Worship Through Serving

He who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

(Psalm 101:6 NKJV) The Meaning of Service The Blessings of Service The Unacceptable Service The Acceptable Service Serving Is An Immense Responsibility Our Call to Serve Demands a Life of Fullness The Commitment to Serve Preaching the Truth with Love Service Requires a Passionate Heart Service Requires Prayer Service Requires an Open Bible Service is a Discipleship The Honor of Serving Pride and the Servant's Self Growing in Faith Growing in Virtues Growing in Wisdom Learning From Christ the True Servant The Good Shepherd

Serve the Lord with Gladness

(Psalm 100:2)

Serving the Lord our Savior is the highest calling,

for it elevates us to the level of angels, who are: all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation. (Heb 1:14 NKJV)

Serving is a form of worship we offer to our

Lord, when we fulfill His commandment: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service (NKJV) / your spiritual service of worship (NASB). (Rom 12:1)

Serving is calling others to salvation. It is the

work of the Holy Spirit through His servants, when they obediently pursue the great commission our Lord Jesus Christ has asked every Christian: Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15 NKJV) And also: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. (Matt 28:19 NKJV)

In observance

of these great commandments and promises, this web site has been developed, modeling the Servant Preparatory Curriculum, in current use at Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Church of Chicago, in Burr Ridge, Illinois.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.
(Deuteronomy 6:5 / Matthew 22:37 / Mark 12:30 / Luke 10:27)

Preparation

of any believer to serve the Lord requires primarily discipleship combined with humility, while bathing the entire process in prayer. The use of this web site alone without the mentorship and blessings of experienced spiritual elders and church fathers, cannot be relied on in creating a spirit of serving within the heart and soul of the believer.

The material presented here, however, is very

useful for both students and teachers of Servant Preparatory Classes. Each lesson is displayed in slidepresentation style conducive of interactive discussion and meditation, for maximum benefit. There is an abundance of biblical references in every part of the curriculum.

The resources used to compile this curriculum are

numerous, and highly reputable. These include books and tapes of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, Early Church Fathers writings, lecture notes and handouts from the seminary of the Theological School of Alexandria in Cairo, the writings of the Late Bishop Youannis, the Late Fr. Pishoy Kamel, the Late Fr. Matta the Poor, Hegemon Fr. Tadros Y. Malaty, and several other famous Coptic authors.

The selection of topics for the lessons was based

on examination of curricula being used by several Coptic churches in Cairo, as well as recognition of the unique needs of serving the Coptic Orthodox congregations in North America. We hope the use of this web site turns out to be a joyful and edifying experience. Through the continuous prayers of our beloved father, His Holiness, Pope Shenouda III, and all the clergy of our Coptic Orthodox Church, and through the supplications of the cloud of saints and heavenly hosts standing at the Throne of Divinity, we ask for the Lord's blessings. May all the glory be to Our God, the Father and His Son, Christ our Savior and Our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, at all times, Amen.
The Servants of Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Chruch in Burr Ridge, Greater Chicago Area, Illinois, USA

Serve the Lord with Fear

(Psalm 2:11)

The Meaning of Serving

X X X X X
Do I have to Serve? What is the Aim of Serving God? How Can I Succeed in Serving? God and Serving The Source and Purpose of Our Service X What Changes People's Lives? X The True Servant X What am I Like? X He taught them as one Having Authority X Our Vital Role

Do I Have to Serve?
Let us examine the following verses to see what God thinks about serving Him: X (James 4:17 NKJV) Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

X (Mat 12:30 NKJV) He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.

X (Mat 3:10 NKJV) Every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

X (Mark 8:35 NKJV) For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospels will save it.

Here Christ condemns those who refrain from doing good. He labels those who do not work with Him, as His enemies. He warns those who do not yield results, and those who do not sacrifice their lives for His sake, that they would perish forever!

So, what are our choices?

What is the Aim of Serving God?

Where is society heading nowadays?
The fast pace of life, working parents, recent trends in public schools, and the newer technologies such as the media and the internet; have all impacted the upbringing of our children and youths. Can you list some of the evils of our times?

What does God want His children to be like?

God is a good Father, who desires the welfare of His children. He wants to see us in good spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health: X (Mat 5:48 NKJV) Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. X (1 Th 5:23 NKJV) Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. What is Gods standard for His people?

