Embracing Humility and Servanthood in God's Kingdom
Summary
During the Sunday Worship 11 AM Service on December 17, 2023, the pastor delivered a sermon centered on the theme of servanthood and humility in the kingdom of God. The pastor began by urging the congregation to serve within the church and trust in God's transformative power, drawing on the humility of Moses and the meanings of "deacon" and "minister" as roles of service. The importance of serving others as a path to true freedom was highlighted, with references to Psalm 116:16, 1 Peter 2:16, and Galatians 5:13, emphasizing that serving humbles individuals and is a requirement for usability in God's kingdom.
The pastor shared a personal milestone of serving in the church for 30 years, expressing gratitude and encouraging the congregation to give generously, trusting in God's continued blessings. He also announced upcoming events and schedule changes for the Christmas season. The sermon then shifted to the story of the angel Gabriel delivering messages to Zachariah and Mary, with a focus on Mary's acceptance of God's word and her role as a servant.
The audience was encouraged to welcome transformation and let go of their past, with the pastor emphasizing the need for faith and prayer. The example of Jesus' humility was presented, particularly during the Last Supper when he washed the disciples' feet, including those of Peter and Judas. The pastor shared anecdotes about humility in pastoral leadership and the importance of being misunderstood and judged in Kingdom Service.
The sermon also touched on the story of a widow girl chosen by God, encouraging everyone to serve humbly without seeking recognition, and to reject feelings of doubt or disqualification as lies from the devil. The Christmas story was presented not just as a historical event but as a template for God's ongoing redemption, with a focus on God's plan, communication through words, and partnership with humanity.
The pastor recounted the Old Testament story of Ruth, emphasizing the importance of serving and doing the right thing, even when it means living off scraps. The sermon concluded with a call to humility and servanthood, using the example of Jesus' obedience to death on the cross and Mary's servant-heartedness.
Key Takeaways:
- Serving in the kingdom of God is not about seeking recognition or power but about embracing humility and the transformative power of God's word. True humility is not insecurity but an honest assessment of one's abilities and identity, which positions us for greater usability in God's kingdom. [01:05:56]
- The act of giving is an expression of faith and a reflection of God's nature as the original giver. By giving generously and trusting in God's provision, we activate our faith and align ourselves with God's abundance and blessings, enabling us to bless others in turn. [37:53]
- Receiving and serving God's word requires openness and conviction, as demonstrated by Mary when she received the angel Gabriel's message. Our willingness to accept and act upon God's word can lead to miraculous transformations in our lives and the lives of others. [47:51]
- The story of Mary and Joseph reminds us that serving in God's kingdom is often a humble and unnoticed endeavor, yet it is filled with the potential for divine encounters and the fulfillment of God's promises. Embracing this call to serve can lead to a life marked by miracles and transformation. [51:54]
- The example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, including those of his betrayer, teaches us that true humility involves being willing to serve others in the most menial tasks, even when it means being misunderstood or judged. This act of service is a powerful demonstration of the kingdom values that Jesus embodied. [58:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 116:16 - "Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains."
2. 1 Peter 2:16 - "Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves."
3. Galatians 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 116:16 say about the relationship between servanthood and freedom?
2. According to 1 Peter 2:16, how should believers use their freedom?
3. In Galatians 5:13, what is the purpose of the freedom that believers have been given?
4. How did the pastor describe the act of serving within the church and its importance? ([54:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of servanthood in Psalm 116:16 relate to the idea of being freed from chains? What might these chains represent in a believer's life?
2. What does it mean to live as God’s slaves according to 1 Peter 2:16, and how does this contrast with using freedom as a cover-up for evil?
3. In what ways does Galatians 5:13 suggest that serving one another humbly in love is a higher calling than indulging the flesh?
