Preparing to Serve

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8

Introduction

A. A good servant is always prepared, and this is true all the more in one’s service to God (Luke 12:47).

B. How does one go about preparing himself to serve the God of heaven and earth? What could He possibly need from us?

Discussion

I. When Christ began His earthly service, He was prepared.

A. God had been preparing the way for the Christ for a long time through the prophets (Isaiah 28:10; Galatians 4:4).

B. Jesus’ way was prepared by John (Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:17; cf. Malachi 4:5-6).

C. Jesus was anointed by the Father to the service He was to perform (Mark 1:9-11; Luke 4:18-21).

D. Jesus was tested to prove His unique ability to serve mankind (Mark 1:12-13; Hebrews 2:14-18).

II. We must be prepared for service to Christ.

A. We must be prepared to share (1 Peter 3:15; Ephesians 6:15), to sacrifice (Exodus 10:24-26; Leviticus 1:3-9; 2 Corinthians 9:7), and to work (Titus 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:21).

B. We must prepare our minds (Joshua 24:14-15; Romans 12:1-2) and our hearts (1 Samuel 7:3; Ezra 7:10).

C. To be prepared, we must be washed (Hebrews 9:6-14; Revelation 1:5-6), and we must learn reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29).

Conclusion

A. It isn’t enough just to serve God; He wants you to serve Him “with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12; Joshua 22:15).

B. Because you cannot serve God along with other gods (Matthew 6:24), you have to make a choice. Whom will you choose to serve?