THE CONSEQUENCES OF SERVING
Series of Sermons on How to Improve Your Service, #2
Frank Ottati

"We are hard pressed in every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4:8,9

If you ask Jesus: What do you want me to be? He will answer: I want you to be a Servant, Matt. 20:26 Why? Because if we follow the example of Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served, we will become His Servants, Matt. 20:28 The moment we decide to follow Jesus and be a servant for Him we will go through struggles sooner or latter.

Let's see four common struggles servants live with that are exemplified in the life of the Apostol Paul:

2 Cor. 4:8,9 Compare 2 Cor. 11:23-33

Hard pressed (Under pressure)	In labors more abundant, 27,28
Perplexed (confused)	In stripes above measure, 24,25
Persecuted (hunted down)	In prisons + frequently, 32,33
Struck down (rejected)	In deaths often, 11:23

Shipwrecked three times, 11:25
A day and a night in the ocean, 11:25
Surrounded with constant dangers, 11:26
Without sufficient food, 11:27
Exposed to cold weather, 11:27
Escaped from death, 11:33

Paul had done nothing wrong He was trying to serve God He was mistreated, misunderstood, despised, and rejected Why did God permit it? It was part of the "God's Course on Servanthood"

Our Lord Jesus went through the same things and worse, Is. 53. He gave His life for all of us.

Those are the consequences of Serving others. Paul ends chapter 4 with words of encouragement: 2 Cor 4:16-18 (LB)
"Never give up" - Our inner strength is growing in the Lord"
"Our sufferings are quite small" - "They don't last too long"
"Our troubles will soon be over" - "We look forward to the joys in heaven"
Bitter? Never! Better? Yes!!

Two lessons:
Nothing touches us that has not passed through the hands of Jesus. NOTHING Everything we endure is designed to prepare us serve others more effectively. EVERYTHING

Invitation:
Ask Jesus to help you be a faithful servant this coming week.

Hymn:
When We All Get To Heaven