Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary: "How to Serve"

Release Date: March 22, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Author/Speaker: Dr. R.C. Sproul

Introduction

In the March 22, 2025 episode of "Renewing Your Mind", hosted by Nathan W. Bingham of Ligonier Ministries, the focus centers on the pivotal Christian principle of service. Drawing from Dr. R.C. Sproul's insightful teachings, this episode delves into the biblical foundations, theological implications, and practical applications of serving God and others. The discussion emphasizes that service is not merely a duty but a profound means through which Christians grow and emulate Christ's humility and dedication.

Service as a Means of Grace

Dr. Sproul begins by framing service as an integral "means of grace"—activities through which God nurtures and strengthens believers in their spiritual journey.

Dr. Sproul [01:29]:
"These five things, Bible study, prayer, and the like that we've talked about are all means of grace. [...] But beloved, we grow as we serve."

He underscores that serving others deepens one's Christlikeness, aligning believers more closely with God's character.

Biblical Foundations of Service

Old Testament Example: The Exodus

Dr. Sproul references the Book of Exodus to illustrate that service has always been a cornerstone of God's kingdom.

Dr. Sproul [Various Timestamps]:
"God says to Moses, 'You go to Pharaoh and say, let my people go, that they may come out and serve me in this mountain.'"

This liberation from Egyptian bondage was not solely for freedom but to enable the Israelites to serve God, highlighting the intrinsic link between deliverance and service.

Joshua's Call to Serve

In Joshua 24:14, Joshua exhorts the Israelites to serve the Lord with sincerity and truth, abandoning idolatry.

Joshua 24:14:
"Now fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth. [...] But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Dr. Sproul connects this to Jesus' teachings on sincere worship, reinforcing that genuine service stems from a heart devoted to God.

Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood

Through Matthew 20, Dr. Sproul explores Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness for His followers.

Dr. Sproul [Timestamp]:
"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... Yet it shall not be so among you. [...] whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant."

Jesus modeled servanthood by stating, "I did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28), setting a precedent for His disciples to follow.

Parables Illustrating Service

Dr. Sproul analyzes the Parable of the Servants, highlighting the expectation of faithful and productive service.

Dr. Sproul [Timestamp]:
"The first servant earned 10 Minas... And another kept his Mina hidden, yielding nothing. This illustrates that while our service does not earn us merit, God rewards faithful stewardship."

He emphasizes that Christians are called to actively utilize their God-given gifts rather than withholding them out of fear or a sense of inadequacy.

Apostolic Perspectives on Service

Paul's View in 1 Corinthians 4

Dr. Sproul references 1 Corinthians 4, where Paul describes himself and his fellow apostles as "servants and stewards of the mysteries of God."

Dr. Sproul [Timestamp]:
"My stewardship is not to be judged by men but by the Lord. [...] Only the searcher of human hearts can do that."

This passage reinforces that service is ultimately accountable to God, not human standards or recognition.

Ephesians on Bondservanthood

In Ephesians 6:5, Paul instructs servants to obey their earthly masters as if serving Christ directly.

Dr. Sproul [Timestamp]:
"Serve the Lord as bondservants, not as men pleasers, but with sincerity of heart."

Dr. Sproul warns against seeking human approval, advocating for a service motivated by devotion to Christ alone.

Personal Reflection on Humility in Service

Host Nathan W. Bingham shares a poignant personal story to illustrate societal biases against servanthood.

Nathan W. Bingham [Timestamp 02:XX]:
"I was a college graduate working as a janitor, sweeping parking lots. The nurses treated me as if I were garbage, solely because I was performing menial tasks."

This experience led Bingham to grapple with his expectations as a Christian, ultimately aligning with Jesus' teaching to serve without seeking esteem or recognition.

Theological Insights on Grace and Service

Dr. Sproul delves into the intersection of grace and service, clarifying that while Christians are called to serve diligently, their efforts do not earn salvation.

Dr. Sproul [Timestamp]:
"We are unprofitable servants; our service does not earn us merit. Our redemption is by grace alone."

He critiques the medieval concept of "supererogatory works", affirming that all service flows from gratitude and reliance on God's grace, not as a means to accumulate spiritual merit.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The episode culminates with a reaffirmation of service as a fundamental aspect of Christian life, deeply rooted in biblical teaching and empowered by grace. Dr. Sproul and Nathan W. Bingham urge believers to embrace servanthood with humility, dedication, and a heart focused on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval.

Key Takeaways:

1. Service as Growth: Serving others fosters spiritual growth and Christlikeness.
2. Biblical Mandate: Both Old and New Testaments emphasize serving God and others as central to the faith.
3. Humility in Service: True service requires humility and a willingness to perform even the most menial tasks.
4. Grace-Fueled Service: Service is motivated by gratitude and dependence on God's grace, not by a desire to earn merit.
5. Accountability to God: Christians serve primarily to honor God, not to gain human recognition or approval.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Sproul [01:29]:
  "We grow as we serve. The more we are able to serve in the kingdom of God, the more Christlike we become."

• Dr. Sproul [02:45]:
  "The motivation for Christian service is gratitude, not as a means of salvation, it's a means of grace."

• Nathan W. Bingham [32:18]:
  "May we not seek the approval of man, but the approval of God."

This episode of "Renewing Your Mind" serves as a profound exploration of the Christian call to service, urging believers to adopt a servant's heart modeled after Christ's exemplary humility and dedication.