STEP NINE – Exercise #6: Serving
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We enjoy being served by others, but few make the effort to serve others. Does the idea of being called a servant appeal to you? What about being treated like a servant? One of the marks of a mature Christian is someone that will do things for others and not expect anything in return. If you want to be a follower of Jesus, you will have to serve just as He served others.
What was Christ’s purpose in coming to this world according to Mark 10:45?
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What are some ways in which Jesus served people?
Matthew 9:35 _______________________________________________________________
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John 13:3-5 _________________________________________________________________
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When Jesus came to the earth He took upon Himself the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7) and He demonstrated His obedience all the way to the cross. This kind of attitude that was in Christ should be in us, in humility counting others more significant than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
We read in Mark 1:30-31 about Jesus healing Simon’s mother in law and after He lifted her up and she was healed, she began to serve them. Can you think of specific moments in your life that Jesus helped you?
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What should your response be?
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Jesus said in John 12:26, “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.” We should also serve one another (Galatians 5:13) and do good especially to those who belong to the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
In God’s kingdom it is not those who have lordship over others and those that are served by others that are the greatest. The greatest in God’s kingdom are those who have become like the youngest and the leaders are those who serve. Read Luke 22:24-27.
Read John 13:1-15 and write down some of the lessons that we can learn about Jesus’ attitude of serving.
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(Note: Jesus’ command of foot washing is not binding as an ordinance. His disciples should follow His example of serving humbly in any way. In verse 15 Jesus calls it an example, implying that there are other ways that one can serve humbly.)
How can we serve,
God? (1 Peter 2:16) ___________________________________________________________
righteousness? (Romans 6:18-19) _______________________________________________
others? (Galatians 5:13) _______________________________________________________
A servant should always keep in mind that he is not greater than his lord (John 13:16) and that Jesus is His Master and Lord. A servant should observe and meet the need of others. Learn to listen and observe to see.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
1 John 3:17 But f if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
What do these verses tell you? _________________________________________________
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A server is a giver not only of himself, but also of his material and financial possessions. Each Christian should have a personal plan for financial giving based on scriptural principles.