SERVING AS UNTO CHRIST

SERVING AS UNTO CHRIST

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:5-8

Key Verse: “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:” — Ephesians 6:7 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 25:21; Luke 16:10; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 6:10; 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Description: This sermon teaches believers to approach every responsibility with wholehearted commitment, integrity and goodwill, recognising that their ultimate service is rendered to Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Service is an important part of the Christian life. Every believer has been called to serve God and contribute positively to the lives of others. Whether we are pastors, church workers, employees, business owners, parents, civil servants or community leaders, our responsibilities provide opportunities to demonstrate our faith. However, the value of our service is determined not only by what we do but also by the spirit and motives with which we do it.

In Ephesians 6:7, the Apostle Paul writes, “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” This instruction follows his teaching about servants and masters in Ephesians 6:5-8. Paul encourages believers to serve sincerely, not merely to impress their earthly superiors. Although the original passage addresses servants in the social setting of Paul's time, its central principle remains relevant to Christian conduct today: whatever responsibilities we undertake, we should fulfil them faithfully as people who are ultimately accountable to Christ.

Serving as unto Christ transforms our attitude towards work, ministry and everyday duties. It teaches us that no honest assignment is insignificant when performed for God's glory. We do not need constant supervision, public applause or immediate rewards before doing what is right. When Christ becomes the focus of our service, we learn to work with diligence, treat people with respect, maintain integrity and persevere even when our efforts are not appreciated by others.

1. RECOGNISE CHRIST AS THE ONE YOU ARE SERVING

The foundation of serving as unto Christ is the understanding that Jesus is our ultimate Lord. Human beings may assign responsibilities, supervise our work or evaluate our performance, but the Christian's highest allegiance belongs to Christ. This awareness should influence our conduct in the workplace, the church, the home and every other area of responsibility.

When we recognise Christ as the One we are serving, we stop measuring our faithfulness only by human approval. We become more concerned about pleasing God than impressing people. This does not mean that earthly authorities are irrelevant; rather, it means that our conduct towards them must be governed by our commitment to Christ and His Word.

a) Christ Is Your Ultimate Master (Colossians 3:23-24)

Paul instructs believers to do their work heartily, as to the Lord and not merely to people, knowing that they will receive the reward of the inheritance from the Lord Christ. This teaching establishes Christ as the ultimate focus of Christian service.

A worker may have a manager, a church member may have a pastor, and a student may have a teacher, but every believer remains accountable to the Lord. Remembering this helps us maintain integrity even when human expectations are unclear or recognition is absent.

Practical Application: Before beginning your daily responsibilities, remind yourself that you are representing Christ. Perform your duties in a way that honours Him, regardless of who is watching.

b) Make God's Glory Your Goal (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Paul teaches that whether we eat or drink or do anything else, we should do all to the glory of God. This means that Christian service extends beyond activities traditionally considered religious.

A person can glorify God by teaching a class diligently, serving customers honestly, managing money responsibly, caring for children faithfully or maintaining a clean and safe environment. Ordinary responsibilities become opportunities for worship when performed with the right heart.

Practical Application: Ask yourself whether your daily actions bring honour to Christ. Let your honesty, diligence, speech and treatment of others reflect your Christian faith.

c) Serve with a Clear Conscience (Acts 24:16)

Paul declared that he exercised himself to maintain a conscience void of offence towards God and people. A clear conscience is important because sincere service requires more than outward performance; it requires a commitment to what is right.

A person who serves as unto Christ should not knowingly engage in fraud, deception, exploitation or the misuse of entrusted resources. When mistakes occur, the believer should acknowledge them and seek to make things right.

Practical Application: Examine your decisions and relationships. Correct dishonest practices, fulfil your obligations and seek forgiveness wherever your actions have wronged others.

d) Remember That God Sees the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7)

God told Samuel that people look at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. People may judge service by visible results, impressive performances or public recognition, but God also knows the motives behind every action.

