Living on Mission: Embracing True Servanthood

Devotional

Day 1: Humility: The Servant's True Mark

Humility is not merely an attitude but a way of life that reflects the heart of a servant. True servanthood is characterized by a selfless desire to elevate Christ above oneself, to serve without the expectation of recognition or reward. It is a quiet strength that does not boast, for its purpose is not to shine a light on the servant but to cast a spotlight on the Savior. This humility is the hallmark of a servant's heart, a clear sign that one's service is not about personal gain but about bringing glory to Jesus. It is a reminder that pride has no place in the kingdom of God, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. In this spirit, one must approach every act of service with a humble heart, seeking only to honor the One who humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross for our sake [01:09:28].

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." - Philippians 2:5-7

Reflection: How can you serve someone today in a way that brings attention to Christ rather than to yourself?

Day 2: Faithfulness in the Small Things

The willingness to serve in small, often overlooked tasks is a true measure of one's heart for service. It is easy to desire the grand gestures and the significant roles, but it is in the quiet, humble tasks that character is formed and faithfulness is tested. The readiness to take on menial tasks without complaint reveals a heart that understands the importance of obedience and the value of being trustworthy in little things. For it is often through these small acts of service that one is prepared and shaped for greater works that God has in store. This principle is a call to embrace every opportunity to serve, no matter how insignificant it may seem, as a chance to demonstrate faithfulness and a willingness to be used by God for His purposes [01:10:08].

"Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much." - Luke 16:10

Reflection: What small task can you commit to today that you've previously considered beneath you, as a step of faithfulness?

Day 3: Beyond Convenience: The Sacrifice of Service

Servanthood requires a commitment that goes beyond convenience and comfort. It calls for a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others, willing to be interrupted and inconvenienced for the sake of serving. This level of dedication is not about clocking in service hours but about being available and responsive to the Holy Spirit's prompting, even when it disrupts personal plans. It is a reflection of Jesus' own ministry, where He often met the needs of others at the expense of His own rest and agenda. This sacrificial service is a testament to a heart that values the kingdom of God above personal convenience, recognizing that true service often requires personal sacrifice and a willingness to put others first [01:05:10].

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." - Acts 20:24

Reflection: Is there a need you've been avoiding because it's inconvenient? How can you step out in service to meet that need today?

Day 4: Transparency in Service

A servant's heart is transparent, free of hidden agendas and ulterior motives. It is a heart that serves with sincerity and integrity, not seeking personal gain or recognition but genuinely desiring to contribute to the well-being of others and the advancement of God's kingdom. Just as David sought men who were loyal and without deceit to join him, so too should one's service be marked by honesty and a pure intention to support and uplift others. This transparency in service fosters trust and unity within the community, as each person serves openly and wholeheartedly, with a commitment to the common good and the glory of God [55:56].

"For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts." - 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Reflection: Are there any hidden motives in your service that need to be surrendered to God? How can you serve more transparently?

Day 5: Bondservant: A Life of Devotion

The concept of a "bondservant" in Scripture is a profound illustration of the Christian's relationship with Christ. It speaks of a life yielded to the Master, not out of compulsion but out of love and gratitude for the freedom He has granted through His sacrifice. As a bondservant, one's life is no longer one's own; it is a life dedicated to serving the One who paid the ultimate price. This commitment is not a temporary assignment but a lifelong devotion, a continual offering of oneself in service to the Lord and His people. It is a recognition of the cost of salvation and a response of worship, living as a servant who joyfully bears the name of Christ and seeks to honor Him in all things [43:05].

"For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 7:22

Reflection: In what ways can you live out your devotion to Christ as His bondservant today?

Sermon Summary

In my recent sermon, I focused on the theme of living on mission and serving with purpose, drawing from the teachings of Jesus and the examples set forth in Scripture. I emphasized that as followers of Christ, we are called to make disciples and glorify God through our actions and lives. I reminded the congregation that Easter, a time when more people are open to attending church services, presents a unique opportunity to invite others to experience the life-changing message of the gospel.

I highlighted the distinction between being a volunteer and being a servant, explaining that the term "volunteer" is no longer part of our church vocabulary. Instead, we embrace the concept of being a "serve team," where we are coached and equipped to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. I explained that the Greek word "doulos," which means "slave" or "bondservant," reflects a deep commitment to Christ, one that goes beyond temporary service to a lifelong dedication.

I shared the powerful story of two Moravian boys who sold themselves into slavery to spread the gospel, illustrating the depth of commitment and sacrifice that true servanthood entails. I contrasted the attitudes of volunteers, who often keep score and serve within the confines of convenience, with those of servants, who make sacrifices and serve out of a heart of gratitude and commitment.

I also addressed the dangers of hidden agendas, using the example of David's encounter with potential allies in 1 Chronicles 12. I urged the congregation to serve with transparency and without ulterior motives, just as the mighty men who supported David did, laying aside their own ambitions to build God's kingdom together.

