Spiritual Service: Trained to Administer the Church

July 3rd, 1986
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Summary

Hoseah reflects on the calling of Christians to serve the Lord, emphasizing that everyone is called to be a servant of Christ. He encourages believers to recognize their role as stewards of God's mysteries and to be faithful in their service. Hoseah cites various scriptures, including 1 Corinthians and John, to illustrate the importance of humility and submission to Christ's headship. He stresses that the church is not merely a building but a living organism where Christ's authority is established. Serving in the church requires commitment, time, and a willingness to submit to God's direction rather than seeking human approval. Hoseah highlights the need for families to serve together and for individuals to bring blessings to the church community. He also discusses the importance of being adaptable and open to God's leading, as well as the necessity of laying aside personal ambitions and social standings to serve others. Ultimately, he calls for a heart of true servanthood, encouraging all believers to actively participate in the life of the church and to trust in God's ability to empower their service.

Outline of Main Points

  • Calling to Serve: Every believer is called to serve the Lord.
  • Scriptural Foundation: Importance of humility and submission to Christ.
  • Understanding the Church: The church as a living organism under Christ's authority.
  • Commitment and Time: Serving requires dedication and time management.
  • Family Involvement: Families should serve together in ministry.
  • Bringing Blessings: Individuals should contribute blessings to the church community.
  • Adaptability: Being open to God's leading and making adjustments.
  • Selflessness: Laying aside personal ambitions and social standings to serve others.
  • Active Participation: Encouragement for all believers to engage in church life.
Scriptures Referenced
1 Corinthians 4:1-2

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

John 3:26-27

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. 27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

John 13:3-5

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

John 13:12-17

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Hebrews 3:5-6

5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

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