Embracing Humility: The Call to Serve Like Christ
Summary
Serving is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, deeply rooted in the example set by Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His life of service, humility, and love. Jesus, the ultimate servant king, demonstrated that true greatness is found not in being served, but in serving others. His life was a testament to humility, as He chose to serve humanity despite being fully God. This act of service is not just an expression of kindness but a reflection of God's very nature. Serving is embedded in the divine character, and as we are created in God's image, it becomes an essential part of our identity as believers.
The call to serve is a call to humility. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us to do nothing from selfish ambition but to count others more significant than ourselves. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about valuing others and their needs above our own. Jesus exemplified this when He washed the feet of His disciples, taking on the role of the lowest servant. This act was a powerful demonstration of love and humility, urging us to follow His example.
Serving is not just about performing acts of kindness; it is about embodying the love of Christ in our daily interactions. It requires us to be willing and joyful in our service, recognizing that in serving others, we are ultimately serving Christ. This mindset transforms interruptions and inconveniences into divine opportunities to demonstrate God's love. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully, showing us that true service often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and prioritize others' needs.
Moreover, serving is not limited to specific acts like washing feet. Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents, and we are called to use these to build up the body of Christ and serve those around us. This service is not about seeking recognition or reward but about living out our purpose as followers of Jesus. By serving, we reflect God's nature, build up the church, and live out the purpose for which we were created.
Key Takeaways:
- Imitating Christ's Humility: Jesus, the servant king, exemplified humility by serving others despite His divine nature. We are called to imitate this humility, valuing others above ourselves and serving without seeking recognition. This reflects God's character and is essential to our identity as believers. [05:48]
- Service as a Reflection of God's Nature: Serving is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of God's nature. As we are created in God's image, service becomes an integral part of our identity. It is an expression of God's love, demonstrating His character through our actions. [10:11]
- Transforming Interruptions into Opportunities: Serving often requires us to embrace interruptions as divine opportunities. Jesus demonstrated this by stopping to heal a woman while on His way to perform another miracle. We are called to view these moments as chances to show God's love and compassion. [32:49]
- Using Our Gifts for Service: Each of us has unique gifts and talents, and we are called to use them to serve others. This service is not about seeking personal gain but about building up the body of Christ and living out our purpose as His followers. [15:30]
- Serving with Joy and Willingness: True service is done willingly and joyfully, recognizing that we are ultimately serving Christ. This mindset transforms our actions and allows us to serve with a heart full of love and compassion, reflecting the nature of Jesus. [28:16]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:42] - Importance of Studying the Word
[03:24] - Introduction to Serving
[04:11] - Why We Serve
[04:58] - Jesus, the Servant King
[05:48] - Humility in Service
[10:11] - Serving Reflects God's Nature
[12:00] - Imitating Christ
[13:41] - Jesus Washing Feet
[15:30] - Using Our Gifts
[18:44] - Humility and Brotherhood
[21:08] - Walking the Walk
[22:37] - Preferring Others
[28:16] - Serving with Joy
[32:49] - Divine Opportunities
[35:50] - The Good Samaritan
[39:02] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Serving Like Christ
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 20:28 - "The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
2. Philippians 2:3-7 - "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."
3. John 13:14-15 - "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."
Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 20:28, what was Jesus' purpose in coming to earth? How does this purpose relate to the concept of serving others?
2. In Philippians 2:3-7, what specific attitudes and actions are believers encouraged to adopt in their relationships with others?
3. How does the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13:14-15 serve as an example for us today? What does this teach us about the nature of true service? [13:41]
4. What are some examples from the sermon of how Jesus demonstrated service and humility during His ministry? [05:48]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of serving others as described in Matthew 20:28 challenge common societal views of greatness and leadership?
