Service

Introduction: Define service (definition) and through desire & through slavery

Service is:

: the occupation or function of serving : employment as a servant (or for the context of the Bible a slave) : the work performed by one that serves : contribution to the welfare of others

: a form followed in worship or in a religious ceremony : a helpful act : useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity

Service isn’t an option Service is a Responsibility

eph 6:5-8

Ephesians 6:5–8 NASB95

5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

So what do we do today - let’s look at these three points:

Why do we serve?

How do we serve?

Ways to serve?

Why do we serve?

a. We Serve, to serve God and we serve God by Serving others.

The church is the body of Christ. So we serve those in the body to serve God. However, we also serve those outside the body that we might be a witness to God’s love. He first loved us that we might love others.

b. Christ’s slaves Eph 6:6

Ephesians 6:6 NASB95

6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

c. Called to serve Gal 5:13

Galatians 5:13 NASB95

13 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.

2. How do we serve?

a. Use our spiritual gifts Eph 4:11-12

Ephesians 4:11–12 NASB95

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

List of Spiritual Gifts - Which do you have?

Leadership, Administration, Teaching, Knowledge, Wisdom, Prophecy, Discernment, Exhortation, Shepherding, Faith, Evangelism, Apostleship, Service, Mercy, Giving, Hospitality

b. Spiritually Ro 12:1

Romans 12:1 NASB95

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Do not use the members of your body for unrighteousness - avoid sin.

c. With Love Gal 5:14

Galatians 5:14 NASB95

14 For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

North Waverly Chapel Exists to grow followers of Jesus and lovingly serve God, our families, our communities and our world.

3. Ways to serve?

a. Good deeds 1 Tim 6:18

1 Timothy 6:18 NASB95

18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

A quote from Saint Basil:

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”

So what are some of the ways in which you serve?

b. A good deed could also be know as a random act of kindness. Look for lists of good deeds or random acts of kindness and you will find a huge assortment of things you can do for others. Start with a need and fill it with a deed.

c. Willingly and without complaining Phil 2:14-16

Philippians 2:14–16 NASB95

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Exit: Tell them again.

Why do we serve?

How do we serve?

Ways to serve?

a. We Serve, to serve God and we serve God by Serving others

b. Christ’s slaves

c. Called to serve

a. Use our spiritual gifts

b. Spiritually

c. With Love

a. Good deeds

b. Random act of kindness

c. Willingly and without complaining

Remember the quote from Saint Basil:

A tree is known be its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.

Pray!