A Joyful Sacrificial Servant

Sunday Service

Philippians 2:17-18

THEME: Despite the tremendous sacrifice required of all those who faithfully serve the Lord with their lives, they all will heartily agree that nothing brings them more joy than knowing they are being used by the Lord to help others come to know Christ and/or grow in Christ. Paul likened his service to an Old Testament drink offering that was poured over a burning sacrifice and emitted a fragrant aroma that was pleasing to God. In other words, he viewed his service along with the service of the Philippians as an act of worship. In this passage, Paul expressed his joy in sacrificially serving Christ and exhorted them to share his joy in sacrificially serving Christ. A fellowship of believers that sacrifices and serves together for the sake of the gospel also rejoices together because of the transformed lives that result from their mutual ministry.

1. His EXPRESSION OF JOY in sacrificially serving Christ (v. 17)

2. His EXHORTATION TO JOY in sacrificially serving Christ (v. 18)

Thank God for the joy and privilege of knowing Him and serving Him. Ask Him to make you a more joyful, sacrificial servant and use you to help others come to know Christ and grow to be like Him.