Embracing Our Call to Servanthood in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound call to servanthood as part of our ongoing series, "Be the Church." We began by lifting up our global church family in prayer, especially those facing persecution, and also prayed for Israel, emphasizing the importance of intercession for God's people. The core of our discussion centered on the essence of being the church, which is fundamentally about servanthood. We explored various biblical metaphors for the church, such as a family, a body, and a bride, and acknowledged that the church, while divinely instituted, is often messy due to our human imperfections.
We examined Ephesians 3:10 and Paul's humble acknowledgment of his own brokenness, which underscores that the church is God's chosen instrument for redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. Despite our flaws, God has no plan B; the church is His plan A. This led us to the heart of today's message: the call to be servants, modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ. We looked at Jesus' ultimate act of servanthood—washing His disciples' feet—and how this act was not just symbolic but a profound demonstration of humility and love.
Jesus, who had all power and authority, chose to serve rather than be served, setting an example for us to follow. We are called to emulate this servanthood, putting others' needs before our own, and adopting a mindset of humility. This call to servanthood is not just about actions but about our identity in Christ. We are to be the church by being servants, following Jesus' example in every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Global Intercession and Unity: We are part of a global church family, and our prayers should reflect this unity. Praying for persecuted Christians and for Israel reminds us of our interconnectedness and the power of collective intercession. This unity in prayer strengthens the global body of Christ. [23:10]
2. The Messiness of the Church: The church is often messy because it is made up of broken people, including ourselves. Yet, God chooses to work through this messiness to accomplish His purposes. This should humble us and remind us of the grace we have received, encouraging us to extend that grace to others. [32:20]
3. Jesus as the Ultimate Servant: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of servanthood. Despite having all authority, He chose to serve. This act teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service to others. [45:43]
4. Servanthood as Identity: Being a servant is not just about performing acts of service but about adopting a servant's heart and mindset. This means consistently putting others' needs before our own and finding joy in serving without seeking recognition. [52:09]
5. Mutual Submission and Support: Just as in a marriage, where spouses support each other in fulfilling their vows, we as a church family are called to support and serve one another. This mutual submission and support reflect the love and humility of Christ and strengthen the body of Christ. [01:07:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:10] - Praying for the Global Church and Israel
[26:16] - Prayer for Protection and Boldness
[29:59] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
[30:37] - Recap of Pastor Stephan's Message
[31:20] - The Church as a Family and Body
[32:50] - The Messiness of the Church
[33:20] - Ephesians 3:10 and Paul's Humility
[35:20] - God's Plan A: The Church
[39:14] - The Call to Servanthood
[45:43] - Jesus Washing the Disciples' Feet
[52:09] - Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood
[56:43] - The Highest Call to the Lowest Position
[01:01:18] - The Mindset of Christ
[01:07:06] - Mutual Submission in the Church
[01:13:00] - Humility: Thinking of Yourself Less
[01:20:26] - Being the Church Through Servanthood
[01:26:30] - Weekly Challenge and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 3:10-12: "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
2. John 13:3-17: The account of Jesus washing His disciples' feet.
3. Philippians 2:1-11: "Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 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. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 3:10-12 say about the purpose of the church? How does this align with the sermon's message about the church being God's plan A? [35:20]
2. In John 13:3-17, what actions did Jesus take to demonstrate servanthood to His disciples? How did the disciples react to this act? [45:43]
3. According to Philippians 2:1-11, what mindset are believers encouraged to adopt, and how is Jesus' example used to illustrate this? [59:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the "messiness" of the church, and what biblical examples are given to support this idea? [32:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's acknowledgment of his own brokenness in Ephesians 3:10-12 help us understand the role of humility in the church? [33:51]
2. What is the significance of Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13:3-17, and how does this act redefine greatness in the kingdom of God? [45:43]
3. In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul emphasizes humility and valuing others above oneself. How does this passage challenge our modern understanding of leadership and service? [59:43]
4. The sermon mentions that the church is often messy due to human imperfections. How does this perspective influence our approach to community and forgiveness within the church? [32:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the global intercession and unity mentioned in the sermon. How can you incorporate praying for persecuted Christians and Israel into your daily prayer routine? [23:10]
2. The sermon highlights the messiness of the church due to human flaws. How can you extend grace to others in your church community, especially when conflicts arise? [32:20]
3. Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of servanthood. What practical steps can you take this week to serve others in a similar spirit of humility? [45:43]
4. Being a servant is about adopting a servant's heart and mindset. What specific attitudes or behaviors do you need to change to align more closely with this identity in Christ? [52:09]
5. The sermon discusses mutual submission and support within the church family. How can you actively support and serve your fellow church members in their spiritual journeys? [01:07:06]
6. Consider the idea of thinking of yourself less and others more, as discussed in the sermon. Identify one person in your life who could benefit from your focused attention and service this week. [01:13:00]
7. The sermon challenges us to be the church through servanthood. What is one specific way you can contribute to your church community that goes beyond attending services? [01:20:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Global Intercession and Unity
Description: As part of the global church family, we are called to intercede for one another, especially for those facing persecution and for the nation of Israel. This unity in prayer reflects our interconnectedness and the power of collective intercession. When we pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, we strengthen the global body of Christ and remind ourselves of the broader mission we are part of. Our prayers are not limited by geography; they transcend borders and bring us together as one body in Christ. [23:10]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: Think of a specific country or group of persecuted Christians. How can you commit to praying for them daily this week, and what specific prayers will you lift up for their protection and boldness?
