Jesus Offers Discernment

 

Jesus Offers Discernment

CHRIST IS THE KING SERIES

MATTHEW 7:1-5

 THEME:  When we reject a false righteousness, it will enable us to reject a false system of judgment also.

RELEVANCE:  The Lord wants us to exercise wise judgment regarding ourselves, other people, and the Lord himself.

INTRODUCTION: “They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.” -- William Penn

1. This is a final illustration of Pharisee’s practices pertaining to judging. The Pharisees were then judging Christ and finding Him to be inadequate. He was not offering the kind of kingdom they anticipated or asking for the kind of righteousness they were exhibiting. So, they rejected Him. Jesus therefore warned them against hypocritical judging.

2. This passage does not teach that judgments should never be made; Matthew 7:5 does speak of removing the speck from your brother’s eye. The Lord’s point was that a person should not be habitually critical or condemnatory of a speck of sawdust in someone else’s eye when he has a plank in his own eye. Such action is hypocritical. Though judgment is sometimes needed, those making the distinctions must first be certain with their own lives.

3. Furthermore when seeking to help another, one must exercise care to do what would be appropriate, appreciated, and beneficial. One should never entrust holy things (what is sacred) to unholy people (Phil. 3:2) or throw pearls to pigs.

4. The scribes and Pharisees were guilty of exercising a false judgment about themselves, other people, and even the Lord. Their false righteousness helped to encourage this false judgment. This explains why our Lord closed this important sermon with a discussion of judgment. In it He discussed four different aspects of judgment: discernment, dynamics, discretion, and discipline.

MESSAGE:

I.               Discernment: Judge Yourself Before You Judge Others (Matt. 7:1-6).

The first principle of judgment is that we begin with ourselves. Jesus did not forbid us to judge others, for careful discrimination is essential in the Christian life. Christian love is not blind (Phil. 1:9–10). The person who believes all that he hears, and accepts everyone who claims to be spiritual will experience confusion and great spiritual loss. But before we judge others, we must judge ourselves. There are several reasons for this.

Discernment is keenness in seeing and understanding for the purpose of good and shrewd judgment. The eyes of our soul require a discernment whereby we can instantly read the character of others. 

a.    Consider the Personal Repercussions (vs. 1-2)

                                                    i.     We Shall Be Judged (v. 1).

a.      The tense of the verb judged signifies a once-for-all final judgment. If we first judge ourselves, then we are preparing for that final judgment when we face God.

b.     The Pharisees “played God” as they condemned other people; but they never considered that God would one day judge them. 

                                                  ii.     We Are Being Judged (v. 2).

a.      The parallel passage in Luke 6:37–38 is helpful here.

                                                                                                                i.     Luke 6:37-38, Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: [38] Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

                                                                                                              ii.     Not only will God judge us at the end, but people are also judging us right now; and we receive from people exactly what we give. 

b.     The kind of judgment, and the measure of judgment, comes right back to us. We reap what we have sown.

                                                iii.     We Must Not Be Judgmental (Matt 7:1-2).

a.      The word “judge” can mean evaluate or analyze. It also refers to private, judgmental attitudes that tear down others in order to build up oneself. 

b.     The command “judge not” does not refer to judging in a court of law, nor is it a blanket statement against critical thinking.

                                                                                                                i.     Believers should be discerning and make certain judgments.

                                                                                                              ii.     For example, Jesus said to expose false teachers (Matt. 7:15-23) and to admonish others in order to help them (Matt. 18:15).

                                                                                                            iii.     Paul taught that we should exercise church discipline (1Cor 5:1-5).

                                                                                                            iv.     Judgment is appropriate when confronting sin (1Cor. 5:12). 

c.      But as followers of Christ, we should not be critical or condemning in our attitudes toward others.

                                                                                                                i.     A judgmental, critical spirit differs radically from love.

                                                                                                              ii.     Believers’ special position with Christ does not give us license to take God’s place as judge.

1.     Those who judge in that manner will find themselves judged likewise by God. As God will have mercy on the merciful (Matt. 5:7) and forgive those who forgive (Matt. 6:14-15), he will condemn those who condemn (Matt. 7:2b).

