The Spiritual Discipline of Service

Why Serve?

Colossians 3:23–24 NIV

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Co

Matthew 23:11 NIV

11 The greatest among you will be your servant.

Mark 9:35 NIV

35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 10:45 NIV

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

John 13:34–35 NIV

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:3

John 13:15 NIV

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

So, Why Serve?

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Because of Jesus’ example.

Because of Jesus’ command.

Because of our love for God.

Because of our love for each other.

Because of the mission of God.

Ungodly Reasons for Service...

To receive praise from others.

To gain “credits” with others.

To look better than you are to others, or yourself.

To “earn” God’s favour.

How to Serve?

Follow Jesus’ Example

John 13:15 NIV

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

John 13:3–5 NIV

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Jn 13:3-

Jn 13:12-

John 13:12–17 NIV

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Use Your Gifts

1 Peter 4:10 NIV

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

What Are Your Gifts?

Teaching

Encouragement

Giving

Leading

Showing Mercy

Prophecy

Healing

Serving

Wisdom

Knowledge

Miracles

Discernment

Speaking and/or Interpreting Tongues

Any other “manifestations of the Spirit for the common good” ()

1 Corinthians 12:7 NIV

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 cor

What if you don’t know your gifts?

Use what you do know to serve!

Talk to Pastor Dan if you want to learn more about Spiritual Gifts and which ones God may have given you!