Servant Songs of Isaiah, reverberate from Jesus to us today

 Reading https://wordgo.org/journal/how-does-isaiah-reveal-god-today

The Servant Songs of Isaiah are four poetic passages in the Book of Isaiah that describe the mission, suffering, and triumph of God’s "Servant." Jesus Christ—His character, mission, suffering, and redemptive purpose. 

1. Isaiah 42:1–9 – “The Chosen Servant”

• Theme: Justice with gentleness.
• Key Insight: The Servant is chosen, Spirit-filled, and will bring justice—not by force, but with compassion.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: His baptism (Matthew 3:16–17), His healing ministry (Matthew 12:15–21).
• God blesses us with truth from the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7)
  

2. Isaiah 49:1–13 – “The Light to the Nations”

• Theme: Global mission, divine calling from the womb.
• Key Insight: The Servant feels discouragement but is reassured of global impact. 
• Fulfillment in Jesus: Jesus as the light to Gentiles (Luke 2:32, Acts 13:47); His ministry to the discouraged and outcast.
• Discovering the Light of listening and being Salt (Luke 8-14)

3. Isaiah 50:4–11 – “The Obedient Servant”

• Theme: Unwavering obedience in suffering.
• Key Insight: The Servant listens to God daily and does not turn away from abuse.
• thinking about 1 Chronicles 28:19 ("Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord." NLT, "All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, all the work to be done according to the plan" ESV)
• 4 Ways to start Hearing God (from general to specific)
  
• Fulfillment in Jesus: His resolve to go to the cross (Luke 9:51), His silence before accusers (Isaiah 50:6 → Matthew 26:63).

4. Isaiah 52:13–53:12 – “The Suffering and Exalted Servant”

• Theme: Atonement through suffering.
• Key Insight: The Servant is pierced for others’ sins, dies unjustly, yet is vindicated.
• Fulfillment in Jesus: Passion narrative and crucifixion (Isaiah 53 → John 19; Acts 8:32–35; 1 Peter 2:24).
• When Jesus was dying he was speaking God's word

• Like Jesus we go from 

  • "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34

  to

  • "Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done." Psalm 22:29-31, John 19:30

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Sanctification connects repentance, restoration, and service to God (Jer 15:19)

"Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.'"   Jeremiah 15:19

We must be careful to repent and stay close to the Lord. 

 - "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:9-10

 -"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Heb 11:3) ..He will not let you stumble (Jude 24-25).. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." Psalm 121:2-3,7-8

 - "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all his commands...You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God (towns, field, children, crop, offspring, flock, fruit, bread). Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed" Deuteronomy 28:1-6

Restoration is like sharpening a dull knife, so that it functions properly. We trust our lives in God's hands. 

Only restored people can serve God. We do this by placing our lives in his hands (Romans 12). Service to God is revealed when we offer the best he's given to us back to him with an attitude of rejoicing for all he's accomplished. We received power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and we are witness to His work through out the world (Acts 1:8).

Let the word of Christ dwell within you...(Col 3:16)

Don't turn to people (Psalm 1), let them turn to you (Matthew 5:16)

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Jesus shows expert teachers their hypocrisy and how to cure it (Matthew 22:15-23:11)

 Matthew 22:15-23:39

A) Pharisees and Sadducees try to trap Jesus about government, Scripture, and God's will

15-20) Pharisees tried to trap Jesus with flattery and questions about paying tax

21-22) Jesus says, "give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's", left amazed

23-28) Sadducees who don't believe in resurrection ask Jesus about marriage at the resurrection

29-30) Jesus, "Your error; you don't know the Scriptures or the power of God, like angels/no marriage

 - 31-33) God said to you, I AM the God of Abraham, God of the living - not the dead", crowds astonished

34-36) Pharisees, get their expert; "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

37-40) Jesus, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind - then Love your neighbor as yourself"

 - Love neighbor = show him complete mercy, at great expense - Luke 10:25-27,29-35,36-37

B) Jesus reminds them of the promised Messiah, the purpose of Scripture

41-42) Jesus asked Pharisees, "what do you think about the Messiah, Whose son is he?", David

43-46) If David speaking by the Spirit calls him Lord how can he be his son? No one could answer

 - Jesus refers to Psalm 110:1, concluding the idea at the Olivet discourse (Matthew 26:64). Jesus Son of man, Son of God "Lord said to my Lord" (Mark 12:36,14:62,16:19, Psalm 110:1)

23:1-4) Jesus, do everything Pharisees tell you from Scripture, but not what they do; "tie heavy loads on other's shoulders they aren't willing to carry"

5-7) Don't be like them who do everything for show, to be respected and honored as 'Rabbi'

8-10) Not 'Rabbi/father' since you have one Teacher (Spirit), one Father, one Instructor (Messiah)

11-12) Greatest will be servant, exalted will be humbled - those who humble themselves will be exalted

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Fear the Lord, service and oaths (Deut 6:13-10:20, James 1:12, Psalm 119:30)

Key verse: 

You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Deut 5:11

Books Ends:  Deuteronomy 6:13

Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.

