Embracing Selflessness: The Call to Serve
Summary
In the selfLESS Series, the focus is on the Christian call to live a life characterized by selflessness, particularly in the context of service. The message begins with a reflection on the importance of sharing one's testimony and the responsibility of believers to spread the good news of the Gospel. It is emphasized that followers of Jesus are entrusted with the mission of being bearers of the Gospel, and this is a role that should be taken seriously.
The discussion then transitions to the concept of being faithful in service. It is suggested that serving others is not just an activity, but a core aspect of a believer's identity. The message challenges individuals to examine their effectiveness as followers of Jesus in the current year, urging them to embody the servant nature that Jesus exemplified.
To illustrate the point, the message references the story of Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from Acts 9:36. Tabitha is highlighted as a model of selflessness, known for her good deeds and assistance to the poor. Her life of service was so impactful that, upon her death, she was miraculously brought back to life, signifying the importance of her ministry in the early Christian community.
The message then presents three practical ways in which believers can live out their calling to serve, drawing from biblical narratives. The first example is the act of "bringing a lunch," which refers to the story of David before he became king. David's willingness to perform what seemed like an insignificant task—delivering food to his brothers on the battlefield—demonstrated his servant heart, which ultimately led to his promotion by God.
The second example is "offering a ride," inspired by the New Testament account of a man who provided a donkey for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem, fulfilling an ancient prophecy. This act of service, though simple, played a crucial role in the unfolding of Jesus' mission.
The third and final example is "carrying a towel," which alludes to Jesus washing His disciples' feet before His crucifixion. This powerful act of humility and service is presented as a model for believers to follow, emphasizing that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others.
Throughout the message, the audience is encouraged to reflect on their own lives and consider whether they are living out their identity as servants of God. The challenge is to move beyond self-promotion and self-centeredness, which are prevalent in society, and to embrace a life of service that reflects the teachings of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Tabitha serves as a powerful example of what it means to live a selfless life. Her dedication to doing good and helping the poor was so significant that her resurrection became a catalyst for revival in her community. This demonstrates that acts of service, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the world around us. [21:44]
- Bringing a lunch, as David did for his brothers, symbolizes the importance of being willing to do the seemingly insignificant tasks that often go unnoticed. This willingness to serve in the background is a mark of true greatness in God's kingdom and can lead to unexpected opportunities and blessings. [27:24]
- Offering a ride, like the unnamed man who provided a donkey for Jesus, illustrates that being a faithful servant sometimes means making our resources available for God's purposes. This act of service, though it may appear minor, can be instrumental in fulfilling God's plans and demonstrates a heart of obedience and generosity. [29:23]
- Carrying a towel and following Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet is a call to embrace humility and servanthood. This act challenges believers to consider the ways in which they can serve others in their daily lives, reflecting Jesus' love and sacrifice through practical acts of kindness and service. [30:44]
- The message concludes with a reminder that serving is not just an activity but an identity for followers of Jesus. This identity should be evident in all aspects of life, not just within the church community but also in the broader world. Believers are called to consistently reflect a life of service, embodying the selfless nature of Christ in their interactions with others. [18:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: SelfLESS Series
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 9:36 - "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor."
2. 1 Samuel 17:17-18 - "Now Jesse said to his son David, 'Take this ephah of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread for your brothers and hurry to their camp. Take along these ten cheeses to the commander of their unit. See how your brothers are and bring back some assurance from them.'"
3. John 13:4-5 - "So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Tabitha (Dorcas) known for according to Acts 9:36?
