Embracing Our Purpose: Made to Serve Others
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that we are made for more, specifically, we are made to serve. This concept might not seem appealing at first, but it is essential for a fulfilling life and leaving a lasting legacy. We began by acknowledging the innate sense many of us have that there must be more to life than what we are currently experiencing. Scripture affirms this, revealing that God has created us for more than just a mundane existence. Over the past weeks, we've discussed being made for relationship, freedom, and access to God. Today, we focused on the fourth aspect: service.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often introduced himself as a "slave of Christ Jesus," highlighting his identity as one who willingly serves. This challenges us to reconsider our own identities as followers of Jesus. We are reminded that before knowing Christ, we were slaves to sin, but through His sacrifice, we have been ransomed and set free. This freedom is not just for our benefit but to enable us to serve others.
Jesus exemplified this servant leadership. In John 13, He washed His disciples' feet, including Judas, who would betray Him. This act of humility and service is a powerful example for us. Jesus taught that true greatness in His kingdom comes from serving others, not from seeking to be served. This countercultural message challenges the world's view that places self-importance and personal happiness above all else.
We are encouraged to adopt a mindset of service in our daily lives. When we see a need and have the power to address it, we should choose to serve. This applies not only in church but also at home, work, and school. By serving others, we reflect Jesus' love and make a significant impact on the world around us. We are made for more; we are made to serve.
Key Takeaways:
- Identity in Service: The Apostle Paul identified himself as a "slave of Christ Jesus," emphasizing that our true identity as followers of Jesus is found in serving Him and others. This challenges us to see ourselves not as masters of our own lives but as willing servants of Christ. [49:48]
- Freedom to Serve: Before knowing Christ, we were slaves to sin, but through His sacrifice, we have been set free. This freedom is not for self-indulgence but to empower us to serve others, reflecting the love and grace we have received. [53:23]
- Jesus' Example of Humility: Jesus demonstrated servant leadership by washing His disciples' feet, including Judas, who would betray Him. This act of humility teaches us that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from serving others, not seeking to be served. [01:07:39]
- Countercultural Kingdom: Jesus' teachings challenge the world's view that prioritizes self-importance. In His kingdom, leaders serve, and we are called to follow His example by putting others' needs before our own. [59:49]
- Everyday Acts of Service: We are encouraged to adopt a mindset of service in our daily lives. When we see a need and have the power to address it, we should choose to serve, making a significant impact on those around us and reflecting Jesus' love. [01:11:17]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:28] - Prayer for North Carolina Team
[38:18] - Prayer for Athletes
[41:06] - Made for More Series Overview
[46:15] - Understanding Biblical Letters
[47:31] - Paul's Identity as a Servant
[49:48] - Our Identity in Christ
[50:35] - Who Do You Serve?
[51:27] - Ransomed by Christ
[53:23] - Freedom to Serve
[54:19] - Cultural Messages vs. Jesus' Teachings
[55:10] - Jesus' Teaching on Servanthood
[56:56] - Disciples' Misunderstanding
[58:02] - Jesus' Kingdom Principles
[59:49] - Leaders Serve in God's Kingdom
[01:02:15] - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet
[01:07:39] - Serving Even the Betrayer
[01:10:31] - The Blessing of Serving
[01:11:17] - Everyday Acts of Service
[01:16:22] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[01:18:16] - Prayer for New Believers
[01:22:41] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:1-17 - Jesus washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating servant leadership.
2. Romans 1:1 - Paul introduces himself as a "slave of Christ Jesus."
3. 1 Peter 1:18-19 - We are ransomed by the precious blood of Christ.
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant act of service did Jesus perform for His disciples in John 13, and what was its cultural significance? [01:03:25]
2. How does Paul describe his identity in Romans 1:1, and what does this imply about his relationship with Christ? [47:31]
3. According to 1 Peter 1:18-19, what was the cost of our ransom from sin, and why is this significant? [53:23]
4. In the sermon, what example did the pastor give to illustrate everyday acts of service? [01:11:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet in John 13 challenge the conventional understanding of leadership and greatness? [01:07:39]
2. What does Paul's self-identification as a "slave of Christ Jesus" suggest about the nature of Christian service and identity? [49:48]
3. How does the concept of being ransomed by Christ's blood in 1 Peter 1:18-19 redefine our understanding of freedom and service? [53:23]
4. How does the pastor's story about the football team illustrate the impact of small acts of service in everyday life? [01:11:17]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized your own importance over serving others. How can you adopt a mindset of service in similar situations in the future? [54:19]
2. Jesus washed the feet of all His disciples, including Judas. How can you serve those who may not appreciate or reciprocate your service? [01:08:31]
3. Identify a specific area in your life (home, work, school) where you can practice servant leadership. What steps will you take this week to serve others in that area? [01:11:17]
4. Consider the cultural messages that prioritize self-importance. How can you counteract these messages in your daily life and interactions? [54:19]
5. The pastor mentioned that seeing a need and having the power to address it should prompt us to serve. What is one need you have noticed recently, and how can you address it this week? [01:11:17]
6. How can you remind yourself daily that you are made for more and made to serve, especially when faced with challenges or resistance? [01:15:39]
7. Think of someone in your life who exemplifies servant leadership. What qualities do they possess that you can emulate in your own life? [01:10:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Identity in Service
Our identity as followers of Jesus is deeply rooted in service. The Apostle Paul often referred to himself as a "slave of Christ Jesus," which challenges us to reconsider how we view our own identities. Before knowing Christ, we were slaves to sin, but through His sacrifice, we have been set free. This freedom is not for self-indulgence but to empower us to serve others, reflecting the love and grace we have received. Embracing this identity means seeing ourselves not as masters of our own lives but as willing servants of Christ, dedicated to serving Him and others. [49:48]
Romans 6:17-18 (ESV): "But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your perspective to see yourself more as a servant of Christ in your daily life? How might this change your interactions with others today?