Day 2: The Messiness of the Church
Description: The church is often messy because it is made up of broken people, including ourselves. Yet, God chooses to work through this messiness to accomplish His purposes. This should humble us and remind us of the grace we have received, encouraging us to extend that grace to others. Recognizing the imperfections within the church helps us to be more compassionate and patient with one another, understanding that we are all in need of God's grace and mercy. [32:20]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were hurt or disappointed by someone in the church. How can you extend grace and forgiveness to them, recognizing that we are all broken and in need of God's mercy?
Day 3: Jesus as the Ultimate Servant
Description: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of servanthood. Despite having all authority, He chose to serve. This act teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in humble service to others. Jesus' example challenges us to rethink our understanding of leadership and greatness, urging us to adopt a posture of humility and service in our daily interactions. [45:43]
John 13:14-15 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week, following Jesus' example of humble service. How can you do this act of service without seeking recognition or reward?
Day 4: Servanthood as Identity
Description: Being a servant is not just about performing acts of service but about adopting a servant's heart and mindset. This means consistently putting others' needs before our own and finding joy in serving without seeking recognition. Our identity in Christ calls us to embody servanthood in every aspect of our lives, reflecting Jesus' love and humility in our interactions with others. [52:09]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. What is one specific way you can shift your mindset to prioritize others' needs above your own, and how can you practice this consistently?
Day 5: Mutual Submission and Support
Description: Just as in a marriage, where spouses support each other in fulfilling their vows, we as a church family are called to support and serve one another. This mutual submission and support reflect the love and humility of Christ and strengthen the body of Christ. By embracing a spirit of mutual submission, we create a community where everyone feels valued and supported, fostering a culture of love and unity. [01:07:06]
Ephesians 5:21 (ESV): "Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Reflection: Consider someone in your church community who may need support or encouragement. How can you reach out to them this week and offer your help or a listening ear, demonstrating mutual submission and support?
Quotes
1. "The church is a place where you will encounter sinners regularly. You're going to likely get hurt. Or disappointed along the way. And welcome to the family of God. Where sinners undertake the process of sanctification. Where we strive for holiness. And purity. Never lowering the bar of course. But following in the footsteps of Jesus. Walking in step with the spirit. We know that we are far. From perfect. We're fatally flawed. And we are hopeless without God." [34:21] (30 seconds)
2. "Yet despite those flaws. God says that the church is his plan A. For all of the re-words. Redemption. Reconciliation. Restoration. Renewal. All of those powerful words. God says that the church is his plan A. And he says there is no plan B. And we know how the story ends. We have the final chapter. We see that God is indeed coming back. For a pure and spotless bride. The church is. God's chosen instrument. To reach the world. And that's pretty incredible. That you and I made the cut. That we have a part in that plan." [35:20] (41 seconds)
3. "If you are a follower of Jesus. Then you are called. To be a servant. No ifs, ands, or buts. You are called to be a servant. If he is your master. Then you are called to be a servant. You have received the highest call. To the lowest position. So that's where we're going to start. The highest call to the lowest position. You are called to be a servant." [39:14] (24 seconds)
4. "Jesus put others needs. Before his own. Even going to the cross. In order to serve our needs. Not thinking of himself. Rather laying his life down. For our sake. Jesus came to seek. Save and I'll add to serve the lost. Which is ultimately demonstrated at the cross." [41:15] (22 seconds)
5. "We are called to be servants. You are called to be a servant. Remember, Jesus is talking to the founders of the church, a movement that has been spreading for 2,000 years, and it's traced right, back to Jesus, the head. It's moments like these that show us at a molecular level what is at the DNA level of the body of Christ. It's servanthood that is at the foundation, at the bedrock of God's church. It is servanthood. It's humility." [53:46] (34 seconds)
6. "Instead of asking, what can I get out of church? We should ask, what can I contribute to the church? Instead of asking, why should I go to the church? What will it benefit me? Rather, we should relish the opportunity to be the church, serving the needs of others and putting their interests ahead of our own. Be the church is the call, not me, the church. We have an obligation to one another, an obligation. Brothers and sisters, we are not our own. We belong first to Christ and then second to one another." [01:01:18] (32 seconds)
7. "Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less. Humility is thinking more of others. Humble people are so focused on serving others, they don't think of themselves." [01:13:00] (14 seconds)
8. "Being a servant requires the willingness to go where God says to go. And when God says to go, it is to stay where God says that you should stay. To do what God says that you are to do. It is to obey him and put his will before your own and to put their interests ahead of your own. That's what it means to be a servant. It genuinely means to put others before yourself. First and foremost, God, whatever you say, God, I want to do. And then secondly, God, whoever you ask me to love, whoever you ask me to serve, I will happily do it." [01:16:47] (40 seconds)
9. "Being a servant is not really something that you do so much as it is someone, it's something that you are. It's who you are. It's not an action, it's part of our identity in Christ. We get to be like Jesus. We get to be like servant. So we're going to talk more next week on what it looks like to be the church, but I believe that this is the foundation of God's church. When he has a team that genuinely is looking out, each one looking out for the interests of others, that is a team that God delights to pour out his spirit on and to equip with gifts, because that's a team that won't use the gifts to serve themselves, but they'll use the gifts to serve one another, to build the church, and to be a light in the darkness that we have been called to be." [01:20:26] (51 seconds)
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