Deuteronomy 10:20

You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.

The Lord is showing me, I've missed an opportunity in BSF to look at Deuteronomy 1-26 in the life of Moses. I was thinking of my Friend Mark Jamerson this morning, we were teaching together and I was to prepare the lesson from Deut 1-26 (which I did, as Kim and I were in Pheonix during rainy weather at the time (Arizona Grand). But on the night, I was sick and sent home. 

I was thinking about perseverance and not giving in to temptations. Flowing through scriptures on BibleHub Cross References from James 1:12 to Exodus 20:6 and then Exodus 20:7. The Lord brought me to this simple key, "Fear the LORD you God, serve Him - Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." the big idea this morning. Don't ignore God's commands, find the old ways to resist temptation and BeMature: Mature faith is consistently abiding in Christ and fruitful for people (James)

Psalm 119:30; James 1:12; Exodus 20:5-7; Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 5:11; 10:20; Job 5:17

I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!

    Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?

When I told my story, you responded;

    train me well in your deep wisdom.

Help me understand these things inside and out

    so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.

My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;

    build me up again by your Word.

Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;

    grace me with your clear revelation.

I choose the true road to Somewhere,

    I post your road signs at every curve and corner.

I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;

    God, don’t let me down!

I’ll run the course you lay out for me

    if you’ll just show me how. Psalm 119:25-32 MSG

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. Psalm 119:30 NLT

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT

I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me. Psalm 119:30 AMP

 Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 AMP

You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:5-7

Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord. Lev 19:12

You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. Deut 10:20

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. James 1:12 MSG

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Covenant of circumcision, Abraham washes feet receiving the promise (Gen 17-18:15)

Big Idea: Covenant, believing God's promises, Guiding versus controlling

A) God makes the covenant of circumcision with Abraham and Sarah's Isaac

 17:1-2) Abram 99 LORD appeared, "I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless, then I will make my covenant, increase your numbers"

3-8) Abram facedown, God "covenant: father of many nations, Abraham. I make fruitful, I will establish an everlasting covenant, descendants"

9-14) "You, descendants must keep the covenant, every male circumcised 8 days old, not circumcised in flesh, cut off from people, broken covenant"

 - Exodus 4:24) LORD confronted Moses, going to kill him

 - Exodus 12:15) eighth day remove yeast, Exodus 30 :33) separation, Lev 23:29) be humble

 - Application: In Him, you were also circumcised in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. Colossians 2:11

 - Gal 5:6) circumcision (by men) doesn't matter, what matters is faith expressing itself in love. Love God with a cut heart

15-16) Sarai is Sarah, she'll give you a son, mother of nations, kings from her

17-18) Abraham facedown, laughed, "we're old, Ishamael blessing?"

19-22) "Isaac, I will establish an everlasting covenant with descendants, Ishamael blessed, fruitful, 12 rulers, great nation

23-27) Abraham circumcised everyone, 99, Ishamael 13

B) LORD appears, three men prophesy, as Abraham washes feet and serves

18:1-2) LORD appeared to Abraham great tree of Mamre, three men, bowed

3-5) Favor in your eyes, let me wash your feet, rest under this tree, something to eat, refreshed, I'm your servant

6) Abraham, Sarah, "Quick, 3 seahs of finest flour, bread"

7-8) Choice calf prepared, curds, milk, waited under tree

9-12) Where's Sarah? next year she'll have your son, Sarah listened and laughed "Old, now have this pleasure?"

13-15) LORD to Abraham "Why Sarah laughs, doubts, anything too hard for LORD?" Sarah afraid lied, but couldn't hide

Principle: genuine service brings revelation of God's will for our lives

 

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A Bond Servant of Christ daily devotion

In a review of Peter shows how born again faith grows up into quality faith (2 Peter 1:1-11), I was drawn to how the apostles introduced themselves as a slave to Christ. This brought me to ask What is a bondservant / bond-servant? What does it look like?

