10/17/2021 - Not to Be Served, but to Serve

Not to Be Served, but to Serve

In the workplace, it is common for people to want to climb the success ladder. Advice abounds on how to do it effectively. Even a casual internet search will yield thousands of responses for how you can ask for a raise, assert yourself, widen your influence circle, and get promoted. Most of that advice is not godly since it advocates selfishness and other false motives. Today’s lessons are a powerful lesson in selfless service.

James and John wanted glory and honor. Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t discourage them, but teaches them that they were going about it all the wrong way. If they wanted to become great or even first, they should learn how to serve. ..whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mk. 10:43,45).

Paul knew what it meant to serve, but in his lesson uses an even stronger term. Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone (1 Corinthians 9:19). Paul was willing to give up his salary and his identity in order to win everyone he could, I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22).

The ultimate example of this attitude is found in Christ. Even though he is God, the Maker of Heaven and earth, the only man to live a perfect life, he was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors (Is. 53:12).

It is an honor and privilege to serve. Who knows? Maybe your sacrificial, selfless service will lead someone to heaven.

God bless your worship.

READINGS:

FIRST READING: Isaiah 53:10-12 - Jesus gave up all for you.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12, 19-23 - All things to all people.

GOSPEL: Mark 10:32-45 - The Son of Man came to serve.

PSALM: 62

SERMON TEXT: 1 Corinthians 9:7-12, 19-23

SERMON THEME: “All Things to All People” (Preacher, Pastor Adam Mueller)

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