Throughout the New Testament believers are called ambassadors, the chosen, the elect, disciples, and followers—what about God's call for us to be servants? Dr. Stanley explains what it means to answer God's call to serve Him in our lives. Learn how to give yourself in service to God by giving yourself in service to others.
Sermon Outline
Servanthood is more than a role God assigns. It’s an invitation He extends. This week, Dr. Stanley explores what it means to answer that call, why it’s vital to the Christian life, and how stepping into it changes both the way you serve and who you become.
Key Passage: Galatians 5:13
Supporting Passages: John 12:26; Romans 12:5-6; 1 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:6-7; Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Peter 4:10; Revelation 22:3
Throughout the New Testament, believers are called many things—ambassadors, disciples, followers, soldiers. But one title stands out: servant.
► “Servanthood is all about giving ourselves away to God by serving other people.”
The call to servanthood is an invitation to fulfill God’s purposes and experience spiritual growth:
Paul urges believers to use their freedom not for selfish gain but to serve one another in love (Gal. 5:13).
The Father will honor those who answer the call to serve Christ (John 12:26).
Service isn’t just about giving—it’s about growing. Challenges in service test what we believe and build our faith.
Growth isn’t automatic. It is deepened by reading God’s Word, praying, and learning from our failures.
In heaven, we will worship and serve God out of joy (Rev. 22:3).
►“Our serving Him is a part of a process. As you and I serve the Lord, we will grow.”
Service is how we exercise our spiritual gifts:
When you are saved, the Spirit gifts you for what God wants you to do.
Spiritual gifts are given to us not for personal benefit but to be put to work in the lives of others (1 Cor. 12:7; 1 Pet. 4:10).
Service can happen anywhere, anytime—not just at church.
Every time we help someone, it is service to Jesus.
We must be prepared to serve:
God provides pastors and teachers “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service” (Eph. 4:11-12).
If God calls you to serve, He wants you prepared through training and instruction.
Service isn’t always easy:
Disagreement isn’t a reason to walk away from where God has called us.
Sometimes the worst conflict is internal—self-doubt, inadequacy, comparison.
Remember that faithfulness matters more than perfection.
► “Servanthood is a mentality. It is an attitude that God wants for all of His children because it is the pattern of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
After Watching
Dr. Stanley reminds us that servanthood is a mentality. It can happen in the grocery store, on the expressway, at the office—wherever we are. Try starting each morning by asking God to show you one person who needs something you can give, and see what changes.
Think about one or two people in your life who serve quietly—not for recognition but because it’s who they are. What is it about them that stands out to you? Consider telling them this week what their example has meant to you.
