Build by Serving Others

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Build by Serving Others

Building Blocks for God’s People – Part 7

Speaker: Pastor
Series:

Serving Together: Building Blocks for a Thriving Church

Have you ever wondered what makes a church truly thrive? As we conclude our series on the book of Acts, I’ve been reflecting on the building blocks that formed the foundation of the early church. One crucial element stands out: serving. The early believers understood that they were part of something bigger than themselves – a body of Christ working together to further the Gospel.

The Body of Christ: Designed for Unity

God designed you to be part of a body. Just as our physical bodies have complex systems working together, the spiritual body of Christ is intricate and interconnected. In 1 Corinthians 12:12, we read, “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”

This truth has profound implications for how we function as a church:

  1. No one person has all the spiritual gifts
  2. Every believer has at least one spiritual gift
  3. Our gifts are given by the Holy Spirit
  4. There’s no reason for pride or envy regarding gifts
  5. We all need each other

The structure of the church reflects this body analogy. In Philippians 1, Paul addresses three groups: the saints (all believers), overseers (pastors), and deacons. Each group plays a vital role, but none can function effectively without the others.

Using Your Gifts for God’s Glory

God desires to use you for His glory. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, we see two broad categories of gifts:

  1. Speaking gifts: “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.”
  2. Serving gifts: “If anyone serves, let him do it as with the ability which God gives.”

Both types of gifts are essential and should be used “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”

Furthering Gospel Endeavors

As I’ve studied the book of Acts, I’ve been struck by how many “ordinary” people were involved in furthering the Gospel. It wasn’t just about Peter and Paul – countless others played crucial roles. Here are some ways God used people:

1. Practicing Hospitality

In Acts 1:13, we see disciples staying in someone’s home. In Acts 12:12, believers gathered to pray at Mary’s house. Lydia opened her home after her conversion (Acts 16:15). Priscilla and Aquila hosted Paul (Acts 18:2-3).

2. Giving Generously

Acts 2:44-45 describes early believers selling possessions to meet others’ needs. This spirit of generosity continues to make a difference in our church today.

3. Demonstrating Practical Love

Sometimes it’s the small acts that make a big impact. In Acts 9, people lowered Paul in a basket to save his life. In Acts 23, Paul’s nephew warned him of danger. Dorcas used her sewing skills to bless others (Acts 9:36).

Putting It Into Practice

So, what does this mean for us today? I want to challenge you to consider:

  • What gifts has God given you?
  • How can you use your hands, heart, and abilities to serve others?
  • Are you willing to step up and fill needs in our church family?

Some practical ways to serve include:

  • Helping with fellowship meals
  • Maintaining church grounds
  • Serving in the nursery or teaching Sunday School
  • Decorating for special events
  • Sending encouragement cards
  • Counting offerings
  • Greeting visitors
  • Praying faithfully for the ministry
  • Using technical skills to support church communications

Remember, no act of service is too small. As Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Let’s commit to serving one another, using our unique gifts to build up the body of Christ and further the Gospel. As we do, may God alone receive all the glory and praise.

We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!

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