Embracing Humility: The Power of Serving Others

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound impact of humility and the art of paying attention to others in our daily lives. In a world where technology often distracts us and feeds our narcissism, it's crucial to remember the importance of being present and attentive to those around us. This simple act of kindness can brighten someone's day and foster genuine connections. The Bible encourages us to not only focus on our own lives but to also be interested in the lives and needs of others. This is a powerful tool in building relationships, especially within our families.

We are naturally inclined to think about ourselves first, but true happiness and harmony come from shifting our focus to others. By doing so, we emulate the humility of Jesus, who, despite being God, did not demand His rights but instead served others. This countercultural approach teaches us that self-esteem and fulfillment come from serving others, not from accumulating status or possessions.

To live a life of humility, we must ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" in every situation. This question guides us to act with love, understanding, and service, even when it's challenging. Jesus' ultimate act of humility was His obedience to God, even to the point of death on the cross. In return, God exalted Him to the highest honor. This teaches us that humility leads to honor and that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

As we navigate our daily lives, let us remember that Jesus is Lord. This truth humbles us and reminds us that we are not in control. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we can find peace and strength in every circumstance, knowing that He is with us and that His ways lead to true happiness.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Art of Paying Attention: In a world filled with distractions, we must relearn the art of paying attention to those around us. This simple act of kindness can have a profound impact on others and is a true expression of love and humility. [02:14]

2. Shifting Focus from Self to Others: True happiness and harmony come from being interested in the lives and needs of others, rather than focusing solely on ourselves. This shift in perspective aligns with the teachings of Jesus and fosters deeper relationships. [05:07]

3. Emulating Jesus' Humility: Jesus, despite being God, did not demand His rights but chose to serve others. This example teaches us that humility and service are the paths to true greatness and fulfillment. [09:17]

4. Asking 'What Would Jesus Do?': In every situation, asking what Jesus would do guides us to act with love, understanding, and humility. This question helps us navigate conflicts and challenges with grace. [07:30]

5. Acknowledging Jesus as Lord: Recognizing Jesus as Lord humbles us and reminds us that we are not in control. This acknowledgment brings peace and strength, knowing that His ways lead to true happiness and fulfillment. [21:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - The Distraction of Technology
- [00:57] - A Simple Act of Kindness
- [02:40] - The Lost Art of Paying Attention
- [03:25] - Love and Humility in Relationships
- [04:05] - Human Nature and Self-Interest
- [05:38] - The Gift of Attention
- [06:28] - What Would Jesus Do?
- [08:10] - Acting Like Jesus
- [09:17] - Jesus' Example of Humility
- [11:12] - Serving Others Like Jesus
- [12:42] - The Mother Teresa Principle
- [16:14] - Doing Right Even When Painful
- [17:10] - The Reward of Humility
- [21:25] - Jesus is Lord

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Philippians 2:3-11
2. Proverbs 7:2
3. Matthew 5:41

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Philippians 2:3-4 say about how we should treat others, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on paying attention to those around us? [02:54]

2. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of humility as described in Philippians 2:5-7, particularly in the example of Jesus not demanding His rights? [09:17]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of acknowledging Jesus as Lord in our daily lives? [21:25]

4. How does the story of Dan Cathy cleaning the Taco Bell restroom exemplify the principle of serving others, as discussed in the sermon? [15:08]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that technology and social media can distract us from being present with others, and how does this relate to the biblical call to humility? [00:42]

2. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "What would Jesus do?" in practical terms, and how does this question guide us in our relationships? [07:30]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between humility and honor, as seen in the life of Jesus? [16:52]

4. How does the sermon use the example of Mother Teresa to illustrate the biblical principle that "the Way Up Is Down"? [12:42]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you practice the "art of paying attention" to those around you this week? Is there someone specific you can focus on? [02:14]

2. Consider a situation where you tend to focus on your own needs. How can you shift your perspective to be more interested in the needs of others, as encouraged in the sermon? [05:07]

3. Think of a recent conflict or challenge. How might asking "What would Jesus do?" change your approach to resolving it? [07:30]

4. Identify an area in your life where you might be demanding your rights. How can you practice humility by choosing to serve instead? [09:17]

5. When you face a difficult situation, how can acknowledging Jesus as Lord bring you peace and strength? Is there a specific circumstance where you need to apply this truth? [21:25]

6. How can you incorporate the practice of memorizing scripture into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual life, as suggested in the sermon? [13:24]

7. Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to act out of pride. How can you remind yourself of the importance of humility in those moments? [22:56]

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Presence
In a world dominated by technology and constant distractions, the art of paying attention to others has become a rare and valuable skill. This simple act of kindness can profoundly impact those around us, fostering genuine connections and expressing true love and humility. By being present, we show others that they matter, and we create an environment where relationships can thrive. The Bible encourages us to look beyond our own lives and be genuinely interested in the lives and needs of others, which is a powerful tool in building meaningful relationships. [02:14]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs your undivided attention today? How can you intentionally set aside distractions to be fully present with them?


Day 2: Joy in Serving Others
True happiness and harmony are found when we shift our focus from ourselves to the needs and lives of others. This perspective aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of serving others rather than seeking personal gain. By being genuinely interested in others, we foster deeper relationships and create a community of love and support. This countercultural approach challenges us to find fulfillment not in accumulating status or possessions, but in the joy of serving others. [05:07]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community today, putting their needs before your own?


