Answering the Call: Serving with Humility and Stewardship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, New Day! It's wonderful to see everyone here, whether you're joining us in Enfield, Agawam, or online. Today, we're taking a break from our study of the Gospel of Matthew to address a pressing need in our church: the need for more volunteers. This need has arisen due to the launch of our new location in Agawam, Massachusetts. Despite having more volunteers than ever before, they are now spread across two physical locations and one digital location, creating a shortage in both Enfield and Agawam.
We must address this need to prevent burnout among our current volunteers. Many are serving multiple weeks in a row, and while they do so happily, this is not sustainable long-term. We love our volunteers too much to let them burn out, so today, we're focusing on the biblical call to serve one another.
The Apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:10-11 that each of us has received a gift from God, and we are to use it to serve one another. This is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of the entire body of Christ. When we serve, we do so on God's behalf. If God were here physically, He would be the one teaching, greeting, and running production. But since He is not, we are His representatives, using the gifts He has given us to minister to others.
Peter also emphasizes that we must serve with humility. Since our gifts are from God and we rely on His strength to use them effectively, there is no room for boasting. We are to serve humbly, recognizing that our gifts are meant to glorify God and bless others.
Stewardship is another crucial aspect of serving. Everything we have, including our time, talents, and treasures, belongs to God. We are merely stewards of these gifts, and we must use them wisely to glorify God and bless others. If we don't use our gifts, we are not being good stewards, and we rob others of the blessings God intends for them through us.
The result of using our gifts is that God is glorified. When we serve, we bring glory to God and bless the body of Christ. This is why it's so important for each of us to step up and use our gifts. We need more volunteers in various areas, from production to kids' ministry to worship teams. If you're not already serving, I encourage you to download the Church Center app and sign up to join our Dream Team. If you're already serving, consider increasing your commitment for a short season to help us bridge the gap.
Let's pray together, asking God to help us steward our gifts well and use them to glorify Him and bless others. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts you've given us. Help us to use them wisely and humbly for your glory and the benefit of your church. In Jesus' name, Amen.
### Key Takeaways
1. Serving on God's Behalf: When we serve, we do so as representatives of God. If God were physically present, He would be the one teaching, greeting, and running production. Since He is not, we are called to use the gifts He has given us to minister to others on His behalf. This understanding should inspire us to serve diligently and faithfully, knowing that we are fulfilling God's work in the world. [22:22]
2. Humility in Service: Peter emphasizes that we must serve with humility. Our gifts are from God, and we rely on His strength to use them effectively. Therefore, there is no room for boasting. We should humbly thank God for our gifts and use them to glorify Him and bless others. This humility ensures that our service is genuine and honors God. [24:44]
3. Stewardship of Gifts: Everything we have, including our time, talents, and treasures, belongs to God. We are stewards of these gifts and must use them wisely to glorify God and bless others. Failing to use our gifts is bad stewardship and robs others of the blessings God intends for them through us. Good stewardship involves actively using our gifts to serve the body of Christ. [17:31]
4. The Purpose of Our Gifts: The gifts we receive from God are not for our personal enjoyment but for the benefit of others. When we use our gifts, we build up the body of Christ and help others grow in their faith. This communal aspect of our gifts underscores the importance of each member's contribution to the church's overall health and growth. [13:53]
5. Glorifying God Through Service: The ultimate result of using our gifts is that God is glorified. When we serve, we bring glory to God and bless the body of Christ. This is why it's crucial for each of us to step up and use our gifts. By doing so, we fulfill our calling and contribute to the church's mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples. [26:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:46] - Introduction and Current Need
[09:59] - The Reality: God Has Given Each of Us a Gift
[13:53] - The Reason: Using Our Gifts to Serve Others
[17:31] - Stewardship of Our Gifts
[20:28] - The Requirement: Serving with Humility
[22:22] - Serving on God's Behalf
[24:44] - Humility in Service
[26:10] - The Result: Glorifying God
[27:29] - Video Testimony
[34:18] - Call to Action: Step Up and Serve
[38:24] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 4:10-11, what are we supposed to do with the gifts we have received from God?