2. In 1 Samuel 17:17-18, what task did Jesse give to David, and how did David respond?
3. Describe the act of service Jesus performed in John 13:4-5. What was the significance of this act? [30:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Tabitha's acts of service were so significant that she was brought back to life? How does this reflect on the importance of service in the early Christian community? [21:04]
2. How does David's willingness to deliver food to his brothers demonstrate a servant's heart? What can we learn from his example about the importance of seemingly insignificant tasks? [27:24]
3. What does Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet teach us about humility and servanthood? How can this act be a model for our own lives? [30:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the story of Tabitha. Are there small acts of service in your life that you might be overlooking? How can you be more intentional about serving others in your community? [21:44]
2. David's task of bringing lunch to his brothers seemed insignificant but was crucial. Are there "small" tasks in your life that you might be neglecting? How can you approach these tasks with a servant's heart? [27:24]
3. The unnamed man who provided a donkey for Jesus played a crucial role in fulfilling prophecy. What resources do you have that you can offer for God's purposes? How can you be more generous with what you have? [29:23]
4. Jesus washing His disciples' feet was a powerful act of humility. What are some practical ways you can serve others in your daily life, reflecting Jesus' love and sacrifice? [30:44]
5. The sermon emphasized that serving is not just an activity but an identity. How can you integrate a servant's mindset into all aspects of your life, not just within the church but also in your broader community? [18:12]
6. The culture today often promotes self-promotion and self-centeredness. How can you resist these cultural pressures and instead embrace a life of selflessness and service? [10:14]
7. Think about a time when you were more focused on self-promotion rather than serving others. What steps can you take to shift your focus towards serving others in the future? [13:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Selflessness Ignites Community Revival
Tabitha's resurrection was a testament to her selfless service, which left a lasting impact on her community. Her dedication to good works and aiding the poor exemplifies how even the smallest acts of service can lead to significant change and revival. Her story encourages believers to consider how their selfless actions can contribute to the transformation of their own communities. [21:44]
James 2:15-17 - "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate selfless service in your community this week to reflect the love of Christ?
Day 2: Greatness in the Mundane
David's simple act of bringing lunch to his brothers reveals the significance of embracing mundane tasks with a servant's heart. This story teaches that greatness in God's kingdom is not about seeking the spotlight but about faithfully serving in whatever capacity we are called, knowing that God sees and values our service. [27:24]
Colossians 3:23-24 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Reflection: What are some seemingly small tasks you can undertake this week with joy, as if serving the Lord directly?
Day 3: Generosity in Servitude
The unnamed man who provided a donkey for Jesus teaches us the importance of making our resources available for God's purposes. This act of service, though small, was crucial in fulfilling prophecy and demonstrates a heart of obedience and generosity. [29:23]
Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Reflection: What resources do you have that could be used to serve God's purposes, and how can you offer them this week?
Day 4: Humility in Servanthood
Jesus washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of humility and servanthood. This act challenges believers to consider how they can serve others in their daily lives, reflecting Jesus' love and sacrifice through practical acts of kindness and service. [30:44]
John 13:14-15 - "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility through service in your interactions today?
Day 5: Serving as Identity
Believers are reminded that serving is not just an activity but an identity. This identity should be evident in all aspects of life, reflecting the selfless nature of Christ in interactions with others, both within and outside the church community. [18:12]
1 Peter 4:10-11 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you more fully embrace your identity as a servant of God in your daily life?
Quotes
1) "Jesus entrusted you to be the ones to be the bearers of good news of the Gospel. You're disciples now, and it's a fantastic service to start us off." [05:11]
2) "If you want to follow Jesus, his teachings are diametrically opposed to self-centeredness, selfishness, and self-promotion, completely the opposite." [13:45]
3) "Jesus' followers serve; it's an action that reflects who they really are. Serving isn't just what we do, serving should be at the core of who we are called to be." [15:19]
4) "If you want to be great, you serve because the greatest among you is a servant. One of the ways that you can do this is to bring a lunch." [27:24]
5) "When they asked him for the donkey and he said why do you need it, he said yes, you can take whatever I have because I'm willing to offer a ride." [29:23]
6) "Carrying a towel is one of the most powerful pictures of serving in the New Testament. When I serve others, I am serving Jesus." [30:44]
7) "Her ministry was so important that she was brought back from the dead because she was always doing good and helping the poor." [21:44]
8) "Serving isn't just what we do as Jesus' followers, serving is who we are. So what should we always be doing? Serving." [18:12]
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