INTRODUCTION
– The 80/20 Rule in the Church
We loved to be served.
- We tend to get angry when we ordered something and not served on time.
- We demand to talk to the manager when we are not satisfied with the service provided to us.
- We grumble when our expectation of service is not met.
To be served has become a luxury we are willing to pay
- We are willing to pay for the service to deliver our food in our front doors.
- We are willing to spend more for excellent service.
Similarly, in the church we expect ministries to serve excellently yet FOC.
While we have this expectation, research shows that 20% of any congregation completes 80% of the ministry in its church. The other 80% are consumers, spectators, and hardly involved. Many believe that it is a rule that is difficult to break.
Why is this so? What is the motivation behind this serving?
WELCOMING
Brothers and sisters, whether you are here physically, or watching online, welcome to the second instalment of the “#LoveToServe” series.
RECAP
Last week, we learned how essential service is to the church.
We learned from the parable of the bags of gold in Matthew 25, in which the servants were given by their master, bags of gold which represent gifts, talents, resources, that God entrusted us in which if we do not use, will be taken from us one day. Those who will faithfully use them, would be given more.
23 “…, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
What does this “master’s happiness mean?” Let’s watch this video.
<MM: Play One-Liner Testimony>
Not only serving is a privilege, but it is also God’s pleasure (happiness) to see us faithfully use whatever he gave us for his purpose. In God’s happiness, he blesses those who serve.
Whether you are serving or not, I pray that this sermon will further change your outlook about ministries and serving.
If you are serving in the church already, tell yourself “Thank you for serving!”
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With that, the title of our sermon today is THANK YOU FOR SERVING
Serving is to give someone a service or present someone something.
Why is serving very important and what should be our motivation?
Before we dive-in to the Scripture for answers, let me give you the background of our main text. (John 13:1-11)
- Jesus and his disciples were in the Upper Room (a room in Mt Zion, Jerusalem) having a meal (the last supper).
- Jesus got up, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist
- He then washes his disciple’s feet with water, drying them with the towel
- Simon Peter tried to stop Jesus from washing his feet, but Jesus proceeded.
- When Jesus had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place and asked, “Do you understand what I have done for you?”
In Jesus time, it is common to wear sandals or go bare foot while doing their daily activities. Thus, the servants of the household wash the feet of the guests.
It was a common practice, yet what Jesus did seem very strange because,
- They were already having a meal (likely their feet are cleansed already)
- Jesus is their Lord, their teacher. (He is a guest)
Clearly, Jesus is making a very important point here.
After the act, Jesus then uttered in John 13:14-17
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
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Serving is our obedience to God
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. John 13:14
<Obedience>
In our contemporary time, there are Christian groups that practice foot washing on Maundy Thursday as an ordinance. Maundy, in Latin is “Mandatum” meaning command.
Jesus mandated us to live by (symbolically) washing one another’s feet, (literally) serving one another.
Jesus knew that while we are waiting for his second coming, we will be constantly tempted to sin. When we wash one another’s feet, there’s a constant reminder for us that our feet should be washed. It is a directive to come to Jesus regularly, for our own good.
(All of us) Even those who are already serving (obeying). Because we have the tendency to commit mistakes or sins.
- Serving gives you authority in some cases, which sometimes can be abused
- Serving results to attractiveness, thus if not careful can lead to misuse
- Serving brings about influence, in which can lead to self-centeredness
Thus, the more we serve, the more we are reminding one another the need to come to Jesus daily.
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” 10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” John 13:9-10
Peter was implying – “I have committed to follow you Jesus, what’s the need for this?”. The answer, “we need Jesus daily.”
To some, perhaps you can relate to these practices when serving
- Praying for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit
- Depending on God’s leading
- A quiet time with God
We witness God’s involvement when we serve.
Serving without the involvement and intervention of God is merely a show.
(It is just a waste of time) God has given us what we need, but he still needs to be involved.
<Serving pave the way for others>
When we obey by serving, we are helping pave the way for others to encounter God too.
- Whenever I will bring new friends in the church (when I was a young believer), I would pray that everything will be ok.
Praise God, because in our time, we are always wowed by every ministry!
If you are involved in making the service happen every Sunday, remember that everything that is done for God is significant and will have a lasting impact.
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40 ESV
Martha and Mary
Picture this. Mary sits at Jesus’ feet as if waiting for what Jesus will say, while Martha does the errands. This scene labelled Martha as the bad girl.
Some of you may have called your friend “Martha” when he/she does a lot of things while you wait on the table.
We must understand that it was a cultural norm in Jesus’ time for the women to serve. Martha is annoyed because while she is following the tradition, Mary is not helping and breaking the custom.
Martha invited Jesus to their house. Perhaps she cleansed and decorated the house, and the preparation just overran until Jesus arrived. But without Martha doing the work, would Mary be able to have an intimate moment with Jesus?
Jesus said, “Mary has chosen what is better,”
Jesus probably uttered this because Jesus’ time on Earth is limited. In that situation, it is better to sit with them. I would like to assume that after doing all the chores, Martha sits together with Jesus and Mary.
Jesus is good in using scenes of everyday life as his example to communicate his message. And in that moment, his point is, drawing closer to God must precede everything (including how we do ministry and church.)
But it doesn’t mean that we will not serve. This is a matter of prioritization. Jesus never meant for us invite someone in the church and just sit and not do anything.
