The Way Of Christ - The Way Of Service

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                          "THE WAY OF CHRIST"

                           The Way Of Service

INTRODUCTION

1. In this series we have seen how The Way Of Christ is the way...
   a. To God    d. Of love   g. Of unity       j. Of bearing fruit
   b. To life   e. Of joy    h. Of prayer
   c. To truth  f. Of peace  i. Of forgiveness

2. The Way Of Christ is also the way of service...
   a. Jesus came to serve, giving His life as a ransom for us - Mt
      20:28; Php 2:5-8
   b. He continues to serve as our High Priest - He 7:24-25

[As we examine this facet of The Way Of Christ more closely, let's first
take notice of...]

I. THE WAY OF SERVICE TAUGHT

   A. JESUS TEACHES US TO SERVE...
      1. He taught that service leads to true greatness - Mt 20:25-28
      2. He demonstrated the service He desires of His disciples - Jn
         13:12-17
      -- Service leads to greatness, but also to happiness ("blessed are
         you if you do them")

   B. HIS APOSTLES TEACH US TO SERVE...
      1. Using our liberty in Christ to serve one another in love - Ga
         5:13
      2. Using our gifts to minister to one another, that God might be
         glorified - 1Pe 4:9-10
      -- Service leads to the glory of God, as He provides the ability
         to serve

[How might we serve those around us...?]

II. THE WAY OF SERVICE MANIFESTED

   A. WE CAN SERVE IN THE KINGDOM...
      1. In the area of evangelism (reaching the lost for Christ)
         a. Someone led you to Christ, can you not lead another to Him?
            - Jn 1:35-42
         b. Begin by being hospitable, offering acts of kindness and
            service
         c. At the very least, invite to services, offer a Bible
            correspondence course
         d. Hone your skills in evangelism, seek to improve your ability
            to teach the gospel to others
      2. In the area of edification (building up the body of Christ)
         a. Many have contributed to your spiritual growth, can you help
            others? - Ep 4:16
         b. Begin by being present at every service, greeting every one
            present
         c. Take a special interest in those who are new, encourage them
         d. Offer to help teach our children, even if it only means to
            assist another teacher
         e. Volunteer whatever service you can render in the work and
            worship of the church
      3. In the area of benevolence (meeting needs of those in Christ)
         a. Has anyone ever showed you kindness?  "Be kind to one
            another" - Ep 4:32
         b. Visit the sick or elderly in hospitals, and at home
         c. Render service such as cleaning, transportation, errands,
            etc.
         d. Minister to the poor, hungry, or those otherwise in need
      -- There are indeed many ways to serve in the vineyard of the
         Lord!

   B. WE CAN SERVE IN OTHER WAYS...
      1. In the home
         a. Husbands and wives serving one another
         b. Parents and children serving one another
         c. Siblings serving one another
      2. In the workplace
         a. Managers and laborers serving one another
         b. Employees serving one another
      3. In the community
         a. Neighbors serving one another
         b. The affluent and the poor serving one another
         c. Friend and foe serving one another
      -- There are many opportunities to demonstrate the way of Christ
         in our lives!

CONCLUSION

1. The Way Of Christ may seem to be counterintuitive...
   a. "Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant"
      - Mt 20:26
   b. "Whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave"
      - Mt 20:28

2. But the way of service leads to...
   a. Love and respect in the hearts of others
   b. Eventual exaltation by God - cf. Mt 23:11-12

In our journey along The Way Of Christ, let us follow the way of
service, remembering the words of our Lord...

   "...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and
   to give His life a ransom for many." - Matthew 20:28
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