“Improving Your Serve”

Step by Step Through Colossians #3

July 22, 2007

“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?" That's exactly what Jesus did. He didn't make it easy for himself by avoiding people's troubles, but waded right in and helped out. "I took on the troubles of the troubled," is the way Scripture puts it”. Romans 15:1-3 (The Message)

What Do We Think About What We Do?

I. When I think about Serving What do I think?

“But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:15-16 (NIV)

“Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” Colossians 1:24 (NIV)

II. When I think about my reason for serving What do I think?

“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—“ Colossians 1:25 (NIV)

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men…” Ephesians 6:7 (NIV)

III. When I think about my vision for people What do I think?

“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:28 -29 (NIV)

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20 & 21 (NIV)

~ STRENGTH IS FOR SERVICE NOT STATUS ~