Day 2: Freedom to Serve
The freedom we receive through Christ is not meant for self-indulgence but to empower us to serve others. Before knowing Christ, we were bound by sin, but His sacrifice has set us free. This newfound freedom is a call to action, urging us to reflect the love and grace we have received by serving those around us. By choosing to serve, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love and make a significant impact on the world. [53:23]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: How can you use your freedom in Christ to serve someone in need today? What specific action can you take to reflect His love and grace?
Day 3: Jesus' Example of Humility
Jesus exemplified servant leadership by washing His disciples' feet, including Judas, who would betray Him. This act of humility teaches us that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from serving others, not seeking to be served. Jesus' actions challenge the world's view that prioritizes self-importance and personal happiness. By following His example, we learn that serving others is a powerful expression of love and humility, and it is through service that we find true greatness in His kingdom. [01:07:39]
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: Who in your life might you be called to serve, even if it feels challenging or uncomfortable? How can you follow Jesus' example of humility in this situation?
Day 4: Countercultural Kingdom
Jesus' teachings challenge the world's view that prioritizes self-importance. In His kingdom, leaders serve, and we are called to follow His example by putting others' needs before our own. This countercultural message invites us to reevaluate our priorities and embrace a lifestyle of service. By doing so, we align ourselves with the values of God's kingdom and become agents of change in a world that often values self-promotion over selflessness. [59:49]
Mark 10:43-45 (ESV): "But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can prioritize serving others over seeking recognition or personal gain? How can you take a step towards this today?
Day 5: Everyday Acts of Service
We are encouraged to adopt a mindset of service in our daily lives. When we see a need and have the power to address it, we should choose to serve. This applies not only in church but also at home, work, and school. By serving others, we reflect Jesus' love and make a significant impact on the world around us. Embracing everyday acts of service allows us to live out our faith in practical ways and demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's love. [01:11:17]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: Identify one specific need you can address in your community or workplace today. How can you use your unique gifts to serve others and reflect Jesus' love in this situation?
Quotes
1. "Most of us instinctively have this sense that, man, I have to have been made for more than what I'm living, what I'm experiencing. There's got to be more than just ho-hum, apathetic, mediocre, even Christianity. There's got to be something more than what I'm experiencing in my relationship with Jesus. And if you have that hunch, if there's been that thought, can I just tell you, Scripture is so clear. Scripture is so clear that God has made us for more." [41:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You don't have to just live with the same things that your parents lived with, that your grandparents lived with. You don't have to struggle with the same fears and insecurities and addictions. You're made for more. God wants you to be free from that. He doesn't want you to just keep walking in that same bondage." [41:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You don't have to wait until Sunday morning to access the presence of God that any day any time wherever you are regardless of what's going on in your life that you have access to his presence how incredible is that right so today we are on our 14th and final more that we're going to talk about it and I want to warn you this fourth more isn't very sexy um in fact after I start talking about it you might decide you're just going to go with the first three and ignore this one completely but I want you to know that if you're going to flourish in life if you're going to leave a legacy you need to lean in and pay attention to what we're going to talk about today here's our fourth more the fourth more is that you were made to serve you were made for more you were made to serve" [46:15] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If this is how the apostle Paul, you know, schools are named after him, churches are named after him, St. Paul's this, St. Paul's Catholic, blah, blah, blah. Okay. If this is how the apostle Paul, St. Paul, how he saw himself, if you consider yourself a follower of Jesus, could it be that this is how you should see yourself? How I should see myself? Now, the problem with this is we instantly push back. And we kind of flinch when we hear this kind of language and we go, hey, I ain't going to be a slave of nobody. I'm my own master. I didn't sign up to be a slave of somebody." [50:35] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's not that I have to be saved. I get to be saved. It's not that I have to read God's word. I get to read God's word. This is how I discover who he is, his character, his nature. This is how I discover how I'm supposed to live my life. I get to read God's word. It's not that I have to pray. I get to pray. I get to share what's going on. I get to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and pay attention to his promptings and his leadings. Listen, it's not that I have to serve. I get to serve. Because you are made for more. You are made to what? Serve. You are made to serve." [53:23] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else. What is he saying? He's saying we live in a culture where we are all striving to be first in importance. Okay, this isn't about these guys all. Taking a knee next week in the playoffs. All right, I guess it's to be first. No, that's not. He's talking about what he's talking about. It's not Joel. The starting gun goes off and Joel goes, all right, I'll be last place in cross country. No, this is about that we're all striving to be the center of the room. We're all striving to be the most important. We're all striving that I'm not going to serve. I deserve for other people to serve me. And Jesus says, no. You need to learn how to be the servant of everyone else." [56:56] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In the kingdom of God, leaders serve. In the kingdom of God, I'm not waiting, I'm not showing my authority by how many people are serving me. In the kingdom of God, leaders serve. Leaders get dirty. Leaders stoop and bend and do the things that nobody else wants to do. Now, here's what I love about Jesus, and here's probably what you love about Jesus. Jesus didn't just preach this stuff. Jesus lived this stuff." [59:49] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you see a need that is within your power to do something about what if you just make a decision to serve let me say it again when you see a need that is in your power to do something about what if you just make a decision i'm going to serve because i was made for more i was made to serve this isn't just you know at church you know where the hardest place sometimes to do this at is at home" [01:11:17] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You never know the difference that you make with your serving. You never know the people that are watching you. You are made for more. You are made to serve." [01:15:39] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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