Selected Passages
Ministry comes from the Greek word which means to serve. In the Bible, Christian ministry is understood as service to God through other people. If we serve people in line with the teachings of the Bible, then, we are ultimately serving God. Today, I want to do two things. First, I want to share with you the reasons why we serve the Lord. And second, I will propose some practical application.
1. To demonstrate our identity.
“It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” Luke 4:8.
· Jesus affirmed an Old Testament commandment to God’s people.
· You are identified to the One you serve. See Matthew 6:24.
· Ministry enables you to exercise righteousness, enhance inner peace, and amplify joy.
2. To express our love.
“25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, 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.” Matthew 20:25-28.
13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13.
· The Lord teaches the style of leadership for believers is different.
· Gentiles lead in an authoritarian way using their authority.
· Believers are to lovingly lead by serving and giving away of themselves for the sake of others.
· Jesus gave the greatest example of love and service – dying on the cross in place of others. He became their substitute on the cross.
· Believers are expected to give away themselves by putting the interest of others above their own.
· Believers must serve to build others in Christ’s name.
· Christian service does not expect the praises and complements of others.
· It is better to store treasures in heaven and not on earth. See Matthew 6:19-23.
3. To fulfill our mutual obligation.
“13 So if you faithfully obey the commands, I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine, and olive oil. 15 I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.” Deuteronomy 11:14-15.
· The old covenant term speaks of mutual obligation wherein God compelled himself to reward His people if they would serve him faithfully.
Eugene Merrill, author of Everlasting Dominion (273), wrote with regards to the old covenant, “[T]he Lord and Israel were now linked in a partnership of mutual obligation that would forever alter the course of human history.”
· Every relationship has obligations.
· While God obligates every believer to serve, He encourages them with His rewards.
· The Holy Spirit has given us spiritual gifts and abilities to serve God. See Romans 12:6-9.
Application:
a. Start with your community.
· Look for opportunities to serve your neighbor.
· Start meaningful conversations that focuses on the other person.
· Start a chat online prayer group.
· Help a new immigrant settle down.
· Do grocery runs.
· Cut shared lawns.
b. Serve also in the church.
· Do a spiritual inventory.
· Look at the needs of the church and fulfill one of them.
· Seek audience with your pastor or ministry leader to discuss how you can serve.
· Join a Bible study group or start one.
· Share the gospel with others.
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