2023 DEEPER LIFE EASTER RETREAT EVENING MESSAGE (YOUTHS)

PAUL: SAVED TO SERVE

Acts 9:1-22; Isaih 43:1, 7, 21

Everything created by God is meant to serve a particular purpose.

However, every creature can only find their potential, purpose and
relevance in its natural habitat. And this is especially true for man.
Every young person is filled with dreams of what the future holds
for them but most often, many teenagers think less of what is God’s
plan for them. Man is made in the image of God, and it is only in
connection to God that man can find fulfilment and purpose.
Paul, who was Saul, is a perfect example (Acts 26:15-18), although
he was trained, learned and zealous, but he could not serve his
purpose until he encountered the Saviour. This is certainly the
state of many young people; they are busy running here and there,
but completely disconnected from the Saviour, thereby
disconnected from purpose. Another pitiable and pathetic state of
youths is those who are indolent and indifferent about life – they
live casually, without any sense of responsibility or duty to their
world and generation. Such youths are a waste to the kingdom and
to their generation, although they may claim to be born again.
Youths who are truly born again are purpose-driven, and given to
serving their world and generation.
1. THE FUTILITY OF STERILE SERVICE
Acts 9:1-5, John 15:1,4,5; 21:1-5, Mark 11:12-14
The youthful mind is characterized by energy, zeal, ambition. They
are often daring and ambitious, however, these zeal and energy will
be counterproductive without the life of God, even though they may
be engaged in seemingly spiritual works.
This was the representation of Paul’s life; he was zealous, and
thought he was accomplishing much for God, until he got the
shocking news of his life, that he was kicking against the bricks –
what futility! What wasted effort!
This is the lamentable state of so many young people today. They
think they are accomplishing much, they think they are making
progress, some even do some generous acts, but all these without
the life of God – without salvation is futile, because they are sterile
works – the scripture refers to them as “dead works” (Heb 6:1).
And no one can render service to God, and acceptable service to
human until they have repented from dead works (Heb 9:14)
The incident of the barren fig tree that was cursed is a picture of
many who may seem to be getting things done, but without the fruit
producing life – such, if they don’t repent will be at loss, and
disappointed at the end.

2. THE FOUNDATION OF THE SUPREME SERVICE

Acts 1:6,15,16,20,21, 1Timothy 1:11-16, Ephesians 2:1-10
Salvation, through repentance and faith in Christ Jesus is the only
foundation for remarkable, recognizable and rewardable service
unto God, and to humanity. God created everything to serve, but
man lost his original nature, as such he became unfit to serve his
purpose and please God, therefore for man to become fit and
suitable to serve and please God, he ought to be recreated and
refashioned, and this is only through an encounter with Christ, the
Word Himself through which all things were made in the first place.
Paul’s attitude after the encounter is instructive; his response was
“… Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” “And straightway he
preached Christ in the synagogues…” Paul didn’t care what men
will say or do, he began immediately to preach Christ, and serve his
purpose – “he didn’t confer with flesh and blood”
This is the expected attitude of all who truly encounter the
transforming power of Christ – they realize there is something to do,
and they plunge themselves into it. The Samaritan woman left her
pot and went to the city, Andrew brought Peter, the Demoniac went
through out Decapolis (ten cities), the jailer washed the stripes of
Paul and Silas and fed them.
There is so much service to be done for the great king in our various
schools, neighbourhoods, communities, cities and countries but we
must belong to His kingdom, before we can serve Him, and serve
Him faithfully and reward-ably. It is an acceptable maxim for every
heaven-minded Christian youth that we are saved to serve. God
almighty drew us out of the cesspool of corruption, so he can use
us as instruments to draw other young people who are languishing
in sin out too.

3. FORTIFICATION FOR SUPERNATURAL SERVICE

Acts 9:17-19,22; 13:2-12, Exodus 35:30-35
Upon Paul’s response to the call to salvation, and service, he was
immediately fortified – strengthened and empowered to serve
effectively. This is one of the things that distinguishes true
Christian youths from nominal and ungodly youths.
Whatever area of service the Lord has called us into, he has made
provision for our fortification to be highly productive.
That was why Jesus Christ said in Luke “… tarry ye in the city of
Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” And
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing
shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 24:49; 10:19)
Christian youths must understand that this power is not only for
gospel preachers, but for all Christians that desire to live a fulfilling,
fruitful and flourishing life, and this power is applicable to all areas
and sectors of life, whether business, studies, careers, ministry and
even relationships, as such all Christian youths should earnestly
covet this power, this anointing, this fortification. “for the promise
is unto you’ ‘But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me…
“(Acts 2:39; 1:8)
For any Christian youth to make a lasting and supernatural impact,
like Paul, such youth must be fortified, he must be strengthened
and empowered by the Holy Ghost. Amen!