GOD ’ S GIFT OF SERVICE Penge Baptist Church April 29th 2012

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man ’ s gift ….is serving, let him serve ….. (Romans 12:4-5,7) Dictionary: To work for; to labour in behalf of; to exert one's self continuously or statedly for the benefit of; to do service for; to be in the employment of, as an inferior, domestic, serf, slave, hired assistant, official helper, etc. ; specifically, in a religious sense, to obey and worship.

Jesus our example (1) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness ….. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:1-8)

Jesus our example (2) “ But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. ” (Isaiah 53:5) “ 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. ” (Matthew 20:26-28)

Jesus our example (3) 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. “ You call me ‘ Teacher ’ and ‘ Lord, ’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another ’ s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:12-17)

Strengths and risks of serving In God ’ s power: Humility, availability and strength In our own strength: Risk of being over committed, being demanding of others, neglecting spiritual needs, pride Everyone needs encouragement, discernment and support!

Examples in the church Deacons: “ It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables …… Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word. ” (Acts 6:2-4) Socials Pastoral care Cleaning and building maintenance Serving the young – Sunday School and Youth Club

Being servants

Words of Mother Teresa “ Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. ” “ I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. ” “ If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ” “ If you judge people, you have no time to love them. ” “ Each one of them is Jesus in disguise. ”

Fruit in the church “ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. ” (John 13:34-35) “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ” (Galatians 5:22-23)

In God ’ s strength! “ Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God ’ s grace in its various forms.,,,,, If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. ” (1 Peter 4:10-11)