MAKE ME A SERVANT I. TEXTUAL THOUGHTS 1. Philippians 1:22-27 - Serving people is a lifestyle worthy of the Gospel. 2. Philippians 2:5-8 - Becoming a servant is an ongoing process. 3. Philippians 2:5-6 - A servant has begun to have the mind of Christ and to empty himself. 4. Philippians 2:5-11- Servanthood is honourable; God became one and honored one. 5. Matthew 10:24-25 - Jesus can teach us to be godly servants. II. MAIN THEME - Jesus, the perfect servant, can teach us all about serving people. 1. Jesus knew his purpose was to serve people - Matthew 20:28. 2. As a servant, Jesus provided service that was needed: a. Wedding needs - John 2:1-11. b. Teaching needs - John 3:1-8. c. Spiritual needs - John 4:7-26 d. Health needs - John 5:1-9. e. Relationship needs - John 15:9-17, 19:26-27. 3. He served all people: a. Close friends - Luke 5:4-7. b. Non-Jews - Luke 7:2-10. c. Prostitutes - Luke 7:36-50. d. His denier - Luke 22:31-32. e. His murderers - Luke 23:34. 4. He served in all circumstances and places: a. In homes - Mark 1:29-34. b. At "church" - Mark 3:1-6. c. Outdoors - Mark 4:1-2. d. On holidays - Mark 6:31-44. e. After death - Hebrews 7:23-25. 5. His motivation - He served because: a. He was created, sent, and given the Holy Spirit to serve - Luke 4:14-21. b. He saw his Father working for people - John 5:16-17. c. The people desperately needed serving - throughout the four gospels. d. He knew the Father blesses servants - John 13:17; Philippians 2:9-11. e. He did not serve to gain money, popularity, or power - Matthew 6:1,2,5,16. III. APPLICATION 1. See Jesus in the people you serve - Matthew 25:40. 2. When you get tired of serving, reconnect with God in prayer - Mark 6:31-46. 3. Serve your neighbor as you come upon the need - Luke 10:25-37. 4. Be encouraged, serving people will increase your faith - Luke 17:5-10. 5. Watch and imitate Jesus; you will mature as a servant - 2 Corinthians 3:18. 6. When it gets painful to serve, remember the future - Philippians 2:9-11. IV. MEMORY VERSES - Matthew 20:36-38 |