“Choosing to Be a Servant” “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”-- Matthew 20:28 (NIV) “When we choose to serve we are still in charge. We decide whom we will serve and when we will serve. When we choose to be a servant, we give up the right to be in charge. When we choose to be a servant, we surrender the right to decide who and when we will serve.”-- Richard J. Foster, Celebration of Discipline
What is the difference between choosing to serve and choosing to be a servant Choosing to serve is _____________________________________________ Choosing to be a servant is ________________________________________ 1.) Servanthood Requires a Master.
--Before we can choose to be a servant, we must choose a master (God).
--The Bible is full of people who chose God as their master. Joshua made his choice very clear. Let’s take a look at Joshua 24:15.
--Choosing to be a servant begins with a choosing a master.
--We influence the choice people make regarding a master.
--Look at Exodus 32:1-8. Aaron made a choice to worship an idol and a whole nation followed his fellowship.
2.) Servanthood Requires the Long Look.
--Christ followed a life of servanthood which led to the cross and his resurrection.
--That invasion of history was D-Day in God’s kingdom.
--Victory Day is coming when all of our acts of service will be vindicated.
How does knowing Christians will claim ultimate victory affect your attitude towards your service to him?
--Jesus kept the perspective of eternity through his time on Earth.
--We can serve with confidence knowing Jesus endured every insult and injury we may be called upon to bear in our service to him.
--Just like Jesus did, we should look beyond our pain to a future celebration!
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