What does God want His children to be like?

X (James 2:15-16 NKJV) 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, Depart in peace, be warmed and filled, but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? It is the servants duty to help bridge the gap between Gods standards and the reality of life. We seek to guide people to solve their problems, to live the commandments, to develop virtues, and to practice the holy sacraments. A real service is comprehensive, and addresses all the facets of a persons life. Can you give examples?

How Can I Succeed in Serving?

Does serving God need a degree in psychology and education? Or mastering the art of speech? Or the most advanced audio-visual aids? X The teachers are truly plentiful but the servants are few! (Pope Shenouda III) What is the difference between a teacher and a servant? Does serving God need a degree in psychology and education? Or mastering the art of speech? Or the most advanced audio-visual aids?

The Bible makes it clear that the ONLY essential element in serving is righteous living. All the rest are helpful, yet optional aids: X (1 Tim 4:12 NKJV) Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity X (Mat 5:20 NKJV) For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven X (Mat 5:16 NKJV) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. X (James 2:18 NKJV) Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works List some of the essential elements of serving, and some of the optional ones.

God and Serving

X (Rev 1:12,13,16 NKJV) 12 I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man 16 He had in His right hand seven stars X (Rev 1:20 NKJV) The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels (i.e. messengers or bishops) of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. The real service is where Christ is at its center, being its source of light, with the servants in His right hand. Out

of His love and humility, God allows us to be His servants. He could have effected the service without any human help at all, but He gave us the grace to be His tools, co-workers and partakers of His ministry. X (John 15:16 NKJV) You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you What do I do to be in Christs right hand, and to have Him the center of my service?

The Source and Purpose of Our Service

It is God who serves through us. He places the words in our mouths and by His grace He speaks through us. His power and His Holy Spirit works in the lives of those we serve. Our own human words cannot save souls, only the Word of God can. If we do not receive the words of grace from God Himself, our service is doomed to fail, for it becomes human not Divine. X (John 14:10 NKJV) The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. X (Luke 21:15 NKJV) For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. X (Mark 13:11 NKJV) But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. X (Luke 24:49 NKJV) but tarry in the city of

Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.

The servants job is to be like a copper wire a good conductor of the Word. The best preparation he can do for his lesson is to prepare himself and his spiritual life. He has to invoke the Holy Spirit to use him and to submit to Gods power to deliver living and powerful words. He becomes an image of Christ, a bearer of the Holy Spirit and a deliverer of Divine matter. Any lesson void of God is not from God. X (Heb 4:12 NKJV) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword Why is Gods message contagious? How do I deliver a contagious message?

What Changes Peoples Lives?

Try to tell someone that he or she is bad and needs to change. What do you think will happen? The sinner who becomes righteous, is a miracle beyond human power. It is Gods grace alone. Yet, we are His tools by which He exercises His grace of changing evil hearts to good ones. A good tool produces good results and vice versa. X (Matt 12:34-35 NKJV) 34 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. X (Titus 1:7-9 NKJV) 7 For a bishop (or servant) must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, selfcontrolled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. What kind of tool are you?

The True Servant

The real servant has special characteristics. He is someone who has denied his own self and honor, in humility and submission to the Lord. He considers himself a servant, accountable to His master, and cannot do anything of his own accord. He wearies and tires himself to serve. He does not choose an easy path. X (Matt 16:24 NKJV) If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. X (Luke 14:27 NKJV) And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. X (1 Cor 3:8 NKJV) Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. List some of the special characteristics that distinguish the true servant. True service is driven by the motive of love. The servant has boundless love for God, His work of salvation, His Kingdom, His Church and the Holy Life He has called us to. He loves everyone who needs to be served, even those who are difficult to reach, those who are resentful, those who are running away from God and those who are enjoying sinful living. He labors hard for such people, because he sees in them Gods image. He realizes how much Jesus has suffered for their sakes and recognizes the eternal life that the Lord has prepared for them. The true servant has a comforting personality, transmitting the love of Christ to others. List some of the motives of the true servant.

What Am I Like?
The Bible illustrates the real nature of a servant by using various symbols:

1. The Light
X (Matt 5:14 NKJV) You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. X (Phil 2:15 NKJV) That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. What did Jesus mean? How can you shine in this world?

