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Service

Spiritual disciplines are practices that shape us to be more like Christ. Service is one of the most overlooked but powerful ways we grow. Created to serve and redeemed to serve, believers are called to live for God’s glory and others’ good. Learn how service—rooted in humility, love, and gratitude—forms us spiritually, even when it’s hard.
Author
John Austin Roberson
Pastoral Resident
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Self

Service

Spiritual disciplines are practices that shape us to be more like Christ. Service is one of the most overlooked but powerful ways we grow. Created to serve and redeemed to serve, believers are called to live for God’s glory and others’ good. Learn how service—rooted in humility, love, and gratitude—forms us spiritually, even when it’s hard.
Date
July 6, 2025
Speaker
John Austin Roberson
Pastoral Resident
Scripture

What is service?

  • Today words like serve, service, and servant are often viewed in negative ways because they describe something difficult and undesirable.
  • Service goes back to the very beginning as all of creation was created to serve God.
  • Mankind had a unique relationship with God as they had authority and dignity in the Garden of Eden where it was a privilege and delight to serve God.
  • Because of the fall of mankind, service is typically not as dignifying and delighting as it ought to be.
  • Living in a way that gives glory to God and does good to other people.

Why is service important?

  • Serving God is not a job of casual interest. It requires costly service as God is asking for your life.
  • “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come home and die.” - Deitrich Bonhoeffer
  • Christ himself came to give the greatest example of service.
    • Mark 10:45
    • John 13:12-16
  • Our service may or may be seen in front of others, but our heavenly Father sees it.
  • Every believer is expected to serve.
    • We are redeemed so that we can be a δούλος of God (Ephesians 2:10).
    • We serve God not to meet his needs (Acts 17:25).
  • Motivated by obedience
    • Deuteronomy 13:4
  • Motivated by gratitude
    • 1 Samuel 12:24
  • Motivated by gladness
    • Psalm 100:2
  • Motivated by forgiveness
    • Isaiah 6:6-8
  • Motivated by humility
    • Philippians 2:3
  • Motivated by love
    • Galatians 5:13

How do we serve for our own spiritual growth?

  • Spiritual gifts
    • Given to equip believers to serve God and serve others.
  • 1 Peter 4:10-11
  • If you are a believer, you have at least one spiritual gift.
  • The spiritual gift or gifts that you have is/are to serve it/them for the Kingdom of God.
  • Discipline
    • Serving is often hard work
      • Serving God is a joy, benefit, and blessing.
      • However, service can also be difficult.

What is one thing you can do to improve your service?

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