2.     The way we as Jesus’ followers treat others is the way God will treat us. 

                                                                                                            iii.     The religious leaders taught that God judged the world by two “measures” -- mercy and justice. Each person receives what he or she measures out, either with mercy or with severity. 

d.     “Judge not, that you be not judged” may be the most-often-misquoted text from the Bible.

                                                                                                                i.     People frequently apply it as if it were a flat command against all moral judgment.

                                                                                                              ii.     In fact, people use it to judge what they consider a judgmental attitude on the part of another.

                                                                                                            iii.     Jesus, however, gave these words as one negative application of the Golden Rule. That is, we should not treat others as we do not want to be treated. We should seek to measure ourselves and others by the same standards. 

e.      Jesus declared it unacceptable to excuse our personal sin while holding others accountable for similar behavior.

                                                                                                                i.     When you perceive a fault in others, your first impulse may be to confront or reject that person. But ask yourself first if your awareness of the failure mirrors your own life.

                                                                                                              ii.     Your effort to help will be in vain if the person can point out the same fault in you. Practice your own remedy before you ask others to do it. 

f.      Jesus tells us to examine our motives and conduct instead of judging others.

                                                                                                                i.     The traits that bother us in others are often the habits we dislike in ourselves.

1.     Our untamed bad habits and behaviors are the very ones that we most want to change in others.

2.     Do you find it easy to magnify others’ faults while excusing your own? 

                                                                                                              ii.     If you are ready to criticize someone, check to see if you deserve the same criticism. Judge yourself first, and then lovingly forgive and help your neighbor.

b.    Consider a Personal Examination (vs. 3-5)

                                                    i.     We Must See Clearly To Help Others (Vv. 3–5).

a.      The purpose of self-judgment is to prepare us to serve others. Christians are obligated to help each other grow in grace.

b.     When we do not judge ourselves, we not only hurt ourselves, but we also hurt those to whom we could minister.

c.      The Pharisees judged and criticized others to make themselves look good (Luke 18:9–14). But Christians should judge themselves so that we can help others look good. There is a difference!

                                                  ii.     Our Lord Jesus Illustrates This Very Point With The Eye.

a.      Jesus chose the symbol of the eye because this is one of the most sensitive areas of the human body.

                                                                                                                i.     The picture of a man with a two-by-four stuck in his eye, trying to remove a speck of dust from another man’s eye, is ridiculous indeed!

                                                                                                              ii.     If we do not honestly face up to our own sins, and confess them, we blind ourselves to ourselves; and then we cannot see clearly enough to help others.

                                                                                                            iii.     The Pharisees saw the sins of other people, but they would not look at their own sins. 

b.     In Matthew 6:22–23, Jesus used the illustration of the eye to teach us how to have a spiritual outlook on life. 

c.      Jesus didn't point out our sinfulness so we would simply let each other off more easily.

                                                                                                                i.     He made it clear that a problem noticed usually requires more than one person's response. Both speck and log must be removed.

                                                                                                              ii.     The person with the speck-sized problem may actually be in a better position to help remove the log than the other way around.

                                                                                                            iii.     This means that when you notice a problem in someone else's life, you may have to ask that person to help you with the same problem in your own. A problem in common can be an excellent starting point for accountability. 

                                                iii.     We Must Not Pass Judgment On Others’ Motives.

a.      We should examine their actions and attitudes, but we cannot judge their motives—for only God can see their hearts.

                                                                                                                i.     It is possible for a person to do a good work with a bad motive.

                                                                                                              ii.     It is also possible to fail in a task and yet be very sincerely motivated. 

b.     When we stand before Christ at the Judgment Seat, He will examine the secrets of the heart and reward us accordingly.

                                                                                                                i.     Romans 2:16, In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

                                                                                                              ii.     Col. 3:22-25, Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [23] And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. 

                                                 iv.     We Must Be Loving and Tender When Helping Others.

a.      The image of the eye teaches us another truth: We must exercise love and tenderness when we seek to help others (Eph. 4:15).

