God Remembers Those Who Serve Him
VBC Albuquerque · Oct 8, 2023
This sermon emphasizes that serving God is never futile, even when it may appear so in the worldly perspective. God remembers and cares for those who fear Him, and those who faithfully serve Him despite hardship. The sermon encourages believers to continue serving because God will reveal their work and reward their faithfulness.
The opening section of the sermon establishes its foundation by citing Malachi 3:13-15, where God refutes the people's claim that serving Him is futile. The people complain that they keep God's commandments and walk in sorrow before the Lord of Hosts, but they see no benefit. They even argue that the arrogant and evildoers prosper, and those who challenge God escape judgment. However, God declares that they have spoken words against Him. This sets the stage for the sermon's central argument that believers' service is never worthless.
The second section develops the theological argument through specific Scripture citations about God's remembrance and recognition of His servants. Malachi 3:16 reveals that when those who fear God speak to one another, God listens and a book of remembrance is written before Him for those who fear Him. Following this, Malachi 3:17-18 promises that these people will belong to God, will become His treasured possession in the day He acts, and God will spare them as a father spares his son who serves him. The sermon also references Matthew 10:45, where Christ pledges that anyone who gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because they are a disciple will not lose their reward. These promises establish the certainty that God sees and values all faithful service.
The third section applies the message to the congregation's actual life through Scripture about final judgment and divine recognition. Matthew 25:35-36 and 25:42-43 describe how the King will judge those who served and those who neglected the poor and marginalized. When people serve by feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned, the King will say that whatever they did for the least of these, they did for Him. Conversely, those who failed to do these things will face judgment. The sermon concludes with Christ's commission concerning roles in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:27-31), affirming that each believer has a specific role and should earnestly desire the greater gifts in order to serve God and others effectively and faithfully throughout their lives.