Message Outline

Sunday March 14, 2004

“Descending Into Greatness:  the Power of Suffering Servanthood”

Acts 6:1-7

Theme:    It is through the example of Christ, who “descended to earth” and found greatness through being a suffering servant that we also find the greatness of our calling.

A.  The early church was as flawed as we are today — and a dispute led to the establishment of the office of “deacon”, which means “servant”

B.  Question:  As we reflect on Christ’s incarnation and earthly life and sacrifice and reflect on these early deacon servants, what does it mean to “descend into greatness”?

C.  Our essential Christian message is that God cares — and we know that through Christ’s suffering on the cross.

D.  The “Servant Songs of Isaiah:”  Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-6; 50:4-9; 53

E.  Does God understand suffering?

1.  Answer is a resounding yes, and not only that

2.  God experiences suffering more deeply than us

Five Aspects of the Savior’s Suffering:

I.  His was a Visible Suffering

A.  Jesus suffered on a physical level

B.  Jesus suffered on a spiritual level

II.  His was a Valiant Suffering

Jesus’ death was undeserved, and made necessary by our sin

III.  His was a Voluntary Suffering

No one killed Jesus, he laid down his life for us as a voluntary act

IV.  His was a Vicarious Suffering

He suffered in our place

V.  His was a Victorious Suffering

  What an irony that an instrument of torturous execution would become a symbol of eternal victory!

  How does this reminder of Christ’s suffering servanthood influence the way we live our lives as servants of God?