Saturday, September 05, 2009
SERVANTHOOD
SERVANTHOOD
I Corinthians 4:1-21
INTRO: I was reminded this week somewhere that life should all be about God. We so often focus on what God will do for us in such a way that the focus is on His blessings. Rather the focus needs to be on HIM. Thus we speak of servanthood!
SERVANTHOOD:
INVOLVES FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP (vs. 1-5)
God expects faithfulness.
Authentic servants are faithful to do what God wants.
INVOLVES HUMBLE MINISTRY (vs. 6-8)
Don't take pride.
What do you have that you did not receive?
Servants minister with humility.
INVOLVES WILLING SACRIFICE (vs. 9-13)
Servants willing sacrifice where needed.
They return good for evil. (vs. 13)
INVOLVES PARENTAL LIKE LOVE/CONCERN (14-15)
His rebuke is not to shame, but to correct.
Reflects loving concern like a father.
INVOLVES EXEMPLARY LIVING (16-17)
Paul called them to follow him.
He proposed to be living as Christ and as he teaches.
INVOLVES SPIRITUAL POWER (18-21)
We serve in the power of God, not personal power.
Jesus said that HE came to be a servant. We should also serve. We serve God as we serve others. He is to be our central concern. Let's worship Him daily. Let's SERVE HIM.
---Outline adapted from Dr. Ron Meeks,
