Serving God is a privilege and a calling, but it requires grace to do it acceptably. The Bible teaches that not all service is acceptable to God. Some people serve half-heartedly, while others serve with the wrong motives. Hebrews 12:28 (KJV) says:
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”
This verse highlights the importance of grace in serving God in a way that pleases Him. But what does it mean to receive grace to serve? How can we ensure that our service is acceptable? This topic explores the role of grace in service, how to receive it, and how to serve God acceptably.
1. Understanding the Grace to Serve God
A. What Is Grace?
Grace is God’s divine enablement. It is the supernatural help that allows believers to live righteously and serve faithfully. Without grace, human efforts fall short. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
B. Why Do We Need Grace to Serve?
- Human Strength Is Limited – No one can serve God effectively by relying on their own power (Zechariah 4:6).
- Spiritual Opposition Exists – The devil resists those who serve God, making grace essential for victory.
- Acceptable Service Requires Purity – Without God’s grace, our motives and actions can be impure (Isaiah 64:6).
Grace empowers believers to serve with sincerity, joy, and effectiveness.
2. How to Receive Grace to Serve God
A. Through Humility
God gives more grace to the humble but resists the proud (James 4:6). Those who recognize their need for divine help will receive it.
B. Through Prayer
Grace is freely available, but it must be accessed through prayer. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to approach God’s throne to receive grace in time of need.
C. Through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the source of divine strength. When believers yield to Him, He supplies the power and wisdom needed for effective service (Acts 1:8).
D. Through the Word of God
God’s Word is a channel of grace. The more believers meditate on scripture, the more they are equipped to serve (Acts 20:32).
E. Through Fellowship with Other Believers
Encouragement and accountability from fellow Christians help believers grow in grace and strength. Proverbs 27:17 states:
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Receiving grace requires a heart open to God, persistent prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
3. Characteristics of Acceptable Service
A. Done with Reverence and Godly Fear
Hebrews 12:28 emphasizes that acceptable service must be reverent and full of godly fear. This means respecting God’s holiness and serving with sincerity.
B. Rooted in Love for God
Service that pleases God is done out of love, not obligation. Jesus said in John 14:15:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
True service is an expression of devotion and gratitude.
C. Done with a Willing Heart
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Serving out of duty or pressure is not acceptable. A willing heart makes service joyful and impactful.
D. According to God’s Will
Saul lost his kingdom because he offered a sacrifice outside of God’s instructions (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Acceptable service aligns with God’s commands and purposes.
E. Produces Spiritual Fruit
A life of service should reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When believers serve with grace, they exhibit love, patience, and humility.
4. Hindrances to Serving God Acceptably
A. Selfish Ambition
Some people serve for personal gain or recognition, but Jesus warned against seeking human approval (Matthew 6:1).
B. Sin and Disobedience
Unrepented sin blocks the flow of grace and makes service unacceptable to God. Believers must strive for holiness (2 Timothy 2:21).
C. Lack of Faith
Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Serving with doubt or fear limits the power of grace.
D. Burnout and Discouragement
Serving without relying on grace leads to spiritual exhaustion. Jesus invites believers to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
To serve acceptably, believers must remove selfish motives, sin, doubt, and discouragement.
5. The Rewards of Serving God Acceptably
A. Divine Blessings
God rewards faithful servants. Malachi 3:17 says:
“And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.”
B. Eternal Rewards
Jesus promises eternal treasures to those who serve Him faithfully (Matthew 25:21).
C. Spiritual Growth
Serving God deepens faith, increases wisdom, and strengthens character.
D. Impact on Others
A life of service inspires others and expands God’s kingdom.
Receiving grace to serve God acceptably is essential for meaningful and effective service. True service is done with reverence, love, and a willing heart. It aligns with God’s will and produces lasting fruit.
To receive grace, believers must humble themselves, pray, rely on the Holy Spirit, and meditate on God’s Word. Hindrances such as selfish ambition, sin, doubt, and burnout must be avoided.
Serving God with grace leads to blessings, spiritual growth, and eternal rewards. May every believer seek the grace to serve God acceptably and faithfully.