Service 

"Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a scepter but a hoe."--Bernard of Clairvaux

Memory Verse: Matthew 10:42.

Introduction: "In The Little Flowers of St. Francis, a delightful story is told about how Francis taught Brother Leo the meaning of perfect joy. At the two walked together in the rain and bitter cold, Francis reminded Leo of all the things that the world--including the religious world--believed would bring joy, adding each time, 'Perfect joy is not that.' Finally, in exasperation Brother Leo asked, 'I beg you in God's name to tell me where perfect joy is,' whereupon Francis began enumerating the most humiliating, self-abasing things he could imagine, adding each time 'Oh, Brother Leo, write that perfect joy is there.' To explain and conclude the matter he told Brother Leo, 'Above all the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit which Christ gives to His friends is that of conquering oneself and willingly enduring sufferings, insults, humiliations, and hardships for the love of Christ.' " (Celebration of Discipline, Richard J. Foster, p. 133).
  Finding joy in service stems not from specific acts of service, but from a heart of service. True servants are those who willingly give to others, regardless of how base or menial a task is. When we pick and choose when and whom we'll serve, we aren't acting as a servant--we're pridefully determining when we want to esteem others better than ourself. Scripture admonishes us to esteem others better than ourselves all the time (Philippians 2:3-5). Just as a slave has no choice when and whom he will serve, we should perceive ourselves as having no choice in when and whom we'll serve.
  True service does not do away with leadership and authority, as some might think. Jesus, the greatest servant, also possessed the greatest authority. What we find in scripture is that leadership and authority stem not from power and might, but from humility and service. Those who cannot serve, cannot lead.
  In complete service, someone has to be served. When we cannot receive the service of others, we show not only that we, ourselves, refuse to serve, but that pride dominates our life. Service is not only giving to another, but is is receiving from another the blessings of God.

Lesson Questions:

1. Explore and discuss the various forms of service mentioned in scripture.
   a. Service of hiddenness--when others don't know of your service (1 Corinthians 13:4).
   b. Service of small things (Romans 12:13a).
   c. Service of guarding others and their reputation (Titus 3:2; Ephesians 4:29).
   d. Service of being served (John 13:5-10; Galatians 6:2).
   e. Service of common courtesy (Titus 3:2b).
   f. Service of hospitality (Romans 12:13b; 1 Peter 4:9).
  g. Service of listening (Hebrews 13:16).
  h. Service of bearing others burdens (Galatians 6:2).
   i. Service of sharing the Word of Life (1 Peter 3:15).

2. Why do hidden acts of service deliver a death-blow to pride? Luke 22:24-30; 1 Peter 5:5,6.

3. Who, in the body of Christ, should serve? Matthew 20:25-28; Romans 12:13; Luke 6:35; Hebrews 6:10.
Note: Our lives should be seen as a life of slavery. Just as a slave would believe he has no choice, but to serve his master, we too should recognize we have no choice, but to serve. As a slave, we don't have the right to pick and choose who and when we'll serve.

4. Since all Christians are called to be servants, should servanthood be seen in every area of our lives? 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11.

5. Do certain people have the gift of service? Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28-31.

6. How are we to receive the service others render toward us? John 13:10-15; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 2:3-5.