Two people may perform the same task while having different intentions. One may serve out of love for Christ, while another seeks status or personal advantage. Sincere Christian service requires us to examine our motives continually.

Practical Application: Pray for God to purify your intentions. Serve to honour Christ and bless others rather than merely to attract attention or gain influence.

Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:2-9)

Joseph served in Potiphar's house with responsibility and integrity. When faced with temptation, he refused to sin against God, even though the circumstances offered an opportunity to act secretly. His response demonstrates that sincere service is rooted in accountability to God, not merely in fear of human punishment.

2. SERVE WITH GOODWILL AND A WILLING HEART

Ephesians 6:7 specifically instructs believers to serve “with good will.” Goodwill describes a willing, constructive and sincere attitude towards the work entrusted to us. It is the opposite of resentment, deliberate obstruction, careless effort and constant complaining.

A person may perform a task outwardly while inwardly resisting every part of it. Such an attitude can damage relationships and reduce the quality of service. Serving with goodwill does not mean that every assignment will be enjoyable or every situation fair. It means that we seek to fulfil legitimate responsibilities with a willing heart while addressing genuine concerns in an appropriate manner.

a) Serve Willingly, Not Reluctantly (Psalm 100:2)

The psalmist calls God's people to serve the Lord with gladness. Service offered willingly reflects gratitude for God's goodness and a desire to honour Him.

Willingness does not mean that we will always feel enthusiastic. There may be days when we are tired or discouraged. Nevertheless, we can choose to maintain a responsible attitude and ask God to renew our strength.

Practical Application: Begin your duties with prayer and a willingness to do your best. When you feel discouraged, remind yourself of the purpose of your service and seek God's help.

b) Avoid Murmuring and Unnecessary Disputes (Philippians 2:14-15)

Paul instructs believers to do all things without murmuring and disputing. Constant complaining can weaken unity, discourage others and turn even a meaningful assignment into a source of conflict.

This does not mean that Christians must remain silent about injustice or unsafe practices. Legitimate problems should be raised respectfully. The warning concerns an attitude of persistent negativity that refuses to cooperate or seek constructive solutions.

Practical Application: When difficulties arise, communicate respectfully and propose solutions. Avoid spreading rumours, creating unnecessary conflict or allowing dissatisfaction to control your behaviour.

c) Serve Out of Love (Galatians 5:13)

Paul teaches believers to serve one another by love. Love helps us see service as an opportunity to contribute to the welfare of others rather than as a burden imposed upon us.

When love motivates our actions, we become more considerate and patient. We are more willing to help others succeed and less likely to resent every request for assistance.

Practical Application: Consider how your work benefits others. Treat colleagues, church members, customers and family members with kindness and respect.

d) Give Your Best Without Constant Complaints (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Ecclesiastes encourages people to do with their might what their hands find to do. The principle highlights the importance of wholehearted effort while opportunities remain available.

A sincere servant does not deliberately produce poor work simply because the task is difficult or the reward seems small. Instead, the person seeks to fulfil the assignment responsibly and improve where necessary.

Practical Application: Identify your responsibilities and complete them diligently. If the workload is unreasonable or resources are inadequate, communicate the problem clearly while maintaining a constructive attitude.

Biblical Example: Ruth (Ruth 2:2-12)

Ruth worked diligently to gather grain for herself and Naomi. Her willingness, humility and responsible conduct became evident to Boaz, who recognised her character. Her story illustrates the value of working faithfully even in humble circumstances and difficult seasons.

3. BE FAITHFUL WHETHER YOU ARE WATCHED OR NOT

One of the major challenges in service is the temptation to work only when someone is observing. Ephesians 6:6 warns against eye-service, which is work performed primarily to please people. The sincere believer understands that faithfulness must be rooted in conviction rather than supervision.

