Changing Someone's World Through Faithful Service

Devotional

Day 1: Presenting Ourselves as Living Sacrifices Is Spiritual Worship

To follow Jesus is to offer our whole selves—our time, energy, and daily actions—as a living sacrifice, which is described as our true spiritual worship. This means that worship is not limited to singing or gathering in church, but is expressed every time we serve others, pour into someone’s life, or step out in obedience to God’s call. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, serving in a ministry, or simply caring for your family, these acts are holy and pleasing to God. When we say, “Here I am, Lord, send me,” we are engaging in worship that goes beyond words and becomes a way of life. [47:45]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: In what specific way can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice today—at home, at work, or in your community—so that your actions become an act of worship to God?

Day 2: Be Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind

God calls us not to conform to the patterns and values of the world, but to be transformed by the continual renewal of our minds. This transformation happens as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, prayer, and community, allowing Him to shape our thoughts, desires, and decisions. The world’s rhythms are easy to fall into, but God invites us to discern His will—what is good, acceptable, and perfect—by testing opportunities and seeking what draws us closer to Him. This daily battle for our attention and affection is won as we intentionally choose God’s pattern over the world’s. [51:00]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one worldly pattern or habit you need to let go of today, and how can you intentionally renew your mind with God’s truth instead?

Day 3: You Are God’s Workmanship, Created for Good Works

Each person is uniquely crafted by God, not just to exist, but to walk in the good works He has prepared in advance. Our value and purpose are not found in our own achievements, but in the grace of God who saves us and calls us to serve others. We are His workmanship—His masterpiece—created in Christ Jesus to make a difference in someone’s world, not necessarily to change the whole world. God has thought about you, equipped you, and set you on a path to impact others through acts of love, service, and faithfulness. [56:32]

Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: Who is one person God has placed in your life that you can intentionally serve or encourage this week as part of the good works He’s prepared for you?

Day 4: God Equips the Called—Use Your Unique Gifts

God has given each of us different gifts and roles within the body of Christ, and He calls us to use them to bless others. No one is “just” anything in God’s kingdom; every role, whether seen or unseen, is vital and valuable. You don’t have to be perfect or fully equipped before stepping out—God equips those He calls, and He will provide the strength, wisdom, and support you need. The world doesn’t need more of the same; it needs you, with your unique gifts, to step in and change someone’s world, starting right where you are. [57:37]

Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflection: What is one gift or ability God has given you that you have been hesitant to use, and how can you take a small step to use it for someone’s benefit this week?

Day 5: Start with Prayer, Start at Home, Start Small

Changing someone’s world begins with simple, faithful steps: start by praying for God’s guidance, begin serving those closest to you at home, and don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t have to do something grand or overwhelming; even small acts of kindness, encouragement, or service can have a profound impact. Ask God to show you who your “someone” is—the person He wants you to reach or bless today. As you respond to His call, remember that faithfulness in the small things is where transformation begins, both in your life and in the lives of others. [01:05:43]

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: Who is one person in your home or daily life you can serve in a small but meaningful way today, and what is one practical step you can take to do it?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the profound truth that each of us is called not necessarily to change the entire world, but to change someone’s world. Drawing from the story of the unknown usher who made room for Billy Graham and Grady Wilson at a revival, we see how a simple act of service can have a ripple effect far beyond what we can imagine. The usher’s faithfulness, though unnoticed by history, was known by God and became the catalyst for millions to hear the gospel. This reminds us to never diminish our role or say, “I’m just…”—because in God’s eyes, we are known, loved, and called.

Our identity is rooted in being children of God, set free by Christ and sent on mission. The call is not to grandiosity, but to faithfulness in the everyday opportunities to serve. Romans 12 urges us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, which is our spiritual worship. Worship is not confined to singing or gathering on Sundays; it is lived out in acts of service, sacrifice, and love—whether at home, at work, or in our community. Every time we serve, we are worshiping God.

Yet, this life of service is not automatic. There is a daily battle within us—a pull to conform to the world’s patterns rather than God’s holy rhythms. We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, discerning what is good, acceptable, and perfect. This transformation happens as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, prayer, and community, allowing Him to shape our desires and actions.

God has uniquely gifted each of us for the sake of others. We are one body with many members, each with different functions and gifts. No one is insignificant; every role matters. God does not call the equipped—He equips the called. Our task is to start where we are: begin with prayer, serve at home, and start small. The question is not whether we are called, but who is the “someone” God is inviting us to impact. As we respond, “Here I am, send me,” we step into the joy and purpose of being used by God to change someone’s world.

