Reasons to serve

Romans 5:18-19 ESV

Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

Rev. J.B. Watkins

I want to speak about serving today, with a special emphasis on serving those who are unlike us. Those who are not believers, those who look or dress different. It is part of St Roch experience.

What does this have to do with serving? Paul is speaking to the Roman church about how believers are similar. Both gentiles and Jews in Christ have common ground. Paul has an interesting ministry. He was born a Jew burdened with preaching to gentiles. Now they were raised differently, ate different things. The question is how then should they worship together? They have a common relationship, a common relationship with Adam. Both gentiles and Jews come from Adam. In serving those unlike us, we have a common relationship. In Adam.

Not only that, but we also have a common problem. We are all fallen in Adam. This is something to be recognized by the gentiles but especially the Jews. Jews always considered themselves as descendants of Abraham. But Paul speaks of someone before Abraham, he speaks of Adam. The one in whom everyone is fallen.  The Jews and gentiles have a common problem through our historical connection through Adam.

We also have a common remedy. He is speaking to believers, but this applies to not only believers, but even more broadly. Because this remedy applies to everyone. Even those who want nothing to do with the church or Christ, he is still their remedy.

What is this idea of service?

What does this mean? It means to look like our Savior. Not just to read our bible or pray, but also to act like Christ.

Who?

We are called to serve anyone who crosses our path. Like the good Samaritan, not just those like you. But anyone who God brings into our lives.

When?

Anytime the opportunity presents itself.

For whom?

Jesus calls us. He commands us to do so in many biblical principles. We are all brothers and sisters through Adam. So we have a common relation, a common problem, and a common remedy. What God offers to save us is likewise offered to them.