Principles For A Healthy, Multiplying Church: Serving Others

Serving others is a major principle of a healthy, multiplying church. 1 Timothy 6:18 says, “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.” Guthrie suggests, “Positive and practical demands are made upon rich men. Their actions are to be characterized by goodness and generosity, both of which are described actively and passively. They are to do good and to be rich in good deeds. They are further to be generous and to share with others.”[1] When one is selfish, one puts their ego on a pedestal. Jesus never intended for anyone to be on a pedestal. It goes completely against the word of God. “If a man seeks to serve himself, to get honour to himself, instead of seeking to serve God and honour Him alone, the Lord Jehovah will not use that man.”[2] There are many people that are self-serving and it’s causing communities to go into chaos. Those who serve well have a mentality to put others first even before their own needs. We must love others because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). Service is an act of love to those around us. We can have great charisma and character, but if we do not have love for one another Paul says we are as sounding brass (1 Cor. 13:1).

Jesus gives an amazing example of serving. He and His disciples were gathered before the Passover Feast. He arose from the table and grabbed a towel and water basin. He then began to wash the feet of the disciples. At this moment, he taught them the importance of serving. He told them serving was not just for the people under them. Rather, it is the job of the leader to serve as well. This shows us the importance of picking up a towel and serving (John 13:1-17). This shows us that we all have a part to play in God’s kingdom. Whatever ministry God has called us to, whether it be Sunday school, mission work, music, or cleaning, we need to serve in that capacity to the best of our abilities. Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” France writes, “What this verse demands is, therefore, a commitment to find and to do the will of God, to ally oneself totally with his purpose.”[3] Our first and primary purpose is to love God. Our second purpose is to love and serve people.

[1] Donald Guthrie, Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 14, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1990), 132, Logos.

[2] C. H. Spurgeon, The Soul Winner: How to Lead Sinners to the Saviour (New York; NY: Fleming H. Revell, 1895), 57–110, Logos.

[3] R. T. France, Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 1, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985), 146, Logos.