Finally, I called on each member of the church to examine their own hearts and to commit to serving in a way that honors God and reflects the selfless love of Jesus. I encouraged everyone to use their unique abilities to help others and to be contributors, not just consumers, in the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) — > "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

2. Mark 10:43-45 (NIV)
> "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

3. 1 Chronicles 12:17-18 (NIV)
> "David went out to meet them and said to them, 'If you have come to me in peace to help me, I am ready for you to join me. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when my hands are free from violence, may the God of our ancestors see it and judge you.' Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said: 'We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.' So David received them and made them leaders of his raiding bands."

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Observation Questions

What command does Jesus give to His followers in Matthew 28:19-20?
According to Mark 10:43-45, what must one do to become great in the Kingdom of God?
In 1 Chronicles 12:17-18, what criteria does David use to determine if someone is a true ally? [52:35]
How did the Moravian boys demonstrate their commitment to servanthood, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:02:22]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to "make disciples" in the context of Matthew 28:19-20, and how can this be applied in our daily lives?
How does Jesus' example of servanthood in Mark 10:43-45 challenge our modern understanding of leadership and greatness?
Why is it important to serve with transparency and without hidden agendas, as illustrated by David's encounter in 1 Chronicles 12:17-18? [55:56]
How does the story of the Moravian boys selling themselves into slavery reflect the depth of commitment required for true servanthood? [01:02:22]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current involvement in church or community service. Are there areas where you have been more of a volunteer than a servant? How can you shift your mindset to serve selflessly like Jesus? [40:35]
Think about a time when you served with a hidden agenda or for recognition. How did that impact your service and relationships? What steps can you take to serve with a pure heart moving forward? [55:56]
Jesus calls us to serve even in small tasks. Identify a menial task that you often overlook or deem unimportant. How can you approach this task with a servant's heart this week? [01:10:08]
Consider the sacrifices made by the Moravian boys. What personal sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to serve others more effectively? [01:02:22]
How can you use your unique abilities to contribute to the body of Christ rather than just consuming? Identify one specific way you can start contributing this week. [47:04]
Reflect on the concept of being a bondservant to Christ. How does understanding the cost of your salvation influence your commitment to serve Him? [43:05]
Examine your motives for serving. Are there any hidden agendas or desires for personal gain? How can you ensure that your service is solely for the glory of God and the benefit of others? [55:56]

Sermon Clips

"Volunteers want themselves to look good; servants want to make God look good. What else can I say about that? Well said, amen, right? Volunteering is about convenience; serving is about commitment. Say 'commitment.' It's the difference in the chicken and the pig... Do you want to just do things that are convenient, or do you want to be all-in committed, whatever it takes?" [01:06:25 ]( | | )

"Volunteering makes you superior; serving makes you humble. A volunteer says 'I'm in this position and I'm really important.'... But a servant says 'I get to do this not to bring glory to myself but to bring glory to Jesus.' The moment that pride walks onto the stage, God walks off. He calls us to be humble servants." [01:09:28 ]( | | )

"If you're too big to do small things, then you're too small for God's big things. If you're too big to change a messy diaper on the kid next door, you're too small for the blessings that God wants to bring in your life. Jesus says 'Enter in, good and faithful volunteer.' What does he say? Servant." [01:10:08 ]( | | )

"A servant's heart is marked by transparency and a lack of hidden agendas. Just as David sought to discern the true intentions of those who came to him, we must approach our service with sincerity, without seeking personal gain or recognition. Our service should be an open book, with no ulterior motives clouding our commitment to God and His people." [55:56 ]( | | )

"The concept of a 'bondservant' in Scripture is a powerful metaphor for our relationship with Christ. As He paid the ultimate price for our freedom, we are called to live as His servants, not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude. This lifelong commitment to serve reflects our understanding of the cost of our salvation and our desire to honor the One who paid our debt." [43:05 ]( | | )

"Volunteering is time-sensitive; serving is need-sensitive. Volunteers say 'I can only give you this much because I've only got this much time.' But servants say 'You know what? I'll rearrange my schedule to help meet the need, and it doesn't matter how long it takes.'" [01:05:10 ]( | | )

"Volunteers keep score; servants make sacrifices. Volunteers keep score, well, you know, 'I've done this and I've done that and I've done something else.' But servants just say 'I'm willing to make a sacrifice, whatever you want me to do.'" [01:04:36 ]( | | )

"Volunteers focus on what they give; servants focus on what Jesus gave. A volunteer's attitude is 'Man, I've given so much... time, energy, so much.' But a servant focuses not on how much they do, but how much Jesus has done for them." [01:02:22 ]( | | )

"Volunteering is something you do; serving is something you are. Volunteers say 'Look at what I did, hope you notice.' But a servant will say 'I'm willing to sacrifice and serve.' A volunteer always wants people to see what they do, but a servant says the only important thing is not that people see what I do, but that Jesus sees my heart and I'm serving out of a heart of gratitude." [01:01:46 ]( | | )

"We're not to just be consumers; we come every Sunday, we consume... the worship, the life, the coffee, the water. No, we're to be contributors. So where are you giving? The scripture says God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure that you use them to help each other." [47:43 ]( | | )

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