                                                                                                                i.     I have had extensive eye examinations, and I appreciated the tenderness of the physicians. Like eye doctors, we should minister to people we want to help with tender loving care.

                                                                                                              ii.     We can do more damage than a speck of dirt in the eye if we approach others with impatience and insensitivity. 

b.     Two extremes must be avoided in this matter of spiritual self-examination.

                                                                                                                i.     The first is the deception of a shallow examination.

1.     Sometimes we are so sure of ourselves that we fail to examine our hearts honestly and thoroughly.

2.     A quick glance into the mirror of the Word will never reveal the true situation (James 1:22–25). 

                                                                                                              ii.     The second extreme is what I call a “perpetual autopsy.”

1.     Sometimes we get so wrapped up in self-examination that we become unbalanced. But we should not look only at ourselves, or we will become discouraged and defeated.

2.     We should look by faith to Jesus Christ and let Him forgive and restore us. Satan is the accuser (Rev. 12:10), and he enjoys it when we accuse and condemn ourselves!

                                                                                                            iii.     Our personal priority must be addressing ourselves first (vs. 5). After we have judged ourselves honestly before God, and have removed those things that blind us, then we can help others and properly judge their works. But if we know there are sins in our lives, and we try to help others, we are hypocrites. In fact, it is possible for ministry to be a device to cover up sin! The Pharisees were guilty of this, and Jesus denounced them for it.

c.     Consider Your Personal Perception (vs. 5-6)

                                                    i.     The Reason We Must Judge Relates to Our Ministry of ‘Holy Things.’ (v. 6).

a.      As God’s people, we are privileged to handle the “holy things” of the Lord.

                                                                                                                i.     He has entrusted to us the precious truths of the Word of God (2 Cor. 4:7), and we must regard them carefully.

1.     2 Cor. 4:7, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2.     No dedicated priest would throw meat from the altar to a filthy dog, and only a fool would give pearls to a pig.

3.     So who are these “dogs” and “swine”? (Matt 7:6)

a.      They are unholy or “unclean” people who, when presented with the gospel, treat it with scorn and contempt.

b.     “That which is holy” refers to the special, consecrated food that only the priests and their families ate (Ex 29:33-34; Lev 22:10-16; Num 18:8-19). It would be unthinkable to give this sacred food to scavenger dogs.

c.      In the same way, it would also be futile to give pearls to pigs. “That which is holy” and “pearls” picture the teaching of the gospel of the kingdom (see 13:45-46 where the kingdom of heaven is compared to a pearl of great value). 

4.     Jesus explained the futility of teaching the gospel to people who do not want to listen; such people will only tear apart what we say.

a.      Pigs do not realize the value of pearls; all they know is that they cannot eat them, so they spit them out and then trample them into the mud.

b.     Contemptuous, evil people cannot grasp the value of the gospel, so they scornfully cast it away.

c.      We should not stop giving God's Word to unbelievers, but we should be wise and discerning so as not to bring scorn to God's message. 

                                                                                                              ii.     When Is Evangelism Wrong? Is evangelism ever inappropriate?

1.     Sometimes our witnessing requires discretion. There are times and places when witnessing can be rude and offensive. As a result, the gospel will be ridiculed.

2.     When you witness, there will always be resistance to the message. Don't be put off. Resistance is normal.

3.     But when your witness provokes anger, slander, or ridicule, consider another time and place.

4.     All people need to hear the gospel, but effective witnessing occurs in appropriate settings.

b.     While it is true that we must carry the Gospel “to every creature” (Mark 16:15)….

                                                                                                                i.     It is also true that we must not cheapen the Gospel by a ministry that lacks discernment and appropriateness.

                                                                                                              ii.     Even Jesus refused to talk to Herod (Luke 23:9), and Paul refused to argue with people who resisted the Word (Acts 13:44–49). 

                                                  ii.     The Reason For Judgment Is to Have a Discerning Ministry.

a.      It is not that we might condemn others, but that we might be able to minister to them appropriately.

b.     Notice that Jesus always dealt with individuals according to their needs and their spiritual condition.

