Episode  Title - Andy’s English Valet

Lesson Title: The Secret Service

Biblical Theme:  Service

 

Ephesians 6:7 – Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.

 

When most of us think of service, we picture it being done for us, preferably with a smile – rather than actually being of service ourselves.  But serving is not meant for man’s pleasure; it is intended to please God.  God expects you to serve him alone through respect, love and obedience.  Thus, no matter to whom you provide service, the one you ultimately serve – and strive to please – is God.  As Jesus demonstrated, even a leader needs the heart of a servant.

 

Parable: The Moral of Mayberry…

In Mayberry, the sheriff had a new motto: “to protect and be served.”  He just wasn’t too sure how to enforce it – along with everyone else in town.  While Andy accepted help only to help out, Barney was bothered by the very idea of a butler.  But Malcolm saw service as a way of life, and Opie found a playmate in his new housemate. 

 

Briefly describe how each person responded to serving.

Andy: put up with Malcolm , then put his feelings first.

Barney : didn’t accept the service or the servant.

Opie: accepted the servant and found a friend.

Malcolm: served out of the joy of serving.

 

When was the last time  you were of service?  When was the last time you were served?

Personal Response.

 

Serving is a kindness that is required not chosen.  God shapes your values through his terms.

Read Deuteronomy 10:12  In this way, you won’t choose to serve so much as service will choose you by presenting an opportunity.  Consider how Andy and Malcolm responded differently to service.

 

What did Malcolm consider a kindness?  How did he develop his values?

He said Andy was kind to let him serve.  He developed his values by placing others first.

 

How did Andy and Malcolm have similar jobs?  Given this , why didn’t Andy accept help well?

Both served others in their work. But Andy was too independent to let someone serve him.

 

Service doesn’t just benefit the served, it also benefits the server.  More important than whom you serve or how you serve is that you act in the service of our Lord.  In as  much you serve God , you will be rewarded.  See Ephesians 6:8.  Recall why Malcolm served and stopped serving.

 

 

Was Malcolm right to leave Andy?  Should he only serve people who appreciate his help?

Malcolm left when his feelings got hurt. Serving is not about the server, but about reaching out to others.

 

Real leaders have servant hearts.  While some servants can be leaders, all leaders should be servants.  Jesus demonstrated this when he came to lead others and to serve with his very life. Read Matthew 20:26b-27.  Servant leaders acknowledge that they are not above anyone else.

 

When Andy got frustrated, where was he focused?  Why was he happier near the end?

He focused on himself and his problem. When he put another first , he focused on serving.

 

 

Reflection:  At the Fishing Hole…

Mark 10:45   For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Serving motivated Jesus and ensured our salvation.  Jesus stood in our place, and his death saved us from sin.  In this, our savior showed us the ultimate example of serving.  To honor his example, take joy in how you serve God or what God does through you, rather than what you do on your own. Read Romans 15:17.  Even your daily work can be done out of love for Him.  We serve the Lord when we use our resources to glorify God in whatever we do.  Read

Matthew 25:21.

 

Like Malcolm, have you considered it an honor to serve someone?  Give an example:

Personal Response.

 

Barney didn’t trust the servant because he himself wouldn’t serve.  By contrast, Opie saw Malcolm as an equal and treated him like a friend.  Likewise , Christian service springs from kindness and appreciation.  There should be no barriers for seekers, especially our own selves. Read 2nd Timothy 2:24.

 

Like Barney, have you been critical of those that serve?  Give an example.

Personal Response.

 

Like Opie, have you valued someone who serves as an equal?  Give an example.

Personal Response.

 

When it was time to be of service, Andy served the servant without reservation.  In the same way Christians the freedom to serve everyone.  Read Galatians 5:13-14.  The freedom to serve means freedom from pride, arrogance and self consciousness.  Restriction comes for slavery to sin.

 

 

Like Andy, have you been of service to someone who serves?  Give an example:

Personal Response.

 

Action: Get Out Your Bullet….

Phillippians 2:5 6A, 7  Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus, Who being in very nature God…but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

 

Jesus was the Servant Savior.  He sacrificed his life in order to serve others.  `While the world glorifies leaders, servants can glorify God.  See Luke 22:27.  Rather than expect to be served, look for opportunities to serve.  If you lead others, ask how you can serve them better.  If you already work under others, praise God through your service to them.  Whether leader or not, a Christian should have the heart of a servant.  Remember the faithful servant will be rewarded when his master returns.  Read Matthew 24:45-47.

 

Why will you serve rather than be served?

Serving is not meant for man’s pleasure.  Serving is intended to please God.

 

How will you serve God in whatever you do?

Use your resources to glorify God in whatever you do-especially in your daily work.

 

What will you think of your accomplishments?

Take joy in how you serve God, or what God does through you, not what you do yourself.

 

How will you change your approach?  When will you make that change?

Personal Response.