Ser vice The Spiritual Discipline of. Matthew 25:31-40 Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

Service

The Spiritual Discipline of

Matthew 25:31-40

Whatever you did for one of the least of these Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.brothers of mine, you did for me.

Whatever you did for one of the least of these Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.brothers of mine, you did for me.

Service

The heart of

Service is a natural response of holy obedience that Service is a natural response of holy obedience that flows from our passion for God.flows from our passion for God. Service is a natural response of holy obedience that Service is a natural response of holy obedience that flows from our passion for God.flows from our passion for God.

Service is a concrete expression of our love for Jesus Service is a concrete expression of our love for Jesus and our desire to be more like Him.and our desire to be more like Him. Service is a concrete expression of our love for Jesus Service is a concrete expression of our love for Jesus and our desire to be more like Him.and our desire to be more like Him.

Service

The example of

Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ a ransom for many.’ Matthew 20:25-28Matthew 20:25-28

John 13:4-5

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” Acts 2:42-43

Service

The importance

of

1. We are called to serve1. We are called to serve

I have given you I have given you an example that an example that

you should you should follow. follow. John John

13:1513:15

2. We are gifted to serve2. We are gifted to serve

Each one should use Each one should use whatever gift he has whatever gift he has received to serve others. received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:101 Peter 4:10

We actually serve JesusWe actually serve JesusWe develop intimacy with JesusWe develop intimacy with JesusWe become more like JesusWe become more like JesusWe receive grace from JesusWe receive grace from Jesus

3. We are privileged to serve3. We are privileged to serve

Service

The expressions

of

1. Hiddenness – tasks that remain largely hidden1. Hiddenness – tasks that remain largely hidden2. Small things – making things for people (Acts 9:39)2. Small things – making things for people (Acts 9:39)3. Guarding the reputation of others (Titus 3:2)3. Guarding the reputation of others (Titus 3:2)4. Being served – allowing others to serve us4. Being served – allowing others to serve us5. Common courtesy – acknowledging worth5. Common courtesy – acknowledging worth6. Hospitality – opening our homes (1 Peter 4:9)6. Hospitality – opening our homes (1 Peter 4:9)7. Listening – have compassion and patience7. Listening – have compassion and patience8. Bearing the burdens of each other (Galatians 6:2)8. Bearing the burdens of each other (Galatians 6:2)9. Sharing the word of Life with another9. Sharing the word of Life with another

The service of…The service of…

Let’s Get PracticalList three things that you believe are List three things that you believe are someone else's responsibility to take someone else's responsibility to take

care of in your home.care of in your home.

How can you practically help them to How can you practically help them to accomplish these tasks?accomplish these tasks?

Serve

Improving your

1. Ask God to bring you someone to serve

2. Evaluate a recent service opportunity:• Did I serve a need or my own need to serve? • Did I look for control, merit or appreciation?

3. Volunteer for an area of ministry

4. Live out Matthew 25

Visit the SickVisit the PrisonerClothe the NakedWelcome the Stranger

Feed the Hungry

Wednesday: The call to service – Matthew 20:20-28Thursday: The sign of service – John 13:1-17Friday: The challenge of service – 1 John 3:16-18Saturday: The attitude of service – Colossians 3:23-25Sunday: The practise of service – Rom 12:9-13Monday: The reality of service – Matt 25:31-39Tuesday: The model of service – Luke 10:29-37

5. A Week of devotional readings

A closing challenge from Jesus

John 13:12-15

Prayer of CommissioningLord, save me from the misery of self centeredness and fit me for the outgoingness of service in your kingdom. I surrender to you today. I want to be available to be shaped and empowered and used by you for your kingdom purposes. I want to be a river of living water, a worker of signs and wonders, to reflect the brightness of Christ. Fill my heart with such love that it sings with strange and wild joy. Fill me with yourself that my life may flow in natural service to others. In the name of Jesus. Amen.