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An Active Church: Part II

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.

Introduction

This morning I want us to continue our study of an Active Church by looking at the Distinctives of an Active Church. That is, I want us to look at what Biblical service is and how it is different from simply doing nice things

Important: later on today, in the course of our parish meeting, we will present ourselves and the ministries of this parish to God for service throughout this year.

Therefore, as we prepare to come and make our presentations to God, I want to make sure that we understand exactly what it is that we are presenting. As such, this morning I want us to examine 4 essential traits of Biblical service.

A] Biblical Service is Specific:

That is, Biblical Service self-consciously and intentionally seeks to promote godliness in others. As such, Biblical Service is more than merely being helpful or nice. It is not random deeds of kindness nor is it religious busywork. Rather, it is service that seeks to make God and the Gospel known. In other words, it seeks fruit that remains

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

How do we shine/serve in such a way to make God known?

B] Biblical service is dependent

That is, it serves according to God’s Word with the strength that God supplies (it serves facing God). Therefore, Biblical service is bathed in attentive prayer (it asks: what does God want to see happen through the particular passage, song, fellowship hour, nursery work, ushering that I am offering? And then it seeks God for that fruit)

1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. ⁶ And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.

C] Biblical Service is extraordinary.

In other words, God promises that there are no ordinary tasks in His house. Rather, when we are faithfully seeking God’s Kingdom, God spiritually endows even our most unassuming duties

Matthew 14:17 And they said to Jesus, "We have only five loaves and two fish”. [but what are these for so many people?- Joh 6:9] 18 And Jesus said, "Bring them to Me."

D] Biblical Service is expectant. That is, Biblical Service expects God to bless and use the service that He has commissioned. (Think about it: God has saved, included, equipped, and called you to serve. God does not do all of that only to neglect or ignore what He has commissioned)

Isaiah 55:10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, ¹¹ So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Bottom line: Biblical Service means that when I serve: I strive to honor God, I seek God, and I expect God (I expect to see God’s hand at work in the work He has given me to do).