                                                                                                                i.     He did not have a memorized speech that He used with everybody. He discussed the new birth with Nicodemus, but He spoke of living water to the Samaritan woman at the well.

                                                                                                              ii.     When the religious leaders tried to trap Him, He refused to answer their question (Matt. 21:23–27).

                                                                                                            iii.     It is a wise Christian who first assesses the condition of a person’s heart before sharing the precious pearls. 

c.      Christians must exercise discernment; for not everyone is a sheep. Some people are dogs or hogs, and some are wolves in sheep’s clothing! We are the Lord’s sheep, but this does not mean we should let people pull the wool over our eyes!   

CONCLUSION:

When we reject phony righteousness, we become able to eliminate false systems or sanctimonious standards of judgment also. Our Lord invites us to exercise wise, loving, sensitive, compassionate discernment towards ourselves and other people. Will you accept his generous invitation? 

Planted Like Christ

 

Planted Like Christ

Jn. 12:20-33

SUBJECT: SERVANTHOOD

THEME:  Service is like being “planted” like the Lord Jesus.   

RELEVANCY:  we are called to be servants, and to have the heart of a servant regardless of the area in which we serve the church or the role we fill.  Any person who has accepted Jesus Christ as Savior is called to be God’s minister to others in certain areas of need, at particular times, but always with a mind and a heart motivated toward generous service.

INTRODUCTION: Jesus came as a servant, not as a superstar. His three-year ministry was a powerful example of servanthood.  From His first miracle of changing water to wine at a wedding feast to His sacrificial death on the cross in which His own blood flowed freely for the salvation of all who would believe in Him and receive God’s offer of forgiveness from sins.  He is indeed the Servant of all servants and certainly a worthy example for you and me.

In the days immediately preceding His crucifixion, Jesus spoke candidly with His disciples about His impending death and resurrection. Much of what He said they didn’t understand fully at the time He spoke to them; looking back, however, they understood very clearly the meaning of His words.

The Lord Jesus could very easily have become an earthly king over the Jews according to this incident that happened just before Passover.  The people wanted Jesus to make a public, political move to consolidate power and become an earthly ruler in place of both the Roman occupation and what was perceived by many to be an oppressive, legalistic Jewish Temple rulership. How did Christ handle all the confusion surrounding His purpose and mission?

MESSAGE:

I.  Jesus Liken Service to Being Planted (John 12:24-25).

Jesus was not interested in ruling, but serving! Christ’s statements about servanthood not only described His own life and sacrificial death, but it also related to our role as servants today.

A.  A MISCONCEPTION: CHRIST’S MISSION IN THE WORLD IS MISUNDERSTOOD.

Even some Greeks wanted the Lord Jesus to become a leader or philosopher among them (Jn. 12: 20-23).    

       1. The Disciples’ Idea of Glory (Jn. 12:23). Jesus gave this answer: “The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” (John 12:23). On the surface, this statement must have been taken by the disciples and supporters of Jesus to be a strong signal—“Now is the time!”  To be glorified means to reach your crowning moment, your shining hour.

           2. The Lord’s Idea of Glory (Jn. 12:23-26).  Jesus came to Jerusalem to be glorified, but He explains what that means. No one listening to Him understood because they could not comprehend that glory and suffering go together.

                    a. “They thought in terms of crowns of gold; Jesus thought of a crown of thorns. They thought of a throne; He thought of a cross. They thought of a royal robe; He thought of a death shroud. They thought of a physical empire; He thought of a spiritual one.”—Unknown

                        b. Since Jesus places a requirement upon us every day, what does it mean to be His follower? How can an ordinary mortal share in the life of the Son of God and, in the process, share in His glory? Jesus' twelve disciples thought they were headed for fame and prestige until they discovered Jesus’ definition of glory.

                    c. I challenge you to join the disciples of the Lord Jesus in a major change in the course of your Christian experience. Do you dare receive the glory that belongs to a person who crosses the bridge Jesus established?  Will you serve the Lord Jesus even though the way is paved with trials, hardships, troubles, difficulty, and discouragements?

