Explore the purpose, joy, and rewards of serving others as a fundamental aspect of Christian love and devotion to God.
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ. We're diving into a wonderful topic today, one that truly resonates with the heart of our Christian journey. Our sermon today is about service - the purpose, the joy, and the rewards of serving others.
Rick Warren once wrote, "You may think that love is spelled L-O-V-E. But a better way to spell love is this: T-I-M-E." Now, that's a powerful message! We all know the importance of loving those close to us, but we often forget that serving is another way to show love - not just to our friends and family, but to strangers and even to God himself.
Let's turn to our main scripture today, 1 John 3:18. It reads,
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Today we'll unpack the deeper meaning of this passage and explore how it challenges us to live a life of service.
Let's pray together as we embark on this journey.
Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds as we delve into Your Word. Help us to understand the joy and purpose in serving others. Teach us to be selfless, to love without limits, and to serve without expecting anything in return. May Your wisdom guide us today, and may our lives be a testament to the joy and rewards of serving. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
The purpose of serving is a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk, a manifestation of our love for God and for our fellow human beings.
A response to God's love for us: In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love" (John 15:9-10). One of those commands is to love one another as He has loved us. And how did Jesus love us? He served us. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ultimately gave His life for us. Therefore, when we serve others, we are essentially reciprocating God's love for us.
A way to demonstrate our faith: The apostle James wrote, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?" (James 2:14). Our actions, including our acts of service, are a tangible expression of our faith. They are the evidence that our faith is alive and active.
A means of spiritual growth: When we serve, we step out of our comfort zones and allow God to work through us. This not only strengthens our faith but also helps us grow in humility, compassion, and patience - virtues that are essential for our spiritual maturity.
A way to glorify God: In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." When we serve others, we reflect God's love and grace, leading others to praise and glorify Him.
Not to earn salvation or to gain recognition: Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works. And in Matthew 6:1, Jesus warns against doing good deeds to be seen by others. The purpose of serving, then, is to love as Jesus loved, to demonstrate our faith, to grow spiritually, and to glorify God.
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