Embracing Our Roles: The Jesus Way of Service
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, emphasizing the theme "The Jesus Way." This theme is rooted in the call to come to Jesus, learn from Him, and find rest for our souls. Just as in baseball, where every player must fulfill their role for the team to succeed, the church thrives when each member plays their part. This analogy underscores the importance of unity and collaboration within the body of Christ.
Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12, we explored three timeless principles for the church's effectiveness. First, we must proclaim Jesus' Lordship, recognizing our new identity in Him. The Corinthian Christians, like us, were called to leave behind their past affiliations and serve Christ alone. This involves a conscious decision to live under His Lordship, acknowledging that our spiritual identity is not about impressive gifts but about God's Spirit at work within us.
Second, we are encouraged to discover our Spirit-assigned positions. Just as a baseball coach assigns positions to players, the Holy Spirit assigns roles within the church. Every believer has a unique gift, and it's crucial to identify and embrace these gifts for the benefit of the church community. This diversity in gifts, unified by the same Spirit, allows us to serve effectively and fulfill God's mission.
Finally, we are called to make plays for the team when God shows up. Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, to bless the church and impact the world. It's not enough to know our gifts; we must actively use them. Whether through serving opportunities, seeking feedback, or taking assessments, we should strive to understand and utilize our gifts. The ultimate goal is not just to win games but to win souls for Christ and glorify God.
Key Takeaways:
- Proclaiming Jesus' Lordship: Embracing our new identity in Christ means leaving behind past affiliations and serving Him alone. This involves a conscious decision to live under His Lordship, recognizing that our spiritual identity is not about impressive gifts but about God's Spirit at work within us. [11:02]
- Discovering Spirit-Assigned Positions: Just as a baseball coach assigns positions, the Holy Spirit assigns roles within the church. Every believer has a unique gift, and it's crucial to identify and embrace these gifts for the benefit of the church community. This diversity in gifts, unified by the same Spirit, allows us to serve effectively and fulfill God's mission. [16:38]
- Making Plays for the Team: Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, to bless the church and impact the world. It's not enough to know our gifts; we must actively use them. Whether through serving opportunities, seeking feedback, or taking assessments, we should strive to understand and utilize our gifts. [29:51]
- Unity in Diversity: The church thrives when each member plays their part, just as in baseball. This analogy underscores the importance of unity and collaboration within the body of Christ. Our diverse gifts, when used together, create a powerful force for God's kingdom. [34:20]
- Serving with Joy: Serving in our God-given roles brings deep joy and fulfillment. It's where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger. As we serve, we are filled with joy and make a significant impact in God's kingdom. [39:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:12] - Prayer and Introduction
- [11:02] - Proclaiming Jesus' Lordship
- [16:38] - Discovering Spirit-Assigned Positions
- [22:08] - Understanding Spiritual Gifts
- [29:51] - Making Plays for the Team
- [34:20] - Unity in Diversity
- [39:02] - Serving with Joy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul emphasize about the source of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6? How does this relate to the unity and diversity within the church? [16:38]
2. According to the sermon, what analogy is used to describe the importance of each member playing their part in the church? How does this analogy help us understand our roles in the church? [05:12]
3. What are some of the spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, and how are they intended to be used within the church community? [22:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of discovering one's Spirit-assigned position within the church? What steps are suggested for identifying these gifts? [29:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does proclaiming Jesus' Lordship signify a change in identity for believers, according to the sermon? How does this relate to leaving behind past affiliations? [11:02]
2. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in assigning positions within the church? Why is it important for believers to embrace their unique gifts? [16:38]
3. The sermon mentions that spiritual gifts are given for the common good. How does this perspective challenge the way we view our personal gifts and talents? [29:51]
4. How does the analogy of a baseball team help illustrate the concept of unity in diversity within the church? What lessons can be drawn from this analogy about collaboration and teamwork? [34:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current involvement in the church. Are there areas where you feel you could be more active in using your spiritual gifts? What steps can you take to explore these opportunities? [29:51]
