Uniquely Made for Service

Give -  TALENT

Eph.2:10  

“For we are God’s masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

We notice that as we look around us we are living in the “me-first” world. In exchange, serving others became strange to us, and becoming more of an unnatural way of life. As one article said it well” People have never thought about serving. They come to church to get something out of it. These people always want to receive and don't think about giving to others. The Lord through Malachi detests this kind of attitude.

Malachi 3:13-14

"You have said harsh things against me," says the LORD. "Yet you ask, 'What have we said against you?' ¹⁴ "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?

People are saying that there is nothing to be gained in serving God, serving God will only lead us to labor and add-on time, that serving God is useless, it also has no purpose.  What wealth, have we gained, in serving God.”

Chuck Swindoll

“God doesn’t want ministry watchers – He wants ministry doers. And to have a vibrant ministry, we must all stay in touch with the living God and actively participate in His work.

SERVING GOD REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING

1. Mental decision.

Our attitudes and our interests to serve are affected by our decision. Attitudes count more than achievements.

2. Intentional Attitude.

It requires effort and dedication to be fulfilled. The accomplishment of any service is the result of the commitment we make.

3. Responsibilities and Accountabilities. 

You don’t compare, criticize, or compete with others because you know that you have been given different assignments, and all uniquely shaped for it.  And one day will give an account in every deed you make.

Ecclesiastes 11:9

“But remember that you must give an account to God

for everything you do”

SERVING GOD STANDS FROM THE FOLLOWING

1.  It is FOCUSED on OTHERS, not  on your own SELF. (Romans1: 11)

2.  It SEES ministry as a  PRIVILEGE, not as an OBLIGATION. 

 Albert Schweitzer said,

"The only really happy people are those who have learned how to serve”.

3.  It is  based on your  IDENTITY in  CHRIST. JOHN 13:14-15

APPLICATION: SERVE GOD and SERVE OTHERS

Job 10:8

“Your hands SHAPED me and made me.”

Spiritual gifts, Heart,   Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.

1.  Look for a ministry that you can join. (Try as much as many)

2.  Discover and be trained in your ministry.

3.  If you can not find one – start one!

As we worship God through our service be excited to do the work that God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

 Life Group Discussion

 

1. What do you think are some of your own God-given talents and abilities?

2. When you have done something useful for God or others, how does it feel?

3. Many older people, when reflecting back on their life, wish they had done more. Will you?

4. What step is God calling you to make right now? What are you afraid of?

Prayer Request in your LG

1. Share your prayer requests (for yourself and family)

2. Pray for our Sunday Worship Experience and ask God that you will be part of it.