SERVE AND LIVE, OR SHRIVEL UP The Practice of Servanthood

Introduction

Spiritual disciplines shut the door on all the noise and furor around us so we can recognise that God is very near and we can again see Him for who He is Spiritual disciplines shut the door on all the noise and furor around us so we can recognise that God is very near and we can again see Him for who He is

Why practice the spiritual discipline of serving? Why practice the spiritual discipline of serving?

Philippians 2 5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset (attitude) as Christ Jesus. 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; 7 rather, He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!

9 Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 20:25-28 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over people, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over people, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 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.”

Serving helps deal with pride

Richard Foster (Celebration of Discipline) writes; ‘More than any other way the grace of humility is worked into our lives through the discipline of service…Nothing disciplines the desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honour and recognition’

Philemon 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ

Church is like a dance school and serving is like dancing!

God says, “Come serve with us (the Trinity). Come dance with us.” Do not be a spectator!! Do not be a spectator!!

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.