God Himself.

b) Service Requires Sacrifice (2 Kings 4:10)
The Shunammite woman went beyond mere hospitality by building a room for Elisha. This was a significant sacrifice, as it involved her time, resources, and space. Genuine service often requires us to go beyond our comfort zones, making sacrifices that may not always be convenient but are rewarded by God.

c) Service Positions Us for Divine Visitation (2 Kings 4:11-13)
Because of her service, the Shunammite woman caught the attention of the prophet Elisha. Her act of kindness positioned her for a divine visitation. When we serve, we create an atmosphere for God's presence and blessings to manifest in our lives.

2. THE PRINCIPLES THAT GOVERN THE BLESSING OF SERVICE

a) Serving with Sincerity and Humility (Colossians 3:23-24)
The Shunammite woman served Elisha out of genuine love and respect, not for any personal gain. Colossians 3:23-24 teaches us to serve wholeheartedly as unto the Lord and not unto men. The blessing comes when our service is sincere and from the heart.

b) Recognizing and Honouring God’s Servants (Matthew 10:41)
Matthew 10:41 underscores the importance of recognizing and honouring God's servants. The Shunammite woman recognized Elisha as a holy man of God and decided to honour him through her service. In the same way, when we honour those who carry God's anointing, we attract the rewards and blessings that come with that anointing.

c) Consistent and Persistent Service (Galatians 6:9)
Service is not a one-time act but a continuous commitment. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we shall reap if we do not give up. The Shunammite woman's consistent hospitality paved the way for her miracle. Persistency in service always pays off.

3. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF THE BLESSING OF SERVICE

a) The Shunammite Woman: A Son as a Reward for Her Service (2 Kings 4:15-17) 
Because of her service to Elisha, the Shunammite woman received a prophetic word that she would have a son, despite being barren for many years. Her service opened the door to a miracle that she could not have obtained otherwise. This shows that God sees our acts of service and rewards them in His time.

b) Cornelius: Service and Generosity that Led to Salvation (Acts 10:1-4) 
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, was known for his generosity and prayers. His service to others came up as a memorial before God, leading to his household's salvation. This demonstrates that our acts of service are remembered by God and can lead to divine breakthroughs.

c) Dorcas (Tabitha): A Life of Service that Led to Resurrection (Acts 9:36-41) 
Dorcas was known for her acts of kindness and charity. When she died, the widows she had served wept for her, and Peter prayed and raised her from the dead. Her service to others brought her back to life, showing that God does not forget those who serve faithfully.

4. HOW TO POSITION OURSELVES FOR THE BLESSING OF SERVICE 

a) Serve with a Willing Heart (Isaiah 1:19)
Isaiah 1:19 says, "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land." A willing heart is crucial in service. When we serve willingly and joyfully, we position ourselves for God’s blessings.

b) Serve in Love and Compassion (1 Peter 4:10) 
Service must be motivated by love. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages us to use whatever gifts we have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace. When we serve out of love and compassion, we reflect the heart of God and draw His blessings.

c) Be Sensitive to Divine Opportunities to Serve (Galatians 6:10)
Galatians 6:10 instructs us to do good to all, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. We must be sensitive to opportunities to serve and act promptly when they arise. The Shunammite woman recognized the opportunity to serve Elisha and seized it, leading to her blessing.

CONCLUSION
Service is a powerful key to unlocking God's blessings in our lives. It is more than just a duty; it is a calling and an expression of our love for God. The stories of the Shunammite woman, Cornelius, and Dorcas remind us that God rewards those who serve with sincerity, humility, and love. As we serve God and others, let us do so with a willing heart, expecting that our labor in the Lord is not in vain. May we continually position ourselves for the blessing of service, knowing that our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Lord, grant me a heart that is willing and eager to serve You and others."

2. "Father, help me to serve with sincerity and humility, without expecting anything in return."

3. "O God, open my eyes to see divine opportunities to serve and give me the grace to act on them."

4. "Lord, let my service be a sweet-smelling offering before You and bring glory to Your name."

5. "Father, reward my service to Your kingdom and let my life be a testimony of Your goodness."

6. "O God, strengthen me not to grow weary in doing good, for I know my reward is in You."

7. "Lord, let my service open doors of favour and breakthrough in my life."

8. "Father, give me a heart of compassion and love for those in need."

9. "O God, may my service to others reflect Your love and draw people to You."

10. "Lord, use my service to advance Your Kingdom and make an eternal impact in the lives of others."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that your service to God and His people will bring you divine rewards and blessings.

2. I decree that every seed of service you have sown will yield a hundredfold return in Jesus' name.

3. I proclaim that as you honour God's servants and serve His Kingdom, doors of favour and opportunity will open for you.

4. I declare that the blessings of God will locate you as you faithfully serve with a pure heart.

5. I decree that you will not grow weary in doing good; your season of reward is here.

6. I proclaim that God will remember your service and honour you with unexpected miracles.

7. I declare that your service will bring healing, restoration, and breakthroughs to you and your family.

8. I decree that you will be a vessel of honour, used by God to bless many through your service.

9. I declare that divine favour will follow you wherever you go because of your heart of service.

10. I proclaim that you will receive a prophet's reward as you honour and serve God’s servants in Jesus' name.