Living with Eternal Perspective: Embracing Servanthood
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to live with the end in mind, understanding that our actions on Earth have eternal consequences. The scripture reminds us that whatever good we do, we will receive back from the Lord, whether we are free or bound. This perspective requires tremendous faith, as it challenges us to serve selflessly, knowing that our earthly life is fleeting and that we will one day stand before a holy God. In that moment, the positions we held or the accolades we received will not matter; what will matter is how we served others and embodied the spirit of Christ.
We are encouraged to embrace servanthood, even when it feels like we are being taken advantage of. The world often teaches us to fight for our rights and avoid being exploited, but God calls us to a different standard. He sees and rewards the servant heart, and our faithfulness in service is noted in heaven. This does not mean we ignore injustices or fail to stand against sin, such as human trafficking, which is a grave evil that must be fought. However, in our personal lives, when we find ourselves in lower positions or unfair situations, we are to keep eternity in mind and follow the example of Jesus, who was mistreated and betrayed yet remained a servant.
The greatest among us, as Jesus taught, shall be the servant. This is a call to action for our church community—to strive to outdo one another in service, creating a place where the love and humility of Christ are evident. Imagine a church where everyone is eager to serve, where the spirit of Christ is alive in our actions and attitudes. This is the vision we are called to pursue, a community that reflects the heart of God through selfless service.
Key Takeaways:
1. Eternal Perspective: Our actions on Earth have eternal consequences, and we must live with the end in mind, knowing that we will receive back from the Lord for the good we do. This requires faith and a focus on serving others rather than seeking personal gain. [00:33]
2. Embrace Servanthood: Embracing servanthood, even when it feels like we are being taken advantage of, aligns us with God's will. Our faithfulness in service is seen and rewarded by God, and we are called to trust in His justice and timing. [02:13]
3. Fight Against Injustice: While we are called to serve, we must also stand against injustices like human trafficking. Fighting for those who are sinned against is a vital part of our faith, and we must balance service with advocacy for justice. [03:08]
4. Christ as Our Role Model: Jesus, who was mistreated and betrayed, is our ultimate role model in servanthood. By following His example, we align ourselves with God's heart and purpose, becoming true servants in His kingdom. [03:39]
5. Community of Service: A church community that strives to outdo one another in service reflects the love and humility of Christ. This vision calls us to action, creating a place where the spirit of Christ is alive and evident in our interactions. [04:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Serving with the End in Mind
[00:33] - Eternal Consequences
[00:47] - Faith and Service
[01:04] - Facing God
[01:24] - The Reality of Life's Uncertainty
[02:00] - Embracing Servanthood
[02:13] - Fear of Being Taken Advantage Of
[02:30] - Faith in God's Reward
[02:47] - Offense at Biblical Teachings
[03:08] - Fighting Injustice
[03:24] - Keeping Eternity in Mind
[03:39] - Christ as Our Role Model
[03:56] - The Greatest Shall Be Servant
[04:21] - A Church of Service
[04:37] - Vision for Our Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 6:7-8 - "Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free."
2. Matthew 23:11 - "The greatest among you shall be your servant."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 6:7-8 suggest about the motivation behind our service to others? How does this relate to the idea of eternal consequences? [00:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the moment we stand before God, and what will truly matter at that time? [01:04]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of embracing servanthood even when it feels like we are being taken advantage of? [02:13]
4. How does the sermon differentiate between personal servanthood and fighting against injustices like human trafficking? [03:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of receiving back from the Lord for the good we do challenge or affirm your current understanding of faith and service? [00:33]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our earthly positions and accolades are insignificant in the face of eternity? How does this perspective influence our daily actions? [01:24]
3. What does it mean to have Christ as our role model in servanthood, especially in situations where we feel mistreated or betrayed? [03:39]
4. How can a church community embody the vision of outdoing one another in service, and what impact might this have on its members and the wider community? [04:37]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt taken advantage of. How might embracing a servant's heart change your perspective or response in similar future situations? [02:13]
2. Consider your current motivations for serving others. How can you align them more closely with the idea of serving as to the Lord rather than for human recognition? [00:13]
3. Identify an area in your life where you might be prioritizing earthly accolades over eternal values. What steps can you take to shift your focus? [01:24]
4. Think of a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice. How can you balance the call to servanthood with the need to stand against such injustices? [03:08]
5. How can you personally contribute to creating a church community that reflects the love and humility of Christ through service? What specific actions can you take this week? [04:37]
6. Reflect on Jesus as your role model in servanthood. What specific traits or actions of His can you emulate in your interactions with others this week? [03:39]
7. How can you keep the eternal perspective in mind when making daily decisions, especially those involving service to others? [00:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Eternal Consequences
In our journey of faith, we are reminded that our actions on Earth have eternal consequences. This perspective requires us to live with the end in mind, focusing on serving others rather than seeking personal gain. It challenges us to have faith that whatever good we do, we will receive back from the Lord, whether we are free or bound. This mindset encourages us to serve selflessly, knowing that our earthly life is fleeting and that we will one day stand before a holy God. In that moment, the positions we held or the accolades we received will not matter; what will matter is how we served others and embodied the spirit of Christ. [00:33]
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. How might considering its eternal consequences have changed your approach or outcome?
