TOOLS For our everyday faith
Good morning ER – I’m Angela Kohl – I am typically found at our HBurg campus –
Happy mothers day!
Since I got the gift of traveling East this mothers day morning – I brought my mom bag and some of tools of my daily life.
(bible, spoon, prayer journal, mascara, pen, phone
You have some with you as well – let me show you!
Good morning – wave – now yall give me a big wave back. Now fist bump your neighbor
What tool was that? Our hands
Look at someone and give them a smile?
Whats the tool?
Yes, a smile!
On 3, everyone say good morning!
Yes, your voice
These are all just objects until we put them into action and apply love – then they become tools for service.
We hear the term “serve the Lord” often – an early Old Testament scripture that we think of when we think of serving God is in Joshua 24 verse 15…
But as for me and my household, …. “we will serve the Lord”
where Joshua is urging, the Israelites to forsake their idols and serve the Lord faithfully. To choose him, to follow him, and act according to His word.
Before heading any further – lets look at a biblical definition of serving
In a biblical context, “serving the Lord” signifies a deep commitment to God, marked by obedience, devotion, and a desire to express love for Him through actions and attitudes. It’s about recognizing God’s authority and responding with a life of love and service, both in personal behavior and in interactions with others.
Have you ever had questions, fears, or confusion about serving God and others?
Have you ever asked….
WHY would I do that? WHY do I need the service tool in my tool belt?
Maybe I take this approach because I’m a mama – and there are a lot of questions in my daily life and a lot of them begin with WHY! …..
I also had to chuckle when I landed on the structure of my message –
I have the privilege of working closely with your Pastor – and he loves a good question – so in an effort to bless him we will answer the WHY of SERVICE this morning.
I’m so glad you asked …. I going to give you 3 reasons this morning – my hope is those 3 will make you hungry to know more and you will pick up our first 2 tools and seek the Lord in Prayer and Scripture to find out more.
Just to give you some context of the the focus and importance of this new tool in scripture- In the NIV there are over 1,100 mentions of service, service, or servant. (importance and necessity)
(OUR FIRST WHY IS IN FORM OF A QUESTION)
#1 The lord commands us or invites us?
Which is it?
In the beautiful nature of the Lord – it is both!
Deuteronomy 10:12 says:
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.
(here we see Moses standing on the edge of the promised land with the Israelites – reminding them of Gods faithfulness, expectations, and a call to obedience – He wanted their days ahead to be full of Him)
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
(this is final words in the chapter where we find Paul telling the Colossians to put on the new self – TO PUT AWAY THE EARTHLY THINGS and GOES ON TO give instructions to Christian households)
The Greek word used here for “heart” is “psychē,” which can also be translated as “soul” or “life.” Thus, Paul is calling for a deep, intrinsic commitment to one’s work, suggesting that it should be done with enthusiasm and dedication.
This perspective is transformative because it redefines the purpose and motivation behind our labor.
In the ancient world, many of Paul’s readers were slaves or servants, working under the authority of human masters. By directing their efforts towards the Lord, Paul elevates their work from mere obligation to an act of worship.
This principle applies universally to all believers, regardless of their occupation or status. Whether one is a teacher, a doctor, a janitor, or a stay-at-home parent, their work is ultimately for the Lord.
In our personal lives, the principle of working “with all your heart” can be applied to our relationships, responsibilities, and daily routines.
Whether we are caring for our families, volunteering in our communities, or pursuing personal goals, we are encouraged to do so with enthusiasm and dedication, as unto the Lord.
This mindset fosters a sense of fulfillment and joy, as we recognize that our efforts are not in vain but are part of a larger divine plan.
Is there any area in your life you struggle to do it with enthusiasm and unto the Lord?
For me, one consistent area was going grocery shopping – this is important way I serve my family – we must have milk in our house.., but I truly felt grumbly about this! This scripture brought a reminder that even in our everyday task we should do them unto the Lord. To help my attitude – I began to thank him that every time I walk in the store – I thank him that we can buy groceries, that my family can eat, and that I am able – then I look forward to who I will run into and can chat with. Now, this is not a boast – this is to remind us the Lord commands but he also help us.
We this mama also has a saying at our house, “don’t half do it” If we are going to do something let’s do it well. Now, that saying can come back to bite you a bit if you are not on your game – but I think I need to start reminding my children that this is simply scriptural!
#2 It is for our good and his glory
1 Peter 4:10-11
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.
Matthew 5:16-
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
SLIDE
Ephesians 2:10
10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
The phrase “created in Christ Jesus for good works” reminds us of the transformative power of being united with Christ. When we accept Jesus into our lives, we become a new creation. Our old selves are passed away, and we are reborn with purpose and capability to do good works.
These good works are not just ordinary tasks; they are divinely assigned responsibilities that reflect God’s character and love in the world.
Some other Benefits of Serving – AS we pour out we receive –
1. Serving allows us to discover and develop our spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 12 compares the church to a human body. Just like our bodies are made of many parts serving specific functions, the church is made up of people with different skills and abilities. Alone these pieces aren’t very useful, but together we create something beautiful.
2. Serving allows us to experience miracles.
3. Serving allows us to experience the joy and peace that comes from obedience.
4. Serving helps us to be more like Jesus.
We shift our focus off of ourselves onto others through serving. We begin to see others as Jesus sees them. And we see Jesus IN others (Matthew 25:40).