Day 3: Following Jesus' Example of Humility
Jesus, despite being God, chose to serve others rather than demand His rights. His life exemplifies humility and service, teaching us that true greatness and fulfillment come from putting others first. By emulating Jesus' humility, we learn to navigate life with grace and love, even in challenging situations. This approach not only transforms our relationships but also aligns us with the path to true greatness as defined by God. [09:17]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life can you choose to serve others more selflessly, following Jesus' example of humility?


Day 4: Guided by the Question "What Would Jesus Do?"
In every situation, asking "What would Jesus do?" helps us act with love, understanding, and humility. This guiding question encourages us to navigate conflicts and challenges with grace, seeking to emulate Jesus' character in our daily interactions. By considering how Jesus would respond, we align our actions with His teachings and create a life marked by compassion and service. [07:30]

"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can asking "What would Jesus do?" change your approach to this situation?


Day 5: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord
Recognizing Jesus as Lord humbles us and reminds us that we are not in control. This acknowledgment brings peace and strength, knowing that His ways lead to true happiness and fulfillment. By surrendering to His lordship, we find comfort in the assurance that He is with us in every circumstance, guiding us toward a life of purpose and joy. [21:25]

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to acknowledge Jesus as Lord? How can this acknowledgment bring you peace and strength today?

Quotes


It because our technology has made us to no longer pay attention to people in other words you you're sitting here with two friends and you're tweeting to 25 and and and then you're really worried about is anybody retweeting it or is anybody liking my my post what's that saying it's all about me social media can feed your narcissism can feed your pride if you let it and you get distracted from seeing the people around you. [00:00:16]

How many people do you walk by every day and you have lost the art of paying attention cuz it's all about you and you're it's all about your agenda and I got to get to my next meeting and if if as a Good Samaritan somebody was lying on the side of road you might not even see him if you're going to be humble you got to learn the Lost Art of paying attention. [00:02:24]

Don't be interested only in your own life but be interested in what others care about too in other words don't just be interested in your agenda your career your favorite hobbies be interested in what other people are interested in be interested in their needs let me say dads particularly this is a simple but powerful tool in helping raise your kids you just got to be interested not in what you want them to be interested in but have them be in you be interested in what they are interested in. [00:02:50]

God says you want to really be happy you got to change your frame of reference because Harmony doesn't come from you thinking about you all the time it comes from you being interested in what other people are interested in and caring about what they care about and being concerned with what they're concerned about so let me ask a very blatant Frank question are you interested in only what concerns you do you get bored when you talk to friends and they talk about things they are interested in and you couldn't care less about. [00:04:54]

The greatest gift you can give somebody is there is your attention because your attention is your time and your time is your life you're never going to get it back if I give you money I can always get more money but if I give you my attention I'm never getting that back when I look you in the eye it's saying to you you matter to me what you're saying to me is important. [00:05:46]

What would Jesus do now I know this sounds like a trite question but it's really true and it comes from this verse Philippians 2 verse5 your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus and so if I really care about relationships if I want to lower the conflict then I want to raise the Harmony in my life so we can have more happiness in our lives. [00:06:40]

Though he was God he did not demand and cling to his rights as God he emptying himself of all he had now notice says here Jesus Is God he comes to Earth he becomes a human being and even though he's God he doesn't demand his rights he empties himself of all he had now do you realize how counterculture that is because you were brought up if you're brought up here in America you were brought up with this well I have my rights. [00:08:57]

If you want to be like Jesus you're going to have to learn to serve now that's the exact opposite of our culture because our culture says the whole goal in life is to get other people to serve you and the more people you have serving you the more important you are that's what the world says but God's value system is the exact opposite it's not the more people serving you the more important you are it's the more people you serve the more important you are. [00:11:35]

While living as a man Jesus humbled himself even more by being fully obedient to God even when that meant his death on the cross now because Jesus is the Ultimate model of humility is there a reward oh yes there is a reward and God because Jesus was the greatest example of humility God has given Jesus the greatest honor in the universe. [00:16:26]

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is who he said he was that he's the son of God that he is the Lord and it is encouraging me that someday all of the arrogance and all of the idolatry and all the denial will end and at that scene when every person who's ever been created by God bows before Jesus and confesses who he is every nationality will be there every age will be there every religion will be there every political stripe will be there. [00:19:29]

When you say Jesus is Lord that is a humbling statement it means I'm not Lord I'm not the master of my faith I'm not in control of my life are you kidding me you didn't choose when you were born where you were born how you were born where you die you didn't choose your natural giftedness most of the things that make you you you have nothing to control you're not in control you're control of your choices but you're not in control. [00:20:37]

When you are tempted say Jesus is Lord when you are worried and fearful and stressed out say Jesus is Lord when you are fatigued say Jesus is Lord when you're lonely say Jesus is Lord when you are grieving say Jesus is Lord it may look like the wrong side is winning but Jesus is Lord it may look like your problems are insurmountable and you're never going to get out of debt but Jesus is Lord. [00:21:29]

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Transcript
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