A person who works well only when the supervisor is present has not yet developed the discipline of genuine integrity. Christian service calls for consistency in public and private. The same honesty, diligence and responsibility should be evident whether our efforts receive immediate attention or remain unnoticed.

a) Reject Eye-Service (Ephesians 6:6)

Paul warns servants not to serve with eye-service as people-pleasers. Eye-service occurs when a person appears hardworking in front of a supervisor but becomes careless when supervision is removed.

Such behaviour places appearance above character. It may produce temporary praise, but it undermines trust and prevents genuine excellence.

Practical Application: Work according to your responsibilities and agreed standards. Do not wait for someone to arrive before doing what you already know you should do.

b) Maintain Integrity in Secret (Proverbs 10:9)

The Bible teaches that the person who walks in integrity walks securely, while the one who follows crooked ways will be found out. Integrity requires consistency between public conduct and private decisions.

A sincere believer does not misuse confidential information, falsify records, take what belongs to others or exploit opportunities simply because detection seems unlikely.

Practical Application: Make honest decisions when nobody is watching. Protect entrusted resources, handle information responsibly and refuse dishonest shortcuts.

c) Be Faithful in Small Things (Luke 16:10)

Jesus teaches that the person who is faithful in what is least will also be faithful in much. Small responsibilities reveal habits and attitudes that influence how we handle greater opportunities.

People sometimes desire promotion while neglecting the duties they already possess. However, faithfulness begins with the assignment currently in our hands.

Practical Application: Take simple duties seriously. Keep appointments, maintain accurate records, return borrowed items and fulfil promises even when the task appears insignificant.

d) Remember That God Sees Everything (Hebrews 4:13)

Hebrews teaches that no creature is hidden from God's sight. Everything is open before the One to whom we must give account.

This truth should encourage integrity rather than produce unhealthy fear. God sees the faithful work that others overlook, and He also knows when people misuse their positions or deceive those who trust them.

Practical Application: Live with the awareness of God's presence. Before making a questionable decision, ask whether it honours Christ and whether you could defend it with a clear conscience before Him.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:4-5)

Daniel's opponents searched for grounds to accuse him concerning his official responsibilities but could find no corruption or negligence. His life demonstrated consistency in public service. Daniel teaches believers that integrity should be a defining feature of their work.

4. SERVE WITH DILIGENCE AND EXCELLENCE

Serving as unto Christ requires more than good intentions. It also requires diligence, preparation, competence and responsible effort. A person may sincerely desire to honour God but still fail to fulfil a responsibility because of carelessness or a refusal to learn.

Excellence does not mean that a believer must be perfect or never make mistakes. It means taking work seriously, developing necessary skills, learning from correction and doing what can reasonably be done to achieve good results. When we serve with excellence, we demonstrate respect for God, for those who depend on our work and for the opportunities entrusted to us.

a) Work with All Your Might (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

The writer of Ecclesiastes encourages people to do with their might what their hands find to do. This principle calls for wholehearted effort rather than laziness or unnecessary delay.

A diligent person plans, prepares and takes ownership of responsibilities. Such a person does not habitually postpone tasks or depend on others to correct avoidable mistakes.

Practical Application: Organise your time, prepare adequately and complete your assignments within reasonable deadlines. Identify weaknesses in your work and take practical steps to improve.

b) Develop Your Gifts and Skills (Exodus 35:30-35)

The Bible describes Bezalel and other workers who were equipped with wisdom, understanding and craftsmanship for the construction of the tabernacle. Their example shows that skill can be an important part of serving God.

Church workers, employees, professionals and business owners should continually improve their competence. Spiritual enthusiasm does not remove the need for preparation, training or responsible planning.

Practical Application: Learn the skills required for your assignment. Welcome constructive feedback, pursue appropriate training and ask experienced people for guidance when necessary.

c) Be Dependable in Your Responsibilities (1 Corinthians 4:2)

Paul teaches that stewards must be found faithful. Dependability means that people can reasonably trust us to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to us.

When a person repeatedly breaks promises, arrives late without explanation or abandons tasks, others are forced to carry an unfair burden. Faithfulness includes communicating honestly and taking responsibility when circumstances change.

