Lordship of Christ- “How to Serve”

We have been discussing the Lordship of Jesus Christ (read Col. 1:15-18). We’ve talked about what it is; explained different aspects; tossed around some ideas; things like that. Now I’d like to begin a section that (I hope) will help us to understand what it means “live it out” in the daily affairs of life. It’s fun to toss ideas around but they don’t mean much if you cant use ’em. I would like to throw out (continuing with the tossing theme) 7 principles to be used “where the rubber meets the road!”The title is “How to serve.” Before we begin in earnest I must clean my closet and clear my mind (wasn’t so foggy after all). When I thought of the title, my first thought was of a Twilight Zone show which involved an alien arriving on the planet earth. This creepy looking guy brought with him a book entilted “How to Serve Man.” It was a fantastic time of healings, fixings, and such until someone realized (too late I might add) that it was a COOKBOOK! Really a tasty story. My second thought went to a Christian book entilted “How to Serve.” Great book written by Chuck Swindoll. In my mind- it must be a book about TENNIS! With great anticipation and excitement, I opened the book only to find out that it would not help me to propel a little fuzzy ball across a net at breakneck speed and overpowering spin but rather how I am to be a servant (“a waiter of tables”) to others. Hey maybe the books were a series?

No, we are talking about specific ways to serve the great King! This king, through his perfect life, sacrificial death, burial, and resurrection has accomplished our salvation and made us HIS! We belong to him- He bought us (look up 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:22-23). Ours is to serve him in all that we do; in every area of life. How do we serve him?

Today, I want to intoduce the 7 principles with an introduction and discuss them in detail in future articles. Sound ok. OOOPs doesn’t matter- this is what we are going to do. I will state the principle, give you a Scripture reference, and expect you to look it up! Begin by reading Ephesians 2:1-10. Keep in mind that some of the greatest blessing in the Bible begin with “but God ….” Notice that in this paragraph. Focus on verses 8-10. See the beauty of grace and then the expectation of action.
Let me know what you think.

The first principle is entitled “the relationship between faith and works.” Read James 2:14-26 (esp. vs 26). Remember we cannot work our way to heaven, we are saved because of Christ. So what role do works play?

The second principle is “the pursuit of holiness.” Read 1 Peter 1:13-16. Ever heard the phrase “like father,like son”?

The third phrase is “thinking Christianly.” Read Romans 12:1-2 (I think we have discussed this one before- remember??????) We need to use our brain cells. We need to think! Remember, the Lord didn’t put the brain between our ears to keep them from floating together. He expects us to use it!

The fourth principle is “to obey is better than sacrifice.” Look up John 14:15. Also get out your old English books and find “The Charge of the Light Brigade” and read that too.

The next principle is entitled “my tutor and may guide.” Go to Matthew 5:17-18. Read it! God has provided us with all the information we need to live our lives for his glory.

Then we will talk about “fruit- bearers.” Read Galatians 5:22-23. Go to an apple tree- what will you find? Go to a pear tree- well you get the point. What will someone find when they go to a “Christian tree”? Symbolic remember!!!!!!

The last principle is “looking honestly at myself.” Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Paul uses athletic terms to develop an extremly important principle.

Should be an exciting and profitable journey throught the next 7 weeks. Have fun and keep your eyes focused upon Jesus- the Great and Glorious King! See ya!