2020 0223 Serving the third pillar

Romans 12:6–8 NIV

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

We Have Different Gifts

Jesus is a giver to the individual - you and me

Jesus gives so as to bless the church - all of us

verse 5 in Christ we form one body and each member belongs to all the others

different gifts are needed for the church to function as Christ intends

yet verse 6 we have different gifts according to the grace given us

not a moment for jealousy as Christ gives the gifts

opportunity to fulfill our God-given purpose which brings true blessings

Paul has the context of these gifts given to individuals for the benefit of the church

these gifts are also the backbone of every believer’s walk in Christ

I wish to speak on what I consider to be the third pillar of a disciple ‘s spiritual foundations

Two groups of Gifts

serving is essential for a believer

we have discuss encouragement

we have examine generosity

Encouragement Reinforcement

I have the grace of God in my life

You have the grace of God in your life

A special encouraging word for you

Generosity Expanded

generosity is the key for prosperity

we have been incredibly blessed, so let us be a blessing

bless others with our time, our talents and gifts, our things, our money

Third Pillar = Serving

The New International Version Chapter 12

if it is serving, then serve

The New International Version Chapter 12

if it is serving, then serve

“then serve”

an effective church is when we serve one another toour best

serving is an expression of our desire to impact others and not ourselves

serving acknowledges an authority above you - in this case the higher authority is Christ’s church

yes it can be directed toward the pastor or those in leadership

it may be toward a gifted speaker or a healer

serving is true when it an act for Jesus

The Focus of our Serving

(NIV2011) 7  Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people

when we serve people , it is for Jesus

then our serving must be wholehearted and dedicated

it will not become burdensome or tiring

The Example of Christ

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus is our ultimate example of a servant

serving is a giving up of self even your life

Jesus was talking about his actual death to enable the setting free of each man and woman from sin

in our context, it is still a sacrificial act of love - to serve one another

do we go out of our way to help someone?

do we go the extra mile?

do we care for the samaritan, and pay for his care?

 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,