MATTHEW 28:19-20
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Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in
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the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20
Teach these
new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of
this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NLT)
TRAITS OR CHARACTERISTICS OF A BELIEVER WILLING TO BE
DISCIPLED
1. HE/SHE MUST BE WILLING TO SERVE
Discipleship is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about transformation
into the likeness of Christ. One of the most critical and visible traits of a
believer ready for discipleship is a willingness to serve. Jesus modeled servant
leadership, and every true disciple must follow His example.
Serving Reflects the Heart of Christ
Philippians 2:5–7 - 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
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Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to
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cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges ; he took the humble position
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of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form
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Jesus, though divine, chose to serve. A believer with a servant’s heart mirrors
Christ’s humility and sacrifice.
Serving Is a Prerequisite for Growth in Discipleship
Luke 16:10- 10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large
ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater
responsibilities.
God tests our faithfulness in small acts of service before entrusting us with more
responsibility.
Discipleship is not just about learning but about practicing — especially
practicing love through service.
"Discipleship without service is like faith without works — dead and fruitless."
Serving Others Is Serving God
Colossians 3:23–24 - 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were
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working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give
you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
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Every act of service to others is ultimately service to God. The motive behind
our service must be love for God and love for people.
True disciples are willing to serve others and follow Jesus’ example
of humility and love.
Matthew 23:11- 11 The greatest among you will be your servant.
Jesus washed His disciples' feet, teaching them to serve others
John 13:12-17- 12 After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down
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and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and
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‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and
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Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have
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given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth,
slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important
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than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God
will bless you for doing them.
Disciples should serve others with humility and love.
HOW SHOULD WE SERVE
o with a Humble Heart
Mark 10:44-45 - 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the
slave of everyone else. 45
For even the Son of Man came not to be served
but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus modeled humility by coming to serve, not to be served. True service is
about putting others first and having a servant’s heart.
Serve others without expecting anything in return. Follow Jesus’ example of
sacrificial love in your service to others.
HOW SHOULD WE SERVE
o as an Act of Love
Galatians 5:13 - 13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my
brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful
nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.
Serving others is an expression of love, which fulfills God’s commandments.
Serving is not a duty, but a privilege that flows from a heart of love.
Serve with compassion, kindness, and empathy. Look for opportunities to serve
in your community and family as an act of love.
HOW SHOULD WE SERVE
o as a Response to God’s Grace
1 Peter 4:10 - 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of
spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
God has given each believer gifts and talents, which are meant to be used for the
service of others. Serving others is a way to honor God and be good stewards of
His grace.
Identify your spiritual gifts and look for ways to serve where you are most
equipped. Be faithful in using whatever resources you have to bless others.
HOW SHOULD WE SERVE
o with a Willing Spirit
Isaiah 6:8 - 8 Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a
messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send
me.”
God desires a willing heart when He calls us to serve. Our response to God’s
call should be enthusiastic and eager, just like Isaiah’s.
When you feel God’s prompting, respond with willingness and action. Offer
your time, energy, and resources to God for His purposes, even when the task
feels challenging.
HOW SHOULD WE SERVE
o in Faithfulness and Endurance
Colossians 3:23-24 - 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you
were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24
Remember that the
Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you
are serving is Christ.
Faithfulness in service means doing your best in all things as if you’re serving
the Lord. God rewards those who serve with a heart of integrity and endurance.
Serve with excellence and without seeking recognition from others. Stay
faithful in your service, even when it feels unnoticed or difficult.
HOW SHOULD WE SERVE
o with Joy and Gratitude
Philippians 2:14-15 - 14 Do everything without complaining and
arguing, 15
so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as
children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and
perverse people.
We are called to serve with a joyful heart, not out of obligation or complaint. A
cheerful heart reflects God’s love and draws others to Him.
When you serve, do so with a positive attitude, giving thanks for the
[Link] joy in the little acts of service, knowing that they bring glory
to God.
CONCLUSION
Ask the Lord:
“Where can I serve today?”
“Whom can I bless through my actions?”
“How can I reflect Jesus by lowering myself and lifting others?”
“Lord, make me a servant. Teach me to follow You not only in word but in
deed. Give me a heart like Yours — one that longs to serve and to love. Mold
me into a disciple who lives to glorify You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”