Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope Service, in the biblical context, refers to acts of assistance, labor, or duty performed for God, others, or the community. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from worship and ministry to acts of charity and daily work. Service is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, reflecting the character of Christ and the teachings of Scripture. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, service is often associated with worship and obedience to God. The Hebrew word "avodah" is frequently used, which can mean both "work" and "worship," indicating that service to God is an integral part of daily life. The Levites were specifically set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple, as seen in Numbers 3:5-10. Their duties included maintaining the sacred space and assisting in sacrifices, highlighting the importance of dedicated service in worship. Service also extended to social justice and care for others. The Law given to Israel included numerous commands to serve and protect the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). This reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, urging His people to mirror His character through service. New Testament Context In the New Testament, service takes on a Christocentric focus. Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of service, as He declared, "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" (Mark 10:45). His life and ministry were marked by acts of healing, teaching, and ultimately, His sacrificial death on the cross. The early church continued this emphasis on service. Believers are called to serve one another in love, as seen in Galatians 5:13: "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." The apostles appointed deacons to ensure that the practical needs of the community were met, as described in Acts 6:1-6, demonstrating the importance of organized service within the church. Spiritual Gifts and Service The New Testament also teaches that service is empowered by the Holy Spirit through spiritual gifts. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, believers are encouraged to use their gifts to serve others, "as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." These gifts vary widely, from teaching and leadership to mercy and hospitality, each contributing to the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. Theological Implications Service is not merely a duty but a response to God's grace and a reflection of His love. It is an expression of faith and obedience, as James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Service is a tangible demonstration of the transformative power of the Gospel in a believer's life. Furthermore, service is an act of worship. Romans 12:1 urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their "reasonable service." This indicates that all aspects of life, including work and relationships, can be acts of service to God when done with the right heart and intention. Practical Applications Christians are encouraged to serve in various capacities, both within the church and in the broader community. This includes participating in church ministries, volunteering for charitable organizations, and engaging in acts of kindness and hospitality. Service is a means of witnessing to the world, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Service is a vital component of Christian discipleship, fostering spiritual growth, community, and a deeper relationship with God. Through service, believers live out the command to love God and love their neighbors, embodying the teachings of Christ in everyday life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Work done to benefit another.2. (n.) A name given to several trees and shrubs of the genus Pyrus, as Pyrus domestica and P. torminalis of Europe, the various species of mountain ash or rowan tree, and the American shad bush (see Shad bush, under Shad). They have clusters of small, edible, apple like berries. 3. (n.) The act of serving; the occupation of a servant; the performance of labor for the benefit of another, or at another's command; attendance of an inferior, hired helper, slave, etc., on a superior, employer, master, or the like; also, spiritual obedience and love. 4. (n.) The deed of one who serves; labor performed for another; duty done or required; office. 5. (n.) Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service. 6. (n.) Hence, a musical composition for use in churches. 7. (n.) Duty performed in, or appropriate to, any office or charge; official function; hence, specifically, military or naval duty; performance of the duties of a soldier. 