Why Degrees In Christian Service

I often ask myself what is the heart of Christian service? What is the real reason for serving the Lord? Some people respond to every need, every call. Why are some Christians always faithful to the house of God? Some people are purposely absent when the pastor is out of the pulpit. Sometimes if I mention a certain topic to speak on, some are curiously absent. There is nothing in the bible that justifies missing the service.

I wonder could it be that God is done more for some than He has for others? No! the bible says, “God is not a respecter of persons.” I wonder could it be God expects more from certain Christians than others? No! He says, “We are to put God first in our life.” One more statement concerning the Christian and his life of service as to why some do, and some do not. It would be those that have a problem serving. If there were a model example of a Christian in service for Christ, it would be the apostle, Paul. Let’s focus on the last sentence in the verse, “…who loved me, and gave Himself for me.”

I. “Who” Loved Me? Christ, the Son of God

1. It makes a huge difference who loved me.

2. We hear politicians say that they love us, but that doesn’t do much for me.

3. Some T.V. personalities say they love us, but they don’t even know me.

4. In the home we hear, “I love you”, coming from husband, or wife and I can relate.

5. When Jesus says that He loves us, it means more than when any other person on earth says they love us. Colossians 1:16-17

6. It thrills my heart to study the I Am’s of Jesus.

a. John 4

b. The water of life

c. The good shepherd

d. Etc.

II. Who “Loved” Me and Gave Himself for Me?

1. Loved, the act or action taken. The greatest love in the world has been directed toward me.

2. Of all the actions God might have taken toward me, He loved me.

a. God could have judged me, punished me, forsaken me, condemned me.

b. But in Christ Jesus, I am loved.

3. The heart of the bible is God’s love.

a. John 3;16; Romans 5:8

b. 1 John 4:10; Ephesians 2:1-7

4. What has and what will God’s love do for us?

a. Revelation 1:5; 1 John 1:7

b. Romans 8:37-39; Hebrews 12:6

III. Who Loved “Me” and Gave Himself for Me?

1. The object of God’s great love is me.

2. Christ Jesus came to love sinners, all sinners, any sinner, me a sinner. 1 Timothy 1:14-16

a. If I were the only sinner in the world, Jesus loved me he came to save me.

b. Romans 5:6, Matthew 9:13, 1 Peter 3:16

3. I like the words do the song, “Who am I that a King would bleed and die for.”

IV. Who Love Me and “Gave” Himself for Me?

1. Giving you can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Ephesians 5:25, John 3:16

2. Different time some think Jesus had to, was forced to, and had no choice in the matter of giving His life. I understand the bible Jesus gave freely and willingly.

3. None has ever given in the aspect that Jesus gave, when He gave His life.

a. Matthew 20:28, John 10:11-17

b. John 15:13

4. Jesus could have called 10,000 angels. Matthew 26:53

5. Yes, Jesus loves me, for the bible tells me so.

V. Who Loved Me and Gave “Himself” for Me?

1. Gave Himself. Jesus in giving Himself, was the only thing He could give to save my soul.

a. John 1:29

b. Hebrews 1:1-3

2. Peter says we are redeemed. Saved by the precious blood of Jesus. 1 Peter 1:18-19

a. A man can give nothing higher or greater than his blood.

b. When you pay for something with blood, you have given your all.

VI. In Closing

1. Why is it hard for some to be faithful in giving and serving?

2. Inadequate view of their Savior. Hebrews 12:1-3 Him for the joy that was set before Him. He gave his life for you and me. When you see that, you will serve.

3. Galatians 2:20. The life that I now live, I live by the faith, (not sight, not understanding, etc.) of the son of God, who lived me, and gave Himself for me.

a. John 20:19-29

b. Revelation 1:17-18