Martha in some way demonstrated what ministries are for, helping others to have an intimate, unforgettable encounter with Jesus.
Sometimes, there are sacrifices involved.
<Challenge>
If you are in a ministry, ensure that you spend time with God, diligently attend your Life Group., meet your mentor. Don’t hide in the ministry.
<Martha and Mary’s Key Point>
When serving God, don’t let your pursuit of excellence overshadows your desire to encounter God.
It is not how excellent we’ve completed a task for God, but how close to God we’ve come.
Serve in obedience and draw yourselves, together with the people, around you closer to God.
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Serving transforms us to be like Christ
15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
When Jesus washed the feet of His apostles, He was acting as a servant to them.
Jesus shown his disciples an example to imitate. To be a servant of others by serving in humility and love.
Paul put emphasis on the importance of imitating Christ (especially for leaders)
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV
<HUMILITY>
(Authentic) serving teaches us to be humble!
Jesus is the son of God. But he served in humility. And this is what he wants us to do, imitate not the literal act, but him, as a servant of God.
<Trivia - Jantelagen>
Aside from Ikea, GPS, Skype, Tetra Pak, Zipper, Flat Screen monitor, and many other things we use originated from Sweden? ABBA, Ace of Base, Roxette, Europe, The Hives and The Cardigans are all Swedish band.
Many timeless songs have been written by Swedes. Like songs of Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink, Usher, Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync. Maroon 5. Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Pitbull and One Direction.
Swedes remain unnoticed when they achieve something extraordinary. They don’t believe in bragging rights. They follow a rule called the “Jantelagen”, literally translated: law of Jante. it says that “You are not better than anyone else“.
Jantelagen is a way of keeping everybody equal.
An almost similar principle that Jesus was teaching by washing the feet of His disciples. When we serve, we put ourselves under the sovereignty of God. We serve one God. It keeps us equal, and the glory goes to God alone. Thus, it keeps us grounded and humble because no one is above us except God who enables us to serve.
16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
We are all servant of God. No bragging please.
Many who are serving in ministries follow the same principle. Some holds a very high position in the marketplace, well-off, achievers. But when they serve, they don’t place themselves above anyone.
Stay low key.
Act like you can’t afford the bread until they find out you own a bakery. – Anonymous
Authentic serving teaches us to be humble!
<LOVE>
A brother's initial motivation to commit to serving were foods. Mine was time. I feel I’m going to die if I am not doing anything. I am energized when I do something.
In my first weekend here in Singapore, I went to Merlion park, spent the whole day just walking around. To kill time. That is why when someone invited me to a Life Group, I immediately said Yes. (Finally, I have something to do)
Regardless of our motivation, when we begin to serve, our motivation is changed.
Instead of foods, time, and others, our motivation becomes love.
Authentic serving teaches us to love others!
31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 NIV
Jesus’ command to love one another is not about affection, but action (in a loving way)
Many of us here have been giving the prime of their lives serving. They’ve given up their dreams and aspirations in life, because God teaches them to love others by serving. If that is not love for others, I don’t know what that means.
<Key Point>
The more we serve, the more God will teach us to be humble and loving, all the more we are transformed into Christlikeness
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Serving reveals God’s heart for the people
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
If we allow Jesus to wash our feet regularly, and we wash one another’s feet, we will understand God’s heart for the people.
<Church will continue without us>
While it is true that without people serving, the church experience will be unpleasant, that reality is that church will continue without any one of us serving. God in his sovereignty has his own way.
Whether we serve or not, God is sovereign and can use anyone, any situation, any generation.
(Don’t get this wrong) I’m not saying that you just let others serve. What I am saying is that you should not let the opportunity to know more about God including his heart for the people.
In serving, we take care of others. We attend to the needs of others. We are concern of the spiritual health of others.
Isn’t this what God does for us. Isn’t this the heart of God for us?
<People are valuable to God>
Serving is an opportunity for us to value what is important to God, that is people.
<Story>
A man says, I am convinced there’s no point attending Church. I travel all the way to church every Sunday, sing 3-4 songs, hear the message, then go home without anyone noticing me.
There are people out there who are like this. And those who serve, has this unique opportunity to let them know how valuable they are to God.
Whenever you have an opportunity to serve others, don’t let it pass by. Be it inside the Church, in ministries, in missions. Even in your workplace, school, your household. Everywhere you go, serve people in love.
Value what is important to God by reflecting Christ through serving others.
Extend it especially to those who don’t know Jesus yet. Those who have not been bathed or feet washed by water. Those who don’t know how valuable they are to God.
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The following day, after Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he was crucified to wash all our sins.
A much deeper and profound meaning behind this act of serving others is God’s heart for everyone, offering the gift of salvation by grace through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross.
For this, by right, the words “Thank you for serving” belongs to Jesus.
We all can have excuses for not serving
- I’m too occupied at work, my family needs me, I don’t have skills, etc.
But today, I am hoping that I’ve put stones in your shoe. That will keep poking you, to think about serving sincerely.
God does not need us. He wants us to serve because;
- Serving keeps us grounded by obeying
- Serving is a process to imitating Christ
- Serving reveals God’s heart for all of us
Ultimately, it is not our service, it is us whom God wants.
God loves us. He wants to have a relationship with us.
Serving should ultimately draw us to God through Jesus.
