1. Grace – love of God John 1:16 & 17
Jesus is the source, initiator, enabler of experiencing His grace. Christians should be seen giving back to the living spring. Living under the law vs. living under grace. Don’t raise barriers between God’s grace and those who need it.
2. A sense of gratitude and thanksgiving. I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always. Give thanks in all circumstances. Roman 1:21 – center of Pauline theology – gratitude; from OT – a thank offering. Gratitude to the Almighty and those around us. Embrace the sins of previous generations because we have been blessed by their faith to God.
3. Need to cultivate a lifestyle of service – Jesus as servant, Matthew 20:25
diaconia – waiting on tables; seeking to control vs. seeking to serve. Seek the least, last, lost and lonely.
Matthew 9:10 – not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick.
Service is not an easy thing. The church is only the church when it exists for others. Service is a calling.
Be careful about judging others. None of us are deserving of God’s grace. Responsibility is to give; then they are accountable before the Lord.
The greatest service – faithful daily intercession for those we care about. Learning to listen.