Embracing Service: The Path to Spiritual Formation
Summary
In our journey of spiritual formation, we are constantly being shaped by various influences, whether we realize it or not. The critical question is not whether spiritual formation is for us, but rather, who or what is forming us. Jesus invites us to a life of spiritual formation that is not about rigid rule-keeping but about learning to live freely and lightly, embracing the unforced rhythms of grace. This invitation is about patterning our lives after Jesus, who is the ultimate authority on what it means to be truly human and to live the abundant life we all desire.
This week, we focus on the practice of service, a vital aspect of spiritual formation. Service is not about condemnation or guilt but about living a life that reflects the love and humility of Jesus. In Mark 10:35-45, we see James and John seeking positions of honor, but Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. Jesus exemplified this through His life, constantly meeting the needs of those around Him, even washing His disciples' feet, a task reserved for the lowest servant.
The good life, as Jesus defines it, is found in a life of service. This is not about earning God's favor but about living in alignment with the kingdom of God. To pursue a life of service, we must embrace three principles: living within the economy of Jesus' kingdom, embodying our faith in tangible ways, and viewing each day as an opportunity to partner with Jesus in building His kingdom. This requires proximity to Jesus and others, creating space in our lives for service, and taking action by listening to the Spirit's guidance.
Service is not optional for those who follow Jesus. It is a natural outflow of our faith and a means through which God transforms the world. We are called to serve our families, communities, and church, recognizing that each act of service is an opportunity to experience the good life Jesus offers and to participate in His kingdom work.
Key Takeaways:
1. Spiritual Formation and Influence: We are all being formed by something, intentionally or unintentionally. The invitation from Jesus is to be formed by Him, learning to live freely and lightly, embracing the unforced rhythms of grace. This formation is not about rules but about aligning our lives with Jesus' example. [01:51]
2. The True Nature of Service: Service is not about guilt or condemnation but about reflecting Jesus' love and humility. True greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others, as exemplified by Jesus washing His disciples' feet. [08:23]
3. The Good Life Through Service: The good life, as defined by Jesus, is a life of service. This is not about earning blessings but about living in alignment with God's kingdom, where true fulfillment and joy are found. [15:57]
4. Embodying Faith in Action: Our faith must be more than beliefs; it must translate into action. We are called to embody our faith in tangible ways, serving others with the love and grace of Jesus. [18:34]
5. Opportunities to Serve: Each day presents opportunities to partner with Jesus in building His kingdom. By being attentive to the Spirit's guidance and creating space in our lives, we can serve our families, communities, and church, experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers. [24:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:51] - Spiritual Formation and Influence
- [02:44] - Invitation to Live Freely
- [03:47] - Series Overview: Spiritual Practices
- [06:27] - The Practice of Service
- [08:23] - The True Nature of Service
- [13:14] - Understanding the Good Life
- [15:57] - The Good Life Through Service
- [17:31] - Kingdom Economy and Service
- [18:34] - Embodying Faith in Action
- [20:51] - Isaiah 58 and True Worship
- [22:22] - Partnering with Jesus Daily
- [24:38] - Opportunities to Serve
- [27:20] - Creating Space for Service
- [28:55] - Taking Action in Service
- [31:12] - Serving Family, Community, and Church
- [32:50] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 10:35-45
2. John 13:12-17
3. Romans 12:1
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 10:35-45, what request do James and John make of Jesus, and how does Jesus respond to their request? [06:27]
2. How does Jesus redefine greatness in the kingdom of God according to Mark 10:43-45? [08:23]
3. What actions did Jesus take during the Last Supper to demonstrate service, as described in John 13:12-17? [13:14]
4. According to Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to do with their bodies, and how is this related to the concept of service? [18:34]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' response to James and John's request in Mark 10:35-45 challenge common perceptions of leadership and authority? [08:23]
2. In what ways does the act of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13:12-17 serve as a model for Christian service today? [13:14]
3. How does the concept of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice in Romans 12:1 relate to the idea of embodying faith in tangible ways? [18:34]
4. What does it mean to live within the economy of Jesus' kingdom, and how does this differ from worldly values? [17:31]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you sought recognition or status. How can Jesus' teaching on service in Mark 10:43-45 help you reframe your understanding of true greatness? [08:23]
2. Jesus washed His disciples' feet as an act of service. What is one practical way you can serve someone in your life this week, following Jesus' example? [13:14]
3. Romans 12:1 speaks of offering our bodies as a living sacrifice. What specific actions can you take this week to embody your faith in your daily interactions? [18:34]
4. Consider your current schedule and commitments. How can you create space in your life to serve others, as suggested in the sermon? [27:20]
5. Identify one area in your community where you can serve. What steps will you take to get involved and make a difference? [31:12]
6. Reflect on the idea of partnering with Jesus in building His kingdom. How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance in recognizing opportunities to serve? [24:38]
7. Think about your family or household. What is one specific way you can serve them this week, demonstrating the love and humility of Jesus? [31:12]
Devotional
Day 1: The Influence of Spiritual Formation
In our daily lives, we are constantly being shaped by various influences, whether we are aware of it or not. The critical question is not whether spiritual formation is for us, but rather, who or what is forming us. Jesus invites us to a life of spiritual formation that is not about rigid rule-keeping but about learning to live freely and lightly, embracing the unforced rhythms of grace. This formation is about aligning our lives with Jesus' example, who is the ultimate authority on what it means to be truly human and to live the abundant life we all desire. By choosing to be formed by Jesus, we open ourselves to a transformative journey that leads to true freedom and joy. [01:51]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What are the influences currently shaping your life, and how can you intentionally choose to be formed by Jesus today?
