Serving like Dorcas
Message Summary: Today Josiah gave an inspiring message on serving. He began with the parable of Jesus’ last day on earth. The night before he died, he chose to wash his disciples’ feet. This act was done by the lowliest of servants. Jesus became a servant, put on a servant’s apron, and embodied servanthood. The point of following Christ is to be a servant just as Jesus was. Furthermore, we read the slaves in Israel were freed after 7 years of serving. Some would continue to be slaves after those 7 years because they enjoyed it, this is referred to as a bond servant. Paul says our posture should be like a bond servant and serve because we genuinely enjoy it. In closing and the key to today’s message is we are encouraged to be like Dorcas. An acronym to remember this is to serve D-discretely, serve O-ordinarily or often, serve R-ridiculously, serve C-compassionately, serve A-assumingly, serve S-selflessly. Your heart is revealed through your habits. Let’s all build good habits of serving others consistently and make our entire existence about other people.
- What would you do if you only had 24 hours to live?
- How will I spend my time on this earth?
- What would you want your kids to say about you? Example, mommy or daddy always does __________.
- How can I become more like Dorcas?
John 13:1-5 NLT – Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So, he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.
Matthew 20:26 NLT – But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant…
Galatians 5:13 NLT – For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Ephesians 6:5-9 NLT – Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Masters, treat your slaves the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.
Acts 9:36-37 NLT – There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing good kind things for others and helping the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room.
Matthew 6:2-4 NLT – When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do-blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the rewards they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything will reward you.
1 Samuel 12:24 NLT – But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT – But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Colossians 3:23 NLT – Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.