Our fellowship is encouraged (maintained) by serving each other and those around us together (care). We are connected through service as we "serve one another humbly in love," and thus fulfill the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)
Our model for service is the Lord. We lack nothing because He provides all that we need, showing His love, concern and care for us by serving us through that provision. In the same way we are to demonstrate our love and concern for those around us as we care for them. When we see that someone lacks in some way, whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual in nature, we are called to do what we can to help them. To refuse help, to refuse to love and care for those we are equipped to help, is sin. As you reflect on the care God shows you from day to day and the way in which He serves you by meeting your needs, consider how He might be calling you to love and care for those around you in the same way, so that they too will be able to say with joy that, because of the Lord's provision through you, they lack nothing.
This week's sermon Scripture and additional texts bring me to the truth that serving others in a Biblical manner is completely dependent upon the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Unless we submit completely to the authority and providence of our Shepherd (Psalm 23), we will not "give to anyone who had need [and fellowship] with glad and sincere hearts (Acts 2:45-47), because we will not have "sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord" (Colossians 3:22), and instead will hold onto Satan's lie (that we are masters of our lives) and will "bite and devour each other" (Galatians 5:515) as we "look out for number one."
Exactly, Trish. We can't respond with grace if we have not received grace, and it is our gracious response which demonstrates that we have experienced God's grace. Where our treasure lies, there are heart lies as well. Those who serve Christ serve a greater Master.
I've been working through what it means to be a disciple - an. image bearer - of Christ. We are called to be servants - disciples - followers- Trish used the word "submit". Not just taking in Scripture, but being transformed by that Scripture and from there being used by The Shepherd we follow. Laboring daily to put aside the "me" to serve "Him".
Pass it on. Galatians 5: “Through love serve one another.” In the next chapter of Galatians, Paul writes: “Bear one another’s burdens” – and -- “each one shall bear his own load.” Does this sound like inconsistency? Near these verses in the Good News Bible --unique in its line drawings for various incidents and concepts -- is a drawing of a line of people, each with one hand holding the top of a sack over his own shoulder, and then with the other hand giving a lift to the burden of the guy ahead. Could it not be true that in helping others with theirs, ours grows lighter? Let it be so with us in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Psalm 23: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. A well-managed flock of sheep obtains maximum benefit from green pastures, but then leaves the field even better off than when they came. They not only receive goodness and mercy all the days of their lives, but goodness and mercy trail behind them for others’ benefit. Is not God’s goodness and mercy for us given in such overflowing abundance that we may share with many others? Let it be so in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Acts 2: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” Those blessed with material abundance contributed to those with little. Those with little contributed to others with fellowship, encouragement, and prayers. Whether it’s material things we have, or strong faith, comfort, and intercessory prayer, is it not more blessed to give than to receive? Let it be so in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Colossians 3: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Considering what Christ did for us, with a broken heart, and knowing the rewards He has promised, it should be our privilege to serve Him with all our heart, by serving the “least of these”. Does not God love a cheerful giver? Let it be so in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)
The fellowship of believers encourages us to serve one another in love. It also draws those who are outside that fellowship to the Lord. One of the most powerful "witnesses" I experienced before committing my life to Christ was the fellowship of believers. The love they showed for one another, the lengths they would go to serve one another (and even those "outside" the fellowship) spoke volumes about the truth of their message. When we fellowship together in acts of service, we too testify to the goodness and grace of God, opening the hearts of those who observe that fellowship to experience God's love as we have.
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:22-24)
In this passage Paul does not condone slavery, but he does provide guidance regarding how those who are slaves can live in such a way that the Lord is glorified even in their captivity as God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Paul worked for the freedom of Onesimus, for instance, but he did so in a way that honored God.
Slavery has long since been outlawed in most places, although not all, and it is right and proper for us to work and pray to end this practice everywhere. But as we read this passage in our own context it might be helpful to remember that we are "slaves" of Christ. We are bond slaves who willingly serve our Lord and Savior. As such this passage of Scripture helps remind us of what is required of those who would serve in a way that honors the Lord. That reminder is simply this, and it is true no matter what sort of work we are doing, regardless of whether or not that work is always pleasant or enjoyable: "It is the Lord Christ you are serving." When we do our work in that way, God is honored by our labor. How much more so when the service we render is done in fellowship with other believers in order to advance the Kingdom of God. As you do your work today, remember who you are working for, and do it accordingly.
