Me, a Servant? - Matthew 18:23-35 - Outline

Biblical references in Gahanna-Jefferson Church of Christ's nondenominational sermon outlines are linked directly to text of the King James version of the Bible.

Me, A Servant? Matthew 18-23-35

Introduction.

1. Jesus calls us to be servants.

a. In His parables: Matthew 18:23-35, 20:1-16, 24:45-51, 25:14-30

b. By direct statements: Matthew 4:10, 23:11-12

c. Through his own example: John 13:3-16; Philippians. 2:5-8.

2. But this is not the lifestyle I had in mind!

3. How can I reconcile the idea of a servant with good news?

Body.

I. First, we must realize that we are already servants!

A. Romans 6:16 servants

1. Who do we live according? Romans 8:5

2. Slaves of corruption. II Peter 2:19

B. Many have chosen to serve the flesh:

1. Pleasure. Romans 1:25

2. Sex. Jude 7

3. False Teacher. Romans 16:17-18

4. Money. Hebrews 13:5

C. Slave of sin. John 8:34

D. So we see that all of us are slaves. Our master is either the flesh or the truth of the Spirit.

II. Only the gospel gives us the freedom to choose who we will serve.

A. Only the sacrifice of Jesus can break sin's hold on us:

1. Purge our conscience. Hebrews 9:13-14

2. Release from fear. Hebrews 2:14-15

B. Come to our senses. II Timothy 2:25-26

III. Most people accept the idea that another name for Christian is "servant of God."

A. You can not serve God and Mammon. Luke 16:13-15

B. Don’t use liberty as an opportunity. Galatians 5:13

C. You were bought with a price. I Corinthians 7:23

Conclusion.

1. We have looked at two things people don't like to think about:

a. Jesus calls us to be servants

b. Every human is by nature the servant of something or someone.

2. You can truly be devoted to only one master.

3. That means you need to start listening to God's plans for your life rather than your own.

4. Remember: this is a choice that is made every day.

5. You may need to start your commitment with baptism today or make a recommitment after having failed to truly follow him

-- Don Treadway, January 2003 --

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Me, A Servant? Matthew 18-23-35

Introduction.

1. Jesus calls us to be servants.

a. In His parables: Matthew 18:23-35, 20:1-16, 24:45-51, 25:14-30

b. By direct statements: Matthew 4:10, 23:11-12

c. Through his own example: John 13:3-16; Philippians. 2:5-8.

2. But this is not the lifestyle I had in mind!

3. How can I reconcile the idea of a servant with good news?

Body.

I. First, we must realize that we are already servants!

A. Romans 6:16 servants

1. Who do we live according? Romans 8:5

2. Slaves of corruption. II Peter 2:19

B. Many have chosen to serve the flesh:

1. Pleasure. Romans 1:25

2. Sex. Jude 7

3. False Teacher. Romans 16:17-18

4. Money. Hebrews 13:5

C. Slave of sin. John 8:34

D. So we see that all of us are slaves. Our master is either the flesh or the truth of the Spirit.

II. Only the gospel gives us the freedom to choose who we will serve.

A. Only the sacrifice of Jesus can break sin's hold on us:

1. Purge our conscience. Hebrews 9:13-14

2. Release from fear. Hebrews 2:14-15

B. Come to our senses. II Timothy 2:25-26

III. Most people accept the idea that another name for Christian is "servant of God."

A. You can not serve God and Mammon. Luke 16:13-15

B. Don’t use liberty as an opportunity. Galatians 5:13

C. You were bought with a price. I Corinthians 7:23

Conclusion.

1. We have looked at two things people don't like to think about:

a. Jesus calls us to be servants

b. Every human is by nature the servant of something or someone.

2. You can truly be devoted to only one master.

3. That means you need to start listening to God's plans for your life rather than your own.

4. Remember: this is a choice that is made every day.

5. You may need to start your commitment with baptism today or make a recommitment after having failed to truly follow him