B.  A CLARIFICATION: CHRIST’S SERVICE IS LIKE PLANTING WHEAT. (John 12:24-25) 

       1.  The Lord Jesus Refused an Earthly Kingdom and Choose Servanthood Instead.

After the popular misconceptions about glory, thrones and a kingdom, the Lord Jesus quickly went on to say this: John 12:24-25, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [25] He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.    

             a. Jesus Refused to Live by Earthly Motivations. (Temporal/ Physical)  Jn. 12:24        

                1) The Lord’s Mission Was Not Political.  Jesus made it very clear that He was not called to be a political king so that people might experience a better temporal, earthly existence. 

                    a)   Rather, He was destined to die a sacrificial death so that man might experience an eternal, spiritual life.

                    b)  Jesus was not called to become a king over a political domain, but, instead, the King of kings who might reign over an eternal kingdom not made with human hands.

                        c) Many times we embrace wrong motivations in Christian service.  We want to rule and tell people what to do.  We want to control and dominate like a king would, but this is not the image that the Lord give us here. Christian service is not an occasion to put ourselves on a pedestal; it is an opportunity to be of service to others!

               2) The Lord’s Mission Was Spiritual. The means to achieving Jesus’ much higher and more meaningful goal was not to be found in the man-made systems and alliances of this world, but rather through the ultimate act of ministry and servanthood, a sacrificial death.

                        a) Why are suffering and death so difficult to associate with ruling and reigning? Why do we struggle with the concepts of dying in order to live, losing in order to gain, giving in order to receive? Why do we hold so tightly to what we cannot keep? Why do temporal things have such a strong hold on us? What does it take to “give up what I cannot keep to gain that which I cannot lose”? (12:25)

                        b) Jesus’ example of exaltation through crucifixion is our pattern. Like a grain of wheat, He died. But look at the result: many fruitful seeds! Read John 12:23–26. Take some time to reflect on the truth that when we are willing to follow Jesus’ example we will enjoy His reward—much fruit!  But we must first die to self and choose to serve God and others!

         b. Jesus Resolved to Die to Make Eternal Provisions. 

John 12:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

                  1) The Corn.  Jn. 12:24

                    a) “A corn of wheat” is any kind of grain-wheat, or barley.  The “corn” seed is an illustration of the life of Christ.

                    b) “Fall into the ground” refers to being planted in the earth, thereby the seed will be accessible to the proper moisture from the earth.  This illustrates Christ’s death on the cross.

                        c) By way of application, this “corn of wheat” represents the life of a true servant of God planted in the fertile soil of God’s will in Christian ministry.  Like Christ, we must view our primary purpose as serving the spiritual interests of others.  Like a seed we have great potential to be fruitful!

                 2) The Cross.   Jn. 12:24 “Fall into the ground and die”

                      a)  The whole body of the grain, except the germ, dies in the earth or is decomposed once planted.

                      b)  This decomposed substance provides the first nutrition for the tender germ.

                      c)  This is a nutriment completely appropriate for it, fitted to nourish it until it becomes strong enough to secure its nourishment from the ground. In this God has shown his wisdom and goodness.

                      d)  No one thing could be more precisely fitted for another than this provision made in the grain itself for the future needs of the tender germ.

APPLICATION:  Likewise, through the Cross of our Lord Jesus, He provided that which is most fitted for a needy and sinful people–death.  His death provides the appropriate conditions for salvation, eternal life and a great harvest of souls.  This is also the cross that the Servant of the Lord must bear. Through death we facilitate life! This is a key to fruitful Christian service!  Matthew 16:24, Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 

                 3) The Crown.  Jn. 12:23-24

                      a) “Abideth alone” simply means that the seed cannot produce fruit until it is planted and dies in the ground.  It will remain alone never producing the rich and beautiful harvest.

                      b) “the Son of man should be glorified” Jesus carefully intimates that it was only by his death that He would be glorified in the salvation of men, and in the honors and rewards in Heaven!

