the significance of being a christian - saved to serve
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"THE SIGNIFICANCEOF BEING A CHRISTIAN"
Saved To ServeSaved To Serve
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
We have seen throughoutthis series that the
Christian is truly blessed…Is “a person reborn”“a person reborn”,
he is provided theopportunity to live a new life.
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Now““belongs to the Lord”belongs to the Lord”,
he is God's special child. Is “living by faith”“living by faith”, he
walks with God .
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Is “consecrated to God”“consecrated to God”,he has been set apart to live a holy life.
““Guarded by the Guarded by the power of God”power of God”,
he is not alone in his struggle against the powers of Satan and the evil world
in which we live .
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
But with blessings come responsibilities...
There are obligations thatcome with our new opportunities.
There areduties that come with
our new calling.
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Indeed, the Christian has been called to serve God...
We have been ““Saved To Serve”Saved To Serve”
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Hebrews 9:14 NET how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself
without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to
worship the living God.
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Hebrews 12:28 NET So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom,
let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing
to God in devotion and awe.
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Each person has a ministry (service) we are expected to fulfill.
Colossians 4:17 NET And tell Archippus, "See to it that you
complete the ministry you received in the Lord."
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
2 Timothy 4:5 NET You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work,
fulfill your ministry.
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
Thus the concept of“servitude” or “servanthood”
is a significant part of what itmeans to be a Christian.That our service to God
might be more acceptableand fruitful, consider;
THE GREATNESS OF THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODSERVANTHOOD
BEINGA SERVANT OF GODIS A GREAT HONOR
THE GREATNESS OF THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODSERVANTHOOD
The title of "servant" waswhat many great men in the O.T.
were called.Abraham, Isaac, JacobAbraham, Isaac, Jacob
Deuteronomy 9:27
MosesMoses 1 Kings 8:53
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
JoshuaJoshua Joshua 24:29
CalebCaleb Numbers 14:24
JobJob Job 1:8
IsaiahIsaiah Isaiah 20:3
The prophetsThe prophets Jeremiah 7:25
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
New Testament writers referred to themselves as "servants"...
JamesJames James 1:1PaulPaul Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1
PeterPeter 2 Peter 1:1JudeJude Jude 1:1
JohnJohn Revelation 1:1
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
JESUSJESUS CAME TO SERVE... He was foretold to come as the
"Suffering Servant“Isaiah 52:13 NET "Look, my servant will
succeed!
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
Isaiah 53:10 NET Though the LORD desired to crush him and make him ill, once
restitution is made,he will see descendants and enjoy
long life, and the LORD's purpose will be accomplished through him.
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
11 Having suffered, he will reflect on his work,
he will be satisfied when he understands what he has done."My servant will acquit many,
for he carried their sins.
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
He "did not cometo be served, but to serve" Matthew 20:28 NET just as the
Son of Man did not come tobe served but to serve,
and to give his lifeas a ransom for many."
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
Philippians 2:7 NET but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men,and by
sharing in human nature.
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
Even as our Lord and Master, He exemplified the servitude He
desires of His disciples. John 13:12 NET So when Jesus had
washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on,
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
he took his place at the table again and said to them, "Do you
understand what I have done for you? 13 You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and do so correctly, for that
is what I am.
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too
ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an
example — you should do just as I have done for you.
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
16 I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the
one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17
If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
THE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOODTHE GREATNESS OF SERVANTHOOD
What an honor,if God were to look
upon us as "His servants“as He did these great men,
including His own Son, Jesus ChristJesus Christ!
He will, ifwe put into practice.
THE CONCEPTS OF THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODSERVANTHOOD
IT INVOLVESABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE...
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
In a slave-master relationship... The slave knows no law but his
master's word. He has no rights of his own. He is the absolute possession of his master. He is bound to give his master
unquestioning obedience.
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Does this describe our relationship to Christ? It should, especially in light
of… 1 Corinthians 6:19 NET Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not
your own?
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
20 For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your
body.
We have to come to Jesus on HIS terms, not our own.
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Luke 6:46 NET "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do what I tell you?
Matthew 7:21 NET "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of heaven — only the one who does the will of my Father in
heaven.
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
IT INVOLVES ABSOLUTE HUMILITY...Otherwise, absolute obedience
is not possible When we have a humble opinion
of ourselves, we are receptive to the idea of complete obedience
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
For example, consider Paul's self-estimation
1 Corinthians 15:9 NET For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be
called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been in vain. In fact, I
worked harder than all of them — yet not I, but the grace of God with
me.
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Ephesians 3:8 NET To me — less than the least of all the saints — this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable
riches of Christ
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
1 Timothy 1:15 NET This saying is trustworthy and deserves full
acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" —
and I am the worst of them!
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Does this describe our relationship to Christ and His Will? Jesus said it
should! Luke 17:10 NET So you too, when you have done everything you were commanded to do, should say, 'We are slaves undeserving of special
praise; we have only done what was our duty.' "
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
But if we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be considered "servants"?
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
IT INVOLVES ABSOLUTE LOYALTY...
Since we become servants FREELY, it should beexpected that we:
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Are to be loyal to Him first. Galatians 1:10 NET Am I now trying to gain the
approval of people, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still
trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ!
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Do not consider ourown profit or preference important,
but that ofthe One we freely serve!
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
It is amazing how any canclaim to be servants of the
Lord Jesus Christ, while: Complaining about having to do the will of God,
OR...Being negligent or slothful in carrying
out His will
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Yet some act as though they are being forced against their own will!
They don't "have to“serve the Lord Jesus...
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
Of course, the alternativeis not very inviting.
If we don't serve Jesus, by default we serve Satan, and are destined
for hell!
