Serving in the church isn’t optional—it’s a beautiful expectation for every Christian. God equips each believer with spiritual gifts and then places us together in a local body to advance His mission: spreading the good news of Christ. Those who embrace this calling with the right heart find lifelong joy in service; those who approach it self-centeredly often find only frustration.

Today, we turn to 1 Peter 4:7–11 to understand how Scripture shapes our approach to serving: our attitude, our method, and ultimately, the point of all our service.

I. The proper attitude of service (vv. 7–8)

1. Keep the end in mind.

2. Keep yourself controlled.

3. Keep your heart attuned to love.

II. The proper method of service (vv. 9–11a)

1. Elevate the person over the task.

2. Be a good steward of your gifts.

• Speaking—11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God;

• Serving— whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies

III. The proper point of service—God’s glory (v. 11b)

Final Encouragement

Serving isn’t about fulfilling personal dreams or finding the spotlight. It’s not about guilt or self-importance. It is about joyfully, humbly offering yourself to God in the context of His church.

So—plug into a local church. Serve for God’s glory.

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