2. The Salt
X (Matt 5:13 NKJV) You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. The salt Jesus is referring to here has several characteristics: it is essential to the food; it is needed in small amounts; it is invisible; it is homogeneously mixed throughout the food; and it becomes worthless when it fails to achieve its purpose. How can you be the salt of your community?

3. The Leaven
X (Matt 13:33 NKJV) The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.

The leaven is the yeast-containing substance that causes the dough to rise. A small amount is thoroughly mixed with the dough, which is then warmed. Then the secret of life within starts to work: the yeast grows and multiplies, producing carbon dioxide that raises the dough. In the same manner, the Holy Spirit within us is the source of life that affects our entire community. Why do we have to be mixed thoroughly with our society to affect it?

4. The Message (Epistle)

X (2 Cor 3:2-3 NKJV) 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men. 3 Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. The servant is both the messenger and the message. He/she is to deliver Christ to others. His message needs to be clear and easy to read. It is written in his/her feelings, soul and behavior. Where is Christs message written, and how is it written?

5. The Fragrance
X (2 Cor 2:14-15 NKJV) 14 Through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. When we preach our knowledge of Christ, some people will respond and will be saved. Yet some others will turn back, and our preaching will witness against them on judgment day. Do we smell like Christ? How?

He taught them as one having authority (Mark 1:22)

Christ Was a Successful Teacher
Everyone gathered to listen to Him, they were astonished at His teaching. He taught what He lived: righteousness and holiness. A servant who has lived and experienced what he/she teaches is much more effective in convincing whom he/she serves. The experienced servant is more excited about his/her message, delivers it with greater confidence, has real answers to any questions or concerns, and so is able to lead his/her followers correctly, particularly through rough waters. X (John 7:38 NKJV) He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. X (2 Tim 1:12 NKJV) For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. X (Psalm 34:8-11 NKJV) Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. How does a successful servant produce rivers of flowing water from his heart?

He taught them ... not as the scribes (Mark 1:22)

The Scribes and Pharisees Were Failures in Their Teaching
They could not live up to the principles they taught, because their purpose was self-glorification. The true servants shine the life of Jesus through, not their own. They have long sacrificed personal desires or goals for the sake of serving and giving. They are driven by sincere love for Christ. Those with different motives such as the desire to teach or to be popular; or those who consider serving to be a hobby, an exercise of skills, or spending free time; are doomed to fail. They are twice dead: when they became selfish and when they failed. X (Acts 20:24 NKJV) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, & the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. X (Jude 1:12 NKJV) Serving only themselves. They are clouds without water, carried about by the winds; late autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, pulled up by the roots. What motives can cause a servant to fail in his service? What are your motives to serve?

Our Vital Role

The servant has a vital and dangerous role in the lives of those he/she serves. They grow when he/she does and they mature as he/she does. They see in him/her what they believe to be the image of Christ. On the other hand a stumbling servant will offend those he/she serves, hurting their conscience and obstructing their spiritual growth. This necessitates that we continuously nurture our spirits in meditations and prayers, with strife and humility, in training to give. The more we serve, the more quiet time we should spend; and the more exercise in sacrifice, endurance and self-control we need. It is said that a sinner repents only when he sees the love of Christ incarnated in the life of whosoever ministers to him. X (2 Cor 5:20 NKJV) Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. List some of the ways by which a servant can harm rather than help.

Summary The Meaning of Serving

God called you to attend this course. Make it an opportunity for you to acquire the following: (a) Spiritual fulfillment and growth (b) Sound spiritual values and knowledge of Orthodox theology, doctrine and tradition (c) A sincere desire to relieve people tormented by sin or oppressed under Satans power (d) A living experience of the Holy Spirit working through the sacraments, particularly:
Regular Confession: Do I have a father of confession? How is my relationship with him? Regular Communion: Do I reverence Christ abiding within me and I in Him?