Practical Application: Keep your commitments and inform the appropriate person promptly when a problem arises. Do not make promises carelessly or leave responsibilities unattended without explanation.

d) Use Resources Wisely (Luke 16:11-12)

Jesus teaches the importance of faithfulness in handling worldly resources and responsibilities. Money, equipment, time and organisational property must be managed honestly.

A sincere servant does not waste resources or treat entrusted property as personal possessions. Responsible stewardship protects the interests of the organisation and demonstrates integrity before God.

Practical Application: Keep accurate records, protect equipment, avoid waste and account properly for resources under your care.

Biblical Example: Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-5)

God equipped Bezalel with wisdom and skill for the work of the tabernacle. His example demonstrates that diligence and craftsmanship can be used for God's glory. Believers should develop their abilities and use them responsibly in whatever assignment they receive.

5. SERVE WITH HUMILITY AND WITHOUT SELF-SEEKING

Serving as unto Christ requires humility. Some people serve only when they are given prominent positions, public recognition or opportunities for personal advancement. Others become discouraged when their contributions are not praised. These attitudes can turn service into a means of self-promotion.

Jesus Christ demonstrated a different pattern. He taught that greatness in God's kingdom is expressed through service, humility and love. Christian service should therefore be motivated by a desire to honour God and benefit others rather than by pride, competition or the constant need for recognition.

a) Follow the Example of Jesus (Mark 10:43-45)

Jesus taught that whoever desires to become great must be a servant. He Himself came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

This teaching challenges the idea that leadership exists merely for personal advantage. Christian leadership should seek the welfare of others and reflect the sacrificial love of Christ.

Practical Application: Look for opportunities to help others without demanding special treatment. Use whatever position you hold to serve responsibly and strengthen those around you.

b) Do Not Serve Merely for Human Praise (Matthew 6:1-4)

Jesus warned against performing acts of righteousness simply to be seen by people. He taught that good deeds should not become a performance designed to attract applause.

Public appreciation is not necessarily wrong, but it should not become the controlling motive of service. A sincere believer can continue doing good even when nobody offers praise.

Practical Application: Serve faithfully whether your contribution is publicly recognised or not. Receive appreciation with gratitude, but keep your heart focused on pleasing God.

c) Consider the Interests of Others (Philippians 2:3-4)

Paul instructs believers to reject selfish ambition and conceit and to consider the interests of others. This attitude promotes cooperation and discourages unnecessary rivalry.

In a church, workplace or family, sincere service means contributing to shared goals rather than competing for attention. It involves respecting other people's contributions and helping the whole team succeed.

Practical Application: Cooperate with others, acknowledge their efforts and avoid unnecessary competition. Ask how your contribution can benefit the entire team.

d) Serve Through Love (1 Peter 4:10)

Peter instructs believers to use their gifts to serve one another as good stewards of God's grace. Every gift and opportunity creates a responsibility to contribute to the good of others.

When service is motivated by love, people become more patient, considerate and willing to help. They understand that their abilities are entrusted to them for more than personal advancement.

Practical Application: Use your gifts to strengthen others. Treat people with dignity and make your service a channel through which God's goodness is expressed.

Biblical Example: Jesus Washing His Disciples' Feet (John 13:3-17)

Jesus washed His disciples' feet and instructed them to follow His example. Although He was their Lord and Teacher, He performed an act of humble service. His example teaches that no honest act of service is beneath a believer who desires to honour Christ.

6. TRUST GOD FOR THE REWARD OF FAITHFUL SERVICE

Ephesians 6:8 reminds believers that the Lord will reward each person for the good he or she does, whether servant or free. This gives Christian service an eternal perspective. Human recognition is temporary and sometimes unfair, but God sees every sincere act and knows the true condition of the heart.

