Service in God’s Kingdom
September 16, 2012 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We connect with God’s Kingdom and God’s People by getting involved.
Focus Passage: Romans 12:1-8
Supplemental Passage: But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25 NASB)
Introduction: The great violinist, Niccolo Paganini willed his marvelous violin to city of Genoa on condition that it must never be played. The wood of such an instrument, while used and handled, wears only slightly, but set aside, it begins to decay. Paganini's lovely violin has today become worm-eaten and useless except as a relic. A Christian's unwillingness to serve may soon destroy his capacity for usefulness. J.K. Laney, Marching Orders, p. 34.
I. Service as an expression of Love
a. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (Galatians 5:13-14 NASB)
b. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. (Matthew 6:24 NASB)
II. Service as an example to others
a. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:6-8 NASB)
b. "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall 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 NASB)
III. Service as a distraction from what’s right (a warning)
a. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:40-42 NASB)
b. Martha choose to do the work and was chastised by Jesus
c. Serving God is no substitute for having a relationship with Him
Invitation: Do you feel disconnected from God? From others? From church? Perhaps you need to get involved and serve! There are many and various ways you can serve. Nursery, Food Pantry Ministry, Youth, Sunday School, SS Teacher, Cookie Ministry, Help with cleaning the building, Flowers and Decorating, Kitchen/Fellowship/Funeral dinners, outreach and visitation, etc. Attending services once a week is not participating in ministry. It isn’t serving God. That is simply serving yourself.
