Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“Sacred Service”
Review
The discipline of simplicity arises out of the state of contentment. Contentment is a feeling of calm satisfaction. Discontentment is a feeling of agitated dissatisfaction. Discontent in the dry soul, is similar to thirst to the dehydrated body. It signals that some vital element the body needs is missing. The body needs water. The soul needs the Water of life. Many things can produce such a sense of calm satisfaction and quench the thirsty soul, but anything having to do with the actions of people, cooperation of circumstances or acquisition of things is temporary and does not address the cause. Contentment based on people, circumstances or things produces a false satisfaction that in reality generates greater thirst and dissatisfaction. It is like drinking Coke to alleviate thirst. Caffeine is a diuretic (causes the body to eliminate water) and thus does not really provide the necessary elements to satisfy the need for water that the thirst alarm signals. The core secret to diminishing discontentment and developing contentment lies in a proper perception and conviction. Jesus is all I need! Jesus is all I want! Because of Jesus, it is well with my soul whether my circumstances are peaceful like a river or turbulent like raging sea billows. Whatever my lot God teaches us to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul” because of Jesus. We all expectantly wait for the return of Jesus to restore both people and things as God originally intended. Even so, while we wait, it is well with our soul because…Jesus is all I need!
I can be content with what I have even if it is down to food and clothes.
I can enjoy what I have rather than strive for what I don’t have.
I need not fret or worry but can pray until the peace of Christ guards my heart and mind.
I can endure hardship realizing that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I need not demand response or change from others because Jesus is all I need.
I can be content when things or people or circumstances don’t line up because my life does not depend on any of those things.
I can have a calm satisfaction because God has promised never to leave me or forsake me.
When Jesus is with me, I need not fear what man can do.
I can endure or conquer all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Such contentment stimulates simplicity. Simplicity confirms contentment.
The more satisfaction we find in Jesus the less stuff and clutter we want in our life.
We are able to lay aside not only every sin that trips us but encumbrance that slows us in the race of faith. We keep looking to Jesus, the author and perfector and model of our journey of faith. Again I want to reemphasize that there is a great difference between contentment leading to simplicity and complacency leading to inactivity. Paul said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. He did not say I can avoid all things through Christ. Contentment relates to the motivation of activity more than the moderation of activity. Contentment engages life because of connection with Christ; His purpose, power and provision. Complacency disengages from life due to disconnection from Christ; lack of eternal perspective
Paul made it clear that in spite of contentment in regard to people, circumstances and things he was not content to remain stagnant in His pursuit of Christ and the Kingdom.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
He urged those believers to adopt the same fervor.
Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Philippians 3:15-16
He lamented those who sold out to seek contentment through the flesh.
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. Philippians 3:17-19
Biblical contentment and its manifestation in simplicity comes from right perception.
Jesus will never leave me or forsake me -- presence
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – provision.
He is all I need.
Psalm 23 is the heart cry of a person that is content with the presence and provision of Jesus.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. (I will be content)
HE makes me lie down in green pastures;
HE leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;
HE guides me in the paths of righteousness For HIS name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for HE is with me;
HIS rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
HE prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
HE has anointed my head with oil;
my cup overflows. (because of HIM)
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, (because of HIM)
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalms 23:1-6
Each area we have discussed over these past months must become a habit of life if we are to realize the benefits of such discipline. Each discipline or habit serves to diminish the pull of the flesh and develop the power of the spirit. Each discipline serves to continually remind us of our desperate need for daily dependence on Christ. Silence, Submission, Confession, Interaction with Scripture, Faith, Praise, Prayer, Sacrifice, Simplicity. We have three healthy habits left.
This next habit is absolutely essential to the growth of the Kingdom on this earth. We will not mature as individuals or grow as a church without a sincere commitment to this discipline.
If there were a hierarchy of importance this would be number two. I have placed it here because of a particular logic I have followed in the development of these disciplines or habits of life.
You see, without silence and solitude we will never experience the connection necessary to grow. When we connect with God in silence and solitude we admit our need to surrender and submit to His will and work in our life. When we submit to His will, we realize how stubborn and rebellious we really are and are encouraged to humble our hearts in confession of our failure to do what we should and fortitude to do what we should not. With a submitted humble heart we are ready to interact with God’s word without some personal agenda and the scripture ignites faith which inspires praise and activates prayer. With a humble, pure, directed, trusting, grateful, dependent heart we become motivated to sacrifice what we value in order to offer ourselves and our resources to the one who gave Himself for us. We are ready to use any and every means to live simply and find ourselves content with knowing He will never leave us or forsake us and will provide whatever is necessary to accomplish what He has asked us to do.