5. Serving surrounds us with other Christians who can help us follow Jesus.
When we’re working side by side with other people, a bond inevitably forms. This was part of God’s plan for how the church is supposed to work.
I asked some questions about serving to several of my friends and family (friends respond better – just saying) One friend expressed the importance of the relationships she has made while serving.
Some of the greatest moments I remember in ministry– is serving alongside others. There is something about serving together that tears down walls and creates relationships – God desires this for us.
6. Serving increases our faith.
As we move out of our comfort zones, God increases our faith by revealing new potential — in ourselves and in His Church.
When we see what He can do when His power is at work within us, we begin looking for the doors He’s opening rather than pushing our way through the one’s He’s closed (Ephesians 3:20).
7. Serving allows us to experience God’s presence in new ways.
8. Serving is good for your soul.
Studies have shown that volunteering is so good for the mind and body that it can ease symptoms of stress and depression. Tapping into our gifts and passions builds self-confidence, energy, and strength. Serving others can also be the best distraction from our own worries.
We make all sorts of rational explanations for not serving:
I don’t have time.
I don’t know what I would do.
I don’t have any special skills to contribute. (remember those tools I showed you at the beginning for the service – just be willing)
They don’t need me.
But the reality is the Lord doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called.
God used men and women with similar doubts to change the course of history.
Moses didn’t think he was a leader or speaker, but God worked through Moses to bring Israel out of slavery.
David was the youngest (and therefore most insignificant) of all his brothers, but God worked through David to defeat a giant and eventually made him a king.
Paul used to kill Christians before he met Jesus, but he went on to become one of the most highly-regarded and prolific writers/church planters in history.
God doesn’t just want to work through you; He wants to work in you.
Now that my friends is for our good! And excitedly for His glory!
VIDEO ( approx. 2min 34 sec)
#3 Jesus served – Jesus did it! This again is our greatest why!
We see Jesus throughout his earthly ministry healing the sick, feeding the hungry, serving in his every step.
But in His very last hours we see a profound example of how Jesus loves and wants us to do the same.
Let’s take a look at John 13:1-17 on the screen
We have just seen Jesus with His disciples at the last meal before his arrest
He knew the hour had come- His public ministry was over. Within the next 24 hours
He would hang on the cross to give us life – what do we find him doing?
Loving his disciples to the very end by serving them. (If it where me…)
He spends this last several hours with the ones closest too him – he had been serving them all along the journey and now in these last moments he serves them in a way that was astonishing to them
See in this culture – foot washing was left for the lowest of servants. It was required because they wore sandals and let’s just say the streets were less than sanitary.
They would gather in very close proximity, at table the height of a coffee table and sit together reclining on the floor to have this meal.
The meal had started, Jesus got up to wash the disciples feet (made me question – do I allow for interruption?)
He took off and laid aside his garment, girded himself with a towel ( a tool of a servant – though still holding all authority and knowledge) and changed His posture to serve.
What do I need to take off or lay aside this morning?
Then there’s Peter… you will never wash my feet.
Wash my whole body.
Jesus is saying don’t miss what I have for you. (being served/receiving)
Lets not miss this – Jesus knew that Peter would deny him – he knew the betrayal – the hurt. And he knew the need for forgiveness and restoration.
We see the most beautiful example of Jesus taking on a tool we all need to carry.
He took off his cloak – signifying humility and willingness to serve – he lowered himself and took on the towel.
He girds (put around you to prepare for work) himself, kneels, and does the job of the lowest servant –– how does that speak to our hearts this morning.
So Angela, are you telling me that we should start carrying a pitcher and basin and start washing feet?
Not exactly!
Though some churches practice foot washing as a sacrament, today lets look at the tools he wants to equip us with
I brought some of the tools Jesus wants us to put in ours… (GET TOWELS FROM BAG)
Jesus is saying to serve me you must ….
take on the towel of love
Take on the towel of humility
Take on the towel of obedience.
And gird yourself FOR service…
This will look incredible different for each of us but it may be …
These tools will serve you and will allow you to LIVE AND share the greatest love story ever told.
Though I think the greatest starting place for service is in our homes (most needed) – and we are to serve wherever we find ourselves we have practical ways to serve alongside one another right here. To extend Jesus’ ministry right here in the church.
This is not a ploy to just get some volunteer opportunities filled – this is a way for you to add this tool to your belt.
There are two ways to help you connect and explore ways to serve right here in your church community – you were given a paper on the way in and there is a qr code on the screen. It doesn’t get easier than today.
You were also handed a small washcloth on your way in– reminding us of the command Jesus gave us in John 14:13. I need reminders around me. I’m asking you to put this somewhere in your home to remind you of the gift of serving and to prompt you seek the Lord in how you should serve. Let this serve as our daily question
Will I put on the towel today?
Is there someone’s feet I need to wash?
As we close the service, I would encourage you to pray with me – asking God if there are areas you are called to serve that you have been avoiding, are there moments and places you need to YEILD and say here I am Lord? I have been given a glimpse of the why :
we are invited,
it is for our good and his glory,
and Jesus did it –
what now? Will you pray…I am available Lord?
Lets pray.