Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Jul 29, 2018

SPIRITUAL GIFTS:  SERVING

1 Peter 4:10- 11; Romans 12:7

 

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:10-11

 

THE GIFT OF SERVING . . .

  • You have a strong desire to be involved.
  • You see and meet needs in a practical way.
  • You often have difficulty saying “No” to opportunities.
  • You typically like to be around other people.
  • You may often underestimate your value to the ministry or people you serve.

 

THE GRACE AND GLORY OF GOD IN SERVING . . .

 

We steward God’s grace well when we serve one another through the gifts we have been entrusted.   

“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

 

We serve not out of human capacity and ability, but in the strength God gives by His Spirit.

“whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies . . .”  1 Peter 4:11a

 

We serve to make much of Jesus, not to make much of ourselves.

  • Serving others is marked by humility.

“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 made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”  Philippians 2:5-7

 

  • Serving is others-focused.

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:3-4

 

  • Serving exalts Jesus.

“ . . . in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:11b

 

HOW THE ENEMY CAN DISTORT AND ATTACK YOUR GIFT . . .

  • You can overextend yourself to the point of burnout or exhaustion.
    • You could limit your effectiveness in all God wants you to do by saying “Yes” to the lesser things.
    • You could miss out on what you should be doing and keeping others from doing what they should be doing.

 

  • An eagerness to serve can be used by the enemy to run ahead of God.

 

MAKING IT PRACTICAL . . .

  • Where will I serve?