Series #5 Serving Others With A Joyful Heart

Introduction: Scripture Reading- Acts 20:33-36

The world often teaches that happiness is found in accumulating wealth, power, and status. However, Jesus offers a radically different perspective: true joy is not found in getting, but in giving. Serving others from a heart full of love and humility brings joy that is deep and lasting.
Paul in Acts 20 was on his way to Rome to plead his case before Ceaser. He wanted to stop in Ephesus to see the church there and to say goodbye to them. Even as he is leaving, he still has a mind to serve them, rather than receive gifts from them.
Let’s remember the main theme for this series: What can I do to make God happy? This lesson goes to the core of that theme. By serving others, we serve God. This lesson is about serving others yes, but it is mostly about serving God first.
This morning let’s see how giving or serving others with a joyful heart can bring joy and greater joy than receiving.

Matthew 20:28 – 'Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.'
Jesus, the very Son of God, humbled Himself to serve others. He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:12-17), fed the multitudes (Matthew 14:19-21), and healed the sick (Matthew 4:24). These acts were not done out of obligation, but out of compassion. His service was an expression of love.
We can learn from this example. As we saw in Lesson 3 of this series on obedience, that to abide in the love God we must obey or serve Him, just as our Savior did and abided in the Father’s love. True joy comes from following His example and trying to be like Him (I Cor. 10:32-11:1).

Acts 20:35b – 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
When we give of ourselves—our time, energy, and resources—we experience a deeper sense of fulfillment. Philippians 2:4 says, 'Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.' This verse refers to serving and not being a busy body. Serving shifts our focus from our own needs and desires to the needs of others, which multiplies our joy.
All the commentators agree that these words of Jesus are not recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John’s writings. However, we read in Ephesians 1 that Paul was trained personally by Jesus in the wilderness or the desert. He could have spoken them directly to him. Also, there is enough about the character of Jesus that it is not that difficult to believe that he would have said these words and one of the other apostles just didn’t record them.
True and sincere love from others comes from serving (Acts 20:37-38). It is difficult to know if people truly appreciate you if you are giving them gifts all the time. Are they hanging around because they love you or because they want to see what more you have brought them.

Galatians 5:13 – 'For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.'
When we serve with joy, we develop virtues such as humility (James 4:10), compassion (Colossians 3:12), and generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7). These traits reflect the character of Christ and deepen our spiritual maturity. Living for others allows us to experience the fullness of joy that God desires for His children (John 15:11).
Gal. 5:1, 6, 13-14, 25-26; Joy from serving others and not our own lusts or desires.

True joy is not measured by what we gain, but by what we give. When we follow Jesus’ example and live a life of service, we reflect His love to the world and find joy that the world cannot give. Matthew 25:40 reminds us, 'Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.' Let us serve with gladness and a joyful heart.
Invitation