Called to Serve - Week 3 - Serve Humbly

Humility is at the very heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Paul’s words to the Philippians call us to a radical way of living that stands in stark contrast to the cultural wisdom of our day. While the world tells us to look out for ourselves, to make our mark, and to seek recognition, the way of Christ is to serve others, to put their needs before our own, and to do so without expectation of reward or praise. This is not a call to be passive or to let others take advantage, but rather to actively choose the path of selfless love, just as Jesus did.

Jesus, though he was in very nature God, did not cling to his rights or use his status for his own advantage. Instead, he emptied himself, taking on the nature of a servant, humbling himself even to the point of death on a cross. This is the model we are called to imitate—not just in grand gestures, but in the small, often unseen acts of service that fill our daily lives. Whether it’s doing chores without being asked, putting a spouse’s needs before our own, using our time to bless others, or offering companionship to the lonely, these are the ways we live out Christ’s humility.

But it’s not enough to simply do humble things; our motivation matters deeply. If we serve in order to be noticed, thanked, or celebrated, we set ourselves up for disappointment and miss the heart of Christ’s example. True humility is found in serving for the sake of others and for the glory of God, not for our own recognition. The only praise worth seeking is to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from our Lord. In all things, may our lives point to Jesus, so that any glory or thanks is directed to him alone.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Humility is countercultural and Christlike The world encourages self-promotion and self-protection, but the way of Jesus is radically different. True humility means valuing others above ourselves and seeking their good, even when it goes unnoticed. This is not weakness, but strength modeled after Christ, who laid aside his rights for the sake of others. [03:57]
• 2. Motivation matters more than recognition Serving others with the hope of being praised or rewarded reveals a misplaced motivation. When our hearts seek recognition, we rob ourselves of the joy and freedom that comes from serving for God’s glory alone. The deepest fulfillment comes not from human applause, but from knowing we have followed Christ’s example. [10:48]
• 3. Small, unseen acts of service matter Humble service is often found in the ordinary, hidden moments of life. It’s in the chores no one notices, the quiet sacrifices, and the willingness to do what others avoid. These small acts, done with the right heart, are precious in God’s sight and shape us into the likeness of Christ. [09:25]
• 4. Christ’s humility is our model and motivation Jesus did not use his divine status for his own advantage, but emptied himself and became a servant. His humility is not just an example to admire, but a calling to embrace. As we adopt his mindset, we become more like him and bring glory to God in all we do. [15:18]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:18] - Reading Philippians 2:1-11
• [02:05] - Cultural Wisdom vs. Christ’s Way
• [03:57] - The Call to Serve Humbly
• [04:55] - Prayer for Humility
• [06:05] - Paul’s Love for the Philippians
• [07:00] - Humility: The Path to Oneness
• [07:40] - Practical Examples of Humble Service
• [09:25] - The Power of Small, Unseen Acts
• [10:48] - The Danger of Wrong Motivation
• [11:41] - A Personal Story of Recognition
• [13:23] - Serving with the Right Attitude
• [14:03] - Christ’s Mindset: The Early Creed
• [15:18] - Jesus’ Humility and Exaltation
• [16:47] - The Only Praise Worth Seeking
• [18:02] - Closing Prayer

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV) —
> So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in Philippians 2:3-4, what specific attitudes and actions does he call the church to have toward one another?
2. What does the passage say Jesus did with his divine status and rights?
3. In the sermon, what are some examples given of humble service in everyday life? ([07:56])
4. What does the sermon say about the motivation behind our acts of service? ([10:48])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul connect unity in the church with humility and valuing others above ourselves? How might pride or self-interest threaten unity? ([06:42])
2. The sermon contrasts cultural wisdom with Christ’s way. Why do you think the world’s advice about “looking out for number one” is so appealing, and how does it differ from Jesus’ example? ([02:21])
3. The pastor shared a personal story about giving with the wrong motivation. What does this reveal about the dangers of seeking recognition, even in good deeds? ([12:48])
4. Why is it important that our acts of service are often small and unseen? How do these shape us into Christ’s likeness? ([09:25])

Application Questions

1. Think about your daily routines at home, work, or school. What is one small, unseen act of service you could do this week for someone else, without expecting thanks or recognition? ([09:25])
2. Are there areas in your life where you tend to seek praise or acknowledgment for your service? How can you shift your motivation to serve for God’s glory instead? ([10:48])
3. The sermon mentioned putting a spouse’s or family member’s needs before your own. What is one practical way you can do this in your relationships this week? ([08:15])
4. If you are single or have more free time, how might you use that time to bless others in your community or church? ([08:27])
5. Have you ever felt disappointed when your acts of service went unnoticed? How did you respond, and what might help you find joy in serving regardless of recognition? ([12:48])
6. The only praise worth seeking is to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from Jesus. How does this perspective change the way you think about serving others? ([16:47])
7. Is there a “task no one wants to do” in your family, workplace, or church that you could take on as an act of humble service? What would it look like to do it with the right heart? ([09:03])