Embracing Humility and Service in Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared my recent experiences in Nepal, where I witnessed the profound work of God in a children's home and the local church. This trip reminded me of the unexpected ways God calls us to serve, much like Jesus and His disciples who were often ambushed by ministry opportunities when they least expected it. The essence of our faith is not in our ability to perform but in our willingness to look up and rely on God's grace. This was evident when I was unexpectedly asked to preach in Nepal, and the Holy Spirit provided the words and strength needed.
Reflecting on John 13, we explored the profound act of Jesus washing His disciples' feet. This act of humility and service is a powerful lesson in kingdom leadership, where greatness is defined by our willingness to serve others selflessly. Jesus, knowing His time had come, chose to demonstrate love and humility, setting an example for us to follow. This act was not just about physical cleanliness but a deeper spiritual cleansing, reminding us that we all need our feet washed, symbolizing the need for ongoing repentance and humility.
We also discussed the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. As believers, we are no longer defined by our past sins but are new creations, saints empowered by the Holy Spirit. This identity calls us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's purposes rather than our immediate circumstances. Jesus' life exemplified this as He navigated different seasons of His ministry, always aligned with the Father's will.
Finally, I encouraged everyone to embrace the freedom that comes from confessing our sins and allowing others to minister to us. Just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, we too must be willing to let others serve us, acknowledging our need for grace and community. This humility opens the door for healing and deeper fellowship with God and each other.
Key Takeaways:
- Unexpected Ministry Opportunities: Just as Jesus and His disciples were often met with unexpected ministry opportunities, we too must be ready to serve whenever God calls. Our reliance should be on the Holy Spirit, who equips us in moments of need. [04:28]
- Kingdom Leadership through Service: True greatness in the kingdom of God is marked by humility and service. Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of leadership that prioritizes serving others over self-exaltation. [11:40]
- Our Identity in Christ: As believers, we are no longer defined by our past sins but are new creations in Christ. This identity empowers us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's purposes rather than our immediate circumstances. [22:37]
- The Importance of Confession and Community: Embracing the freedom that comes from confessing our sins and allowing others to minister to us is vital. This humility opens the door for healing and deeper fellowship with God and each other. [41:19]
- Navigating Different Seasons with God: Jesus exemplified the ability to navigate different seasons of life and ministry, always aligned with the Father's will. We too must be flexible and discerning, seeking God's purpose in every season. [35:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction and Nepal Experience
- [04:28] - Unexpected Ministry Opportunities
- [08:57] - The Power of the Gospel Everywhere
- [11:40] - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
- [18:45] - Kingdom Leadership and Service
- [22:37] - Our Identity in Christ
- [25:19] - Seasons of Life and Ministry
- [28:25] - Jesus' Purpose and Sacrifice
- [32:03] - Revealing the Father's Heart
- [35:25] - Navigating Different Seasons with God
- [38:25] - The Role of Obedience
- [41:19] - Confession and Community
- [43:38] - The Humility of Jesus
- [46:36] - The Call to Serve and Be Served
- [50:52] - Closing Thoughts and Prayer Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 13:1-17
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, and how did Peter initially react to this act? [11:40]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate His understanding of His purpose and timing during the Last Supper? [18:45]
3. What was the reaction of the people in Nepal when Pastor Ben preached unexpectedly, and how did the Holy Spirit assist him? [04:28]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet redefine the concept of leadership and greatness in the kingdom of God? [11:40]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers should be ready for unexpected ministry opportunities, and how can they rely on the Holy Spirit in these moments? [04:28]
3. How does understanding our identity in Christ as new creations empower us to live with an eternal perspective, according to the sermon? [22:37]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were presented with an unexpected opportunity to serve. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to be more open to such opportunities? [04:28]
2. Jesus demonstrated humility by washing His disciples' feet. What is a practical way you can serve someone in your community this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or unexpected? [11:40]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of confession and community. Is there a burden or sin you need to confess to someone you trust? How can this act lead to healing and deeper fellowship? [41:19]
4. Consider your current season of life. How can you align your actions and decisions with God's purposes, even if the season is challenging? [35:25]
5. Pastor Ben shared about the importance of letting others serve us. Is there an area in your life where you struggle to accept help? How can you practice humility by allowing others to minister to you? [50:52]
6. Reflect on your identity in Christ. How does viewing yourself as a new creation change the way you approach daily challenges and interactions with others? [22:37]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of looking up to God for guidance and strength in your daily life, as Jesus did when faced with ministry demands? [04:28]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Interruptions
In our journey of faith, we often encounter unexpected opportunities to serve, much like Jesus and His disciples. These moments remind us that our reliance should be on the Holy Spirit, who equips us in times of need. When we are open to these divine interruptions, we allow God to work through us in ways we never imagined. This openness requires a heart that is willing to be led by the Spirit, trusting that God will provide the words and strength needed in every situation. [04:28]
"Then the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.' So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?'" (Acts 8:29-30, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt an unexpected nudge to help someone. How can you be more open to these divine interruptions in your daily life?
