HEART WORK EVIDENCE #2—SPIRIT DRIVEN SERVICE

In verse nine of Romans chapter one, the apostle Paul revealed a second type of work, one in terms of Christian service, that had been done, and was being done in his own heart when he wrote: “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son.” These words underscore what is meant by our being “labourers together with God” (1 Cor. 3:9). Heart work involves collaboration between the Holy Spirit and ourselves in terms of our cultivation of His work in us that makes it possible for us to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Heb. 12:28).

Heart work relative to service is in play whenever and wherever believers simultaneously (1) recognize their total dependence on the Spirit, and (2) accept responsibility for the guarding and keeping of their own hea rts (Prov. 23:4). Preaching, teaching, pastoring, witnessing, ushering, helping in the nursery at church or upholding the responsibilities of a husband and father or as a wife and mother, etc. must be done “with our spirit,” not “in the flesh” because, “It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing” (Rom. 8:8; John 6:63).

Christians may have reason to suspect that the heart work necessary to acceptable, effectual Christian service is missing in their own lives.  “Christian service” can be lifeless and loveless (Heb. 9:14; 1 Cor. 13:1-3). A person may be good at doing, or enjoy doing, or be praised for doing “Christian service” that is done entirely in their flesh and for the sake of flesh (Col. 3:23, 24). But it’s possible for Christians to know, as many of them have known and know, that their service is Spirit-driven; the outcome of work done and being done in their hearts. It’s possible to be fully assured in heart and mind, and to be able to say as Paul said, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son.”

In closing his letter to the Romans, Paul mentioned his desire to personally visit and minister to them. Then, in verse 29 he gives them an assurance of his utmost confidence that whenever that time came they would be wonderfully blessed: “And I am sure,” he wrote, “that, when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” This is the confidence men need when they “come unto” the churches they pastor; the assurance men and women need as they “come unto” each other in their spousal roles and as they “come unto” their children as parents. It’s the kind of confidence we need when we “come unto” the lost with the gospel.

Can you say today confidently as Paul did, “I serve with my spirit?” This confidence is possible to any and all who will collaborate with the Holy Spirit in the work that God wants to do in and on their hearts. Read Phil 2:13; 4:13.