Embracing Our Purpose Through Serving Like Jesus
Summary
Today’s focus is on the truth that no one and nothing else can do for us what Jesus has done. Jesus conquered the grave, gave His all, and invites us to respond by giving our lives in service to Him and to others. We are reminded that each person is a one-of-a-kind, God-designed masterpiece, uniquely shaped for a purpose. Our value and identity are not based on what others say or on our own doubts, but on what God declares in His Word. Ephesians 2:10 affirms that we are God’s masterpiece, created anew in Christ to do the good works He planned for us long ago.
Being part of the church family means embracing our imperfections and doing life and ministry together. We are not called to sit on the sidelines but to serve, using our unique gifts and abilities to build up the body of Christ. The responsibility of pastors and leaders is to call out the gifts God has placed in each person, encouraging everyone to step into their God-given purpose. Serving is not reserved for a select few; it is the calling of every believer. There are no part-time Christians—life and ministry are meant to be lived together, not compartmentalized.
Jesus Himself is our ultimate model for serving. He made Himself available, often allowing interruptions to become opportunities for ministry. He did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. We are challenged to follow His example by intentionally making time to serve others, even when life is busy. Serving is not about waiting for the perfect moment; it’s about starting where we are, trusting that God will use us as we step out in faith.
Serving others is not just about meeting needs; it’s a pathway to spiritual growth, gratitude, and deeper community. As we serve, we are also served and encouraged by others. The invitation is open to everyone—there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. Ultimately, we serve because Jesus first served us, giving His life so that we could have eternal life. Our response is to say yes to Him, to embrace our calling, and to live lives that bring glory to God by serving Him and others.
Key Takeaways
- You are a one-of-a-kind, God-designed masterpiece, uniquely equipped for a purpose. No matter what lies you’ve believed or what others have said, your value is rooted in God’s declaration over your life. Embracing this truth frees you to step into the good works God has prepared for you. [32:47]
- Serving is not a spectator activity; it is the calling of every believer. We are saved to serve, not to sit, and our faith is meant to be lived out through action, not just words. When we serve, we participate in building up the church and experience the joy of being used by God. [35:55]
- Life and ministry are not meant to be compartmentalized. True spiritual growth happens when we integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, doing life and ministry together with our families and church community. This holistic approach allows us to model Christ’s love and service in practical, everyday ways. [43:11]
- Jesus is the ultimate example of servanthood, making Himself available and embracing interruptions as opportunities to serve. Following His example means intentionally prioritizing time to serve others, even when it’s inconvenient or outside our plans. Most of Jesus’s ministry happened in the interruptions—so must ours. [46:32]
- Serving others is a pathway to gratitude, spiritual maturity, and deeper relationships. As we serve, we not only bless others but are ourselves encouraged, supported, and transformed. The act of serving is never wasted; God uses every effort for His glory and our growth, and we will never regret lives spent in service to Him. [56:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:53] - Opening Prayer and Series Introduction
[32:47] - You Are God’s Masterpiece
[35:55] - The Call to Serve, Not Sit
[39:04] - Uniquely Shaped for a Purpose
[40:27] - Serving Others with Our Gifts
[43:11] - Life and Ministry Together
[45:11] - Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Service
[46:32] - Making Time to Serve
[48:06] - Embracing Interruptions in Ministry
[49:09] - Moving from “Serve Me” to “How Can I Serve?”
[51:03] - Forgetting Self, Focusing on Others
[52:28] - The Blessing of Serving in Community
[54:28] - Starting Somewhere: Every Step Matters
[56:36] - Thankfulness and Spiritual Growth Through Serving
[58:09] - Confidence in the Work of God
[01:00:07] - You Matter: Honoring Volunteers
[01:02:34] - The First Step: Saying Yes to Jesus
[01:06:15] - Closing Prayer and Celebration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
- 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."