Day 2: Embracing Servanthood in Adversity
Embracing servanthood, even when it feels like we are being taken advantage of, aligns us with God's will. The world often teaches us to fight for our rights and avoid being exploited, but God calls us to a different standard. He sees and rewards the servant heart, and our faithfulness in service is noted in heaven. This does not mean we ignore injustices or fail to stand against sin, but in our personal lives, when we find ourselves in lower positions or unfair situations, we are to keep eternity in mind and follow the example of Jesus, who was mistreated and betrayed yet remained a servant. [02:13]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel taken advantage of. How can you respond with a servant's heart, trusting in God's justice and timing?
Day 3: Balancing Service with Advocacy for Justice
While we are called to serve, we must also stand against injustices like human trafficking. Fighting for those who are sinned against is a vital part of our faith, and we must balance service with advocacy for justice. This requires discernment and courage, as we navigate the complexities of a world filled with sin and suffering. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, serving those in need while also speaking out against the evils that oppress them. [03:08]
"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." (Isaiah 1:17, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a social injustice you are passionate about. What is one practical step you can take this week to advocate for change?
Day 4: Following Christ's Example of Servanthood
Jesus, who was mistreated and betrayed, is our ultimate role model in servanthood. By following His example, we align ourselves with God's heart and purpose, becoming true servants in His kingdom. This means embracing humility, forgiveness, and love, even in the face of adversity. As we strive to embody the spirit of Christ, we are transformed into His likeness, reflecting His glory to the world around us. [03:39]
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt mistreated. How can you follow Christ's example of servanthood in your response?
Day 5: Building a Community of Service
A church community that strives to outdo one another in service reflects the love and humility of Christ. This vision calls us to action, creating a place where the spirit of Christ is alive and evident in our interactions. Imagine a church where everyone is eager to serve, where the love and humility of Christ are evident in our actions and attitudes. This is the vision we are called to pursue, a community that reflects the heart of God through selfless service. [04:37]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a culture of service in your church community this week? What specific action can you take to encourage others in their service?
Quotes
"Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord not to man knowing that whatever good anyone does this he will receive back from the Lord whether he's bonder servant or is free he's saying you got to keep this in mind whatever you do you're going to you're you're going to see the consequences of that the reward or the punishment he goes you're going to receive back from the L so it takes tremendous Faith to go I'm going to serve on this Earth." [00:00:03]
"In a split second any of us at any second we're going to find ourselves no longer longer seeing all of this and suddenly all you see is this holy God and you're going to be faed down before this holy being and what are you going to care about at that time what position you you elevated yourself up to no he he's reminding them look listen Masters you've got a master in heaven and any second boom you're going to be on your face before him." [00:00:53]
"So the faith to go I'm not living for this life my life could end today I don't know if I'm going to wake up in the morning I don't know if I'm going to drive home safely it's it's just it's it's up for grabs and so God says Hey whether you're a servant or a master you're going to stand before God and so Embrace that servanthood knowing that be because some of you are looking at this go well if I do this I'm kind of scared to do this because then people will take advantage of me." [00:01:31]
"Think about the reward forever in heaven as God is watching that and going wow look at that she's remaining a servant they're taking advantage of her great is her reward so it takes Faith but we're just so not conditioned to think this way it's like I'm not letting anyone take advantage of me you fight for your rights and that's why people are offended by the Bible they're going well God's just kind of saying don't worry about it." [00:02:17]
"Listen I obviously you guys know I'm a I'm I'm one that has been leading in helping the fight against slavery especially human trafficking I mean it's just disgusting it's horrible and and I'm not saying we don't fight those injustices and that's when you're being sinned against in that way no one deserves that we fight for those people and uh we give towards this we serve them so that that's not what we're talking about here." [00:02:52]
"When we are been being put in a lower position and maybe even taking advantage of and working hard without the same amount of pay or whatever it may be we've got to keep eternity in mind and go wow God I serve a God who was mistreated who was betrayed all the things that Adam lifted listed out before communion that's my role model that's my God." [00:03:29]
"What he says in uh Matthew 23:1 the greatest among you shall be your servant so in the end God's going to be looking who really served who really became like my son that's why I've saw in my life oh shoot I got caught up in some of these things and I've lost lost some of that servant mentality God bring it back take me to another level." [00:03:56]
"If we could become a church could you imagine if everyone in this church was trying to outdo each other in service this would be an awesome place to be right and and I know some of you are so it's a pretty good place to be um but it it's just what if that's just what the church was a bunch of people that were really being like Christ and saying what do you need I want to serve you." [00:04:37]
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