Category: Service
Subject: Service
We Are Stewards!
Do you ever think of yourself as a steward of Jesus Christ? Paul writes that we are! “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
The Greek word translated steward in the text is oikonomos, and is defined as “the manager of a household or of household affairs; especially a steward, manager, superintendent” (Thayer). It is used figuratively here to indicate a servant, but one who is given authority to accomplish important tasks. In other words, stewardship indicates service to Christ where we accomplish what he has given us to do.
Wayne Fancher said in a recent sermon that even the one talent man was given a lot of responsibility. One talent is a lot of money. When we think of servitude, we tend to think of someone as low as possible on the social ladder. Not so with a steward. He was certainly bound, but with responsibility, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful”
So think of study, prayer, meditation, the practice of pure religion (cf. James 1:27), attendance, evangelism, love, etc. as duties given my God. Responsibilities for which you will be held accountable.
A sobering thought, isn’t it?
We Appreciate Your Service
It has (rightly) become somewhat popular when patriotic Americans see a policeman, firefighter, soldier or other first responder, to let them know “We appreciate your service.”
This is by no means a universal sentiment, but it should be. As we consider the work and danger they involve themselves it, and know that in the end it is to benefit us, we should be grateful and it is a good thing to let them know. There is so much more we could do for them, but at the least we can let them know we recognize and appreciate their work.
The same thing should be done for those who do for you spiritually. Their desire is for you or your loved ones to grow, and so they spend much time and effort to help you. It’s not just the preacher. Elders, teachers, and even those who clean the building each week, do so selflessly and for the purpose of helping you to grow spiritually.
It is easy to complain when things do not suit exactly, but it is not appropriate. Instead, gratitude should be the sentiment of the hour. There are many passages which deal with these issues. Showing respect and expressing gratitude is the least that we can do. Paul wrote, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (Galatians 6:10).
When is the last time you told someone who helped you spiritually, “I appreciate you!”
Short Sermon: Jesus, A Servant of Men
David Hightower relates in this short lesson how Jesus showed Himself willing to serve others. He washed the feet of the disciples. More to the point, He willingly gave up His life by dying on the cross. We should be servants as well.
Sermon: A Lesson on Service and Humility
In John 13:1-17, Jesus taught by example a lesson on service and humility by washing the feet of His disciples. There are lessons for us as well.
Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Lesson 2 of 8
Speaker: Josh Cox
The Parable of the talents expresses the importance of bearing fruit, and continued growth as servants of the Lord.
Applications are made regarding the responsibilities we have as members of a local congregation.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Greatness Through Service
In Philippians 2:8 we read that as our Lord came to earth as a man, He humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross. We are so thankful for that humility, as it is the basis of our own reconciliation with God.
Interestingly, Paul wrote that because Jesus did what He did, the Father in heaven rewarded Him. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (2:9-11). This is in keeping with what scripture teaches us concerning God. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
It is a lesson we would do well to learn. It is a lesson Jesus taught His disciples by example (by washing their feet), and by His words, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:14-17).
In the Kingdom of Christ, “he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves” (Luke 22:26). Greatness is found through service, and glory is found through humility before God and men.
Sermon: Who is the minister at your church?
This question is commonly asked, and is answered scripturally in this sermon by referencing the work of the evangelist, the deacon, and the required service (ministry) of every Christian.
Sermon: Principles of Service
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul gives instructions to the Corinthians about their gift to the suffering saints in Judea. As part of the instructions, Paul teaches important lessons regarding love, integrity, devotion and service.
Sermon: A Committed Life
We must not look back once we become a professing child of God. We must focus our lives on serving Christ first!
From the Preacher’s Pen: The Last Shall be First!
In Mark 9:35, Jesus taught His disciples an important lesson: “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” The path to primacy in the spiritual realm is humble service.
This is, of course, counterintuitive. Most people think that the way to be first is to dominate, lead, impose, and curry favor. This is the way of the Gentiles (cf. Matthew 20:25), “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (26).
Consider how this truth should impact our attitude toward this congregation and our brethren. Elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, all are to be servants of the church. But, each individual member should consider themselves to be the same. You are not a member at West Side because of what the congregation has to offer. Rather, you are here to offer yourself to God and to His people!
What are you doing for the Lord and His people? Evaluate your responsibilities and the effort you put in from week to week as a member here. Can you be doing more? Can you increase your contribution to the growth and love of this family? Do you have an attitude of “What can others do for me?”, or is it “What can I do for others?” It is a blessed thing to be a servant of all, and it carries with it the most wonderful promise!
From the Preacher’s Pen: Be Humble!
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28).
We have been studying the subject of humility quite a bit in our Wednesday evening class. You might remember the point I made about pride being a characteristic of the world. Jesus establishes that truth in the text above. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them.” Not much has changed in the intervening centuries.
Our Lord’s attitude toward pride and oppression has not changed either. 2,000 years ago Jesus said, “Yet is shall not be so among you…” 2,000 years later He expects the same thing of His people. His example as our Savior, coming to earth in the service of man, is a compelling one.
Do you want to please God? Do you want to be exalted in the final day? Then live a humble and consecrated life of service to others! “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:5).
Are You Serious About Serving God?
(This article originally appeared as a paid ad in (April 2012) in the newspapers published by Suburban Newspapers, Inc. The papers cover five small communities in the Forth Worth area).
In Ecclesiastes 12:13, a very wise man wrote “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” Such a simple truth, but one that is unfortunately seldom heeded.
Why do you go to church? It seems like for a lot of people, worship is entertainment; and a church’s purpose is to facilitate self-actualization. And that seems to be a bit backwards.
Worship should be (and if it is true worship, it is) an offering to God. The purpose of worship is to please God, not to please ourselves. In order for it to please Him, our worship must be in accord with His will. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
The purpose of the church is to do the Lord’s work in the world. It is a religious institution, dedicated to spiritual work. Members share the gospel with the lost, build one another up through worship and fellowship, and engage in benevolent activities. While entertainment and socializing seem to be the central priority of the church experience in our day and time, that is not what God intended for His people. Paul said that the church of the living God is “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).
Our view is not a typical way of looking at worship and service to God. Are you serious about your service to Him? Come visit the West Side church of Christ!
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Sermon: Who is the minister in your church?
It is an oft asked question, and an opportunity to teach. In fact, there is not clergy/laity distinction in the Lord’s church. In fact, we are all ministers (servants) in the Lord’s church.
Sermon: Stewardship
Three principles are examined in this lesson on Stewardship: 1) All things belong to God; 2) We are to be stewards in what we have and who we are; and, 3) We will be held accountable for our stewardship.
