Sermon Reflections from BLESS Serve and Story | ZACH STATZER | January 26, 2025
What does it mean to you to perform a transaction? You give something and get something in return. It may be money, favors, or non-tangible items like a smile or a good word. Zach pointed out to us that Jesus was not compelled or motivated by transactions. His giving was pure and was filled with humility, sacrifice and obedience. The example Zach pointed out to us was in John 17 where Jesus humbly washed the disciple’s feet as an example to them and to us of how to serve one another. Jesus was not looking to get anything for his disciples but to show sacrificial love and obedience to His Father. Jesus gave of himself on the cross for the ultimate sacrifice in obedience to His Father, so that we might gain and be reconciled to Him. John 3:16 explains the motive-love. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
When was the last time you did something for someone with no regard to your return? Or followed a command to serve someone out of obedience to God’s Word? When we examine the transactions of our lives, how do we measure up to Jesus? Do we act and serve out of humility, love and obedience? I like the way Paul puts it in Colossians 2:11-13 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” While we wait for Christ’s return, we are to live each day with self-control, being upright and godly living by Christ’s standards and not those of the world. Christ modeled that type of living and points us to living with humility, love and obedience to God.
Zach also focused on the “story” we have to tell about Jesus and His impact upon our lives. Each of us who knows Jesus has been transformed. We are no longer motivated by worldly standards of greed, lust, power, etc. but by the desire to live godly lives for Him. No, we are not perfect as we still have our sin nature battling within us, but we have Jesus’ word that we will be victorious in Him, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 He encouraged us to tell our story with love, joy and kindness looking to the needs of others.
When giving your testimony, your own story of Jesus in your life, you can either be direct or indirect. Direct is a pointed conversation about the saving power of Jesus as explained in the gospel, and how Jesus transformed your life though faith in Him. The story God has given to you is YOUR story and although it may seem lack luster to you, it transformed you! It has value and is worth sharing. God changed your life!! Be bold and share it with others. You do not need to share it with huge foundational truths, lots of scripture, etc. as it is your story and no one can refute the change faith in Jesus brought to your life.
The other way of sharing Zach pointed out is indirectly. This involves living our lives for Jesus, letting his light and love shine through us in our words and actions. As some have said, “sometimes the only Bible people see is us.” We are living testimonies to the goodness and kindness of God. This way takes time and consistent living day by day for Jesus.
As we conclude this month of BLESSing, let us remember to:
B- begin with prayer. Philippians 4:6 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
L-listen with care. 1 John 4:6 “We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
E- eat together. Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
S-serve in love. Galatians 5:13 “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
S-share your story. 2 Timothy 2:2-3 “ and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Psalm 66:16 “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.”
Go and share God’s blessings with other. Remember it is a day by day walk, not a sprint but a marathon with Jesus by our side. Linda
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