2. What does the sermon say about the current state of volunteers at New Day Church? ([01:34])
3. How does the sermon describe the attitude of the current volunteers despite the increased demand? ([04:18])
4. What are the two timeless principles about serving mentioned in the sermon? ([21:44])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize using our gifts to serve one another rather than for personal enjoyment? ([13:53])
2. How does the concept of stewardship apply to the gifts we have received from God, according to the sermon? ([17:31])
3. What does it mean to serve with humility, and why is it important in the context of using our gifts? ([24:44])
4. How does serving on God's behalf change the way we view our roles in the church? ([22:22])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the gifts you believe God has given you. How are you currently using them to serve others in the church? If you are not, what steps can you take to start? ([36:11])
2. The sermon mentions the risk of burnout among volunteers. Have you ever experienced burnout in a service role? What changes can you make to ensure your service is sustainable? ([05:21])
3. How can you practice humility in your service, especially when you feel particularly skilled or gifted in a certain area? ([24:44])
4. The sermon calls for more volunteers in various areas. Is there a specific ministry or role you feel called to serve in? How can you take the first step to get involved? ([35:28])
5. Think about a time when someone else's service in the church significantly impacted your life. How can this experience motivate you to serve others? ([27:29])
6. The sermon encourages those already serving to consider increasing their commitment for a short season. If you are currently serving, what additional commitment can you make to help bridge the gap? ([37:29])
7. How can you ensure that your service glorifies God and not yourself? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on God's glory? ([26:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Serving as God's Representatives
When we serve, we do so as representatives of God. If God were physically present, He would be the one teaching, greeting, and running production. Since He is not, we are called to use the gifts He has given us to minister to others on His behalf. This understanding should inspire us to serve diligently and faithfully, knowing that we are fulfilling God's work in the world. [22:22]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think about a specific area in your church or community where you can serve as God's representative. How can you use your unique gifts to fulfill God's work in that area today?
Day 2: Humility in Service
Peter emphasizes that we must serve with humility. Our gifts are from God, and we rely on His strength to use them effectively. Therefore, there is no room for boasting. We should humbly thank God for our gifts and use them to glorify Him and bless others. This humility ensures that our service is genuine and honors God. [24:44]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you served with a humble heart. How did it impact those you served and your relationship with God? How can you cultivate more humility in your service today?
Day 3: Stewardship of Gifts
Everything we have, including our time, talents, and treasures, belongs to God. We are stewards of these gifts and must use them wisely to glorify God and bless others. Failing to use our gifts is bad stewardship and robs others of the blessings God intends for them through us. Good stewardship involves actively using our gifts to serve the body of Christ. [17:31]
1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV): "Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy."
Reflection: Identify one gift or talent you have been neglecting. How can you start using it today to serve others and glorify God?
Day 4: The Purpose of Our Gifts
The gifts we receive from God are not for our personal enjoyment but for the benefit of others. When we use our gifts, we build up the body of Christ and help others grow in their faith. This communal aspect of our gifts underscores the importance of each member's contribution to the church's overall health and growth. [13:53]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."
Reflection: Think about how your gifts can contribute to the growth and health of your church community. What steps can you take today to start using your gifts for the benefit of others?
