How To SERVE One ANOTHER

1 Peter 4:10; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
March 12, 2023

Responsive Reading – Matthew 25:31-40 (ESV) –

Leader: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then
he will sit on his glorious throne.

Congregation: 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate
people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

Leader: 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

Congregation: 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are
blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world.

Leader: 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,

Congregation: 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was
in prison and you came to me.’

Leader: 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you
hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?

Congregation: 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and
clothe you?

Leader: 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

Everyone: 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of
the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Mark 10:42-45 (ESV) – And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that
those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones
exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would
be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you
must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and
to give his life as a ransom for many.”

1 Peter 4:7-9 (ESV) – The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and
sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another
earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another
without grumbling.

1. You must USE the GIFT God has given you to SERVE others.

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) – As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good
stewards of God’s varied grace:

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT2) – God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual
gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

Gift –

Serve –

It’s your task to use your gift to:

A. BUILD up BELIEVERS in the church

B. WITNESS and MINISTER to the WORLD.

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT2) – Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the
apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their
responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body
of Christ.

2. You must USE the GIFT God has given you to SERVE in the POWER of
God.

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV) – whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever
serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in
everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and
dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT2) – Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God
himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all
the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to
God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Strength –

Supplies –

Galatians 6:10 (NLT2) – Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do
good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

3. You must USE the GIFT God has given you to SERVE to the GLORY of God.

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV) – whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever
serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in
everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and
dominion forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11 (NLT2) – Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God
himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all
the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to
God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen.

Glorified –

Matthew 5:16 (NRSV) – In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

John 15:8 (ESV) – By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove
to be my disciples.

Romans 15:5-6 (ESV) – May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to
live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you
may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. You must USE the GIFT God has given you to SERVE so you will one day
hear The Lord say “WELL DONE”.

1 Peter 4:11 (ESV) – whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever
serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in
everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and
dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 25:21 (ESV) – His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your
master.’

Matthew 25:21 (NLT2) – The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful
servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many
more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Matthew 24:45-47 (ESV) – “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master
has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is
that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you,
he will set him over all his possessions.”

Servant –

L.I.F.E. Group Questions
1. What job in society bests epitomizes what it means to be a servant? Explain
2. In your opinion, what best distinguishes Christians from non-Christians?
3. How does Peter say you are to use your gifts? (1 Peter 4:10)
4. How are you to speak and serve? (1 Peter 4:11)
5. What goal does Peter want you to reach with all you do? (1 Peter 4:11)
6. Do you think it’s easy or difficult to serve others? Explain
7. What gift has God given you that you could use to serve others?
8. How important is it to know your serving is to be done in the power of God?
Explain
9. How does knowing your serving is to always bring glory to God affect what you
do in serving and why you serve?
10. How important is it to you to know God sees and knows all the serving you do?
Explain
11. What are some things you can do to make sure your serving is always a
celebration of God?
12. During this week in what simple ways can you use your gift to serve others to
show that you live by a unique set of priorities?