2. Consider the analogy of a baseball team. In what ways can you contribute to the "team" of your church community? Are there specific roles or ministries you feel called to explore? [05:12]
3. The sermon encourages believers to proclaim Jesus' Lordship. How can you actively demonstrate this in your daily life, especially in areas where you may have previously held different affiliations or priorities? [11:02]
4. How can you seek feedback from others to better understand your spiritual gifts and how they can be used for the common good? Who in your church community can you approach for guidance and encouragement? [29:51]
5. The sermon suggests trying out different serving opportunities to discover your gifts. What new ministry or service area could you explore this month to see where you might be most effective? [29:51]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt deep joy and fulfillment while serving in your God-given role. How can you cultivate more of these experiences in your life and encourage others to do the same? [39:02]
7. Is there a specific distraction or hesitation that prevents you from fully engaging in your Spirit-assigned position? How can you address this barrier and step into your role with confidence? [34:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
In the journey of faith, proclaiming Jesus' Lordship is foundational. This involves a conscious decision to live under His Lordship, recognizing that our spiritual identity is not about impressive gifts but about God's Spirit at work within us. The Corinthian Christians, like us, were called to leave behind their past affiliations and serve Christ alone. This means embracing a new identity in Him, one that is defined by His love and grace rather than our past or our abilities. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, we align ourselves with His purpose and allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. [11:02]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: What past affiliations or identities do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Discovering Our Unique Spiritual Gifts
Just as a baseball coach assigns positions to players, the Holy Spirit assigns roles within the church. Every believer has a unique gift, and it's crucial to identify and embrace these gifts for the benefit of the church community. This diversity in gifts, unified by the same Spirit, allows us to serve effectively and fulfill God's mission. Understanding our Spirit-assigned positions helps us to contribute meaningfully to the body of Christ, ensuring that the church functions as a cohesive unit. By discovering and embracing our spiritual gifts, we can serve with purpose and passion. [16:38]
"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." (Romans 12:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What unique spiritual gift do you believe the Holy Spirit has given you, and how can you begin to use it to serve your church community this week?
Day 3: Actively Using Our Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are given for the common good, to bless the church and impact the world. It's not enough to know our gifts; we must actively use them. Whether through serving opportunities, seeking feedback, or taking assessments, we should strive to understand and utilize our gifts. The ultimate goal is not just to win games but to win souls for Christ and glorify God. By making plays for the team when God shows up, we contribute to the church's mission and demonstrate the love of Christ to the world. [29:51]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your spiritual gift to serve someone in your church or community this week?
Day 4: Unity in Diversity
The church thrives when each member plays their part, just as in baseball. This analogy underscores the importance of unity and collaboration within the body of Christ. Our diverse gifts, when used together, create a powerful force for God's kingdom. By valuing and respecting each other's contributions, we build a community that reflects the unity and diversity of the Spirit. This unity in diversity is a testament to the world of God's love and the transformative power of the gospel. [34:20]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you encourage and support someone else's spiritual gift in your church community this week?
Day 5: Serving with Joy
Serving in our God-given roles brings deep joy and fulfillment. It's where our deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger. As we serve, we are filled with joy and make a significant impact in God's kingdom. By aligning our passions with God's purpose, we find true satisfaction and contribute to the flourishing of the church and the world. Serving with joy is not just about fulfilling a duty but about experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised. [39:02]
"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" (Psalm 100:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of service that brings you joy, and how can you commit to serving in that area more consistently?
