Embracing Humility and Purpose in God's Mission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, beautiful people of Epworth! Today, we gather to celebrate our community and the unique gifts each of you brings. We are a diverse and spiritually connected community, both physically present and online, and we thank God for each one of you. Our focus today is on the story of John the Baptist and his role in preparing the way for Jesus. John’s humility and dedication to his mission serve as a powerful example for us. He knew his purpose was to point others to Jesus, and he did so with joy and gratitude, even when it meant stepping out of the spotlight.
We also reflected on the inspiring story of Stephen Nadurachik, an Olympic gymnast who, despite his visual impairment, excelled in his sport and celebrated the success of others. This story parallels John the Baptist’s role, emphasizing the importance of humility, gratitude, and focusing on our mission. John’s joy was not in seeking personal glory but in fulfilling his God-given purpose and celebrating the success of Jesus’ ministry.
John’s example teaches us three key lessons: the importance of humility, the joy of celebrating others, and the necessity of staying focused on our mission. Humility is about being grounded and knowing our place in God’s plan. It allows us to celebrate others without envy. Gratitude helps us appreciate our role and the roles of others in God’s mission. Finally, focusing on our mission keeps us aligned with God’s purpose, helping us to spread His love and make a difference in the world.
We are reminded that every one of us has a unique gift to offer, and we are all needed to accomplish God’s mission. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare the way for God’s love to be known in the world. Let us embrace our roles with humility, gratitude, and a focus on the mission, knowing that together, we can make a significant impact.
### Key Takeaways
1. Humility in Our Calling: True humility is about being grounded and knowing our place in God’s plan. It’s not about humiliation but understanding and embracing our unique gifts without comparing ourselves to others. This groundedness allows us to celebrate others’ successes and remain focused on our mission. [41:42]
2. Celebrating Others’ Successes: John the Baptist’s joy came from fulfilling his role and celebrating Jesus’ ministry. Similarly, we should find joy in others’ successes, knowing that we all contribute to God’s mission. This attitude fosters a community of support and encouragement. [37:44]
3. Gratitude for Our Role: John’s gratitude for his role in God’s plan teaches us to appreciate our unique contributions. Recognizing and valuing our part in God’s mission helps us stay focused and joyful, even when we are not in the spotlight. [44:08]
4. Focus on the Mission: John the Baptist’s life was oriented around his mission to point others to Jesus. We, too, must keep our focus on God’s mission, avoiding distractions and comparisons. Our ultimate goal is to make God known and spread His love. [45:03]
5. Unity in Diversity: Every person has a unique gift to offer, and we need all these gifts to accomplish God’s mission. Embracing our diversity and working together allows us to create a community where God’s love is evident and transformative. [50:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:21] - Embracing Community
[35:28] - Story of Stephen Nadurachik
[36:16] - Focus on the Pommel Horse
[36:59] - Celebrating Success
[37:44] - Joy in Others’ Achievements
[38:40] - John the Baptist’s Mission
[39:32] - The Best Man Analogy
[40:34] - Jesus as God
[41:42] - Humility in Our Calling
[42:34] - Sharing and Openness
[43:30] - Celebrating Our Gifts
[44:08] - Gratitude for Our Role
[45:03] - Focus on the Mission
[45:55] - Unconditional Love
[46:49] - Civil Rights Movement
[48:29] - Vernon Johns’ Legacy
[50:27] - Unity in Diversity
[51:29] - Call to Action
[53:03] - Confession and Forgiveness
[54:34] - The Lord’s Supper
[55:29] - Holy Communion
[56:32] - Jesus’ Sacrifice
[57:16] - Remembering Jesus
[57:55] - Mystery of Faith
[58:40] - Holy Spirit’s Presence
[59:19] - The Lord’s Prayer
[59:55] - Invitation to Communion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:22-30 (John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Jesus)
2. Philippians 2:3-4 (Humility and valuing others)
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 (Unity in diversity within the body of Christ)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was John the Baptist’s primary mission according to John 3:22-30?
2. How did John the Baptist react when people started going to Jesus instead of him for baptism? ([39:32])
3. What analogy does John the Baptist use to describe his role in relation to Jesus? ([39:32])
4. How did Stephen Nadurachik’s attitude towards his teammates reflect the themes of humility and celebrating others’ successes? ([37:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does John the Baptist’s statement, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” reveal about his understanding of his mission and humility? ([39:32])
2. How does Philippians 2:3-4 challenge our natural inclinations towards self-promotion and comparison?
3. In what ways does 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 illustrate the importance of each person’s unique gifts within the church community?
4. How can the story of Stephen Nadurachik inspire us to find joy in others' successes and remain focused on our own God-given missions? ([37:44])
#### Application Questions
1. John the Baptist demonstrated humility by understanding his role in God’s plan. How can you practice humility in your daily life and ministry? ([41:42])
2. Reflect on a time when you felt envious of someone else’s success. How can you shift your perspective to celebrate their achievements instead? ([37:44])
3. John the Baptist was grateful for his role in God’s mission. What are some specific ways you can express gratitude for your unique contributions to God’s work? ([44:08])
4. Stephen Nadurachik focused on his mission despite his visual impairment. What distractions or challenges do you face that hinder you from focusing on your mission, and how can you overcome them? ([36:16])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity in diversity. How can you actively embrace and celebrate the diverse gifts within your church community? ([50:27])
6. Think of a person in your life who has a different gift or role in the church. How can you encourage and support them in their ministry this week? ([42:34])
7. How can you apply the lesson of “freudenfreude” (celebrating others’ joy) in your interactions with family, friends, and colleagues? ([44:08])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humility in Our Calling
Humility is about being grounded and knowing our place in God’s plan. It’s not about humiliation but understanding and embracing our unique gifts without comparing ourselves to others. This groundedness allows us to celebrate others’ successes and remain focused on our mission. John the Baptist exemplified this humility by joyfully pointing others to Jesus, even when it meant stepping out of the spotlight. His life teaches us that true humility is not about diminishing ourselves but about recognizing and celebrating the roles we and others play in God’s mission. [41:42]
1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV): "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt the urge to compare yourself to someone else. How can you shift your perspective to celebrate their success and recognize your unique role in God’s plan?
