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.
4. Serve Compassionately
Gal 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Luke 10:27 So he answered and said, ““You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
Through love, we serve compassionately. When we love those whom we are serving, we do so with great compassion.
Matt. 18:33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’
Hindrances to Being a Servant
1. A Proud Heart
1Pet. 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Luke 1:51 He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly.
Pride causes us to think we can do more than we can, and convinces us we deserve special treatment, recognition, or honor. Pride causes us to think less of others and too much of ourselves.
- Priscilla Shier
1John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
2. A Selfish Heart
Phil. 2:3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Remember our Vision
One of our goals here at TRBC is to have over 5000 lay ministers who will serve the members of our church and our community.
And the only way we are going to do this is to follow the words of I Peter 4:9-11 NIV
9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Remember our Message
The best way to serve people is not just to give them what they need PHYSICALLY …but to provide for them what they need SPIRITUALLY!
Charitable deeds and actions do indeed reflect the love of Christ…but you need to explain to them WHY you are so passionate about serving them.
WHY?
Because your life has been touched and changed by a Holy God who has given you an eternal hope and joy…and to show Him how much you are thankful for all He has done for YOU, you want to show at least a sampling of that great love to OTHERS by serving them!
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