Day 2: The Essence of True Service
Service, as taught by Jesus, is not about guilt or condemnation but about reflecting His love and humility. In Mark 10:35-45, we see James and John seeking positions of honor, but Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. Jesus exemplified this through His life, constantly meeting the needs of those around Him, even washing His disciples' feet, a task reserved for the lowest servant. True service is about embodying the love and humility of Jesus, recognizing that greatness in the kingdom of God is found in serving others selflessly. [08:23]
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve today in a way that reflects the love and humility of Jesus?
Day 3: Discovering the Good Life Through Service
The good life, as defined by Jesus, is a life of service. This is not about earning blessings or God's favor but about living in alignment with God's kingdom, where true fulfillment and joy are found. By serving others, we align ourselves with the values of the kingdom of God, experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers. Service becomes a natural outflow of our faith, a means through which God transforms the world and us. Embracing a life of service allows us to participate in God's kingdom work, finding true joy and fulfillment in the process. [15:57]
"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." (Mark 10:44-45, ESV)
Reflection: How can you align your daily actions with the kingdom values of service and humility to experience the good life Jesus offers?
Day 4: Faith in Action
Our faith must be more than beliefs; it must translate into action. We are called to embody our faith in tangible ways, serving others with the love and grace of Jesus. This means living out our faith in practical ways, allowing our actions to reflect the teachings and example of Jesus. By doing so, we become active participants in God's kingdom, making a difference in the lives of those around us. Faith in action is about taking the principles of our faith and applying them in real-world situations, demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus to others. [18:34]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can put your faith into action today, serving someone in need?
Day 5: Seizing Opportunities to Serve
Each day presents opportunities to partner with Jesus in building His kingdom. By being attentive to the Spirit's guidance and creating space in our lives, we can serve our families, communities, and church, experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers. Service is not optional for those who follow Jesus; it is a natural outflow of our faith and a means through which God transforms the world. Recognizing each act of service as an opportunity to experience the good life Jesus offers, we are called to serve with intentionality and love. [24:38]
"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 opportunities to serve are present in your life today, and how can you create space to respond to them with love and intentionality?
Quotes
"The idea is that spiritual formation is actually just a human thing. All of us, regardless of who we are or what we believe, are being formed, whether intentionally or not. And so the question isn't, is spiritual formation for me? But it's actually, who or what are you being formed by?" [00:01:30] (21 seconds)
"The desire for abundant life exists in all of our hearts. We all desire life to the fullest, the good life, and we can spend our lives trying to satisfy that desire with all the wrong things. But remember, Jesus is the authority. What he says will bring us true life, the good life, we can trust." [00:03:47] (22 seconds)
"As I was preparing for this message over the last couple of weeks, I was really, really burdened because I think hearing a message about service lends itself to the potential for condemnation. I think it's so important that we think about what we're going through and just start to find that motivation and that motivation to sneak in for that voice that tells you you're not a real Christian." [00:05:00] (20 seconds)
"Jesus, this morning, we just pause for a moment, settle our hearts, and focus our minds on you. I'm so thankful for the example that you set for us, that you showed us what the good life really looks like. And so this morning, as we talk about the practice of service, I just pray that we would hear your voice and your voice alone." [00:06:27] (27 seconds)
"Now, Jesus didn't just talk the talk. His entire life was an act of service to those around him. Read through the gospel accounts. Jesus is constantly responding to the needs of the people. He's healing the sick. He's bringing sight to the blind, making the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. He's bringing hope to the outcast." [00:11:44] (22 seconds)
"Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. That's what properly thought out worship looks like. Offer your bodies. For a long time, I thought that this verse was really just about not sinning in your body, staying away from any sins of the body. And it is about that, but it's about so much more than that." [00:18:58] (24 seconds)
"This is the kind of fast day I'm after. To break the chains of injustice, get rid of exploitation in the workplace, free the oppressed, cancel debts. What I'm interested in seeing you do is sharing your food with the hungry, inviting the homeless poor into your homes, putting clothes on the shivering ill -clad, being available to your own families." [00:21:24] (26 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?