4. The pastor mentioned that true humility involves being willing to serve others in the most menial tasks, even when misunderstood or judged. How does this align with Jesus washing the disciples' feet? ([56:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you served someone without seeking recognition. How did that experience impact your understanding of humility and servanthood? ([51:54])
2. The pastor shared that serving humbles individuals and is a requirement for usability in God's kingdom. How can you embrace opportunities to serve in your church or community this week? ([54:04])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of giving generously as an expression of faith. How can you practice generosity in your daily life, and what steps can you take to trust in God's provision? ([37:53])
4. Mary’s acceptance of God’s word led to miraculous transformations. What areas of your life require openness and conviction to receive and act upon God's word? ([44:57])
5. The pastor recounted the story of Ruth, who served humbly even when it meant living off scraps. How can you adopt a similar attitude of humility and service in your current circumstances? ([16:47])
6. Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, including those of his betrayer, teaches us about true humility. How can you apply this lesson in your relationships, especially with those who may misunderstand or judge you? ([56:24])
7. The pastor mentioned that serving in the Kingdom Done Right will stretch you and humble you. What specific steps can you take to serve in a way that challenges and grows your faith? ([51:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Humility in Service
Humility is the cornerstone of service in the kingdom of God. It is not about seeking recognition or power, but about understanding one's true identity and abilities. This honest assessment allows individuals to be more effectively used by God. True humility is a reflection of strength, not insecurity, and it positions believers to be conduits of God's transformative work. [01:05:56]
James 4:10 - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your daily interactions to become a more effective servant in God's kingdom?
Day 2: Faith Expressed Through Generosity
Generosity is an act of faith that mirrors the nature of God, the original giver. Giving generously, especially within the community of believers, is a tangible expression of trust in God's provision. It is through this act of faith that believers align themselves with God's abundance, enabling them to be a blessing to others. [37:53]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is one way you can give more generously this week, trusting that God will provide for all your needs?
Day 3: Openness to God's Transformative Word
Receiving and serving God's word requires a heart that is open and convicted, ready to embrace the miraculous transformations it can bring. Like Mary's acceptance of the angel Gabriel's message, believers are called to welcome God's word with faith, allowing it to shape their lives and impact the world around them. [47:51]
Luke 1:38 - "I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her."
Reflection: Is there a part of your life where you have been resistant to God's word? How can you open your heart to allow His transformative power to work in you?
Day 4: The Unnoticed Servant's Potential for Miracles
Serving in God's kingdom often goes unnoticed by the world, yet it is in these humble acts of service that believers encounter the divine and see the fulfillment of God's promises. The story of Mary and Joseph is a testament to the miraculous potential that lies in faithful service, even when it is not recognized by others. [51:54]
1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a humble act of service you can perform this week, without seeking recognition or reward?
Day 5: Humility Exemplified by Jesus
Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet, including those of his betrayer, is the ultimate example of humility. This willingness to serve in the most menial tasks, even when misunderstood or judged, is a powerful demonstration of the kingdom values Jesus embodied. Believers are called to follow this example, serving others with a heart of humility. [58:37]
Philippians 2:5-7 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Reflection: How can you follow Jesus' example and serve someone in a way that may go unnoticed or even be misunderstood today?
Quotes
"The longer I'm in Kingdom Service, the more I realize humility is the number one requirement for usability in the kingdom of God." [54:49] (Download)
"Serving humbles you, and as we serve, we're actually free. It's incredible how serving others can liberate us in ways we never imagined." [54:04] (Download)
"Humility is not the same as insecurity or shyness; it is honesty. You know who you are and who you're not, what you can do and what you can't do, who you belong to and who you don't." [55:34] (Download)
"Serving positions you to experience the power of God working in you and through you. God wants to do for you what he did for Mary; he wants to overshadow you." [01:07:29] (Download)
"God wants to do so much in your life that at the end of your story, it will be so grand, so many miracles, so much change that came through you, that it will be almost unbelievable for the people who know you best." [01:08:19] (Download)
"God wants you to be a person of miracles, a person of faith. He wants you to pray bigger prayers, to ask him for more. He needs some people on Earth right now that'll say, 'God, make me a container for your glory.'" [01:08:59] (Download)
"Declare if you will serve humbly with no need to be recognized or honored, and you limit the selfies, God will promote and bless you and raise you up; He'll have to tell your story." [01:19:18] (Download)
"How many of you have ever felt forgotten, left out, forgotten that your past failures have disqualified you for future blessing? Raise your hand. Now how many of you know the devil's a liar?" [01:20:48] (Download)
"Real humility is okay being seen as something other than strength or naivety. When you serve in Kingdom Service, you will be misunderstood, you will be judged, you'll be second-guessed—it comes with the territory." [57:56] (Download)
"Serving changes things and people; it changes the people being served and the one serving. God deliver us from green room mentalities in a selfie culture, a self-preserving and self-promotional culture of ministry." [01:12:41] (Download)
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