The Marks Of A Great Christian - Serving Series

The Marks Of A Great Christian – Serving

I read a story the other day that took place in time of the Revolutionary War - our war for independence. A man dressed in civilian clothes was riding past some soldiers who were repairing a defensive barrier. Several soldiers were working while another was shouting orders at the men. The men who were working looked exhausted. The rider stopped his horse and asked the man who had been shouting the orders, “Why aren’t you helping these men?” The man who had been shouting the orders replied with great pride, “Sir, I am a corporal and I don’t do the work of a private.”

The traveler apologized, dismounted and proceeded to help the exhausted men work on the barrier. When the job was done, he returned to the corporal and said, “Mr. Corporal, I have learned that I should never ask a man to do a job that I was not willing to do myself no matter what my rank.” With that the man mounted his horse and rode off. The name of the traveler was George Washington – who was at that time, the commander-in-chief of the Army.

I don’t know if this story is true – but it does make a point. Serving others is important – no matter your position in life.

Our text for this morning comes from Matthew chapter 20.

“Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave-- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV)

Jesus has called us for a purpose. He has called us to serve one another. In fact He tells us – if we want to be “Great” we must become a servant.

WHY SHOULD WE SERVE ONE ANOTHER:

1. Because we were created to SERVE.

The Bible says that the reason that I was saved was for good works. Ephesians 2:10 says,

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)

Circle “created in Christ Jesus for good works”. This is a message for all Christians. We who are in Christ Jesus are here so we can do “good works.” If you are a Christian, you were created for service.

2. Serving is evidence that I belong to CHRIST.

The Bible says that as Christians, “We should bear fruit to God.” Romans 7:4 (NKJV) In fact the Bible goes on to say,

“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.” John 15:8 (HCSB)

God says that the way that you know that you’re a part of the body of Christ is that you serve others. It’s the proof. A non-serving Christian is a contradiction in terms. There’s no such thing.

3. Serving others is the way to SERVE GOD.

No matter what you’re doing you need to ask the question: "Why am I doing this?" An even better question is: "Who am I doing it for?" Are you doing it for the Lord? As a Christian everything you do - is to be done to the glory of the Lord! "The Bible says:

“Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23 (HCSB)

Everything we do is to be done as if it is done for God. When we serve others we should picture that we are serving Jesus. He said,

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40 (HCSB)

As I said earlier – you will be known by your fruit. Humble, willing service to others is the same thing as service to God

4. Serving is the best use of my TIME.

Here’s a riddle for you. We each have the same amount – but we each have a different amount. What is it? T-I-M-E!

We each have 24 hours in each day. Yet each of us have a different life span. 1 Corinthians 15:58 in the Message Bible says:

“Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG)

If you’re in Children’s nursery ministry and you change a diaper, it’s not without value. If you pick up a piece of trash on your way into Sunday morning worship, because you say, “Someone walking in who needs to know Jesus might be turned off by this,” that’s not worthless. It’s of value. If you open a door for someone who needs help, and you do it in the name of Jesus, it’s not a waist of time.