APPLICATION: The Lord Jesus bore the Cross therefore He now wears the Crown.  He understood that the suffering will be followed with glory.

 Heb 2:9, But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; . . . .

Phil 2:8-9, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross; wherefore God also hath highly exalted him. . . . .

Heb 12:2, Who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Ephes. 1:20-23, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

               4) The Course.  Jn. 12:26

John 12:26, If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.  Jesus stated that as the sown kernel dies to bring forth a rich harvest, so also the death of the Son of God will result in the salvation of many. 

                     a) We Too Must Serve The Lord. “Serve me” means we are to be Christ’s disciple also.  The principle of death (see v. 24) is also applicable to us His followers. We, too, as His disciples will have to lose our life in service and witness for Him (see Matt. 10:37–39; 16:24, 25).                   

                     b) We Too Must Follow The Lord. “Let him follow me” Christ calls us to imitate Him; to do what He did, bear what He bore, and love what He loves. He is speaking particularly of his own sufferings and death, and this passage has reference, therefore, to calamity and persecution.  Not only did Jesus choose the servant role for Himself—which was actually the heavenly Father’s role for Him—but He called us, His followers, to become like Him, and to be, first and foremost, servants.  The Lord Jesus Calls His True Followers to Servant-hood 

QUOTE: “You see me triumph-you see (me enter Jerusalem, and you supposed that my kingdom was to be set up without opposition or calamity; but it is not. I am to die; and if you will serve me, you must follow me even in these scenes of calamity; be willing to endure trial and to bear shame, looking for future reward.”—Albert Barnes 

                     c) We Too Will Reign With The Lord. “Where I am, there shall also my servant be:” We as His servants will be in Heaven, with the Son of God reigning and glorified with the glorified Messiah.  The design of this verse is to comfort us in the midst of persecutions, ministry hardships, and trials. 

APPLICATION:  We are to follow Him through whatever challenges; realizing that as He was to be glorified as the result of his sufferings, so we also were to look for our eternal rewards.

Rev 3:21, To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne.

John 14:3, And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 17:24, Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 

2.  The Lord Jesus Viewed His Service To God As Something Glorious Not Degrading.

Jesus concluded, “What shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour:  but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name.” (John 12:27). 

     a. Jesus did not back away from servanthood or the ultimate act of service—His sacrificial death. 

     b. He did not regard His crucifixion in any way to be a demeaning or diminishing act, but he considered it to be the very purpose for His life and the fulfillment of His time on this earth.

     c. His entire life and ministry had been aimed at this supreme act of service.

John 12:27, Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour:

John 12:28, Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

           1)  There’s a phrase that embodies this principle: “Make sure that what you are living for is what you are willing to die for.” That’s the way Jesus lived. He lived a life of service, and He died a death that was an act of service. 

           2)  Jesus came to Jerusalem to be glorified through the act of supreme service—His crucifixion. But, the people could not understand Him because they could not comprehend that glory and suffering go together. They thought in terms of crowns of gold; Jesus thought of a crown of thorns. 

           3)  No genuine believer is excluded from Christian service. We each are called to serve God and to serve others in need every day of our lives. God has already identified the precise ways in which He desires for you to serve Him and, thereby, fulfill your purpose in life.                   

QUOTE: “If we refuse to be a corn of wheat—falling into the ground, and dying; if we will neither sacrifice prospects nor risk character, and property, and health; nor when we are called, relinquish home, and break family ties, for Christ’s sake; then we shall abide alone.   But if we wish to be fruitful, we must follow our Blessed Lord Himself, by becoming a corn of wheat, and dying, then we shall bring forth much fruit.”—T. G. Ragland                                

CONCLUSION:

Nobody is excluded from service. We each are called to serve God and to serve others in need every day of our lives. God has already identified the precise ways in which He desires for you to serve Him and, thereby, fulfill your purpose in life. Ephesians 2:10 tells us: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Service is the doing of good works as God leads and directs through the power of the Holy Spirit. The works are there for us to do. Our responsibility is to obey God, even as Jesus obeyed the Father, and to serve Him. With all of our lives—every last grain is given Him and to others.