Day 2: Leadership Through Humble Service
True greatness in the kingdom of God is marked by humility and service. Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of leadership that prioritizes serving others over self-exaltation. This act of humility is not just about physical cleanliness but a deeper spiritual cleansing, reminding us of the importance of ongoing repentance and humility. As we follow Jesus' example, we are called to serve others selflessly, demonstrating love and humility in our actions. [11:40]
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all." (Mark 10:43-44, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you demonstrate humility and love in this act of service?
Day 3: Living as New Creations
As believers, we are no longer defined by our past sins but are new creations in Christ. This identity empowers us to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on God's purposes rather than our immediate circumstances. Understanding our identity in Christ calls us to align our lives with His will, just as Jesus navigated different seasons of His ministry with a focus on the Father's purposes. [22:37]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to see yourself as a new creation. How can you begin to embrace your identity in Christ more fully today?
Day 4: The Power of Confession and Community
Embracing the freedom that comes from confessing our sins and allowing others to minister to us is vital. This humility opens the door for healing and deeper fellowship with God and each other. Just as Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, we too must be willing to let others serve us, acknowledging our need for grace and community. This mutual service and confession strengthen our bonds and deepen our spiritual journey. [41:19]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Consider someone you trust in your community. How can you open up to them about a struggle you are facing and invite them to pray with you?
Day 5: Navigating Life's Seasons with God
Jesus exemplified the ability to navigate different seasons of life and ministry, always aligned with the Father's will. We too must be flexible and discerning, seeking God's purpose in every season. This requires a heart that is attuned to God's voice, willing to adapt and follow His lead, even when the path is unclear. By trusting in God's guidance, we can find peace and purpose in every season of life. [35:25]
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the current season of your life. What is one way you can seek God's purpose and guidance in this season?
Quotes
"God knows we're not enough. We know we're not. I hope you've come to the point in your life at this point where you realize you're not enough. That's the best day of your life. When you realize I can't do this. And the God's like, yeah, good. Now we can get down to business and we can do some good stuff." [00:03:35] (17 seconds)
"And so from the very first verse though, John frames the story with one theme and the theme is love. Jesus, his leadership, the way he has ministered to his disciples and the people for three years now has revealed all kinds of different aspects of the love of God. And we're gonna talk about the different positions of kingdom leadership here in just a second." [00:17:06] (26 seconds)
"Jesus was saying, I, as your leader, am going to serve you in a practical way and do something that I, you wouldn't expect me to do mow your yard, clean, clean your car, show up and help you out even though, but now I don't want you to just do it as a leader for people under you. I want you to do that. I also want you to do it for each other." [00:49:28] (20 seconds)
"Jesus never stops being good. Your sin, your mistakes, my mistakes, are not gonna cause him to quit being who he is. He's still gonna keep being good. And you might say, well, I've gone too far. I've sinned too much. My past is too shameful. How could God ever forgive me?" [00:42:55] (24 seconds)
"Listen, friends, the wisest thing that you can do is to find out what God's will and purpose is for your life and for this season, agree with it, and then change everything you're doing to line up with that and then trust him." [00:36:37] (21 seconds)
"How many of you have been in a season that's harder than it was two or three or four years ago? Anybody harder? How many of you have come into a season where it's actually you're experiencing the blessing of God and it's gotten like more momentum has come into your season? Anybody? Yeah. Maybe about the same there." [00:30:13] (17 seconds)
"God wants to clean and wash your feet. Nobody graduates from needing to have their feet washed. Nobody graduates from needing the ministry of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the body. James chapter five says, confess your sin to one another that you may be healed." [00:54:51] (15 seconds)
"You're no longer a sinner. You're a saint, a child of the living God with the power of the Holy Spirit living in you. You have access to the grace and the empowerment of God on a regular, daily, even second by second basis to do what you could never do before." [00:23:54] (16 seconds)
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