Principles for Successful Ministry 1

JOHN 13:12-17

SUBJECT: PRINCIPLES OF SERVANTHOOD                                             

THEME: Following Bible Based Guidelines in Christian Ministry Is Successful Service and Not Merely the Numerical Results or Impressive Statistics. How and Why You Serve Christ Is Just as Important as What You Do for Him.   

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Service Is a Theme That Runs Throughout God's Word from Cover to Cover.

    A.  The Bible is filled with countless examples of ways in which God served His people, ways in which God's people served God and others, and commandments that are related to service.

    B.  Today, we will begin looking at six principles from God's Word that are related to service. These guidelines are interrelated and should be taken as a whole.

2.  Service is  Strictly the Command of Our Lord for Every Believer.

As you think upon these principles you will be challenged to ask yourself some tough questions. Why do I press this issue?  

     A.  Because God has made it very clear in His Word that He requires service from us. Service is not an option or a suggestion. It is a commandment. 

     B.  Again this passage emphasizes inner humility in service, not a physical ritual. Not to follow this example of Jesus is to view oneself as “greater” than He is and to live in pride.  Remember no servant is greater than his master (John 12:26; 13:16).

3.  Serving God’s Way for Godly Reasons is Success.

Once again success in Christian ministry is in finding and following Bible based guidelines faithfully and leaving the results and statistic with the Lord.   What are some of these principles?

LESSON:

I.  PRINCIPLE #1: SERVE LIKE YOUR MASTER--JESUS.

John 13:14-15, If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

A.  THE CRITICAL CHALLENGE— to Serve with Humility.  (Jn. 13:14-15)

Something absolutely vital to the work of the Lord is humility and submission to Christ way and motivations.

     1.  Christ’s Example.

In verses (Jn. 13:12–17) Jesus challenged the disciples on the basis of what he had just done. He knew the limitations of the disciples understanding and sought to challenge and clarify his expectation of his servants.

 

      2.  Christ’s Expectations.

He challenged them with his own example of humble service (Jn. 13:14) . 

A prison of pride is filled with self-made men and women determined to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps even if they land on their rear ends. It doesn't matter what they did or to whom they did it, or where they end up; it only matters that “I did it my way.””— Max Lacado

No form of pride, false self-respect, or determination to do our own thing should prevent us from humbly serving the brethren. If Jesus served humbly, then so should we! This is the critical challenge.

B.  THE CONSTRAINING COMMAND— Serve Your Master and Lord Without Excuses. (Jn. 13:13-14)

Commands are to be obeyed without excuse or failure. What makes this order so constraining is the fact that it came from:

      1.  Our Master, Lord, and Example.

Jesus appealed first to his own relationship to the disciples (“Master” = Teacher, “Lord”= Authority) (Jn. 13:13-14) and then to his example (ye also ought to wash one another’s feet). The authoritative nature of his approach is unmistakable and should short-circuit any excuses anyone would offer.  The opposite is rebellion!

      2.  A Revolutionary Standpoint. 

Furthermore, the command is strengthened when we remember that humility was despised in the ancient world as a sign of weakness. Jesus’ command was therefore revolutionary in the sphere of human relationships and applicable to everyone of his disciples and subjects. 

This is not a suggestion but a command from our Teacher, Supreme Authority, and Example! May it be ever clear to each of us that we are obligated to the Master’s Mandates!

C.  THE COMPELLING CLARIFICATION— You Are Enslaved as Christ’s Messenger.  (Jn.13:16).

   

      1.  Seek Service Not Your Rights.                                 

The word “servant” in Jn.13:16 means a slave who had no rights in his master’s house.

      2.  Choose Purpose Over Prestige.

Since the words “he that is sent” refers to a  messenger this would stripe the office of ‘apostleship’ of any prestige and remind them of their obligations to proclaim Christ’s message. They were not too important for this purpose.

These words clarify our responsibility to slavishly execute Christ’s commands and proclaim his message with a humble heart.  We should consider ourselves “sent” by our “Lord” and “Master” for this purpose of serving as his messengers with any and every opportunity.

