Embracing Service: Love in Action Within the Church
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Living Faith. Today, we continue our "We Are the Church" series by focusing on the theme "Come and Serve." At Living Faith Bible Church, we emphasize four key statements: come and hear, come and grow, come and serve, and come and lead. Today, we delve into the importance of serving within the church and beyond.
We began by examining the decline in church volunteerism, noting that pre-COVID, 45-50% of congregants were involved in serving, but this has dropped to 34-37% post-COVID. This decline is concerning, especially when considering the 80/20 rule, where 20% of the people often provide 80% of the outcome. This trend is not just limited to church activities but extends to serving outside the church as well.
Our primary scripture today is 1 Peter 4:8-11, where Peter emphasizes the importance of love and service among believers. Despite the persecution faced by early Christians, Peter urges them to live honorably, love earnestly, and serve one another without grumbling. He highlights that love covers a multitude of sins and that hospitality should be shown without complaint. Peter also stresses that each believer has unique gifts from God, which should be used to serve others and glorify God.
We discussed the various ways to serve within the church, such as greeting, making coffee, running slides, and participating in events like Trunk or Treat. We also explored opportunities to serve outside the church, such as helping at homeless shelters, food banks, pregnancy centers, and community cleanups. The key is to use our gifts, whether they are speaking or serving gifts, to love and serve others.
Peter's message is clear: we are called not to sit back and be served but to actively serve others. This act of service glorifies God, shows love, and helps us be good stewards of the gifts God has given us. It also matures the body of believers and reflects the image of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
### Key Takeaways
1. Love as a Top Priority: Peter emphasizes that love is the most important aspect of the Christian life. This love should be earnest and active, covering a multitude of sins. It’s not just about saying "I love you" but showing it through actions like hospitality and service without grumbling. This kind of love is challenging but essential for unity and harmony among believers. [12:20]
2. Using Our Gifts: Each believer has unique gifts from God, whether they are speaking or serving gifts. These gifts are not for our own benefit but to serve others and glorify God. Peter reminds us that both types of gifts are valuable and necessary for the body of Christ to function effectively. We must be good stewards of these gifts, using them to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. [15:33]
3. Serving Reflects Christ: Jesus Himself came not to be served but to serve. By serving others, we reflect the image of Christ and fulfill our mission as His disciples. Serving is an act of love and humility, showing that no task is beneath us if it glorifies God and helps others. [26:03]
4. Overcoming Obstacles to Serving: Several obstacles can hinder us from serving, such as consumerism, busyness, lack of clarity, and not being rooted in a community. We must evaluate our priorities and make intentional efforts to overcome these barriers. Serving should be a top priority, and we should seek opportunities both inside and outside the church. [27:47]
5. Practical Steps to Start Serving: There are numerous ways to start serving, from simple tasks like making coffee to more involved roles like leading a small group. Opportunities exist both within the church and in the broader community. The key is to take the first step, reach out to church leaders for guidance, and commit to using your gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of others. [30:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:27] - Introduction to "We Are the Church" Series
[03:38] - Recap of Previous Sermons
[04:50] - Importance of Serving
[06:23] - Decline in Church Volunteerism
[07:58] - Bridging Generational Gaps Through Service
[09:30] - Context of 1 Peter
[10:53] - Crucifying Fleshly Desires
[12:20] - Love One Another Earnestly
[15:33] - Using Your Gifts to Serve
[17:11] - Value of All Gifts
[18:46] - Empowerment by God
[20:32] - Love as Top Priority
[22:23] - Glorifying God Through Service
[24:10] - Maturing the Body of Believers
[26:03] - Reflecting the Image of Christ
[27:47] - Obstacles to Serving
[30:54] - Practical Steps to Start Serving
[32:22] - Opportunities Inside the Church
[33:42] - Specialized Roles in the Church
[35:17] - Opportunities Outside the Church
[38:14] - Conclusion and Call to Action
[39:59] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Peter 4:8-11 (ESV)
> "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 4:8, what is the primary command given to believers? How is this command described in terms of its importance? [12:20]
2. What are the two types of gifts mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10-11, and how should they be used? [15:33]
3. In the sermon, what statistic was given about the decline in church volunteerism post-COVID? [04:50]
4. What are some specific ways mentioned in the sermon that people can serve both inside and outside the church? [32:22]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Peter emphasize that love should be earnest and cover a multitude of sins? How does this kind of love contribute to unity among believers? [12:20]
2. How does using our gifts to serve others glorify God, according to 1 Peter 4:11? What does this imply about the purpose of our gifts? [15:33]
