December 6, 2009

IT’S SHOCKING TO SERVE!
Accelerating Your Spiritual Growth

THE ROUTE TO SIGNICANCE IS PAVED WITH SERVICE

Jesus Served

Jesus Taught About Serving

“…on the way they [the disciples] had argued about who was the greatest. He [Jesus] sat down and called them around Him and said, ‘Anyone wanting to be the greatest must be the least – the servant of all!’” Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)

Jesus Used Stories and Parables To Illustrate Serving

“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.” Luke 10:33-34 (NLT)

Jesus Stated Serving As His Existence

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NLT)

Jesus Modeled Serving In His Final Examples

“Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He now showed the disciples the full extent of His love… So He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel He had around Him… ‘I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.’” John 13:1,4,5,15 (NLT)

“SELFISH”

SERVING: FROM OBLIGATION To LIFESTYLE

I Must Choose Obedience Over Convenience

“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, be My disciples…’ And they left their nets at once and went with Him. A little farther up the shore He saw two other brothers… mending their nets. And He called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.” Matthew 4:19-22 (NLT)

“‘If you love Me, obey My commandments.” John 14:15 (NLT)

“He replied, ‘But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’” Luke 11:28 (NLT)

I Must Look For Opportunities To Serve

‘And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land… but I found none.’ Ezekiel 22:30

“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.’” Matthew 10:42 (NLT)

“If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.” Mark 8:35 (NLT)