
July 13 | Luke Dahlenburg
SAVED TO SERVE
Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Big idea: You are made for more than the bench – you are saved to serve.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:9
- Ephesians 2:8-10
1. Who we serve: Our loving Creator and Redeemer
We are created to serve God, corrupted by sin, but redeemed to serve through Christ.
- Created to serve: Genesis 1:28, 2:15
- Sin distorts our service: Genesis 3, Romans 1:25
- Saved to serve God: Ephesians 4:11-13, Mark 10:45, Acts 17:25, Matthew 28:19, Luke 10:25–37

- Not independent
- Not good at everything
- Not doing our own thing
2. Why we serve: Jesus is enough.
Our motivation must be gospel-driven. We serve because Jesus first served us. Service can be hard when that motivation wavers.
- Service involves suffering and taking up our Cross: Mark 8:31–38
3. How we serve: By the Spirit and the Word
God’s word and Spirit equip and empower us.
- Serve with word and prayer
- The Spirit equips for service: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
- We serve in love: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
4. What service looks like: Everyday faithfulness for God’s glory
- We serve in the body, using our gifts, for maturity and mission.
- Service is for the sake of others’ salvation: 2 Corinthians 5:20
- “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
- “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21
So: Are you using your life to help make and mature followers of Jesus?
Reflection: Service might look different in your current season than it has before or what you hoped it would be. But God can still use you. Has today’s message encouraged you to see your service of God and his people in a new light? What small step might you take this week to do everything for the glory of God?