At this point we are also ready to give ourselves to the service of others. We are ready to adopt the attitude of Jesus who came not to be served but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. God calls us to be a blessing to others. Sacrifice diminishes our bent to satisfy our fleshly desires and develops a stronger desire to do God’s pleasure. Service diminishes our self-centered bent to focus on us and releases and develops our God-instilled and God-inspired love that joyfully lives to give itself away to others.
The Bible overflows with references to service. It is commanded, encouraged and modeled.
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate of humble service. He washed the disciple’s feet. He died for the disciple’s sin.
Paul shared his attitude toward serving others. Although he really wanted to die and be with Christ he willingly kept serving here.
But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again. Philippians 1:23-26
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. Philippians 2:17-18
Paul praised Timothy for a serving attitude.
For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:20-21
He spoke of Epaphroditus .
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me. Philippians 2:30
He urged an others-centered focus.
Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
Since Jesus is more than enough…
make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
The core of the gospel is serving others. It is absolutely contrary to the bent inherited from Adam. The ultimate expression of love is to give one’s self for the sake of another. Love and service go together. Loving God is demonstrated by service to Him is the #1 command. Loving others is demonstrated by service them is the #2 command. These two commands are the core of the entire Bible. God so loved the world he gave. Since nearly every page of Scripture reference service or love or giving I want to simply remind us to review a few and then urge a practical application of service as a discipline; a sacred service to God. Service has to do with offering ourselves and our resources to benefit someone else. The most effective service is motivated by genuine love for others.
1. Selfless service is the core of our redeemed heart
2. God calls us to serve one another.
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." But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:13-15
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME." Rom 15:1-3
Jesus said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. "But 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 slave of all. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10:42-45
Through Christ then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16
3. Service to one another is service to God
We serve God by serving others. Since Jesus is not now here in the flesh we are His hands and feet to serve and when we do serve it is as if we are serving Him. One of the core signs of a truly changed heart has to do with service.
"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.' Matthew 25:40
Hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick, imprisoned
4. The early church grew on a platform of fellowship and service
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
5. God designed the church to grow through service to one another.
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:9-11
God intended that every gifted believer employ their gifts in serving one another.
The whole analogy of the body shouts selfless service! No aspect of the body is self serving. Each part, though different, serves the rest of the body. That is how God designed the church.
A church only grows when the each part serves the other as God designed.
The proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16
Earlier Paul outlined the major role of the pastor.
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Eph 4:11-12
The pastor teacher is not to do the work of service but equip the saints to do the work of service.
What is that work?
• Fervently pray for one another
• Diligently preserve the unity of the body
Greet one another
Love one another.
Accept one another
Forgive one another
Forbear one another.
Be of the same mind
• Continually build up the body in love
Teach and admonish one another.
Exhort and encourage one another.
Speak words of life that give grace and energize
Serve one another.
Employ your gifts.
• Restore the fallen
• Support the weak
What is the goal of such a ministry?
until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:13
Until we attain unity regarding the basics of the faith and knowledge of Jesus.
Until we attain to spiritual maturity.
Until we think like Jesus!
Until we live like Jesus!
The goal of ministry and service is spiritual formation.
Paul talked about experiencing the pains of childbirth until “Christ be formed” in them. If we want to see consistent growth in the body we must all engage in faithful service to the body.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Heb 10:23-25
It is a sin not to gather together; a sin with pretty severe consequences. When we do gather together we must focus on encouragement to love and good deeds.
Hebrews calls us to continual encouragement.
Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
We must not fall prey to the consumer mentality. The local church is not a restaurant where you come, eat, pay your bill, tip the waiter and leave. It is not a concert or a show where you pay the ticket be entertained and leave. Every believer must embrace the responsibility for the growth of the body. God instructs every believer to employ their gifting for the sake of the growth of the body. Every believer must get on the field and play the game. This is not a spectator sport.
Every believer must invest in the health of the body. If you don’t feel qualified, then get equipped. Follow the drive of your heart. God has given you a bent. Serving gifts, speaking gifts. Serving gifts facilitate speaking gifts.
What am I asking you to do? Get involved! Commit to a regular ministry (service opportunity).
Now you can see why this discipline is where it is. Until we get connected with God and disconnected from everything else there is no time for service. Until we embrace God’s purpose for our life there will never be true contentment. There will always be an ache for something more. Only serving others engages our transformed soul as God intended.
And Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal. "If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12:23-26
Those who focus on satisfying their own desires will never find what we truly want.
Those who die to their own agenda will in the dying find the life they were created to experience and honor.
