How can we apply Paul's example of service to our church community today? Setting the Scene “serving the Lord with all humility and with tears, and with trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.” — Acts 20:19 Paul is speaking to the Ephesian elders on the shore of Miletus. He looks back over three difficult yet fruitful years and highlights the way he served. His words give us a practical template for ministry inside any congregation today. Three Core Qualities in Paul’s Service • Humility – He put Christ first, others second, self last (Philippians 2:3-4). – He refused the praise of men, pointing everything back to the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). • Compassionate Tears – Ministry was never mechanical; he felt deeply for people (Romans 9:2-3). – His tears flowed from love and intercession, not mere sentimentality (2 Corinthians 2:4). • Perseverance through Trials – Opposition did not surprise him (2 Timothy 3:12). – He kept serving even when misunderstood, slandered, or physically attacked (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Living Out Paul’s Example in the Local Church • Cultivate a servant mindset – Start each ministry task with Mark 10:45 before your eyes: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…”. – Volunteer for hidden jobs—stacking chairs, cleaning, visiting shut-ins—where applause is unlikely. • Relate with heartfelt empathy – Spend unhurried time listening to burdens (Galatians 6:2). – Pray with people immediately rather than promising to later. Tears shared in private build trust in public. • Endure hardship without quitting – Remember Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Keep a testimony journal of God’s past deliverances; review it when trials intensify. • Lead by example, not by demand – Elders, teachers, and team leaders embrace 1 Peter 5:2-3: shepherd willingly, eagerly, “not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” – Model confession and accountability so the culture of the church remains transparent and grace-filled. • Serve in teams, not as lone rangers – Paul traveled with Silas, Timothy, Luke, and others—ministry was shared (Acts 20:4). – Pair mature believers with younger ones on projects; discipleship happens naturally while serving side by side. Strengthened by Christ’s Own Pattern Paul’s posture mirrors the Lord he followed: Philippians 2:5-8 shows Christ “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant… He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” When our service reflects that same downward path, God exalts His church (James 4:10). Staying the Course When Service Hurts • Draw on the sufficiency of grace—“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Rely on the intercession of fellow believers; Paul constantly asked for prayer (Ephesians 6:19). • Fix eyes on the finish line—“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Key Takeaways to Carry Forward • Humility, compassion, and perseverance are non-negotiable marks of authentic ministry. • Every believer—not just those with titles—can practice these marks daily. • The same Holy Spirit who empowered Paul empowers us, assuring that faithful service in the local church still advances the gospel and glorifies Christ. |
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