Being a Servant

Follow on from Pastor Neil this morning – a significant life is a life of service

The principle of being a servant is clearly shown in the life of Jesus. To embrace it is to find the true meaning of life – to avoid it is to miss out on God’s best for us.

Have needs?– meet someone else’s!

My life is not my own Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

We have been purchased by God – to live for him

(Mother of the Sons of Zebedee. Jesus

Matthew 20:25-28 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave — 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."

In Richard Foster’s book “A Celebration of Discipline”…referring to John 13 where Jesus washed the disciple’s feet “Jesus took a towel and redefined greatness”

Isn’t there a risk of being used – yes

Being taken advantage of – yes

But, we take those situations to God - that is the life of faith

ANYTHING THAT CAUSES YOU TO RELY ON GOD IS A GOOD THING.

David encourage himself in the Lord when no one was around to put a hand on his shoulder and say “Its OK Buddy”

And there will be times like that in life – when all we have is God

But that’s enough!!

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men

Philippians 2:8, 9 says that out attitude should be the same as Jesus And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

The way to greatness in the Kingdom of God is to serve.

I get a kick out of serving my clients, of serving in the church. Hard work, yes. A sacrifice - yes

Planning a business – let serving people be at the heart of it and you will find God’s blessing there. Great companies that have been built Edison, GE, Bell telephone. Serving people

Luke 9:23-24 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.

TM Self sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself your true self

As we choose to serve, we find out who we are

Being fulfilled is good IF it is brought into the Kingdom of God

As we delight in Him, He gives us the desires of our heart. We find ourselves wanting to help people and being outward looking not inward

Jesus saw qualities in the disciple He chose that they were unaware of – same for us. He saw Peter as a fisher of men, not just a fisherman.

Pastors see things.

Be open

May be asked to teach Bible School, lead a Home Group, join a set up team, operate a video camera.

PRAY – for all of us

Responsibility first then authority

As time goes on the real you, the uniquely gifted individual authentic you emerge.

You were born an original – don’t die a copy!

Exodus 3:10, 11 and 4:1,10,13 Moses

Jeremiah 1:4-7 Jeremiah

They both had confidence in their lack of ability.

This is a good thing. Because you have to walk by faith

Profile is not everything – check your motives – its being a servant that is important

Stephen waited on tables (Acts 6) and did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people

Areas of service – the Kingdom of God is all about people – relationships

Matt 22:37-40 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

James 2:8 speaks of this a s the ROYAL LAW

FAMILY (Ephesians 5 and 6)

Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Wives be submissive to your husbands. Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right
Fathers don’t exasperate your children

Really saying – SERVE EACH OTHER

CHURCH – Consider all the areas where we can serve – all the different departments. There is a role for EVERYONE

COMMUNITY: Where you are Mon – Sat.

Ephesians 4:12 The ministry gifts in the Body are to prepare God’s people for works of service. To preach the gospel and make disciples and in this way we serve the community.

In closing :

Philippians 2:12-18 Speaks of great teamwork, working together and reaching out.

Paul Addison, 10/08/2008