• Abraham (Genesis 26:24; Numbers 12:7), Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. Heb 11:10
• Joshua (Joshua 24:29), Now if Joshua had succeeded in giving them this rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come. Heb 4:8
• David (2 Samuel 7:5), So God’s rest is there for people to enter, but those who first heard this good news failed to enter because they disobeyed God. So God set another time for entering his rest, and that time is today. God announced this through David much later in the words already quoted: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts.” Heb 4:6-7, Psalm 95:7-8
• Isaiah (Isaiah 20:3), But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, “Lord, who has believed our message?” (Romans 10:16), And later Isaiah spoke boldly for God, saying, “I was found by people who were not looking for me. I showed myself to those who were not asking for me.” (Romans 10:20)
• Messiah (Isaiah 53:11), And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” Acts 5:42

Jesus taught about being a faithful servant in Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:41-48. That greatest is “the servant of all” (Mark 9:35).

Yesterday our SALT and Light Bible verse was Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-3.htm

• But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. Romans 2:8 -God's righteousness can be applied to our hearts through repentance (Romans 2)
• Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another. Galatians 5:26
• Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:21
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Romans 12:10

But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:13-14

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Questions and conversation leads to unity

1 Cor 15:35, what will resurrection be like?
36-49, like a seed planted grows into something new, bigger and wonderful.
50-58, in light of the answer

Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.
1 Corinthians 15:43 NLT

Seeds don't look like what they grow into

John 12:24,34,35
Jesus talks about this
It's the kingdom of heaven within us
- Matthew 13:31

Natural vs Spiritual
1 Cor 15:44,45
46-49, first earth, second of heaven

As he is. So we are
1 John 4:17
By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.

Phil 1:21-23
Live is fruitful labor for Christ vs being with Christ or as we listen to Philippians we see it's both/and.
- Would I gather as Grace church if to do so I could die?
- the Mission: if might is right, love has no place in the world.

With lips they honor me, but heart is far
- they prayed for demon possessed but when it cost a heard of pigs they asked Jesus to leave them
https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/a-far-country-decapolis

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

1. Renewed steadfastness in Christ
2. Immovable with Gospel truth
3. Abound with urgency to share the Gospel  (Col 1:29)
4. Labor is not in vain, there is no burn out for those abiding in Christ.

We should be confident and clear in sharing the message of Jesus. Live in reality of Christ in me. Live with passion, abound in energy and strength provides.

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See serving people in need as serving God (Matthew 25:31-46)

Matt 25:31-46, Jesus explains how He looks at the service we do. First thing we can do
1) See serving people in need as serving God if as though He has the need. Jesus said "I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison and you visited me."
2) Physical daily need (food, drink)
3) emotional needs (stranger, a personal invitation in the home - hospitality)
4) naked, giving clothes
5)  sick, met with caring
6) prison, met with visiting

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I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence (Psalm 101:7)

The Lord is convicting me of sins not confessed, hidden and holding me back. Thanking God for Psalm 101:7, brought to my mind via Doctrine of Repentance.

Lord help me to live in the light, to be true and free in Christ Jesus

I will Set No Worthless Thing Before My Eyes
…My eyes will be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way of integrity shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who tells lies shall stand in my presence. Every morning I will remove all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off every evildoer from the city of the LORD (Psalm 101:6-8)

Matt Henry:

Whenever a man has a house of his own, let him seek to have God to dwell with him; and those may expect his presence, who walk with a perfect heart, in a perfect way. David resolves to practise no evil himself. He further resolves not to keep bad servants, nor to employ those about him that are wicked. He will not admit them into his family, lest they spread the infection of sin. A froward heart, one that delights to be cross and perverse, is not fit for society, the bond of which is Christian love. Nor will he countenance slanderers, those who take pleasure in wounding their neighbour's reputation. Also, God resists the proud, and false, deceitful people, who scruple not to tell lies, or commit frauds. Let every one be zealous and diligent to reform his own heart and ways, and to do this early; ever mindful of that future, most awful morning, when the King of righteousness shall cut off all wicked doers from the heavenly Jerusalem

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Become a Bible Study Ninja and learn how to grow in faithfulness to God

Biblegateway has a free dictionary of Bible Themes.
Expand the "study this" tool

then scroll down to the dictionaries and click Bible Themes

Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

faithfulness, to God
The proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own faithfulness to the covenant. Encouraged in all believers, it is especially important in leaders.

Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people
God’s covenant with his people requires faithfulness 1Ki 2:3-4 See also Ex 19:5; Dt 5:32-33; Dt 10:12-13; Dt 29:9; Isa 1:26

Faithfulness to God seen as marital fidelity Hos 2:20 See also Isa 54:5; Jer 2:2; Eze 16:8; Eph 1:1; Eph 5:22-25

Faithfulness to God reflects God’s faithfulness Dt 7:9 See also 1Sa 2:35; 1Co 10:12-13; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:23; 1Pe 4:19

Faithfulness is seen as steadfast commitment to God
In unwavering devotion Mic 4:5 See also Jos 24:14-15; Lk 9:62; Rev 2:10

In obedience Dt 11:13; Eze 18:9

In service 1Sa 12:24; 2Ch 19:9; 2Ch 34:10-12 pp 2Ki 22:4-7; Eze 44:15; Eze 48:11; 1Ti 1:12

In giving 2Ch 31:12 Faithfulness to God is expressed in giving to him for the benefit of others; 2Co 8:1-5

In prayer Ro 12:12; 1Th 5:17

In patient endurance 2Ti 2:11-13; Heb 10:36; Rev 13:10; Rev 14:12

In fulfilling vows Nu 30:2; Dt 23:21-23; Ps 22:25; Ps 61:8; Ecc 5:4; Jnh 2:9

Faithfulness is especially important in leaders
1Co 4:1-2; 3Jn 3 See also Ex 18:21; 1Ti 4:13-16; 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 1:13-14; 2Ti 2:2,15; 2Ti 4:1-2
Leadership

Encouragements to faithfulness
The call to faithfulness 1Co 15:58 See also Pr 3:5-6; Isa 26:4; Jn 14:1; 1Co 16:13; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:13

God watches over the faithful Ps 97:10 See also Ps 31:23; Ps 37:28; Ps 86:2; Pr 2:8

God rewards faithfulness 1Sa 26:23; Mt 25:21 pp Lk 19:17 See also Ps 101:6; Pr 28:20; Mt 24:45-47 pp Lk 12:42-44; 2Ti 4:6-8; Rev 17:14; Rev 20:4

Lack of faithfulness
Hos 4:1 See also Ps 12:1; Ps 78:8,37; Hos 1:2; Hos 5:7; Hos 9:1

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Accepting others differences means abstaining from our freedoms (Romans 14)

Romans 14
A) Accept other believers, let God judge his servants
1) Accept others in fellowship differing faith maturity not arguing about opinions
 - God’s acceptance: Acts 10:47-48; 15:8-11 
2-3) Food and sensitive conscience, don't look down on each other
 - Special diets: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; 10:23-33 
 - Avoiding meat: Daniel 1:8-16 
 - Dietary restrictions: Exodus 23:19; Leviticus 11; 17
4) Don't judge God's servants, Lord will they'll stand or fall
  - Idols: 1 Corinthians 8:4 
 - Christian freedom: 1 Corinthians 8:13 
 - Honor one another: Romans 12:10 
 - Gift of God: Ephesians 2:8-9 

B) Worship observe and honor the Lord with thanksgiving
5) Every day is significantly holy, be convinced your choice is acceptable
 - Maundy Thursday - Mandate to Love, Friday Jesus died for our sin, Sabbath when God rested from creation, Resurrection Sunday, Monday BSF...
 - Most important is "today"
 - Special days: Galatians 4:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17
6) worship, observe, honor the Lord on a special day, eat or abstain with thanksgiving
 - Good gifts: James 1:17
7-9) We live and die for the Lord, we are his, Jesus death/resurrection is Lord of dead and living
10) Why condemn/criticize/look down another believer? We'll all stand before God's judgment seat
 - Talents, rewards
 - Rescue the one, help him put it to work, give him an opportunity
 - Last day: Romans 2:16; Acts 10:42; 17:30-31
 - Judgment seat: Romans 2:5-16; Revelation 20:11-15
11-12) Every knee bows, every tongue confess/declare allegiance/give praise to God
 - Every knee: Isaiah 49:18; 45:23
 - Acknowledge God: Philippians 2:9-11
Principle: gratitude and thanksgiving remove the critical spirit.

