What New Testament passages highlight the importance of serving in God's work? A Foundation of Service in Numbers 4:1 “Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron,” (Numbers 4:1) • The verse opens a chapter assigning the Kohathites specific duties in the tabernacle. • Service is not self-appointed; God Himself calls, defines, and empowers the work. • That pattern sets the stage for New Testament teaching: every believer is likewise called into God’s work. Jesus Models the Servant Life • Matthew 20:26-28 – “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” • Mark 9:35 – “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the last of all and the servant of all.” • John 13:14-15 – Foot-washing shows that no task is beneath us when serving others. Early-Church Priorities • Acts 6:2-4 – Deacons are appointed so the apostles can “devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Both Word-ministry and practical helps are essential. • Acts 20:24 – Paul counts his life worth nothing “if only I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus.” Commands to Every Believer • Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as “living sacrifices… your spiritual service of worship.” • Galatians 5:13 – “Serve one another in love.” • Colossians 3:23-24 – Work wholeheartedly, “for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • 1 Peter 4:10-11 – Use whatever gift you have received “to serve one another… so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Gifts and Roles Assigned by Christ • Romans 12:6-8 – A list of gifts that turn faith into concrete service. • Ephesians 4:11-13 – Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers are given “to equip the saints for works of ministry.” • 1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” The Attitude That Sustains Service • Philippians 2:3-4 – Humility considers others more important. • James 2:17 – Faith without works is dead; true belief acts. • Hebrews 6:10 – God “will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name.” Why Our Service Matters • Ephesians 2:10 – “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” • 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – Labor prompted by love proves genuine faith. • Revelation 1:6 – Christ “has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father,” echoing the Levites’ calling in Numbers 4. From the first whisper of duty to the Kohathites to the full chorus of New Testament commands, Scripture consistently presents service as the privilege and responsibility of everyone God redeems. |
    |