Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today’s scripture will challenge us to examine our own hearts and the way we serve others. We’re going to be reading from Matthew 25:21-23, where Jesus tells the parable of the talents.

Rewards

To begin, I’d like to talk about the rewards we experience when we serve others. Serving others doesn’t just mean we’re fulfilling a commandment of Christ, it also leads to receiving blessings and rewards from God. The scripture we read today from Matthew 25:21-23 beautifully illustrates this point. In the parable, the servants who were faithful and diligent with the little they were given were rewarded with more. They were entrusted with more responsibilities and invited to share in their master's happiness. This is a clear depiction of the rewards that come with a service-oriented ministry.

One of the most immediate rewards of service is the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others. There is a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone else's life. This joy is not dependent on the magnitude of the service rendered. Even the smallest act of kindness can bring immense joy. This is a reward that is experienced here on earth, in the present.

Another reward of service is spiritual growth. When we serve others, we are essentially practicing the teachings of Christ. We are living out the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. This not only brings us closer to God, but it also helps us to grow spiritually. We become more Christ-like in our actions and attitudes. This spiritual growth is a reward that has eternal implications.

Service also brings about a sense of community and unity. When we serve others, we are not just helping the individual, but we are also contributing to the wellbeing of the community as a whole. This fosters a sense of unity and togetherness. It breaks down barriers and promotes understanding and empathy. This sense of community is a reward that benefits everyone involved.

The rewards of service are not just for the individual, but they also extend to the church as a whole. When a church is actively involved in service, it becomes a beacon of hope and a source of comfort for the community. It attracts more people to the church and helps to grow the congregation. This growth and expansion is a reward that benefits the entire church community.

Finally, the ultimate reward of service is the promise of eternal life. In Matthew 25:23, the master tells the faithful servant, 'Come and share your master's happiness!' This is a clear reference to the promise of eternal life. When we serve others, we are storing up treasures in heaven. This is a reward that is beyond our comprehension.

However, it's important to note that these rewards should not be the primary motivation for service. We should serve others out of love for God and our fellow man, not out of a desire for rewards. The rewards are simply a bonus, a blessing from God for our faithfulness and obedience.

Responsibilities

Now, let’s transition to discuss the responsibilities connected with ministry to other people ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO