John 13:1-17

The Path of Service


Introduction:

True Disciples of Christ must follow the Path of Obedience and one of those sub-sections under this path is the Path of Service. Being a servant-disciple is an individual matter, that is, no one else can serve the Lord in our place. Our wife or husband cannot be our proxy. Disciples of Christ do not have the freedom to sit back while sending out ambassadors to do our work. Jesus commands each of us each day to deny self, to take up the cross and follow Him. (Luke 9:23)

Do not confuse individual-disciples with individualism...Christianity is not individualism.

The first and second great commandment: Deut.6: 5; Lev.19: 18; Matt. 22:39-40



  1. SERVICE WRITTEN IN PARABLE FORM


  1. Satan’s Rebellion – Isaiah 14:12-14

  1. Satan’s intention – “I will go up”

  2. Our Lord Jesus’ intention – “I will go down’ Phil. 2:6-8



  1. The imagery of foot washing – v.10

  1. Justified by Jesus’ atoning blood – John 15:3; Cf. v,9

  2. Sanctified by Jesus Word and Spirit – Eph. 5:26

  3. Sanctification a co-operation with the Holy Spirit – Phil.2:12

  4. Judas - “not everyone is clean” v.11



  1. Practical Teaching – v.12

What is foot washing all about? – John 6:70,71; Eph. 4:15

  1. He reminds them of the way in which they address Him – “Teacher”

  2. He tells them since I, the Lord and Teacher “‘wash feet” you must do the same kind of menial tasks – Lowly service

  3. Do not think too highly of yourselves – v.16 Rom. 12:3

(Matt. 10:24; Luke6: 40; John15: 20)



  1. THE WAY WE SERVE OTHERS

How can we serve others?


  1. We must listen to others


  1. People are shouting out for attention –


  1. Paying large sums of money for someone to listen

(Psychiatrist, Psychologist) Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Life Together”


  1. Confessions to one another – Jam.5:16



  1. We must help one another

  1. More than washing feet

2. Giving – II Cor.8: 5



  1. We must bear one another’s burdens – Isaiah 53:4;

  1. Momentary weight compared to the “eternal weight of glory”- II Cor.4:17

  2. Forgive one another – Eph. 4:32; II Cor.2:10



  1. We must speak God’s truth to one another – Eph.4:15

  1. Disciples are Biblical Counselors – Prov.12:5

  2. Competent to Counsel – Rom.15:14












Conclusion: v.17


The path of Service leads to the path of happiness



  1. The way to be blessed (happy) is to serve others –


2. Will you serve others? See John13: 34,35










Pastor Nick Iamaio Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

4/13/2008