3. The sermon mentioned several obstacles to serving, such as consumerism and busyness. How do these obstacles affect our ability to serve effectively? [27:47]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, why is it important for believers to serve both within the church and in the broader community? How does this reflect the image of Christ? [26:03]
#### Application Questions
1. Peter calls us to love one another earnestly and show hospitality without grumbling. Think of a recent situation where you found it challenging to love earnestly. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [12:20]
2. Identify your unique gifts. How can you use these gifts to serve others in your church or community this week? Be specific about the actions you will take. [15:33]
3. The sermon highlighted the decline in volunteerism. Are you currently serving in your church? If not, what is one step you can take this week to get involved? [04:50]
4. Consider the obstacles to serving mentioned in the sermon, such as consumerism and busyness. Which of these obstacles do you struggle with the most? What practical steps can you take to overcome this barrier? [27:47]
5. Reflect on the idea that serving others reflects the image of Christ. How can you incorporate acts of service into your daily routine to better reflect Christ's love and humility? [26:03]
6. The sermon mentioned various ways to serve outside the church, such as helping at homeless shelters or food banks. Choose one of these opportunities and make a plan to participate in the coming month. [35:17]
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to start serving? What role can you play in fostering a culture of service within your church? [30:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Love in Action
Love is the cornerstone of the Christian life, and it must be more than just words. Peter emphasizes that love should be earnest and active, covering a multitude of sins. This kind of love is challenging but essential for unity and harmony among believers. It involves showing hospitality without grumbling and serving others selflessly. When we love earnestly, we reflect the love of Christ and create a community that supports and uplifts one another. This love is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, everyday acts of kindness and service that demonstrate our commitment to each other. [12:20]
1 Peter 4:8-9 (ESV): "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show earnest love to someone in your church or community today. How can you go beyond words to demonstrate this love through action?
Day 2: Stewarding Our Gifts
Each believer has unique gifts from God, whether they are speaking or serving gifts. These gifts are not for our own benefit but to serve others and glorify God. Peter reminds us that both types of gifts are valuable and necessary for the body of Christ to function effectively. We must be good stewards of these gifts, using them to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. This means recognizing our gifts, developing them, and actively seeking opportunities to use them in service to others. By doing so, we contribute to the growth and health of the church community. [15:33]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Reflection: Identify one of your unique gifts. How can you use this gift to serve someone in your church or community this week?
Day 3: Reflecting Christ Through Service
Jesus Himself came not to be served but to serve. By serving others, we reflect the image of Christ and fulfill our mission as His disciples. Serving is an act of love and humility, showing that no task is beneath us if it glorifies God and helps others. This mindset transforms our approach to service, making it a joyful and fulfilling expression of our faith. When we serve, we not only meet the needs of others but also grow in our own spiritual maturity and deepen our relationship with Christ. [26:03]
Mark 10:45 (ESV): "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: Consider a specific way you can serve someone in your life today, reflecting the humility and love of Christ. What practical steps can you take to make this happen?
Day 4: Overcoming Barriers to Service
Several obstacles can hinder us from serving, such as consumerism, busyness, lack of clarity, and not being rooted in a community. We must evaluate our priorities and make intentional efforts to overcome these barriers. Serving should be a top priority, and we should seek opportunities both inside and outside the church. By addressing these obstacles, we can create a lifestyle of service that aligns with our faith and values. This requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones to meet the needs of others. [27:47]
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: Identify one barrier that is preventing you from serving more effectively. What steps can you take to overcome this barrier and make serving a priority in your life?
Day 5: Taking the First Step
There are numerous ways to start serving, from simple tasks like making coffee to more involved roles like leading a small group. Opportunities exist both within the church and in the broader community. The key is to take the first step, reach out to church leaders for guidance, and commit to using your gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of others. Starting small can lead to greater involvement and a deeper sense of purpose as you see the impact of your service on others. [30:54]
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "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; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: What is one small step you can take today to start serving in your church or community? How can you commit to this step and seek guidance from others to support you in this journey?