Day 5: Glorifying God Through Service
The ultimate result of using our gifts is that God is glorified. When we serve, we bring glory to God and bless the body of Christ. This is why it's crucial for each of us to step up and use our gifts. By doing so, we fulfill our calling and contribute to the church's mission of spreading the gospel and making disciples. [26:53]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Consider how your service can shine a light on God's glory. What is one specific action you can take today to ensure your service points others to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Friends, God's on the move at our church, which is why we were able to start another location. But when any church starts a new location, it always creates a shortage at both the sending location and the new one. This is normal, but when such growth creates such a need, it's a wonderful opportunity for God's people to step up to the plate, to be used by him, to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. So I'm inviting you today to step into the destiny that God has for you, which is this his destiny for you is that you might serve one another." [35:28]
2. "We cannot just sit idly by and not communicate the present need. It has to be communicated for a number of reasons, and one of the big ones is this. If we don't address the need, we will burn out the existing volunteers, and we, the leadership of this church, just love our volunteers too much to allow that to happen. You see, under normal circumstances, during times where we haven't just launched a new location, hey, people, serve, let's say, one to two times a month, which we think is very, very reasonable and sustainable." [03:35]
3. "Here's the principle. When we serve, we do so on God's behalf. Friends, if God were here physically, then he would share the sermon with you himself. And how awesome would that be? But here's the deal. He is not here. He's not here physically. So here I am. I apologize. Okay. Sharing the sermon with you on God's behalf. This is why Peter says, I'm supposed to speak the very words God would speak if he were here. Peter says that because I'm ministering to you on God's behalf." [22:22]
4. "In order to beef up the number of volunteers at all of our locations, today we're gonna look at one of the many one another's in scripture. You see, when we read the New Testament, we just start seeing all these different one another's. As we read the New Testament, what we find out very quickly is that disciples of Jesus, we are to love one another. We are to honor one another. We're to live in humility with one another. We're to instruct one another. We're to care for one another. We're to comfort one another. We're to bear with one another. We're to be kind to one another. We're to submit to one another. We're to teach and admonish one another. We're to encourage one another. We're to build one another up. We're to seek to do good to one another. We're to exhort one another. We're to stir one another to love, and good works." [06:37]
5. "The Reality. If we're gonna step into our calling to serve, then first, we have to understand a certain biblical reality. And it's a reality that the apostle Peter points out to us in the first part of verse 10, where he writes this. God has given each of you a gift. Can we say that out loud together? All locations, let's say it out loud. God has given. Each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Now listen, church, the word gift here means ability. It means that God has given each of us, every single one of us, the ability to do something well." [09:59]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Some of you, you say, I'm already serving Mike. What do I? I do today. And I would say, well, it depends if you're in the camp of the people who have been serving seven weeks in a row and then are getting called in even on the one week you're scheduled to be off. Do nothing. That's the application for you. Do nothing. You are already doing more than enough, but others of you are serving and you're not in that camp. Maybe you're serving once a month. Well, could I ask that just for a short season? Maybe you would volunteer to not just serve once a month. Maybe you could go twice a month." [37:29]
2. "If you don't use your God-given ability to serve others, it's bad stewardship. As the apostle Peter puts it in our text, we're to use our gifts as good stewards of God's varied grace. Now, if you're new to church, maybe you're not familiar with this concept of stewardship, but here's the deal. The Bible teaches that everything belongs to God and that you and I are simply stewards of that which God has blessed us with. So he's given us time. He's given us talents. He's given us treasure. Next week, as we return to our study in Matthew, we're actually going to see this more in depth, but God gives us these things. And then he expects us to steward what we've been given really well." [17:31]
3. "The Reality. If we're gonna step into our calling to serve, then first, we have to understand a certain biblical reality. And it's a reality that the apostle Peter points out to us in the first part of verse 10, where he writes this. God has given each of you a gift. Can we say that out loud together? All locations, let's say it out loud. God has given. Each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Now listen, church, the word gift here means ability. It means that God has given each of us, every single one of us, the ability to do something well. As the apostle Paul put it in 1 Corinthians 12, verse 7, a spiritual gift is given to each of us. Paul goes on. He goes on to say in verse 11, that God, the Holy Spirit, he apportions to each one individually as he wills." [09:59]
4. "So friends, the result of identifying our gift and then using it is that God is glorified. And it's appropriate that we would use our gift to glorify God because of what Peter also says in verse 11, which is this. We should use our gift to glorify God because to him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. So friends, when we use our gifts, the gifts that God has given each of us, God is glorified because ultimately it results in us being a blessing to the other members of the body of Christ." [26:53]
5. "So friends know what we have here. It's not just specific instructions for how to use two specific gifts. Peter here is giving us instructions on how to use any gift we've been given. From this verse, we take away two timeless principles about serving. Two timeless principles. We can apply to serving. Here they are. First, when he says, if you have the gift of speaking, then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. When he says that, here's what he's pointing out. Here's what he's saying." [21:44]
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