C) Decide abstinence for others good, following God's conviction
13) Stop condemning each other, decide to live NOT to cause another believer to stumble and fall
 - don't be a source of temptation
 - Jesus as judge: Acts 17:31; Hebrews 4:15

14-16) Nothing unclean, but if it causes distress - abstain and you won't be criticized
 - Opportunities: Matthew 11:21-24
 - Every secret exposed: Matthew 7:21-23; 10:26; Mark 4:22; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:13
17) Kingdom of God not food but righteousness, peace, and joy in Holy Spirit
 - Accountable to God: Romans 3:19
18-19) Attitude in serving Christ, please God and others, harmony church build each other up
20-21) Don't tear down God's work over food, it's better to abstain than cause another to stumble
 - Opportunity to repent: Hebrews 9:27
22-23) beliefs between you and God, blessed no guilt, but doubts "am I sinning" follow conviction and stop.
Romans 14:1-8;Romans 14:9-12;Romans 14:13-18;Romans 14:19-23

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Worship empowers serving, serving expresses worship

A W Tozer said, "Fellowship with God leads straight to obedience and good works. That is the divine order and it can never be reversed." And "No one can long worship God in spirit and in truth before the obligation to holy service becomes too strong to resist."

Donald Whitney said, in serving for purpose of Godliness, "You are expected to serve and gifted to serve, but are you willing to serve?"

Finally Jesus said, "I am among you as the one who serves" - Luke 22:27

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Humility: It's not about us (Phil 2:3-8)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Philippians 2:3‭, ‬5 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.2.3-5.NIV

We must desire to have the same mind of Christ. (Phil 2:5)

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13‭-‬15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.1.13-15.NIV

Who do we look up to? We adopt the attitude of Christ, or someone else.
- Be obedient to God (Phil 2:8)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/gal.2.20.NIV

- Live to serve, not to be served (Phil 2:4)

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Produce fruit in keeping with repentance (Matt 3:8 NIV)

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Matt 3:8 NLT

Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe... Luke 3:7 NLT

I like the NLT as it is a thought for thought translation rather than word for word. It's helpful for regular people to understand what is being said apart from the "christianese" words like "fruit" and "repentance"

I've understood for some time that faith and repentance are "two sides of the same coin" you can't have one without the other. They go together and can't be separated. It's like James 2:14-26,17,22 says, "So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless...(regarding Abraham) You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete."

And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. (James 2:23-24, Gen 15:6, Isa 41:8)

The discourse ends with Rahab the prostitute for example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.
 - Hebrews 11:31 affirms faith is in action not simply a mental belief. "By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." - NIV
 -

Matthew 3:1-12 gives the context of John the Baptist preaching "Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near"

Application: "Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe,...Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire." - Matt 3:9-10

Luke 3:10-14 includes the Q & A of the repenting crowds - "What should we do?"
“If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

To tax collectors, Collect no more taxes than the government requires
To soldiers, Don't extort money or make false accusations. Be content with your pay.

Prayer: Thank you God for your corrective rebuke in your word. Help me to follow where you lead, to do what you ask, with the heart of a son - not a servant. (Serving as Sons, Not as Servants)

 http://biblehub.com/matthew/3-8.htm
http://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-31.htm
The Fruits of Repentance

Lamb's seventh seal brings prayer and six trumpets for repentance

Jesus emphasizes repentance for Pergamum, Thyatira and Sardis

The Sin of Being Silent about Sin

All inclusive call to an exclusive decision

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Serving in the church from general to specific

Love and serve the church

Seeking God’s call: in scripture

Specific Call: Serve in a way that pleases God

Children, Worship, Admin

General Area: Usher, Greeting, welcome people, Financial contribution, prayer for pastors, local outreach events

Youth program

• Specific: Prayer team in the high school group

General Discipleship ministry

Specific: Write study guides, host a small group in my home

New: Prayer partnership with pastors and lay teachers.

Key things when going to God in prayer

1. Pray for guidance
2. Be open
3. Trust him with all your heart
4. Ready to obey

My prayer Request: God would unify the group around changes needed for Rochester to grow and thrive.

• I would be receptive to the expressed needs in my church.

Shepherds and Sheep

1. Church leaders are called to be humble, holy and faithful. They need support from people (sheep).
2. Our leaders have been called by God, they need our help and support
3. Acts 20:28: allow ourselves to be led

Holy Spirit stirs us up, convicts us - what do we do with that?

Opportunity Lost

1. Fear
2. Man too busy to serve is busier than what God wants him to be.

Opportunity right now in my church

1. Grace in the City

Observe

1. Where is the need right now?
2. How can I prayer about it?
3. Who can I engage with?
4. When is the right opportunity to serve?

Steps to serving

1. Start simple; meaning be humble. When someone asks for help, just do it. Be willing to serve.
2. Come along someone who is already serving. Shadow someone in the church.
3. Wait, or volunteer. Ask a ministry leader that you want to serve in the church and would they pray for you.

Expect

1. Spiritual battle
2. Perseverance, commit
3. Serve out of love
4. Spiritual growth

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