8. (n.) Useful office; advantage conferred; that which promotes interest or happiness; benefit; avail. 9. (n.) Profession of respect; acknowledgment of duty owed. 10. (n.) The act and manner of bringing food to the persons who eat it; order of dishes at table; also, a set or number of vessels ordinarily used at table; as, the service was tardy and awkward; a service of plate or glass. 11. (n.) The act of bringing to notice, either actually or constructively, in such manner as is prescribed by law; as, the service of a subpoena or an attachment. 12. (n.) The materials used for serving a rope, etc., as spun yarn, small lines, etc. 13. (n.) The act of serving the ball. 14. (n.) Act of serving or covering. See Serve, v. t., 13. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SERVICEsur'-vis: Six Hebrew, two Aramaic and four Greek words are so rendered. Greek 3009. leitourgia -- a service, a ministry ... a service, a ministry. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: leitourgia Phonetic Spelling: (li-toorg-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a charitable gift ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3009.htm - 7k 1248. diakonia -- service, ministry 2999. latreia -- service 3787. ophthalmodoulia -- eye service 3008. leitourgeo -- to serve the state, ie by anal. to perform ... 3010. leitourgikos -- of or for service 2183. ephemeria -- a class (of priests detailed for service in the ... 2322. therapeia -- attention, medical service 4930. sunteleia -- a joint payment (for public service), joint ... 2407. hierateuo -- to be a priest Strong's Hebrew 5656. abodah -- labor, service... 5655, 5656. abodah or abodah. 5657 . labor, service. Transliteration: abodah or abodah Phonetic Spelling: (ab-o-daw') Short Definition: service. ... /hebrew/5656.htm - 6k 6402. polchan -- service, worship 5673. abidah -- work, service 5657. abuddah -- service 4612. maamad -- office, function, service 5532a. sakan -- to be of use or service, benefit 4522. mas -- body of forced laborers, forced service, taskworkers ... 5532. cakan -- to be of use or service, benefit 5647. abad -- to work, serve 8335. shareth -- (religious) ministry Library Quiet Talks on Service Standards of Life and Service Intercession is Service. Yoked Service. Ambition in Service. Expectancy in Service. The Trinity of Service. Dignity and Service Service Unites. The Partnership of Service. Thesaurus Service (317 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) Office of devotion; official religious duty performed; religious rites appropriate to any event or ceremonial; as, a burial service. ... /s/service.htm - 42k Eye-service (2 Occurrences) Levy-service (1 Occurrence) Tribute-service (1 Occurrence) Bond-service (1 Occurrence) Service-masters (1 Occurrence) Military (44 Occurrences) Cloths (16 Occurrences) Duties (46 Occurrences) Rendered (30 Occurrences) Resources Why do some churches have a Sunday night/evening service? | GotQuestions.orgIs an online church service a valid way to do church? | GotQuestions.org Why do some churches have a Wednesday night service? | GotQuestions.org Service: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Service (317 Occurrences)Matthew 27:32 Mark 15:21 Luke 1:2 Luke 1:8 Luke 1:23 Luke 3:14 Luke 9:11 Luke 9:62 Luke 12:35 Luke 17:10 John 16:2 Acts 1:17 Acts 1:25 Acts 6:1 Acts 7:7 Acts 12:25 Romans 1:5 Romans 1:9 Romans 1:25 Romans 7:6 Romans 9:4 Romans 12:1 Romans 12:7 Romans 13:6 Romans 15:16 Romans 15:17 Romans 15:25 Romans 15:27 Romans 15:31 1 Corinthians 6:13 1 Corinthians 8:6 1 Corinthians 9:13 1 Corinthians 12:5 1 Corinthians 12:28 1 Corinthians 16:9 1 Corinthians 16:15 2 Corinthians 2:16 2 Corinthians 3:7 2 Corinthians 3:8 2 Corinthians 3:9 2 Corinthians 4:1 2 Corinthians 5:13 2 Corinthians 6:3 2 Corinthians 8:4 2 Corinthians 8:18 2 Corinthians 8:23 2 Corinthians 9:1 2 Corinthians 9:12 2 Corinthians 9:13 2 Corinthians 11:8 Galatians 4:8 Ephesians 4:12 Ephesians 6:6 Ephesians 6:7 Ephesians 6:21 Philippians 2:17 Philippians 2:30 Colossians 3:22 1 Thessalonians 3:2 1 Timothy 1:12 1 Timothy 6:2 2 Timothy 1:8 2 Timothy 1:18 2 Timothy 2:4 2 Timothy 2:21 2 Timothy 4:11 Hebrews 1:14 Hebrews 2:17 Hebrews 7:13 Hebrews 8:6 Hebrews 9:1 Hebrews 9:6 Hebrews 9:9 Hebrews 9:21 Hebrews 10:11 Hebrews 11:26 Hebrews 12:28 James 1:26 James 1:27 3 John 1:5 3 John 1:6 Revelation 2:19 Revelation 7:15 Revelation 22:2 Revelation 22:3 Genesis 26:14 Genesis 29:27 Genesis 30:26 Genesis 37:2 Genesis 41:46 Genesis 50:2 Exodus 1:14 Exodus 2:23 Exodus 5:9 Exodus 5:11 Exodus 6:6 Exodus 6:9 Exodus 12:25 Exodus 12:26 Exodus 13:5 Subtopics Related Terms |