How To Have Joy In Serving Series

HOW TO HAVE JOY IN SERVING

James 1:1-4 (NASB)

(1) James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are

dispersed abroad, greetings. {2} Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, {3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. {4} And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Introduction

There is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness depends on happenings, joy depends on a persons relationship with the Lord. When we serve the Lord we can serve with joy.

We might be doing a undesirable work but if we are doing it for the Lord; we can do it with joy. Notice the text and the emphasis of realizing the joy that is ours.

1. REALIZE THE . . PURPOSE OF SERVING.

2. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SALUTATIONS.

3. REALIZE THE . . PURPOSE OF STRUGGLES.

4. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SUPREMACY.

HOW TO HAVE JOY IN SERVING:

1. REALIZE THE PURPOSE OF SERVING. v 1 a

1 a "James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,. . . "

A. A Bond Servant. Mentioned 25 times in 24 verses)

Strong’s # 1401 doulos (doo’-los); from 1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary;

Strong’s # 1210 deo (deh’-o); a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively): KJV-- bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. See also 1163, 1189.

Strong’s # 1189 deomai (deh’-om-ahee); middle voice of 1210; to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition: KJV-- beseech, pray (to), make request. Compare 4441. ***. deon. See 1163.

Strong’s # 1163 dei (die); third person singular active present of 1210; used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding): KJV-- behooved, be meet, must (needs), (be)

SLAVE, SLAVERY

Paul spoke of himself as a "servant," a word sometimes rendered as "bond-servant" but frequently also as "slave" Titus 1:1>. Christians, especially ministers, are not hired servants but slaves committed to service to Jesus. A slave does not manage his own life. The person who calls himself a slave of Christ acknowledges that the Savior has power over him. (from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

Rom 6:16-18 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (KJV)

B. A Bond Servant of God..

C. A Bond Servant of Jesus Christ.

1. My conversation with my grandson as he asked "why does the Bible call us slaves.

Acts 16:17, Rev 1:1, 2:20, of Jesus Phil 2:7

ILLUSTRATION:

Finding his newly-appointed pastor standing at his study window in the church weeping as he looked over the inner city’s tragic conditions, a layman sought to console him: "Don’t worry. After you’ve been here a while, you’ll get used to it." Responded the minister, "Yes, I know. That’s why I am crying."

APPLICATION:

When we recognize ourselves as bond-servants we will not get used to it. It will remain a privilege, and a joy to serve.

HOW TO HAVE JOY IN SERVING:

2. REALIZE THE . . PRIVILEGE OF SALUTATIONS. v 1 b

1 b ". . . to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings. "

A. Salutations to twelve tribes who are . . Descendants.

B. Salutations to twelve tribes who are . . Dispersed

ILLUSTRATION: From Readers Digest

A service repairman in the Kansas City suburbs received a call to make a repair at the home of a family named "Sweetlands". Mr Sweetlands told him they lived near the intersection of two major country roads just as you get into Liberty and once he got to the two cross roads turn left. He would then recognize their place.

The repairman tried to get additional directions Mr Sweetlands said trust me when you get into Liberty and you turn left at the two crossroads you will see our place.

The repairman proceeded and when he got to the two cross roads he turned left and look and saw a large sign with the letters "Sweetlands of Liberty".

APPLICATION:

Those folks had fun as they greeted people. We Christians can do the same.

HOW TO HAVE JOY IN SERVING:

3. REALIZE THE . . PURPOSE OF STRUGGLES. v 2-3

{2} Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, {3} knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Trials vs Temptations, Look at verse 13.