THE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOODTHE CONCEPTS OF SERVANTHOOD
But God by His grace has offered salvation, and how dare we ever
grumble or complain thatHe calls us to life of service in grateful
appreciation! That we not be negligent in our service,
be aware of some...
HINDRANCES TO HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODSERVANTHOOD
SERVICE TOTHE WRONG MASTER...
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Jesus warned we cannot serve both God and Mammon Matthew 6:24 NET "No one can serve two masters, for
either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Serving the wrong things will render us fruitless Luke 8:14 NET As for the seed that fell among thorns, these are the
ones who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the worries and riches and pleasures of life, and
their fruit does not mature.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Paul illustrated we can only serve the one we obey Romans 6:16 NET Do you
not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, you are
slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or obedience
resulting in righteousness?
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
PLACING LIMITATIONSON OUR SERVICE...
Some limit how, where,and when they will serve
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
As Moses tried to do Exodus 3:10 NET So now go, and I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out
of Egypt." 11 Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, or
that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Many will serve God,but only when convenient.
Some limit whothey will serve.
As Jonah tried to do
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Jonah 1:1 NET The LORD said to Jonah son of Amittai, 2 "Go immediately to Nineveh, that large capital city, and
announce judgment against its people because their wickedness has come to
my attention
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
3 Instead, Jonah immediately headed off to Tarshish to escape from the commission of the LORD. He traveled to Joppa and
found a merchant ship heading to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard it to go with them to Tarshish far
away from the LORD.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Many will serve God, but not when it means serving others
(especially peoplewe don't like)
POSSESSING CERTAIN ATTITUDES...
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Such as sluggishness and laziness. Hebrews 6:11 NET But we
passionately want each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of your hope until
the end,
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the
promises.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Matthew 25:26 NET
But his master answered,'Evil and lazy slave!
So you knew that I harvest where I didn't sow and
gather where I didn't scatter?
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Such as ingratitude. 2 Corinthians 8:9
NET For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his
poverty could become rich.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Philippians 2:5 NET You should have the same attitude toward one another
that Christ Jesus had, 6 who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with
God as something to be grasped,
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
7 but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like
other men, and by sharing in human nature.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Which often comes when we forget how graciously
we have been served. We like service with a smile;
are we willing to give service with a smile?
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Such as pride or self-centeredness. As when self-pity affected Elijah
1 Kings 19:13 NET When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his robe and went
out and stood at the entrance to the cave. All of a sudden a voice asked him, "Why
are you here, Elijah?"
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
14 He answered, "I have been absolutely loyal to the LORD, the sovereign God,
even though the Israelites have abandoned the agreement they made with you, torn down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left
and now they want to take my life."
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
15 The LORD said to him, "Go back the way you came and then head for the Desert of Damascus. Go
and anoint Hazael king over Syria.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
16 You must anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and Elisha son of
Shaphat from Abel Meholah to take your place as prophet. 17 Jehu will kill anyone who escapes Hazael's sword,
and Elisha will kill anyone who escapes Jehu's sword.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
18 I still have left in Israel seven thousand followers who have not
bowed their knees to Baal or kissed the images of him."
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
As when some preachedChrist out of envy.
Philippians 1:15 NET Some,to be sure, are preaching
Christ from envy and rivalry,but others from goodwill.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
16 The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ from selfish
ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in
my imprisonment.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
18 What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or
in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
As when some seek for recognition, praise. Matthew 6:1 NET "Be careful not to display your righteousness
merely to be seen by people. Otherwise you have no reward
with your Father in heaven.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
2 Thus whenever you do charitable giving, do not blow a trumpet
before you, as the hypocrites do in synagogues and on streets so that people will praise them. I tell you the truth, they have their reward.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
3 But when you do your giving, do not let your left hand know what
your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gift may be in secret. And
your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Humility and unselfishness are basic prerequisites for Servanthood.
Acts 20:19 NET serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, and with the
trials that happened to me because of the plots of the Jews.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
Philippians 2:3 NET
Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity,
each of you should,in humility, be moved to treat one
another as more important than yourself.
HINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOODHINDRANCES TO SERVANTHOOD
4 Each of you should be concerned not only about
your own interests,but about the interests
of others as well.
CONCLUSION CONCLUSION
The Christian has been““Saved To Serve"Saved To Serve"
Called to serve God andthe Lord Jesus Christ.
Called to serve his brethrenand those in the world
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
It is a noble calling,one that we should acceptwith humility and gratitude.
If one choosesnot to serve God...
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
Then they remain a slave to sin Romans
6:16a NET Do you not know that if you present yourselves as obedient slaves, And the end of such slavery is eternal death 16b you are slaves of the one you obey, either of sin resulting in
death,
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
But when one choosesto serve God...
Their servitude leads to righteousness.
16c or obedience resultingin righteousness?
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
And the end of such serviceis eternal life. Romans 6:22 NET But now, freed from sin and enslaved
to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the
end is eternal life.
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
May what the apostle Paul wrote of the brethren in Rome be true of all of us
today... Romans 6:17 NET But thanks be to God that though you were slaves to sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching you were entrusted to, 18 and
having been freed from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness.
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
Have you been set free from sin, that you might serve Jesus
Christ? Romans 6:1 NET What shall we say then? Are we to remain in sin so that grace may increase?
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
2 Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that as many as
were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
4 Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into
death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through
the glory of the Father, so wetoo may live a new life.
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be united in the likeness of his resurrection.
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
6 We know that our old man was crucified with him so that the body of sin would no longer dominate us, so
that we wouldno longer be enslaved to sin. 7 (For someone who has died
has been freed from sin.)
CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION
So which choice have you made? Are you a servant to Jesus, or by
default, a slave to sin? One results in eternal glory, the other
in the fires of Hell!
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