Learning To Think Biblically About Serving

are you burnt out? apathetic? joyless?
are we being influenced in our service by the world?
secular counselling focuses on you
Christ serving you is the source of you serving others

The Call to Serve
- Mk 10:35-45
- Jesus on His way to Jerusalem to die; to serve; in order to receive the crown
  - Mk 8-10 Jesus predicts His death on cross and each time disciples shrug it off!
  - v45: disciples misunderstood why Jesus the messiah came
- we are called to Christian service as we realize we exist not to serve Jesus but be served by Him!
  - we are prone to think our ID is in our service to God; salvation is not a job offer
  - we are invited to be served by Him
- mission of service is to highlight what Jesus did in his service
- to be apathetic in serving others is to apathetic about loving others
The Character of Service
- Mk 10:42-44
  1. Our service needs to be Gospel-focused (v42)
    - juxtaposition of worldly vs Gospel service; do not fall into the idea of serving in order to be served
    - do not fall into mindset of serving in order to receive blessings from God
    - Gospel focus is: I don’t need to serve in order to be in position before God, He has already saved us such that we are there; we have already been served
  2. Our service needs to be Kingdom-focused
    - you have been saved from your selfish worldly ways and freed to serve
  3. Others-focused (v43)
    - service is not optional
      - you are here for others, not yourself
    - you must be lowly like a servant; Jesus is the supreme example
- challenge self by serving in needy service areas which are not your strength
The Context of Service
- Phil 1:25-26
  1. I will serve to manifest God’s gifts
    - God has uniquely gifted you for service to others
  2. I will serve to mature God’s people
    - there may be some in your midst who need your service to help them mature
    - mature disciple walks and talks with Christ BUT also serves Christ
  3. I will serve to magnify Jesus Christ (v26)
    - point to the glory of the cross!