Quotes
1. "At Living Faith Bible Church, we take the mission. And the vision and the purpose and the goal of the early church, the church, again, the church that Jesus Christ started. We have four statements to how we're going to accomplish all of those things. And they are. And those four statements are come in here, come and grow, come and serve, come and lead." [02:27] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So right after Peter's saying, crucify the desires of your flesh, stop participating in evil deeds, be sober-minded and self-controlled, he says, okay, those are very important things you need to do. But above all of that, love one another. That's what he's saying. Love one another, and not just passively, earnestly love one another. If you've been in the church long enough, you know that that is hard to do. We're brothers and sisters, and I was raised with three older sisters. We would fight a lot. Earnestly love one another. Why? Because love covers a multitude of sins." [12:20] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Peter here is saying that we have to be good stewards of the gifts that God gave you. Don't sit idly by. God gave you a gift to love and serve the person to your left and to your right. Don't be stingy with it. Love them. Serve them. Because it's one thing to say, I love you. It's another thing to show you that I love you. I can say I love you to Teresa all I want, but if I'm not talking to her, sitting down with her, if I'm not making her dinner, if I'm not helping out with the dogs, if I'm not serving her, does she really feel loved? No. And do I really love her? Maybe. Maybe. Just being honest, right? Love isn't just this emotional status of, yes, I do love you. No, it's an active thing you have to do." [18:46] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are called not to sit back and be served, but to actively serve others. Say that again. We are called not to sit back and be served, but to actively serve others. All right, Kevin. Why? Because in 1 Peter, 4, 11, it says this. To him, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ through the using of your gifts. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Why do we use our gifts? Because it glorifies him. Because he's the one who gave it to us, and he's the one who empowers us to do so." [22:23] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If it's not beneath Jesus to serve, it's not beneath you. He performed the ultimate act of service. He condescended from heaven to earth and came incarnate. He came as a man to serve us, to die on the cross so that we can have peace with God. He served you. If you want to look like Jesus, grow a beard. No, I'm kidding. If you want to look like Jesus, start serving the people around you. Because again, if it's not, if it's not, what's the word? If it's not beneath him, it's not beneath you." [26:03] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Consumerism. I want to get my fit on a Sunday morning, right? Notice the stat at the beginning, 45 to 50% of people served before COVID, after COVID, drops to 34 to 37%. You know what else went down? Attendance. I can watch online. I can watch online. Some of you guys may know a gentleman named Charlie Kirk. He's a conservative politics commentator. But he says this about, about watching church online. It's like watching a fire burn on a TV. You can see that it's burning, but you don't feel the warmth." [27:47] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you're new to this church, let me tell you, I love you. And I'm so honored that you decided to make this church your home. If you want to get plugged in, if you want to make this church your home and you want to feel warmth, you want to feel welcome, you want to feel, and you want to get to know everybody, the best way to do it is to come and participate and to serve with one another. Trust me, you'll start to know people's names. They'll start to know you. You'll start to be able to pray for one another, take each other out for meals. You can find your best friend because you decided to say yes, so I'll make coffee on a Sunday morning. You never know." [29:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We do it in the name of Jesus for the glory of Jesus by Jesus's power. That is what we do. We are called not to sit back and be served, but to actively serve others. God calls us, calls us to serve others, to glorify him, to show love, to be good stewards of his gifts, to mature the body of believers and reflect the image of Christ. However, there are obstacles in this culture and in our lives to serving, right? There's the whole culture of consumerism. There's the, there's busyness, invalid or valid, a lack of clarity on the part of, of the church and, and, and the lack of getting rooted. And, and these are things that can really hinder us from being able to serve and to use our gifts." [38:14] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "But to start serving, we need to look at opportunities in the church, talk to myself or, or any deacon or, any leader that there are opportunities to serve here in different ways, greeting, making coffee, running the slides, things like that. There are different outreaches like the trunk or tree back to church Sunday, soccer camp, things like that. And there's other ways outside of the church by engaging the community and helping those who are in need. Remember though, that even though there are a lot of roles, that doesn't mean everybody's suited for those roles, right? There are some that have higher standards. There are some that are more specialized, but no matter what, whatever you do, do it in Jesus's name and by his love, both in and outside of the church, because here at Living Faith, we come and we serve." [38:14] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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