An Active Church: Part II
Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
Introduction
This morning we continue our study of the active church
Now remember last week we began our study by looking at the basis of Biblical service. That is, we saw that our active participation in the work of God’s Kingdom is based on and a direct result of the very nature of the salvation He has given us. In other words, the grace that saves you is a grace that changes you, includes you, and equips you to be an active participant in the Kingdom life and labor that God has given.
This morning I want us to look at the Distinctives of an Active Church. That is, I want us to look at what Biblical service is and how it is different from simply doing nice things
Important: later on today, in the course of our parish meeting, we will present ourselves and the ministries of this parish to God for service throughout this year.
Therefore, as we prepare to come and make our presentations to God, I want to make sure that we understand exactly what it is that we are presenting. As such, this morning I want us to examine 4 essential traits of Biblical service.
A] Biblical Service is Expectant. That is, Biblical Service expects God to bless and use the service that He has commissioned. (Think about it: God has saved, included, equipped, and called you to serve)
Isaiah 55:10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, 11 So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
B] Biblical Service is Extraordinary. That is, God promises that there are no ordinary tasks in His house. Rather, when we are faithfully seeking God’s Kingdom, God spiritually endows even our most unassuming duties
Matthew 14:17 And the disciples said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
C] Biblical Service is Specific: That is, Biblical Service self-consciously and intentionally seeks to promote godliness in others. As such, Biblical Service is more than merely being helpful or nice. It is not random deeds of kindness nor is it religious busywork. Rather, it is service that seeks to make God and the Gospel known. In other words, it seeks fruit that remains
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
D] Biblical Service is contagious. That is, when believers are actively engaged in faithful ministry, visitors will see a place where God, His people, and His Word matter. The result is that an active church will be a place where others will want to be involved because of what God is doing palpably in its midst. In other words, an active church is an attractive church
Isaiah 60:1 “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. 2 “For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; But the LORD will rise upon you, and His Glory will appear upon you. 3 “And nations will come to your light, and kings will come to the brightness of your rising.
Bottom line: Biblical Service is specific, it is bathed in prayer, it is expectant, and it is contagious. In addition, it is exactly the kind of service that God calls each of us to offer.