I wonder if we can even comprehend the power of our visual (silent?) witness to the world around us. My husband often quotes that song (usually when I don't want to be reminded), that "They will know we are Christians by our love." This is so true (even when I don't want to hear it). Not long ago we talked about the fact that you never know who's watching; well, we KNOW the world is. And, if we serve, love, and forgive each other in the self-sacrificing way Christ did for the church, the world will see Christ reflected through us. God can/will show others his glory and sacrifice through our words and actions. If we don't serve, love, and forgive each other in this way, well, the world sees that, too, but not in the way we (or God) would want. Both doing these things and not doing these things has an incredible impact on those around us. We are bound together by Christ's love and the Holy Spirit and if that's the only thing we have in common, it's still more than enough. We are called to love, serve, and forgive each other in that love. If we can't do this with and for each other, how can we do it for the world? It is just a recipe for resentment and bitterness...at least, that's what I've learned.
^^^This one was supposed to go under the April 7th post. Whoops. And it was supposed to say something profound about the world watching how we handle conflict, grief, and rejoicing, but it doesn't so you can just add that in your minds.
The beauty of Scripture is that you can find relevance between any two or more passages. And so, Chantel, your comments are also relative to his week’s study – Encouraging Fellowship. Indeed, it is true that serving, loving, forgiving, one another, in a self-sacrificing way is a witness to the world, as you said – and --as Pastor Matt alluded to in his April 7 blog -- this was what first impressed him about Christian people. But, serving, loving, forgiving one another sacrificially also promotes deeper fellowship within the Body – this week’s study.
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)
This past week three of the churches in Berlin held a one-day VBS. The group studied the parable of the Good Samaritan, and it provided us with the reminder that our neighbors do not always live next door to us. That phrase includes anyone we have influence over, no matter how far away they might live. It even includes those we do not really know, and for the very reasons that Chantel outlined in her post above. As ambassadors of Christ, it is incumbent on us to treat everyone we come into contact with as Christ would treat them--as someone God loves and therefore as someone we love. As we enjoy our Sabbath together, may we find ourselves loving one another and all of those we come into contact with as Christ first loved us, and then serve them accordingly.
Our fellowship is encouraged (maintained) by serving each other and those around us together (care). We are connected through service as we "serve one another humbly in love," and thus fulfill the command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
ReplyDeleteHe makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3)
Our model for service is the Lord. We lack nothing because He provides all that we need, showing His love, concern and care for us by serving us through that provision. In the same way we are to demonstrate our love and concern for those around us as we care for them. When we see that someone lacks in some way, whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual in nature, we are called to do what we can to help them. To refuse help, to refuse to love and care for those we are equipped to help, is sin. As you reflect on the care God shows you from day to day and the way in which He serves you by meeting your needs, consider how He might be calling you to love and care for those around you in the same way, so that they too will be able to say with joy that, because of the Lord's provision through you, they lack nothing.
This week's sermon Scripture and additional texts bring me to the truth that serving others in a Biblical manner is completely dependent upon the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
ReplyDeleteUnless we submit completely to the authority and providence of our Shepherd (Psalm 23), we will not "give to anyone who had need [and fellowship] with glad and sincere hearts (Acts 2:45-47), because we will not have "sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord" (Colossians 3:22), and instead will hold onto Satan's lie (that we are masters of our lives) and will "bite and devour each other" (Galatians 5:515) as we "look out for number one."
Exactly, Trish. We can't respond with grace if we have not received grace, and it is our gracious response which demonstrates that we have experienced God's grace. Where our treasure lies, there are heart lies as well. Those who serve Christ serve a greater Master.
DeleteI've been working through what it means to be a disciple - an. image bearer - of Christ. We are called to be servants - disciples - followers- Trish used the word "submit". Not just taking in Scripture, but being transformed by that Scripture and from there being used by The Shepherd we follow. Laboring daily to put aside the "me" to serve "Him".
DeletePass it on.
ReplyDeleteGalatians 5: “Through love serve one another.”
In the next chapter of Galatians, Paul writes: “Bear one another’s burdens” – and -- “each one shall bear his own load.” Does this sound like inconsistency?
Near these verses in the Good News Bible --unique in its line drawings for various incidents and concepts -- is a drawing of a line of people, each with one hand holding the top of a sack over his own shoulder, and then with the other hand giving a lift to the burden of the guy ahead. Could it not be true that in helping others with theirs, ours grows lighter?