2. What does it mean to "empty oneself" as described in Philippians 2:7, and how can this be applied in our daily lives? [10:11]
3. In what ways does serving others reflect God's character, and why is this important for believers to understand? [11:09]
4. How can the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13:14-15 be seen as a call to action for believers today? What practical steps can be taken to follow this example? [23:31]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were called to serve in an inconvenient situation. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better embrace "divine opportunities" in the future? [32:49]
2. Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to serve others in your community or church without seeking recognition? [15:30]
3. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you practice humility by valuing others above yourself in these relationships? What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate this? [22:37]
4. Think about a person in your life who might be difficult to serve. What steps can you take to serve them with love and humility, following Jesus' example? [19:19]
5. How can you cultivate a joyful and willing heart in your service to others, recognizing that you are ultimately serving Christ? What mindset changes might be necessary for this transformation? [28:16]
6. Reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan. How can you be more aware of the needs of those around you and be ready to serve them, even when it disrupts your plans? [35:50]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your service is motivated by love and not by a desire for recognition or reward? How can you keep your focus on following Jesus' example of humility and selflessness? [39:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Christ's Humility
Jesus Christ, the ultimate servant king, exemplified humility by choosing to serve others despite His divine nature. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about valuing others and their needs above our own. Philippians 2:3-4 instructs us to do nothing from selfish ambition but to count others more significant than ourselves. Jesus demonstrated this when He washed the feet of His disciples, taking on the role of the lowest servant. This act was a powerful demonstration of love and humility, urging us to follow His example. As believers, we are called to imitate this humility, serving without seeking recognition, and reflecting God's character in our actions. [05:48]
Philippians 2:5-7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you prioritized your own needs over others. How can you approach a similar situation with humility and service this week?
Day 2: Reflecting God's Nature Through Service
Serving is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of God's nature. As we are created in God's image, service becomes an integral part of our identity. It is an expression of God's love, demonstrating His character through our actions. When we serve others, we embody the love of Christ in our daily interactions, recognizing that in serving others, we are ultimately serving Christ. This mindset transforms interruptions and inconveniences into divine opportunities to demonstrate God's love. By serving, we reflect God's nature, build up the church, and live out the purpose for which we were created. [10:11]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use it this week to serve someone in your community and reflect God's love?
Day 3: Seeing Interruptions as Divine Opportunities
Serving often requires us to embrace interruptions as divine opportunities. Jesus demonstrated this by stopping to heal a woman while on His way to perform another miracle. We are called to view these moments as chances to show God's love and compassion. By being open to these interruptions, we allow ourselves to be used by God in unexpected ways, turning what may seem like inconveniences into opportunities for service and love. This perspective helps us to prioritize others' needs and step out of our comfort zones, just as the Good Samaritan did. [32:49]
Luke 8:43-48 (ESV): "And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. And Jesus said, 'Who was it that touched me?' When all denied it, Peter said, 'Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!' But Jesus said, 'Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.' And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.'"
Reflection: Recall a recent interruption in your day. How can you reframe such interruptions as opportunities to serve and show God's love?
Day 4: Utilizing Our Unique Gifts for Service
Each of us has been given unique gifts and talents, and we are called to use these to build up the body of Christ and serve those around us. This service is not about seeking personal gain but about living out our purpose as followers of Jesus. By serving, we reflect God's nature and contribute to the growth and unity of the church. It is important to recognize and embrace our individual gifts, using them to serve others joyfully and willingly, knowing that we are ultimately serving Christ. [15:30]
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 specific way you can use your unique gifts to serve someone in your church or community this week?
Day 5: Serving with Joy and Willingness
True service is done willingly and joyfully, recognizing that we are ultimately serving Christ. This mindset transforms our actions and allows us to serve with a heart full of love and compassion, reflecting the nature of Jesus. When we serve with joy, we not only bless others but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our purpose as followers of Christ. Serving with a willing heart means being open to God's leading and embracing opportunities to serve, even when it requires sacrifice or stepping out of our comfort zones. [28:16]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your attitude towards service. How can you cultivate a more joyful and willing heart in your acts of service this week?
