Serving in Light of Eternity | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message encourages us to live with eternity in mind, serving others not for human recognition or reward, but because we will receive back from the Lord. We are reminded that our lives could end at any moment, and it's only when we stand before God that true rewards or consequences will be revealed.

Key Scripture References

• Colossians 3:23-24 - This passage reminds us to render service with a good will as to the Lord, not to man. We are called to serve others with the understanding that our actions will have eternal consequences.
• Matthew 10:28 - The Bible warns us that in a split second, we could be standing before God, facing His judgment. This should motivate us to live with eternity in mind and prioritize serving others.
• Matthew 23:11 - Jesus teaches that the greatest among us will be our servants. We are called to emulate Christ's example of humility and servanthood.
• 1 Corinthians 4:5 - This verse reminds us to focus on serving others, rather than seeking human recognition or reward. Our true reward comes from God, who sees all that we do in secret.
• Philippians 2:3-8 - We are encouraged to have the mind of Christ, who humbled Himself and became a servant. This mindset is essential for living with eternity in mind and serving others selflessly.
• Matthew 25:31-46 - In this passage, Jesus teaches that our treatment of others will be used as evidence of our faith or lack thereof at the final judgment. We must prioritize serving others, regardless of position or circumstance.
• Galatians 5:13-14 - We are reminded to serve one another in love, using our gifts and talents to benefit others. This is a fundamental aspect of living with eternity in mind and following Christ's example.

Key Takeaways

• We must live with eternity in mind, serving others not for human recognition or reward, but because we will receive back from the Lord.
• Our lives could end at any moment, and it's only when we stand before God that true rewards or consequences will be revealed. This should motivate us to prioritize serving others.
• We are called to emulate Christ's example of humility and servanthood, recognizing that the greatest among us will be our servants (Matthew 23:11).
• Our treatment of others will be used as evidence of our faith or lack thereof at the final judgment. We must prioritize serving others, regardless of position or circumstance.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific actions to live with eternity in mind:

• Identify one area where you can serve others more selflessly, and make a plan to implement this change.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you a servant's heart, and ask God to reveal any areas where you are prioritizing human recognition or reward over serving Him.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean to live with eternity in mind, and how can you apply this principle in your daily life?
• How can you prioritize serving others, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable? What role models or examples from Scripture can inspire you in this area?
• Reflect on a time when you served someone else without expecting recognition or reward. How did that experience shape your perspective on living with eternity in mind?