(e) An eagerness to study Gods Word and to live a life of unceasing prayer (f) The wisdom to teach, faithfully and accurately, the jewels of Christianity, to those who lack them

Memorize:
X (John 7:38 NKJV) He who believes in Me as the Scripture has said out of his heart will flow rivers of living water

References & Resources The Meaning of Serving

The Holy Bible, NKJV (English) The Holy Bible, Beirut Edition (Arabic) The Audio Library of His Holiness Pope Shenouda the Third: Servant Preparatory Lecture Series (Arabic Tapes 1977-1978); Abbasseya, Cairo, Egypt The Service and the Servant: Part One; by Fr. Mina Namr Mina (2nd Arabic Edition, 1994); Church of the Great Martyr Saint George Khamaraweh, Shoubra, Cairo, Egypt The Paradise of the Spirit: Part Two; By His Grace the Late Bishop Youannes (Second Arabic Edition, 1976); Bishopric of Gharbeya, Egypt

Questions

Each of the following statements is either TRUE or FALSE :1. There is a need for servants because the society around us is evil and corrupt 2. We should share the joy of our faith, rather than be selfish and keep it to ourselves 3. We should serve because the act of serving helps build our self-esteem 4. The good servant is he who delivers a rich knowledge base of Christian information 5. Building a healthy, mature Christian personality is a primary priority in serving 6. Our service should focus on creating an emotionally charged atmosphere 7. Financial help to the poor and the needy during hardships is the most important priority in serving 8. A spiritually mature servant whose life gives no offense is Gods best tool in serving 9. A good servant exhibits a life of righteousness to the letter 10. A true servant is an example to others in word, conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity 11. The servant retains his; her precious value even when behaving corruptly 12. A servant is like an epistle of Christ and the fragrance of His knowledge 13. You can be enthusiastic about delivering the message without living it 14. The servant who is not personally living what he preaches is very ineffective 15. Being knowledgeable in the details of the message is more important than experience 16. Finding pleasure in teaching others is a guarantee of success

17. For the service to succeed, the servant has to enjoy sacrificing for Christ 18. Those who seek to be honored by serving are generally great achievers 19. People are influenced and changed by a servant only when the Holy Spirit reveals Gods sign in him 20. A servant who, in his message to others, focuses on his own virtues is very influential

The Blessings of Serving

X X X X X X X
The Blessings of Serving Learning From Children Learning From Youth Serving the Church Community Within the Family of Servants Serving in General Meditation

The Blessings of Serving

People are influenced by what they do: their jobs, careers, and hobbies. It is the same with serving. Serving has a blessed effect on our lives. It teaches us many lessons, if we have the readiness and alertness to learn.
Learning from Children

Children have numerous godly features. Our Lord Jesus Christ made it a prerequisite to behave like them to be accepted into His Kingdom. He called a little child and made him the most important lesson of life for His disciples. Every time we serve little children is an opportunity to learn this lesson.
X (Mat 18:1-5 NKJV) 1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Sincere Love:

Interacting with children reveals their sincere love. They are friendly, warm with those who get close and intimate with them. They have no innate feelings of prejudice or discrimination.
X (Rom 13:10 NKJV) Love is the fulfillment of the law.

Meekness:
Children often reveal meekness and humility. They have no self-pride or artificial dignity. If a parent punishes his child then soon afterwards asks for a hug, what does the child usually do?

Faith:
Children are simple in their faith. They trust everything their parents tell them. God asks us to do the same.
X (Phil 2:15 NASB) that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent (simple or harmless), children of God above reproach. X (Mark 10:15 NKJV) Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.

Growth:
Children are curious and love to learn new things. They are not embarrassed to ask, and they simply accept what they are told. They are constantly learning, growing and maturing.
X (Luke 2:52 NKJV) And (the child) Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Joy:
A happy child is always smiling, laughing and merry. He does not have to carry the worries of adults or the burdens of responsibility. We need to unload our worries and burdens on the Lord who has promised to care for us.
X (Mat 6:34 NKJV) Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.

Dependence and Trust:

Children depend on their parents for the daily needs. They trust that these adults will meet all their needs. We need to trust the Lord.
X (Prov 3:5 NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. X (Mat 7:7 NKJV) Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Honesty, Sincerity and Innocence:

These are features of children. They are not twisted in mind or deceitful in expression. They carry no grudges or feelings of hatred. Their feelings of anger or hurt are rapidly dissipated and easily forgotten. They are spontaneous and simple. God wants us to respect them for that reason, and even imitate them.
X (Mat 18:10 NKJV) Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. X (1 Pet 2:1-2 NKJV) Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. X (Mat 5:8 NKJV) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. X (Luke 15:4-5 NKJV) 4 What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

Sharing the Weak:

The faithful servant will feel the pain of those under sin, and refrain from judging them. Sin is so bitter, it causes the servant to weep and mourn for

the lost one, and to pray and plead with a crushed spirit. Saint Paul says:
X (2 Cor 11:29 NKJV) Who is weak, & I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, & I do not burn with indignation? X (2 Tim 2:25 NKJV) in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.

