Serve One Another

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Rob McFarlane 1:13

Today's sermon is entitled Serve One Another. Let's look at Galatians chapter 5, verse 13. In the second half of this verse, the Bible says, Through love serve one another. Let's look at three thoughts from Scripture and then pray together at the end of my talk. Number one, we have all been entrusted with gifts to serve others. First Peter chapter 4, verse 10 and 11 says, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever speaks as one who speaks oracles of God. Whoever serves as one who serves by the strength that God supplies. Each of us has unique gifts from God, and we are called to use these gifts to serve others. This act of service is both stewardship and expressing God's love to one another. We saw in these verses that there are broadly two types of gifts. There are speaking gifts which are more public and upfront, and there are serving gifts which are more behind the scenes and private. Both of these are essential and important in the body of Christ. When we read the book of Acts, we learn about someone called Tabitha, or also called Dorcas. She was a fine example of someone who used the gifts, talents, and abilities that God had given her to serve and love others in her church community. We read about her in Acts chapter 9, and in this account, Peter went and rose her from the dead. But in the midst of this incredible story of this miraculous resurrection of Tabitha or Dorcas, we read about the type of person she was in verse 36 and verse 39. Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which translated means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. We learn about her character. She was one who served others. And what happened is Peter went with them, and when he arrived, they took him to the upper room where she was lying. And all the widows, it says, stood beside him weeping and showing the tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. We learn from this account that Tabitha used her gift of sewing to serve widows in her community. This shows how practical skills behind the scenes can be used for the benefit of others. And her life teaches us that our gifts are meant to serve others and bring glory to God. What gifts has God given you? How can you use them to serve others in your church and in your community? It's important for us to recognize that we all have gifts and we should use those gifts as good stewards of God's grace in serving others and demonstrating his love to them. Number two, we see that Jesus sets us an example of serving others. Let's read John chapter 13, verse 12 to 15. It says, When he, Jesus, had washed their feet, he put on his outer garments and resumed his place. He said to them, Do you understand what I've done to you? You call me teacher and lord, and you're right, for so I am. If then your Lord and teacher has washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example that you should also do just as I have done to you. Essentially, here Jesus shows us a humble act of service. Washing of feet was a practical, necessary task at that time in history, and it was often assigned to the youngest or the least in the group. But Jesus humbled himself, even though he was their Lord and teacher, and he did this menial task of washing his disciples' feet. This act of humility shows us that no service is too small or beneath us. Jesus washed his disciples' feet and he said that they should follow his example. And here Jesus illustrated the true greatness in God's kingdom is found in serving others. He commands us to follow his example in our daily lives. Consider today how can you emulate Jesus' example of service? What small everyday tasks can you do for others that reflect Christ's love and humility? Jesus gave us a very practical example, and he has called us to also serve others with that same humility and express His love to others. Who can you serve in your life today? How can you humbly make a difference in someone else's life? It might just be a small task, but it could have a huge impact in expressing God's love and care and encouragement for somebody else. Number three, if we all use the gifts entrusted to us, God will be glorified in our church. Let's go back to 1 Peter chapter 4 and verse eleven. In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. God will be glorified in and through our lives when we use our gifts to serve others. Our service points others to God and makes His grace visible in our community. And the church becomes a powerful witness when every member uses their gifts to serve others. This reflects God's love and grace. What gifts has God entrusted to you? They might be upfront or behind the scenes gifts. They might be public or they might be private. But if each of us have an attitude of a servant, Lord, how can I use what you've entrusted to me for the benefit of others? We'll see the body of Christ come alive. Consider how your serving contributes to the mission of the church. Are you using your gifts in a way that brings glory to God? So, in summary, we must recognize the gifts that God has entrusted to us and follow Jesus' example of humble service. Let's seek ways to serve one another using our gifts to glorify God in our church family. Let's pray. And as we do, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in applying today's message to your life. Let's pray. Father God, thank you for the example of Jesus and others in the New Testament who served. And thank you that true leadership in the kingdom comes as we serve others. Thank you that we all have gifts that have been entrusted to us. And please help us to identify them and to use them whether we think they are important or not. You have placed us in this church community in order to serve one another. Help us to serve you with a humble heart and to demonstrate your love and grace to others. Lord, we pray that you would speak to us now and show us what you want us to do as a result of what we've heard in today's sermon. Show us how we can use the skills, the gifts, the talents that we have to extend your kingdom. Whether it's like Tabitha or Dorcas with sewing and making garments, or whether it's some other form of craft with our hands, whether it's maintenance or praying for others, or showing acts of kindness. Whatever you've called us to do, Lord, help us to use those gifts to extend your kingdom. In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.