Quotes
"Everyone has to play their part in baseball. Otherwise, their team will absolutely fail. Just last week, I was driving in Chicago for a concert with a couple of friends, and we drove past Wrigley Field, past Wrigley Field. And for all of our Cubs fans, we know that's a place, even as you drive outside, there are monuments and statues dedicated to all the baseball greats who have been there. And we looked, and it was a pretty chilly night. Nobody was playing baseball in there. The lights were all off. But we know that very soon, a lot of great things, and we're hoping, are going to be happening in that stadium." [00:00:54] (41 seconds)
"The Cubs will only win games at home or away if everyone on the team plays their position the way that they are supposed to. I mean, can you imagine if it's time for the game and they sing the national anthem and everybody runs out onto the field except for the Cubs' first baseman? We say, where is he? And he's sitting in the dugout just hanging out there and he says, you know what, I think I'm going to sit this one out. What? That will not work. Can you imagine if the catcher decided that he was going to climb up into the stands and eat some peanuts and throw them at people instead of playing his position?" [00:02:21] (44 seconds)
"This same principle holds true. This same principle. We need everyone to play their position. It's the only way that we can be successful at the mission God has called us to. If some of the people of the church say, you know what? I'm just going to hang out in the dugout instead. Or, you know what? I'm just going to go up and sit in the stands and watch and maybe throw some peanuts at people. That is not going to work. It's not God's design. And today, as we walk through God's word, we are going to see that the church wins when you play your part." [00:04:33] (39 seconds)
"Now the thing you need to know about the Corinthian Christians the people that have become Christians there in that section of Greece they didn't become Christians out of a vacuum. They didn't have no history. They actually had a priest lifestyle. They had a previous religious affiliation, if you will. And so as Paul writes to these individuals, he's letting them know, you used to live that way. You used to be on, in a sense, someone else's team. But now that you're on Jesus' team, you are called to serve him alone." [00:07:43] (40 seconds)
"Being a spiritual person doesn't mean having some of the impressive gifts that your culture puts up on a pedestal. The things that were really popular in that day were things like wisdom and knowledge. So some of the Christians there who had some really impressive things to share and to teach, everybody thought, wow, they are on another level beyond us. But Paul says, no. What makes you a spiritual person is not having an impressive spiritual gift. What makes you a spiritual person is God's Spirit being at work in you. And if you can make that basic." [00:11:02] (43 seconds)
"You know, one of the things I love hearing, one of the gentlemen in my small group, and he said it to me even this last week, he continues to say things like, you know what, God has been so good to me. God has been so good to me. And I love that. Proclaiming God's goodness, proclaiming his ownership and reception of God as his Lord and Savior, as he continues to proclaim that. So we should continue to proclaim that, hey, I'm under new management. I used to be like that, but now I'm like this. Because God has changed me. That's a first step in playing our part as a church. To recognize that we're now under the Lordship of Jesus and deciding to live in that way." [00:12:09] (48 seconds)
"This is really what we're seeing here is diversity and unity coming together in a beautiful way. We've all been given different giftings. We've all been given different personalities. And as we come together we can be unified at the foot of the cross knowing that we are equal and one in Christ Jesus. Amen? gifted differently but we're empowered by the same God." [00:16:00] (26 seconds)
"And what he said in small group this week was, you know, I look back at what God has done in his word. And if God can part the Red Sea, allowing his people to walk safely through on dry ground and have it come back together to overcome probably the most powerful army in the world in that moment, then God can do anything else. And I thought, what an incredible perspective. That's a pretty high bar. God parting the Red Sea to save a lot of people. I don't know how many, a hundred thousand. I don't know. A lot of Israelites, God, save them." [00:17:57] (35 seconds)
"The joy that wells up within you in serving in a certain way, where that meets the world's greatest need for God, is a place where as you go and you serve, you are filled with joy as you make an impact in God's kingdom. And so if you're here today, you say, you know what? I'm not quite sure what my spiritual giftings are. I'm not quite sure how God has gifted me. And I want to ask you the question, if you're not sure what they are, do you want to know?" [00:26:05] (34 seconds)
"Maybe you've got a role that's been assigned you by the Holy Spirit, a passion. But maybe like that pitcher on the pitcher's mound, you're sitting there and the Holy Spirit's telling you what to do and you're like shaking them off. No, I don't want to do that one. No, I don't want to do that one either. Maybe you're in the place where you're resisting the design that God has for you. I want to encourage you, don't do that. Get in the game. Step up to the plate and use the giftingness that God has given to you. Get in the game. Amen?" [00:38:29] (32 seconds)
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