A Tender Heart:
One of the rich experiences in service is to carry the cross of ministering to the afflicted; yet preserve the character of the group. Such a servant is sensitive and affectionate particularly with the weak. Would you shut this teen-aged addict out of the group? How would you reach out to him/her? Would you consider him/her totally lost?
X (1 Cor 12:26 NKJV) And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

If you learn that one of the teenagers you serve is now doing drugs, how would you feel?

Learning from Youth

Wise and Non-judgmental:

Youths are very difficult to attract particularly during their stage of rebellion. How do we deliver Gods message to them? It is not proper to try to please them by yielding to all their demands. There should be a healthy balance between standing strong for the truth on one hand, and lenience and patience on the other between when to reprimand or warn, and when to help or encourage. This builds in the servant a wise character in leadership, guidance and giving advice.

Great Joy:
Joy is experienced in bringing a person to Christ; in lifting him out of the darkness of sin into the light of Our Lord. What a wonderful experience it is to share the joy of repentance, and call those you serve brothers as St. Paul did:
X (Phil 4:1 NKJV) My beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown.

Sincere servants experience Gods grace at work and they learn to trust in the power of His Word. They live with rich hope, awaiting their crowns when the Lord returns.
X (1 Th 2:19 NKJV) For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

Serving the Church Community

The more the servant becomes involved in peoples lives the more he becomes skilled in dealing with their problems, understanding their needs, the challenges of society and a growing wisdom concerning the life we live. He becomes eloquent and flexible in difficult situations. Understanding the current social issues within the light of the Scripture and Doctrine produces a mature and wise personality.
X (1 Cor 9:19-22 NKJV) 19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

We have to be oriented to the circumstances of those whom we serve, spiritually, socially, economically and even physically.
Do I need to know the parents of my Sunday school children? Do I need to understand their social and economic circumstances

Within the Family of Servants

It is good for the brethren to be together. This family of servants is one of the purest Christian communities, when you see the image of Jesus Christ in each of your fellow servants, and touch His love in their behavior. It is like the early church that lived in harmony, sharing in studying the Word, in praises, in meditation or in exchanging spiritual experiences.
X (Psa 133:1 NKJV) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! X (Acts 2:46 NKJV) with one accord in gladness and simplicity of heart X (Acts 4:32 NKJV) Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

The best times are those spent in fellowship with other servants, in prayer, Bible study, hymns and praises, meditations and retreats, or in working out the difficulties that face each of them. The most effective way to solve common problems is the joining together in a life of prayer and fasting for one common purpose: the service, in

true submission to the Lord. We need to learn how to yield our egos and personal opinions for the sake of the common good. This is reached by abandoning this worlds attractions, and by exalting our spirits in love and peace. We have to be accountable to one another, for there is One Master, God our Lord; and seek each others good. What is the most effective way to solve a problem in the service? What is the extent of our responsibility towards the other servants?
Serving in General

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

God can never be indebted to anyone. The more we serve Him, the more He gives us back spiritual blessings that far exceed what we are able to give, for He is the source of every good gift. We receive from the Holy Spirit spiritual knowledge and wisdom that we did not have before:
X (Mark 13:11 NKJV) Whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit X (John 14:26 NKJV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

Developing Character:
Serving teaches hard labor, perseverance and tolerance. There is no room for laziness and complacence. Service is a life of struggle and continuous strife.
X (1 Pet 5:2 NKJV) Shepherd the flock of God, which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.

Spiritual Experiences:
The servant gets to see the hand of the Lord at work, recognizing numerous little incidents as the result of the Sovereign Almightys design, not just mere coincidences. Those who deeply live such experiences have the benefit of praising His grace, His goodness and His mercies. These experiences are not easily perceived outside the ring of service.
X (Rom 8:28 NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Growth and Maturity:

This is greatly motivated by serving. The servant is expected to be a teacher who is mature in spirit. He trains himself hard not to err, as St. Paul described himself. He no longer thrives on the spiritual milk of babies but the solid food of mature persons.
X (1 Tim 4:12 NKJV) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. X (Acts 24:16 NKJV) I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. X (Heb 5:13-14 NKJV) 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses

exercised to discern both good and evil.

