What Does Service Look Like?

2017-06-11 
Pastor Jonathan Falwell 

Memory Verse:
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Today, we’re going to look at a familiar passage that underscores the importance of service.

There are many different views of what service should look like in today’s church. Some views are accurate, some are misguided, some are completely wrong. The best guide to becoming a fully engaged servant of Christ is to let Him explain what it looks like.

Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

1. We are to speak truth

vs 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

– Salt is a seasoning that adds flavor

– It is also a preservative which slows or prevents decay

– Our roles of service in the Kingdom are to fulfill both of these elements

– How?

1. Stand for Truth

2. Call for Repentance

2. We are to show love

vs 14a You are the light of the world…

– The purpose of light is to fill (replace) the darkness

– In the absence of light, darkness prevails

3. We are not to be ashamed

vs 14b A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden

– Our salvation is an amazing gift, an undeserved gift, that should compel us to share

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek

4. We are to share the Gospel

vs 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house

– The “light” of the Gospel is given for all, to all, to be shared with all

– The church has been too good at putting our lights under “a basket”

– Reasons:

– “I don’t want to offend”

– “I don’t want to be made fun of or criticized”

– “I’m not sure what to say”

– “What if they ask a question I don’t know the answer to”

5. We are to set the pace

vs 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven

– How do we “let our light shine?”

1. Consecration – “a setting apart”

2. Dedication – working to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15)

3. Motivation – keep moving forward in our service to Him

– Genesis 24:27 – “being on the way”

1. Daily Bible reading and study

2. Committed to prayer

3. Connected to the local church

4. Telling others about Him

5. A constant pursuit of holiness

6. Giving of myself, my talent, my time, my treasure