July 20th, 2025
Many are Called but few are Chosen Series
Part 4: "Make Me a Servant" - 1 Timothy 4
Pastor Ray-ann Dela
Fuente
July 20, 2025
Opening Verse:
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! We are in fourth week of a new series that I entitled "Many are Called but Few are Chosen" In this series we will learn about the effectual calling of God to all humanity to repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. We will also learn about our individual calling, and spiritual gifts God has given us so we can use it for His kingdom! What is a servant? The most common term used for "servant" in the New Testament is the Greek word "doulos" which literally means "slave" it was used 91 times in the New Testament. Every Christian is called to be a servant of Christ. The goal of Christian life is to surrender one's life for the purpose and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the mark of a true servant? Romans 12:6-8
(Basic functions in the church)
▪ Prophecy
▪ Service
▪ Teaching
▪ Exhortation
▪ Liberality
▪ Giving aid
▪ Acts of mercy
1 Peter 4:11
(Basic functions in the church)
▪ Speaking
▪ Service
Ephesians 4:11
(Offices in the church)
▪ Apostles
▪ Prophets
▪ Evangelist
▪ Pastor and Teacher
1 Corinthians 12:6-8
(Special abilities in the church)
▪ Wisdom
▪ Knowledge
▪ Faith
▪ Healing
▪ Working of miracles
▪ Prophecy
▪ Ability to distinguish spirits
▪ Various tongues
▪ Interpretation of tongues
Main Pointers:
“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true
faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy,
you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it." 1 Timothy 4:1-9 NLT
1. A true servant of Christ must learn to train for godliness.
A. This chapter begins with a great warning against false believers and the deception of
this world. This what separates those who are truly called and chosen.
B. A true worthy servant of Christ does not get entangled with godless things. A true servant of Christ is not easily distracted but is someone who is highly focused and trains for godliness.
C. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a
life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. Ephesians 5:1-4 NLT
2. A true servant of Christ is a living example of what it means to follow Jesus.
“This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these hings and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” 1 Timothy 4:10-13 NLT
A. Yes there is a genuine struggle because it is a spiritual warfare
B. between our flesh and the spirit but we are victorious because we put our hope in God alone. In what areas in our lives that we should strive to be a good example for? In our
speech, in our lifestyle, in love, faith, and purity.
C. “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not
slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus 2:3-7 NLT
3. A true servant of Christ is a doer of the Word.
“Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:14-16 NLT
A. Our calling is always tied in with our gifting. That's why it's important that we desire the most helpful gift so that we could serve others. Paul commanded Timothy to not neglect his gift.
B. Paul commanded Timothy to completely "throw himself into the task" meaning to completely "devote" himself to it.
C. Lastly, the true foundation of one's ministry is his integrity. We must keep a close eye on how we live because the testimony that we have is only as powerful when it seen in our lives.
Conclusion:
"Your attitude will always determine your altitude." This statement is very true in the life of a true servant. You can be the most talented person or the most gifted person but if your life does not match what you preach or what you teach you cannot serve God effectively. The attitude of a true servant is a life of submission and servitude. If you want to be great learn to be a servant first!
Part 4: "Make Me a Servant" - 1 Timothy 4
Pastor Ray-ann Dela
Fuente
July 20, 2025
Opening Verse:
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! We are in fourth week of a new series that I entitled "Many are Called but Few are Chosen" In this series we will learn about the effectual calling of God to all humanity to repent and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. We will also learn about our individual calling, and spiritual gifts God has given us so we can use it for His kingdom! What is a servant? The most common term used for "servant" in the New Testament is the Greek word "doulos" which literally means "slave" it was used 91 times in the New Testament. Every Christian is called to be a servant of Christ. The goal of Christian life is to surrender one's life for the purpose and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the mark of a true servant? Romans 12:6-8
(Basic functions in the church)
▪ Prophecy
▪ Service
▪ Teaching
▪ Exhortation
▪ Liberality
▪ Giving aid
▪ Acts of mercy
1 Peter 4:11
(Basic functions in the church)
▪ Speaking
▪ Service
Ephesians 4:11
(Offices in the church)
▪ Apostles
▪ Prophets
▪ Evangelist
▪ Pastor and Teacher
1 Corinthians 12:6-8
(Special abilities in the church)
▪ Wisdom
▪ Knowledge
▪ Faith
▪ Healing
▪ Working of miracles
▪ Prophecy
▪ Ability to distinguish spirits
▪ Various tongues
▪ Interpretation of tongues
Main Pointers:
“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true
faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy,
you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it." 1 Timothy 4:1-9 NLT
1. A true servant of Christ must learn to train for godliness.
A. This chapter begins with a great warning against false believers and the deception of
this world. This what separates those who are truly called and chosen.
B. A true worthy servant of Christ does not get entangled with godless things. A true servant of Christ is not easily distracted but is someone who is highly focused and trains for godliness.
C. “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a
life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. Ephesians 5:1-4 NLT
2. A true servant of Christ is a living example of what it means to follow Jesus.
“This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. Teach these hings and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” 1 Timothy 4:10-13 NLT
A. Yes there is a genuine struggle because it is a spiritual warfare
B. between our flesh and the spirit but we are victorious because we put our hope in God alone. In what areas in our lives that we should strive to be a good example for? In our
speech, in our lifestyle, in love, faith, and purity.
C. “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not
slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” Titus 2:3-7 NLT
3. A true servant of Christ is a doer of the Word.
“Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:14-16 NLT
A. Our calling is always tied in with our gifting. That's why it's important that we desire the most helpful gift so that we could serve others. Paul commanded Timothy to not neglect his gift.
B. Paul commanded Timothy to completely "throw himself into the task" meaning to completely "devote" himself to it.
C. Lastly, the true foundation of one's ministry is his integrity. We must keep a close eye on how we live because the testimony that we have is only as powerful when it seen in our lives.
Conclusion:
"Your attitude will always determine your altitude." This statement is very true in the life of a true servant. You can be the most talented person or the most gifted person but if your life does not match what you preach or what you teach you cannot serve God effectively. The attitude of a true servant is a life of submission and servitude. If you want to be great learn to be a servant first!
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