Perfection:
An ambitious servant sees no end to the ladder of virtues. He is constantly seeking perfection, that is the fullness of Christ. As servants, we are ambassadors for Christ.
X (Eph 4:13 NKJV) till we all come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. X (2 Cor 3:18 NKJV) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

The Lords House:

The nature of serving obliges the servant to come to church often. There he finds his comfort and rest, and a source of spiritual revival. He is able to repeat after David Psalm 84. He enjoys the hymns and songs, the prayers of raising the incense, the midnight praises, the service of the liturgy, the sacraments, the icons of the saints and the power of their intercessions.
X (Psa 27:4 NKJV) One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life.

Overcoming Setbacks:
Our previous lives and our spiritual weaknesses are good chances to experience Gods mercies. As servants, we are always alert and our minds should always be with God. However, no one is without sin, for we all have weaknesses. Yet, when weakness and sin affects us, it is transient and strange to us. So, we recover swiftly. Being surrounded by the medium of serving, such weaknesses become no more than transient setbacks that do not affect our spiritual progress that much.
X (James 3:2 NKJV) For we all stumble in many things.

X (1 John 1:8 NKJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

The true servant has a living watchful conscience, constantly stimulated by the Holy Spirit. He is always evaluating and criticizing himself. Therefore, he remembers the words of the Scripture:
X (Rom 2:19-23 NKJV) 19 You are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say, Do not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? X (Rev 2:4-5 NKJV) 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place; unless you repent.

A real servant within the ring of service is like a strong shark in water. Can you picture it when it is taken outside the water? It rapidly looses its power. When we serve we benefit ourselves the most.

The Blessedness of Dwelling in the House of God

X (Psalm 84 NKJV)
1. 2. 3.

How lovely is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young; even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You. Selah
4. 5.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring. The rain also covers it with pools.
6. 7. 8. 9.

They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer. Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah O God, behold our shield, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
10.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
11. 12.

O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in

You!

Meditation
The Story of a Girl and Two Kings:
X (2 Ki 5:1-6 NKJV) 1 Now Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Syria, was a great and honorable man in the eyes of his master, because by him the LORD had given victory to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out on raids, and had brought back captive a young girl from the land of Israel. She waited on Naaman's wife. 3 Then she said to her mistress, If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy. 4 And Naaman went in and told his master, saying, Thus and thus said the girl who is from the land of Israel. 5 Then the king of Syria said, Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel. So he departed and took with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold, and ten changes of clothing. 6 Then he brought the letter to the king of Israel, which said, Now be advised, when this letter comes to you, that I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may heal him of his leprosy. What lessons can you learn from this girl?

Summary The Blessings of Serving

Memorize:
X (Psalm 133 NKJV) Blessed Unity of the People of God

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing; life forevermore.

The Blessings of Serving

The Holy Bible, NKJV (English) The Holy Bible, Beirut Edition (Arabic) The Audio Library of His Holiness Pope Shenouda the Third: Servant Preparatory Lecture Series (Arabic Tapes 1977-1978); Abbasseya, Cairo, Egypt The Service and the Servant: Part One; by Fr. Mina Namr Mina (2nd Arabic Edition, 1994); Church of the Great Martyr Saint George Khamaraweh, Shoubra, Cairo, Egypt The Paradise of the Spirit: Part Two; By His Grace the Late Bishop Youannes (Second Arabic Edition, 1976); Bishopric of Gharbeya, Egypt

Questions
What lessons can I learn from the girl who served Naaman?
1.

It is Saturday night. Church service is over. How do I prepare myself for the Liturgy next morning?
2. 3.

Does my personal life have anything to do with my service? If I had lived my life on the wrong track; but lately I found the way to Christ and have been changed, do I qualify to serve? How can my service benefit from my past experiences?
4.

What is the most effective way to solve a problem in the service?

5.

How would I react, if I am a church-board member, and I disapprove of a building project that the other members favor?
6.

Do I need to know the parents of my Sunday school children? Do I need to understand their social and economic circumstances?
7.