D.  THE CHEERFUL CONSIDERATION— Real Value and Blessing lies in Doing Service! (John 13:17)

   1.  Service Is Also Our Way to Increased Blessing and Fulfillment in Life.   John 13:17

      A.  We can be “happy” (blessed, joyful, fulfilled), through our service to others.

      B.  We are not blessed because of what we know, but because of what we do with what we know.

      C.  God's grace to us finds its completion in the service we perform for others.

      D.  We will find our greatest joy in obeying Christ by serving others.

   2.  Suffering and Hardship are Not God’s Primary Motivations for Commanding Service.

      A.  God does not command us to serve so that we might be hurt, diminished, decreased, or made to suffer.              

      B.  Suffering and hardship is not what motivates the Lord to compel us to serve.  

      C.  However, our service should be accomplished with a humble attitude and spirit even while suffering to do God’s will.  

   3.  Blessing and Rewards are God’s Motivations for Commanding Service.

      A.  Rather, God commands us to service so that through our service to others, He might reward us, bring us blessing, teach us, and develop a closer relationship with us.

      B.  God blesses His servants because of their responses to what they know.

      C.  Christian happiness (happy are ye) comes through obedient service (if you do them, i.e., the things Jesus commanded).

      D.  God always rewards our service with greater awareness of His presence and power and, ultimately, with eternal rewards that are beyond our ability to imagine them.

Jesus said, “The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. [17] If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. ” (John 13:16–17). We must serve. But this is a command we should delight in doing because service always reaps benefit—to us personally as well as to those whom we serve.                                

James 1:25,  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

II. PRINCIPLE #2: BE A VOLUNTEER  SERVANT.

Exodus 35:5,  Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 35:22,  And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

Obviously the O.T. saints were instructed that they could bring an offering to the Lord on a volunteer basis. Today we should view our service as a volunteer offering to the Lord willingly given from the heart. Service is certainly a matter of love for the Lord and others. It’s not only the incentives, money, or rewards but the “willing heart” to be a blessing to the Lord and His people.

A.  A TRUE SERVANT DOES NOT WAIT TO BE ASKED.

Why is this true?

   1.  Because they are Sensitive.

He or she discerns a need and acts decisively to meet it. A servant has a sensitive heart and a willing spirit.

I recall when Brother Anderson walked into a conversation I was having with one of our Sunday School teachers who was preparing for a vacation. We needed a substitute while she was away.  Brother Anderson immediately spoke up and volunteered for the job. I did not try to talk him into it nor coerce him in any way at all.  He simply was sensitive to the need and made himself available to help! Praise the Lord for Christians who listen to God and sense His promptings.

   2.  Because of Their Love for Others.

        A.  Godly Love Actively Relieves Needs.

A volunteer is motivated by love and prompted to action by the presence of a need.  Biblical love is never static but active and dynamic. 

        B.  Do Not Confuse This With Full Time Ministers.

The instructions on volunteerism are applicable to the average ministry opportunities in a church and not to the vocational Gospel ministry. I believe God  “calls” preachers to fulltime ministry and thus it is not on a volunteer basis.

   3.  Because They are not Concerned With Convenience. 

        A.  A Volunteer Is Not Motivated by Convenience or Leisure Time.

        B.  Convenient Service Opportunities Will Never Come.

Those who say “someday I'll get involved” or “someday I'll serve God” are offering lame excuses. If you are waiting for a convenient time to serve, you will never serve.  The devil will ensure that you stay far too busy to serve God.

Ask yourself, “What is it that I won't do for God? What is it that I wouldn't do for another person?” An honest answer to those two questions will reveal your own self-pride.

        C.  Many Hard Workers Make a Priority of Christian Ministry.

But bare in mind, those who serve in some of the most significant ministries at a Church are some of the hardest working and busiest people in the entire community.  Truly, busy people, who love the Lord, always make a priority of the most significant endeavors like serving God. 

Remember Jesus died naked, bloody, and battered, on a cross that was next to a public highway. He was made a laughingstock—a crown of thorns pressed into His brow and a sign above His head labeling him in mockery, “King of the Jews.” Jesus died for your sake so that you might have a Savior.  Why is convenience even a consideration when it comes to service? 

Do not expect someone to beg you to serve a Lord who went through that much intense suffering for you!

B.  JESUS MODELED VOLUNTEER SERVICE. 

The Lord Jesus served God and humanity voluntarily in his death. Furthermore, Jesus actually went to the cross voluntarily.

