"The Power of Serving"

Eph. 5:15-17,

Ephesians 5:15–17 GW

So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants.

Purpose of Serving - it will build relationships & empower you for service.

Is what I’m doing inspiring others to serve?

What am I teaching others who are watching?

Serving in Humility & with the right attitude.

Phil. 2:5-8,

Philippians 2:5–8 The Message

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

…It causes us to choose service over status & over our own selfishness.

Serving is not volunteering, but it’s a calling.

If we don’t serve, by default we are disobedient.

Mark 10:45,

Mark 10:45 The Message

That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served—and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”

…Basically, serving is about salvation(those who are in bondage).

Gk: Serve (diakoneo)Wait on…Actively serving…to minister.

“Kicking up dust” because I’m on the move.

…serve w/dunamis(power, good vibes)

Serving is connected to FAITH, LOVE and OBEDIENCE.

One writer wrote, “The room was filled with proud hearts and dirty feet. The disciples were willing to fight for a throne, but not a towel.”

Serving w/o someone asking you to serve.

Can’t serve w/a heart of racism…Jesus served ALL…unlike the Pharisees who was full of themselves, egotistical, prideful…you name it!

Someone wrote, what do you call a Christian who isn’t serving? A Contradiction

…You’re not in the vein, if you’re not a part of the body that serves.