- Matthew 20:28 (ESV)
"Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it mean that we are God’s “workmanship” or “masterpiece”? How does the sermon describe this idea? [[32:47]]
2. In 1 Peter 4:10, what are we told to do with the gifts God has given us? How does the sermon connect this to serving others? [[40:27]]
3. What example does Jesus set for us in Matthew 20:28, and how did the sermon highlight Jesus’ approach to serving? [[45:11]]
4. The sermon mentions that most of Jesus’s ministry happened in the interruptions. What story from Jesus’s life was used to illustrate this? [[46:32]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says our value and identity are rooted in what God declares, not in what others say or our own doubts. Why is this distinction important for how we view ourselves and our purpose? [[32:47]]
2. The pastor emphasized that serving is not just for a select few, but the calling of every believer. What are some reasons people might hesitate to serve, and how does the sermon address those hesitations? [[43:11]]
3. Jesus made Himself available and allowed interruptions to become opportunities for ministry. What does this teach us about how we should view our own schedules and priorities? [[46:32]]
4. The sermon talks about doing life and ministry together, not compartmentalizing them. What are some practical ways this can be lived out in a family or church community? [[43:11]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “You are a one-of-a-kind, God-designed masterpiece.” What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe this? How might embracing this truth change the way you serve others? [[32:47]]
2. Serving is described as the calling of every believer, not just pastors or leaders. What is one specific way you could start serving in your church or community this month? What’s holding you back? [[35:55]]
3. The pastor shared that most of Jesus’s ministry happened in the interruptions. Think about your past week—was there an “interruption” that could have been an opportunity to serve someone? How can you be more open to these moments? [[46:32]]
4. The sermon challenges us not to compartmentalize life and ministry. Is there a part of your life (work, family, hobbies) where you tend to keep your faith separate? What would it look like to bring your faith into that area? [[43:11]]
5. The pastor said, “Serving others is a pathway to gratitude, spiritual maturity, and deeper relationships.” Can you share a time when serving someone else changed your perspective or helped you grow? [[56:36]]
6. There are “countless ways to get involved and make a difference.” What is one step you can take this week to explore serving, even if it’s just having a conversation with a leader or trying something new? [[51:03]]
7. The sermon ended with the reminder that we serve because Jesus first served us. How does remembering what Jesus has done for you motivate you to serve others, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable? [[45:11]]
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Devotional
Day 1: You Are a One-of-a-Kind, God-Designed Masterpiece
God has uniquely created each person as a masterpiece, intentionally shaping every individual with specific gifts, talents, and abilities to fulfill a purpose that only they can accomplish. No matter what others have said or what doubts you may have, you are not an accident or a mistake—God sees you, values you, and has equipped you to do amazing things for Jesus. Embrace your uniqueness and recognize that you are a “10” in some area, called to make a difference in ways no one else can. [32:47]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Reflection: What is one unique gift or talent God has given you that you’ve overlooked or doubted, and how can you begin to use it to serve others this week?
Day 2: Serving Is Our Calling—Not Just for a Few
Every follower of Jesus is called to serve, not just pastors or church leaders. God has given each of us gifts and abilities, and it is our responsibility to use them to build up the church and serve others. Serving is not about waiting for the perfect moment or feeling fully prepared; it’s about taking steps of faith, knowing that God has equipped you for His work and that together, as a church family, we can accomplish far more than any one person alone. [35:55]
Ephesians 4:11-12 (ESV)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.
Reflection: Where is God prompting you to step out and serve, even if you feel unqualified or too busy, and what is one small step you can take this week to respond?
Day 3: Jesus Is Our Model—Make Yourself Available to Serve
Jesus, though He was the Son of God, came not to be served but to serve, showing us that true greatness is found in serving others. He made Himself available, often pausing in the midst of busyness to meet the needs of those around Him, even when it meant interruptions or changes to His plans. If we want to follow Jesus, we must intentionally make time to serve others, prioritizing people over our own agendas and being willing to embrace the interruptions that God brings our way. [45:11]
Matthew 20:28 (ESV)
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Reflection: When was the last time you allowed yourself to be interrupted to help someone in need, and how can you intentionally make space in your schedule this week to serve like Jesus?
Day 4: Serving Others Brings Growth, Joy, and Gratitude
Serving is not just about what you do for others—it’s also about how God grows you through it. When you serve, you stretch, learn, and experience the joy and thankfulness that comes from being part of something bigger than yourself. Doing life and ministry together with others cultivates gratitude, deepens relationships, and brings peace as you see God work through your actions and words. [56:36]
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Reflection: Who is one person you can encourage or serve this week, and how might doing so help you experience more joy and gratitude in your own walk with God?
Day 5: We Serve Because Jesus First Served Us
The foundation of our service is the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave His life for us so that we could have a relationship with God. Our motivation to serve comes from recognizing that Jesus first served us, and now invites us to follow His example by serving others with the same love and commitment. Before we can truly serve, we must receive His love and say “yes” to Him, allowing His grace to transform our hearts and lives. [01:02:34]
John 17:4 (ESV)
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
Reflection: In what ways can you let the reality of Jesus’ love and sacrifice for you shape your attitude and actions toward serving others today?
Quotes
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