Day 2: Finding Joy in Celebrating Others’ Successes
John the Baptist’s joy came from fulfilling his role and celebrating Jesus’ ministry. Similarly, we should find joy in others’ successes, knowing that we all contribute to God’s mission. This attitude fosters a community of support and encouragement. When we celebrate others, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to use their gifts for God’s glory. This joy in others’ achievements is a reflection of our understanding that we are all part of a larger divine plan. [37:44]
Romans 12:15 (ESV): "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who has recently achieved something significant. How can you genuinely celebrate their success and encourage them in their journey?
Day 3: Gratitude for Our Role in God’s Plan
John’s gratitude for his role in God’s plan teaches us to appreciate our unique contributions. Recognizing and valuing our part in God’s mission helps us stay focused and joyful, even when we are not in the spotlight. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been given, allowing us to serve with a joyful heart. By being thankful for our role, we can better appreciate the diverse gifts within our community and work together harmoniously. [44:08]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Reflect on your unique gifts and contributions. How can you express gratitude to God for these gifts and use them to serve others today?
Day 4: Staying Focused on Our Mission
John the Baptist’s life was oriented around his mission to point others to Jesus. We, too, must keep our focus on God’s mission, avoiding distractions and comparisons. Our ultimate goal is to make God known and spread His love. Staying focused on our mission requires intentionality and discipline, ensuring that our actions align with our divine purpose. By keeping our eyes on the mission, we can navigate challenges and distractions with clarity and determination. [45:03]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Identify one distraction that has been pulling you away from your mission. What steps can you take today to refocus and realign with God’s purpose for your life?
Day 5: Unity in Diversity
Every person has a unique gift to offer, and we need all these gifts to accomplish God’s mission. Embracing our diversity and working together allows us to create a community where God’s love is evident and transformative. Unity in diversity means valuing each person’s contribution and recognizing that our differences make us stronger. By working together, we can create a harmonious and effective community that reflects God’s love and grace to the world. [50:27]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Think about the diverse gifts within your community. How can you encourage and support someone whose gifts are different from yours, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We know that there are so many voices in our society today that are telling us, you are not worth it. You're not good enough. You know, we are better than you, right? There's so much polarization. But what we don't hear a lot is that there is enough love to go around, that we can love across boundaries, that we can love and still work towards our mission of accomplishing this goal where God's love becomes real on this earth." [50:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We can't explain all of that happens. We just know that we have been loved by a love that never ends, by an unconditional love. And that love changes us. It changes who we are. It changes how we behave. It changes everything about us." [45:55] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Every single one of us is a beautiful child of God, is a part of God's family, and every one of us has a gift to offer. Every single one of you all has a beautiful gift to offer. And we need all of you, because we can't do this alone." [50:27] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We thank you for your faithfulness and your willingness to give us some of your time. We invite you to share the gift of your presence with us by signing in on one of the blue connection pads, or by saying hello in the chat and letting us know where you're joining us from." [06:21] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We continue to try to make this table bigger and bigger and bigger so that more and more people can gather around and taste and see the amazing goodness of God. But we also recognize that we sometimes fight against what God wants to do. That sometimes it's easier to believe the lies that we aren't good enough, that we don't have anything to offer, that our little gift doesn't make a difference. But Jesus invites us to believe more." [53:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But he also focused on the mission, right? It wasn't about John. It wasn't about getting credit for anything. It wasn't about his success. It was about the mission. And the mission was to make God known. And he helped make God known by pointing to John. And so, he kept his whole life oriented on the mission, on the goal." [45:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "But he also had a sense of gratitude in that role, didn't he? He said, I did what I was supposed to do. I told you. This is the one, you know? I pointed to him. And so, there was a sense of gratitude that he could play a role. And because of the role he played, he could then celebrate others, like we're watching all of these Olympians do." [44:08] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We have to be humble enough to celebrate our own gifts and not compare ourselves to others. Because when we compare ourselves to others, we steal our joy. That's one of the things that John said is, my joy has been fulfilled. And he wasn't going seeking after joy. Joy was just a byproduct. A byproduct of knowing who he was, knowing the role that he was playing, and being able to point to Christ." [43:30] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so, you are so grounded in that that you can celebrate other people, that you know what you have to offer and that you bring it. So, you don't have to get jealous of anybody else. You don't have to compare yourself to anybody else. You don't have to get envious or judge what other people bring. As if their gift isn't enough because your gift is better." [41:42] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so, there's this sense of, a sense of joy in celebrating all of the successes that are going on at the Olympics. But when I read his story, it did make me think a lot about John the Baptist, who had one job, to prepare the way for Jesus. And here in this story, today we hear that he has done that. And his disciples are a little bit upset because he's done it so well that people are going to Jesus to be baptized, to his disciples to be baptized, instead of going to John." [38:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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