How can we apply being "servants of God" in our community involvement? Identity Framed by Titus 1:1 “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” — Titus 1:1 Key observations • “Servant” (doulos) comes before every other title. • Servanthood exists “for the faith… and the knowledge of the truth,” so it always aims at spiritual and practical good. Because Scripture is literally true, Paul’s order becomes ours: first servant, then whatever else we do. Servant-Hearted Outlook for Community Life • Ownership: we belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). • Imitation: we mirror Jesus, “the Son of Man [who] did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45). • Purpose: we seek neighbors’ good so they “glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). Foundational Attitudes • Humility—Phil 2:3-7 shows service beginning in the mind. • Availability—Isa 6:8: “Here am I. Send me!” • Steadfast love—1 Cor 13:1-3 reminds that service minus love is noise. • Prayerful dependence—Col 4:2-6 pairs prayer with outreach readiness. Practical Ways to Serve Locally 1. Compassion Ministries – Volunteer at food banks, shelters, crisis-pregnancy centers. – Prepare meals for shut-ins (James 2:15-17). – Offer transportation for medical visits or church gatherings. 2. Community Improvement – Neighborhood clean-ups, park restoration (Genesis 2:15 stewardship). – Disaster-response teams; partner with first responders. 3. Mentoring & Teaching – After-school tutoring; literacy programs (Proverbs 22:6). – Coach youth sports with Christ-like character (1 Timothy 4:12). – Host Bible studies in homes or public spaces (Acts 5:42). 4. Advocacy with Integrity – Speak for the unborn, elderly, and disabled (Proverbs 31:8-9). – Promote justice while maintaining respect for authorities (Romans 13:1-7). 5. Generosity & Resource Sharing – Sponsor missionary or benevolence projects (Philippians 4:15-16). – Create benevolence funds for rent, utilities, medical bills (Galatians 6:10). 6. Gospel-Centered Events – Neighborhood block parties with testimonies and worship. – Seasonal outreaches: Easter egg hunts, Christmas caroling, VBS. Guardrails to Keep Ministry Biblical • Stay Word-Driven: all ideas filtered through Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Avoid Savior Syndrome: only Christ redeems; we serve as instruments (Acts 4:12). • Link Deeds to Words: good works open doors for the gospel (Matthew 5:16). • Maintain Purity: servant conduct must match message (Titus 2:10). Enduring Motivation • Promise of Reward: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). • Strength of Grace: “His power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Certain Harvest: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). As Paul wore the title “servant of God” publicly and proudly, so we wear it in our streets, schools, offices, and councils, trusting that visible, intentional service will draw many to “the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness.” |
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