#1497. The reward for serving God (17/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From the life of Joseph, let’s reflect on the reward promised to both employees and employers who serve God faithfully in their work. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

As we finish our reflections on godly work, we see that all of us are promised a reward as we honour God in the situations He has placed us in.

If we will ‘serve wholeheartedly’ and do so as though ‘serving the Lord, not people,’ we are promised ‘because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.’ 

Whether we are employer or employee, our true ‘Master’ Jesus will reward us - none are entitled but He gives us all the grace we need to do what He calls us to do in a way that warrants His reward. 

The example of Joseph

Joseph, from the Old Testament, is a powerful example of someone who moved from being a slave to a ruler—from the lowest position to great authority—because he was faithful to God in every season.

His life echoes Paul’s words:

Anyone who uses God’s grace as an excuse for laziness has misunderstood it. Grace does not make us passive—it empowers us to work diligently in the calling God has given us. Those who truly receive God’s grace are strengthened to labour faithfully.

Let’s briefly trace Joseph’s descent and ascent:

• Favoured but humbled – Joseph is loved by his father and given dreams of leadership, but this leads to jealousy from his brothers (Genesis 37:3–11)

• Betrayed and sold – His brothers sell him into slavery; he is taken down to Egypt (Genesis 37:23–28)

• Faithful in obscurity – In Potiphar’s house, Joseph works diligently and the Lord prospers him (Genesis 39:2–6)

• Integrity under temptation – He refuses sin with Potiphar’s wife and suffers false accusation (Genesis 39:7–20)

• Faithful in prison – Even in prison, Joseph serves well and gains trust and responsibility (Genesis 39:21–23)

• Patient in waiting – He interprets dreams but is forgotten for a time (Genesis 40:14–23)

• Exalted by God – At the right time, Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and is raised to authority (Genesis 41:14–41)

• Rewarded with responsibility – He governs Egypt wisely, preparing for famine and saving many lives (Genesis 41:46–49; 41:53–57)

• God’s greater purpose revealed – What was meant for evil, God uses for good (Genesis 50:20)

Response

Joseph’s life reflects Jesus’ teaching:

Do we truly believe that God rewards faithfulness—in our work, whether paid or unpaid (including volunteering, studying, or parenting), and whether we lead others or serve under authority?

Some rewards are experienced in this life—greater trust, influence, and opportunity. Others are eternal—an inheritance kept for us in Christ.

So today, let us work wholeheartedly, serve faithfully, and trust confidently:

Nothing done for the Lord is ever wasted, and no faithfulness goes unseen or unrewarded.

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we resumed our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

We reflected on the vital role of work in our service to God. 

Please read Ephesians 6:5-9 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Our Daily Work as Worship - What is your daily work - even if you are not in paid employment, how do you serve God each day? 

• Biblical Principles for Work - What principles does this text teach about how we are to do our work? 

• Eternal Perspective and Reward - How does the Lord ‘reward’ us for faithfully serving Him in our daily work? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Exemplary work brings God glory -  Read Titus 2:9-10: How does the way we work make the gospel attractive? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?