Key Takeaways

1. Never underestimate the impact of small, faithful acts of service. The usher who made room for Billy Graham and Grady Wilson was unknown to the world but known to God, and his simple act changed countless lives. Our willingness to serve in unnoticed ways can have eternal significance, reminding us that God values faithfulness over fame. [43:11]
2. Reject the language of “I’m just…” and embrace your identity as a child of God, set free and sent on mission. Words shape our reality, and when we diminish ourselves, we limit what God can do through us. Instead, recognize that you are known, loved, and called to participate in God’s redemptive work. [44:34]
3. True worship extends beyond Sunday gatherings; it is lived out in daily acts of sacrifice and service. Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices means that every act of love, whether big or small, is spiritual worship. Serving others—at home, at work, or in the community—is as much an act of worship as singing or praying together. [47:45]
4. Transformation comes through intentional renewal of the mind, not passive conformity to the world. The battle for our hearts and minds is ongoing, and we must actively pursue God’s rhythms through Scripture, prayer, and community. Testing opportunities and discerning God’s will ensures that our service aligns with His purposes and brings true life. [51:00]
5. God has uniquely gifted each person for the sake of others, and He equips those He calls. We are one body with many members, each with a vital role to play. Start with prayer, serve faithfully at home, and begin with small steps—trusting that God will use your obedience to change someone’s world. [56:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Series Introduction: Steps of Faith
[02:10] - The Story of Billy Graham and the Unknown Usher
[06:30] - The Power of “I’m Just” and Our True Identity
[09:00] - Your Calling: Change Someone’s World
[12:00] - Romans 12: Living Sacrifice and Spiritual Worship
[15:00] - Worship Beyond Sunday: Serving as Worship
[18:00] - The Battle Within: Conforming vs. Transforming
[21:00] - Renewing the Mind and Discerning God’s Will
[24:00] - God’s Holy Rhythms vs. Worldly Patterns
[27:00] - Humility and Sober Judgment in Service
[30:00] - God’s Unique Gifts for Each of Us
[33:00] - Practical Steps: Start with Prayer, Home, and Small Acts
[36:00] - Who Is Your “Someone”? Responding to God’s Call
[39:00] - Closing Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 12:1-8 (ESV) —
> 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
> 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
> 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
> 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
> 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
> 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
> 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
> 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Observation Questions

According to Romans 12:1, what does Paul say is our “spiritual worship”?
In the sermon, what was the significance of the unknown usher’s action for Billy Graham and Grady Wilson? [43:11]
What does Paul warn against in Romans 12:2, and what does he encourage believers to do instead?
How does Paul describe the diversity of gifts and roles within the body of Christ in Romans 12:4-8?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Your calling isn’t to change the world, but to change someone’s world.” How does this perspective shift the way a person might view their daily life and opportunities? [45:57]
What does it mean to present ourselves as “living sacrifices” in practical, everyday terms? How is this different from just attending church on Sundays? [47:45]
The sermon challenges the language of “I’m just…” (e.g., “I’m just a mom,” “I’m just an usher”). Why is this way of thinking harmful, and how does it contrast with our identity in Christ? [44:34]
According to Romans 12:2 and the sermon, what are some ways believers can “renew their minds” and avoid being conformed to the world’s patterns? [51:00]

Application Questions

The usher in the story did something small but significant. Can you think of a time when someone’s small act of service made a big difference in your life? How did it impact you? [43:11]
Are there areas in your life where you tend to say, “I’m just…” and downplay your role or gifts? What would it look like to embrace your identity as a child of God and someone sent on mission? [44:34]
The sermon says that worship is not just singing or gathering on Sundays, but also serving others in daily life. What is one specific way you can serve someone at home, at work, or in your community this week as an act of worship? [47:45]
The battle between conforming to the world and being transformed by God is ongoing. What is one “pattern of the world” you feel tempted to conform to, and what is one step you can take to renew your mind this week? [51:00]
The sermon encourages starting with prayer, starting at home, and starting small. Which of these steps feels most challenging for you right now, and why? What is one small step you can take this week to move forward? [56:32]
God has uniquely gifted each person for the sake of others. What is one gift or ability you have that you could use to serve someone else? Who might be the “someone” God is inviting you to impact right now? [56:32]
The sermon ends with the question, “Who is your someone?” Take a moment to pray and ask God to show you one person whose world you can help change this week. Who comes to mind, and what is one thing you can do for them? [01:05:43]

Sermon Clips

If you're going to take away anything today, I want you to take away that. Your calling isn't to change the world, it's to change someone's world. As much as we saw that usher change the world of Billy's life, change the world of Grady's life, we are called to do the same thing. This is our calling. [00:45:29] (19 seconds) #CallingToServe

As we look into this, it's the attitude of, here I am, Lord. Right? Here I am, Lord. Send me. That comes from Isaiah 6, 8. You can look at that. Mark that down. But when we serve, we are worshiping. When we sacrifice, we are worshiping. When we say, I'll go, I'll help, we are worshiping. [00:48:09] (21 seconds) #BattleForTheHeart

We are called to this life of sacrifice, and when we lean in on this, when we grab a hold of it, when we understand this concept, it is our call of worship to a loving and heavenly Father. What an amazing call that we have that he calls us to pick up our cross and follow him day in and day out, and when we do this, we are worshiping. [00:48:56] (26 seconds) #MoldedByFaith

Nothing gets in the way of ministry more than when we think too highly of ourselves. But when we fall into that pattern of thinking too highly of ourselves, what are we doing? We're not conforming to the rhythms of God. We're conforming to the world. And that's that check. If we start having those attitudes and those, and those thoughts coming to our mind, we're like, whoa, whoa, whoa, that should be a warning light. [00:55:17] (21 seconds) #EquippedByGod

We are his workmanship. That is like a piece of art. But he didn't want us just to sit there and look pretty. But he wants us to get into the world. To get a little dirty. To do the work that he has prepared for us. Right? I mean, he has thought about us. He has looked at who we are as a person. And he has prepared things for us to walk in them. To walk in them. Why are we going to walk in them? Because our calling isn't to change the world, but to change someone's world. [00:57:03] (34 seconds) #StartWithPrayer

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