rick warren, purpose driven life: section 29

You were shaped for

Serving God

Purpose 4

pages 225-278

Tuesday 9 November 2010

“We are simply God’s servants…Each one of us does the work

which the Lord gave him to do: I planted the seed, Apollos

watered the plant, but it was God who made the plant grow.”

1 Cor. 3:5-6


Accepting your Assignment

Section 29 pages 227-233


Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

John 17:4

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.


You were put on earth to make a

contribution


You were not created to consume resources, or to “get” the most out of life.You are meant to add something to life on earth - your ministry or service


You were created to serve God

“...has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.” Eph. 2:10“Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work.”You were placed on this planet for a special assignment.


You were saved to serve God

“It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work, not because we deserved it but because it was His plan.” 2 Tim 1:9

You are not saved by service but for serviceIn God’s kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value.


“God paid a great price for you. So use your body to honor God.” 1 Cor. 6:20“Because of God’s great mercy...Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service.” Rom. 12:1


1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed $om death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.No love for others, no concern = selfishness, is Christ really in your life? A saved heart wants to serve.Ministry - something for all of God’s people - not only pastors etc.


1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed $om death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death.No love for others, no concern = selfishness, is Christ really in your life? A saved heart wants to serve.Ministry - something for all of God’s people - not only pastors etc.

Servant = MinisterService = MinistryGod has a ministry for you, a mission in this

worldTuesday 9 November 2010

You were called to serve God

You are called to serve God - it is not the privilege of the spiritual elite (pastors, missionaries etc.) - all believers are called to full time Christian service“He saved us and ca%ed us to be His own people, not because of what we have done, but because of His own purpose.” 2 Tim. 1:9


1 Pet. 2:9

“You were chosen to te% about the exce%ent qualities of God, who ca%ed you.”

Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling.


1 Pet. 2:9

“You were chosen to te% about the exce%ent qualities of God, who ca%ed you.”

Anytime you use your God-given abilities to help others, you are fulfilling your calling.

How much of the time are

you being useful in the

service of God?


As part of a church you should serve other believers in practical ways:You are Christ's body—that's who you are! You must never forget this. Only as you accept your part of that body does your "part" mean anything.1 Cor 12:27 TMThere are no insignificant ministries in the church - size and public observation does not make a work more or less important


Remember that if one part of your body does not work properly then you get sick - it is the same in the church. What would happen if part of your body decided not to ‘serve’?Many Christians sit on the side watching - being lazy - and the Body suffers.


You are commanded to serve God

Jesus was unmistakable:

“Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did not come to be served, but to serve and to give my life.” Matt. 20:28

For Christians, service is not optional, it is the heart of the Christian life.


Maturity is for ministry - grow in order to give.The Sea of Galilee is full of life, taking in and giving out water, the Dead Sea has stagnated because it has no outflow.

Should you look for a church that serves you - which blesses you, or should you look for a place to serve and be a blessing?


Preparing for EternityGod will evaluate how well you have served others in life.Rom 14:12 So then, each of us wi% give an account of ourselves to God.“I was too busy, I had my own goals, I was having fun, I was at work”Mk 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life wi% lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel wi% save it.


Preparing for EternityGod will evaluate how well you have served others in life.Rom 14:12 So then, each of us wi% give an account of ourselves to God.“I was too busy, I had my own goals, I was having fun, I was at work”Mk 8:35 For whoever wants to save their life wi% lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel wi% save it.

The essence of Mk 8:35 is repeated 5x in the

Gospels: If you aren’t serving you’re just

existing...God wants you to learn to love and serve others unselfishly


Service and SignificanceYour life will be spent on something - will that something be temporary or eternal?You have a role within the Body...Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many...God is concerned with the donation of your life not the duration, not how long but how you lived


Abraham was too oldJacob insecureLeah unattractiveJoseph abusedMoses stutteredGideon poorDavid had an affairJeremiah was depressed

Naomi was a widowJTB was eccentricZacchaeus was unpopularPeter impulsive and hot temperedThomas had doubtsPaul had poor healthTimothy was timid




But God still used them




But God still used them

What’s your excuse?


Point to Ponder:

You were put on earth to make a contribution.


Verse to remember:

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


Question to Consider:

What is holding me back from accepting God’s call to serve Him?


rick warren, purpose driven life: section 29

Spiritual