Quotes
1) "Today, we're going to continue with another essential practice. That of serving. And just as we saw in our last sermon, that studying the Word is fundamental to growing in faith, so too is serving others fundamental to living out that faith. Jesus set the ultimate example of service, and we are called to follow in his footsteps. There is no better example of service than our Lord Jesus Christ. showed us that greatness is found not in being served, but in serving. So let's explore what it means to follow in his footsteps and become a people who are willing to serve." [03:24] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Jesus, who was fully God, chose to serve humanity. His ministry was a demonstration of humility, not of self-promoting or seeking honor, but of humbly leading by example. Philippians 2, 5-7 adds, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be. He was a man of God. He was a man of God. He was a man of God. He was a man of God. He was a man God. He was a man of God. He was a man of God. He was a man of God. He was a man of God." [05:48] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Serving reflects God's character we serve because we are created in God's image and part of that image is the nature of service Jesus didn't just serve because he was kind he served because it is God's nature it's part of who God is God serves out of a love a love that we could never imagine doesn't mean God is lower than us in any way shape or form but because of his great love for us he chooses to serve and that's what Jesus did." [10:11] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "To imitate Jesus properly we have to be a people who serve we have to get this idea of servanthood to soak into our very being so that it becomes part of our driving forces the things that drive us forward the things that bring us together not that we propel ourself and get a name for ourselves but actually that we make ourselves the lowest so that we become the servant of all you see kingdom politics and kingdom economics are very different to the world the world will tell you you need to be the best you need to be the one at the front you need to be the one on the stage you need to be the one at the front you need to be have your name in lights." [12:00] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "You see, the kingdom says that the first shall be last and the last shall be first. You see, when Jesus lived this stuff out, he was the one that got on his hands and knees with the bowl of water. He was the one that got on his hands and knees and he washed the dirty, messy, dust-ridden feet of the disciples. He took on the position of the lowest of the low servant. You see, in that custom, in that culture, the person that had to do the washing of the feet was the most insignificant, the least important servant in the house. Yet Jesus did that." [12:55] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "We have each been given unique talents, skills, and gifts, not to be self-serving, but to build up the body of Christ and to serve those around us. Some of your talents might not be washing feet. And then there was a sigh of relief. Do you know, I once had an experience of washing feet. In fact, I've done it several times. The first time I was away on a men's weekend. I won't use names because there are some people here that won't use names. But I've done it several times. But we got to a part in this men's weekend where it was just a holy moment. And it was about fellowship. And it was about brotherhood." [15:30] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "You see, I think it's fundamental to us. It's not just about reading the Bible. The Bible's great. It's amazing. But it ain't just about that. You see, you can talk the talk. But if you don't walk the walk, then you're no follower of Jesus. You don't get to be a follower of Jesus by reading a book. You get to be a follower of Jesus by listening to that call, come follow me, and getting up off your seats and following him. It's about doing. goes hand in hand with the word of God. It goes hand in hand with the being." [21:08] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Serving is not something we should do out of obligation. Or because we feel pressured. Rather, we should serve willingly, with a joyful heart, recognizing that we are ultimately serving Christ when we serve others. Psalm 102 encourages us, serve the Lord with gladness, come into his presence with singing. You see, I'm saying all this and you might be thinking, oh, Dan's having a go. Obviously, there's a drive for kids' church workers or somebody to clean up the front of the church or paint this or do that. I'm not. Truly believe that one of the essential practices of the Christian life, if you want to be a follower of Jesus, then you've got to learn to serve." [28:16] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Serving in the inconvenient pauses. Jesus, throughout his ministry, was stopped on his way to doing something. How often does somebody want us to serve them at an inconvenient time? You get that phone call when you're just about to tuck into your Yorkshire pudding and your beef dinner that your wife has so lovingly created for you on this plate. And somebody phones to say there's an emergency. My cat's stuck up a tree. Can you come and pray it down? Yeah, absolutely. You see, Jesus knew what it was like to be stopped inconveniently." [29:35] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "Serving is an essential practice. I'm ending with this. For every follower of Christ, just as Jesus came not to be served, but to serve, we are called to do the same. By serving others, we reflect God's nature. We build up the church and live out the purpose for which we were created. It's not about seeking recognition or reward, but about following Jesus. Jesus is an example of humility, love, and selflessness." [39:02] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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