Let it be so with us in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Psalm 23: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
A well-managed flock of sheep obtains maximum benefit from green pastures, but then leaves the field even better off than when they came. They not only receive goodness and mercy all the days of their lives, but goodness and mercy trail behind them for others’ benefit. Is not God’s goodness and mercy for us given in such overflowing abundance that we may share with many others?
Let it be so in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Acts 2: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”
Those blessed with material abundance contributed to those with little. Those with little contributed to others with fellowship, encouragement, and prayers. Whether it’s material things we have, or strong faith, comfort, and intercessory prayer, is it not more blessed to give than to receive?
Let it be so in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Colossians 3: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Considering what Christ did for us, with a broken heart, and knowing the rewards He has promised, it should be our privilege to serve Him with all our heart, by serving the “least of these”. Does not God love a cheerful giver?
Let it be so in our relationship with others. Pass it on.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:46-47)
ReplyDeleteThe fellowship of believers encourages us to serve one another in love. It also draws those who are outside that fellowship to the Lord. One of the most powerful "witnesses" I experienced before committing my life to Christ was the fellowship of believers. The love they showed for one another, the lengths they would go to serve one another (and even those "outside" the fellowship) spoke volumes about the truth of their message. When we fellowship together in acts of service, we too testify to the goodness and grace of God, opening the hearts of those who observe that fellowship to experience God's love as we have.
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:22-24)
ReplyDeleteIn this passage Paul does not condone slavery, but he does provide guidance regarding how those who are slaves can live in such a way that the Lord is glorified even in their captivity as God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Paul worked for the freedom of Onesimus, for instance, but he did so in a way that honored God.
Slavery has long since been outlawed in most places, although not all, and it is right and proper for us to work and pray to end this practice everywhere. But as we read this passage in our own context it might be helpful to remember that we are "slaves" of Christ. We are bond slaves who willingly serve our Lord and Savior. As such this passage of Scripture helps remind us of what is required of those who would serve in a way that honors the Lord. That reminder is simply this, and it is true no matter what sort of work we are doing, regardless of whether or not that work is always pleasant or enjoyable: "It is the Lord Christ you are serving." When we do our work in that way, God is honored by our labor. How much more so when the service we render is done in fellowship with other believers in order to advance the Kingdom of God. As you do your work today, remember who you are working for, and do it accordingly.
I wonder if we can even comprehend the power of our visual (silent?) witness to the world around us. My husband often quotes that song (usually when I don't want to be reminded), that "They will know we are Christians by our love." This is so true (even when I don't want to hear it). Not long ago we talked about the fact that you never know who's watching; well, we KNOW the world is. And, if we serve, love, and forgive each other in the self-sacrificing way Christ did for the church, the world will see Christ reflected through us. God can/will show others his glory and sacrifice through our words and actions. If we don't serve, love, and forgive each other in this way, well, the world sees that, too, but not in the way we (or God) would want. Both doing these things and not doing these things has an incredible impact on those around us. We are bound together by Christ's love and the Holy Spirit and if that's the only thing we have in common, it's still more than enough. We are called to love, serve, and forgive each other in that love. If we can't do this with and for each other, how can we do it for the world? It is just a recipe for resentment and bitterness...at least, that's what I've learned.
ReplyDelete^^^This one was supposed to go under the April 7th post. Whoops. And it was supposed to say something profound about the world watching how we handle conflict, grief, and rejoicing, but it doesn't so you can just add that in your minds.
DeleteThe beauty of Scripture is that you can find relevance between any two or more passages. And so, Chantel, your comments are also relative to his week’s study – Encouraging Fellowship. Indeed, it is true that serving, loving, forgiving, one another, in a self-sacrificing way is a witness to the world, as you said – and --as Pastor Matt alluded to in his April 7 blog -- this was what first impressed him about Christian people. But, serving, loving, forgiving one another sacrificially also promotes deeper fellowship within the Body – this week’s study.
DeleteFor the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14)
ReplyDeleteThis past week three of the churches in Berlin held a one-day VBS. The group studied the parable of the Good Samaritan, and it provided us with the reminder that our neighbors do not always live next door to us. That phrase includes anyone we have influence over, no matter how far away they might live. It even includes those we do not really know, and for the very reasons that Chantel outlined in her post above. As ambassadors of Christ, it is incumbent on us to treat everyone we come into contact with as Christ would treat them--as someone God loves and therefore as someone we love. As we enjoy our Sabbath together, may we find ourselves loving one another and all of those we come into contact with as Christ first loved us, and then serve them accordingly.