shaped to serve - ministry
April 15th, 2008
I. SERMON OUTLINE:
“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good
works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10 (NIV)
“Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.”
1 Pet. 4:10 (NIV)
Fortnight ago: Worship: our love relationship with the Lord
Last sunday: Discipleship: becoming more like Jesus
Today: Ministry - Serving God by serving others
A. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING AVAILABLE.
“Two blind men… shouted, ‘Lord, have mercy on us!’ … Jesus
stopped and called them. ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’
He asked.” Matt. 20:30-32 (NIV)
“Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can
help them now.” Prov. 3:28 (TEV)
1st Barrier: SELF-CENTEREDNESS
“Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”
Phil. 2:4 (MSG)
2nd Barrier: PERFECTIONISM
“If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything
done.” Eccl. 11:4 (NLT)
3rd Barrier: MATERIALISM
“No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve both
God and money.” Luke 16:13 (NIV)
B. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING GRATEFUL.
“Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have
heard Me. I knew that you always hear Me, but I said this for the
benefit of the people standing here…’” John 11:41-42 (NIV)
“Serve the Lord with gladness.” Ps. 100:2 (KJV)
1st Barrier: COMPARING & CRITICIZING
“Who are you to criticize someone else’s servant? The Lord will
determine whether His servant has been successful.”
Rom. 14:4 (GW)
2nd Barrier: WRONG MOTIVATIONS
“When you do good deeds, don’t try to show off. If you do, you
won’t get a reward from your Father in heaven.” Matt. 6:1 (CEV)
C. SERVING LIKE JESUS MEANS BEING FAITHFUL.
“I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You
gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV)
“The one thing required of servants is that they be faithful…”
1 Cor. 4:2 (TEV)
“Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that
nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort.”
1 Cor. 15:58 (MSG)
“He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him and how
you have shown your love to Him by caring for other
Christians.” Heb. 6:10 (NLT)
“’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful
with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things.
Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matt. 25:21 (NIV)
II. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What are some challenges that Singaporeans face with regards to being available to ministry?
2. Brainstorm some creative ways by which Christians in different stages of life can serve despite their obvious limitations:a). the student with his academic and CCA demands. b).the busy executive who works from 8 to 8 on most days. c) the career woman with three young children?
3. Describe some wrong attitudes and motivations with which Christians serve God?
4. What has helped you to cultivate a spirit of gratitude?
5. Faithful means loyal, steadfast, resolute, devoted. Have a positive “gossip” about someone in the cell and church, or outside, who inspires you as one who is faithful in service/ministry? (Good time for cell leader to affirm cell members).
6. What are some reasons why people are able to be faithful? Spend time praying and thanking God.
Entry Filed under: Ministry
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