Iserve - This Is What Christ Wants Us To Do

iTruths – iServe

Serving others. That is where our faith goes into action. This is where we take what we believe, take the love of Christ that is within us, and affect others with it. This is what Christ wants us to do.

We continue our iTruths: Life Lessons for the iPod Generation series. Three weeks ago we started this series with iKnow-standing on truth, absolute truth. Then, two weeks ago, we focused on iLove-loving people with the love of Christ. Last week, we discussed iTell-sharing what Christ has done for us with others.

Today we talk about serving. You see, this natural progression that we talked about last week. First, you know the truth. Next, you love people because you do stand on truth. Then, if you love people with the love of Christ, you are naturally going to want to tell others about Christ. Well today, that progression continues.

Naturally, you want to serve others if you are following these principles. Service to others is Christ’s plan for us. You know, in today’s world, there are books on leadership, there are conferences on how to be a leader, how to be an influencer, how to make a difference. People will buy tapes, CD’s, DVD’s and all forms of other information that can help them become a leader.

However, Christ gave us the perfect picture of what it takes to be a leader in the Bible. He gave us everything we will ever need in relation to leadership in His example, His life and His death. Christ teaches us that to be a leader, we must be a servant.

Matt. 20:26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.

Matt. 23:11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

This is the perfect picture of what it means to be a leader. TO serve. We should serve others with the love of Christ.

Today, I want to focus on some things we need to understand in order to become leaders in God’s kingdom by serving others.

Four Principles of the iServe Lifestyle

1. Serve Intentionally

Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

The word “look” is the Greek word “Skopeo” (Skaw-PEH-oh) which we get our word “scope” – like “telescope.” Meaning, we are to ZOOM IN on the things of others…hone in on…take a close, critical look NOT on our things, but on the things of others!

Therefore you need to get into the lives of these people – care about them – ask them how their lives are doing – pray for them – follow up with them – take food to their homes when they are ill – send them holiday cards – pray for their children when they begin school – etc…

We need to make every effort to intentionally be looking for ways to serve the needs of others.

2. Serve Continually

John 13:12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

Focus on always serving, as Christ gave us the example. Service is not something we do in the midst of a church sponsored outreach, then we go back to our regular non-serving ways.

3. Serve Thankfully

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.