    1.  Remember Christ’s Crucifixion.

The Bible gives us these words of Jesus, spoken well in advance of His crucifixion:

John 10:14-18,   I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. [15] As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. [17] Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. [18] No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

          A.  Jesus was obedient to His heavenly Father, and the Cross was His supreme act of volunteerism.

          B.  He gave His life voluntarily for our salvation without regard to pain, suffering, mockery, or the disbelief of many who witnessed His death.

Is there any type of service that is beneath you? Is there anything you won't do for Him?  Do considerations of sacrifice, discomfort, and difficulty discourage you from getting involved in a more meaningful way?

    2.  Remember David’s Testimony. 

Acts 13:22,  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

God said about King David: “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.” (Acts 13:22b). Will God say that about you?

III. PRINCIPLE #3: SERVE WITHOUT COMPARISON.

2 Cor. 10:12,   For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

2 Cor. 10:17-18,  But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. [18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

A.  DO NOT RESORT TO PRIDE BASED ON COMPARISONS.

Jeremiah 9:24,  But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

    1.  Service is Not a Matter of Excelling Others.

A true servant doesn't compare his level or type of service with that of anyone else. Service is not hierarchical. There is no “top floor, corner office” when it comes to successful service.

    2.  Service is a Matter of the Heart’s Motivations.

         A.  God Looks upon the Heart and its Motivation, Not Merely upon Results or Achievements, in Rewarding Service.

                                               

         B.  As We Have Stated Before, Every Person Is Capable and Every Person Is Qualified for Some Type of Service.

                                               

B.  DO NOT USE EXCUSES BASED ON COMPARISONS.

1 Thes. 5:11,  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.   

Clearly we all are commanded to “comfort” and “edify one another.”  It doesn’t matter who you are, every believer can obey this command in some way or another.

    1.  Get Your Focus Off of Others.

Many people say about service, “I'd do more for God if I only had … ”   These are only a few of the excuses given in the “if I only had” category:

         ! his job and income

         ! his circumstances and time availability

         ! his opportunities

         ! his family background and status

    2.  Focus on What You Do Have.

Everything you have is a gift from God, and God considers what you have been given adequate for the tasks to which He calls you. Rather than focus on what you lack, take a look at what you have.

    3.  Focus on Your Opportunities.

Not only do you have adequate talents and gifts with which to serve, but God has given you a place and a people to serve. God has given you your family, your business or place of employment, your friends, your church, and your neighborhood as opportunities to serve. There are needs all around you. Target one of them and get started.

  

C.  DO NOT USE CRITICISM BASED ON COMPARISONS. 

Matthew 7:1-2,   Judge not, that ye be not judged. [2] For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

1 Thes. 5:15,  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

     1.  Refuse to Criticize Those Who Don’t Serve.

Once you begin to serve, don't criticize those who fail to serve. Jesus did not wash the feet of His disciples and then say to them, “Now you wash my feet.” Service must be without criticism and without comparison.

     2.  Refuse To Criticize Those Who Lead Others.

Don't criticize your fellow servants or those who lead your service effort.

         A.  Encourage Them and Build Them Up.  (1 Thes. 5:11)

The person who gives encouragement is likely the person who receives encouragement.

         B.  Offer Insightful Suggestions to Encourage the Work.

Offer suggestions when you think they may be beneficial to the group as a whole, but don't criticize what a person has done in the past or what he is attempting to do. You never know the full story. Only God knows the full extent of that person's effort and the motivation that is behind it.

Be a part of the progress not a stumbling block or hindrance. Harsh criticism never helps!

God requires service from every believer. Ministry is not an optional thing to consider, but a commandment to be obeyed. God knows that service is one way we can increase blessing and fulfillment in our own life. Though difficulty is a part of ministry, God does not command us to serve so that we might suffer lose. Rather, He commands service in order to reward us and bring us blessings. 

A measure of God’s blessings come to us in the form of ministry success which is far more then impressive numerical results, rapid ministry expansion, and sensational statistical reports.  Following God’s ministry guidelines is success–how you serve Christ is important!  While God is glorified when we bare much fruit (Jn. 15:5,8), He still requires that we serve His way for His reasons and not merely to impress others or to meet human expectations (Jn. 15:1-8, 16).  We must be motivated to do God’s Work in God’s Way!  Servant-leadership principles are the key.  In fact Jesus said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:17).