This assurance does not mean that believers should ignore workplace injustice or accept exploitation. Christians can seek fair treatment and appropriate solutions while maintaining integrity. Nevertheless, their ultimate hope should rest in the righteous judgement of God rather than in the changing opinions of people.

a) God Does Not Forget Your Labour (Hebrews 6:10)

The Bible assures believers that God is not unrighteous to forget their work and labour of love shown towards His name. This is an encouragement to those who serve quietly without receiving public appreciation.

A person may faithfully teach children, clean the church, care for the sick, assist a colleague or fulfil duties at home without attracting applause. God sees such service when it is offered in love and faithfulness.

Practical Application: Do not despise humble assignments. Continue serving faithfully even when people fail to recognise your effort.

b) Do Not Become Weary in Doing Good (Galatians 6:9)

Paul encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, because they will reap in due season if they do not faint. Faithful service can involve disappointment, delays and seasons when results are not immediately visible.

Perseverance does not require remaining in an abusive or unsafe situation without seeking help. It means refusing to abandon what is right merely because doing good has become difficult.

Practical Application: When you feel discouraged, renew your strength through prayer, Scripture and wise counsel. Address genuine problems appropriately and remain committed to doing what is right.

c) Expect God's Commendation (Matthew 25:21)

In the parable of the talents, the faithful servant received his master's commendation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” The passage highlights the value of responsible stewardship.

The believer's goal should not be merely to accumulate titles, possessions or public praise. It should be to use God-given opportunities faithfully and live in a way that pleases the Lord.

Practical Application: Review how you are using your time, abilities and opportunities. Make the necessary changes so that your life reflects faithful stewardship.

d) Live with Eternal Accountability (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Paul reminds believers that all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ. This teaches that our conduct and service matter before God.

Christian service is not merely a means of earning earthly promotion. It is part of our stewardship before the Lord, who knows both our actions and our motives.

Practical Application: Examine your life in the light of God's Word. Repent where necessary, correct what you can and continue serving Christ with sincerity.

Biblical Example: The Faithful Servants (Matthew 25:14-23)

In Jesus' parable, the servants who faithfully used what their master entrusted to them were commended. Their example reminds believers that God expects them to use their opportunities responsibly. Faithfulness is demonstrated by what we do with what has been placed in our hands.

CONCLUSION

Serving as unto Christ is a call to wholehearted, sincere and faithful living. Ephesians 6:7 teaches that our service should be offered with goodwill, not merely to satisfy human beings but as an expression of our commitment to the Lord. This means rejecting eye-service, dishonesty, laziness, pride and the constant pursuit of recognition. It requires diligence in our duties, humility in our relationships, integrity in private and perseverance when circumstances become difficult.

Therefore, examine your heart and ask whether your service truly honours Christ. Whether you are serving in the church, at home, in business or in public office, determine to do what is right even when nobody is watching. Use your gifts responsibly, treat people with love and trust God to judge your labour justly. May the Lord make you a faithful servant whose work brings blessing to others and glory to Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to serve You with a sincere heart, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from eye-service and the desire for human praise, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me grace to work diligently and with excellence, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, remove pride, selfish ambition and dishonesty from my heart, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to remain faithful when nobody is watching, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, teach me to serve others with humility and love, in Jesus name.

7. Father, strengthen me when I become weary in doing good, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, help me to use my gifts and resources wisely, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my service bring blessing to others and glory to Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me faithful in every responsibility You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall serve the Lord with a sincere and undivided heart.

2. You shall walk in integrity, honesty and faithfulness.

3. You shall overcome the temptation to live for human approval.

4. You shall receive grace to fulfil your responsibilities with excellence.

5. Your work shall reflect the humility and character of Jesus Christ.

6. You shall remain faithful even when nobody is watching.

7. You shall not grow weary in doing what is right.

8. Your gifts and abilities shall be used for God's glory.

9. Your faithful service shall become a blessing to others.

10. You shall be found faithful in your stewardship and receive the Lord's commendation, in the mighty name of Jesus.