Emulating Jesus: Love Through Forgiveness, Sharing, and Service

Devotional

Day 1: Genuine Motivation for Kindness

Our acts of kindness should be motivated by a genuine desire to serve Jesus, not for self-glorification. Paul’s message to the Corinthians reminds us that even good deeds can be tainted if done for the wrong reasons. We must constantly check our hearts to ensure our actions honor God. [23:43]

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul addresses the church in Corinth about their misplaced priorities. They had become enamored with their wealth and possessions, performing acts of kindness for self-glorification rather than to honor God. This serves as a reminder that our actions should be motivated by a genuine desire to serve Jesus, not ourselves. When we act out of a desire to be seen or praised, we miss the true essence of Christian love and service.

Reflect on your motivations for the acts of kindness you perform. Are they driven by a desire to serve Jesus, or are they influenced by a need for recognition and praise? True Christian service is selfless and seeks to honor God above all else. Let us strive to align our hearts with this principle, ensuring that our actions reflect a genuine love for Jesus and others.

Bible Passage:
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 6:1, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent act of kindness you performed. What was your motivation behind it? How can you ensure that your future acts of kindness are genuinely motivated by a desire to serve Jesus?

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Day 2: Understanding Jesus' Mission

Jesus came to seek and save the lost, fulfill the law, and offer Himself as an atoning sacrifice. This understanding helps us grasp the depth of His love and the purpose behind His actions. It also guides us in how we should love others, reflecting His mission in our lives. [26:22]

Jesus' mission on earth was multifaceted. He came to seek and save the lost, fulfill the law, and offer Himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Understanding these aspects of His mission helps us grasp the depth of His love and the purpose behind His actions. Jesus' love was sacrificial, intentional, and redemptive. He reached out to those who were marginalized, healed the sick, and ultimately gave His life for humanity.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His mission in our lives. This means loving others with the same sacrificial and intentional love that Jesus demonstrated. It involves reaching out to those who are lost, offering forgiveness, and living in a way that honors God's commandments. By understanding and embracing Jesus' mission, we can better align our actions with His example and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Bible Passage:
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)

Reflection:
How does understanding Jesus' mission change the way you view your own purpose in life? What specific actions can you take to reflect His mission in your daily interactions with others?

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Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings. He flipped the script by instructing us to pray for those who hurt us and to forgive as we have been forgiven. This radical approach to forgiveness not only heals relationships but also aligns us with God's will. [30:06]

Forgiveness is a central theme in Jesus' teachings. He taught us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. This radical approach to forgiveness goes against our natural inclinations to hold grudges and seek revenge. Instead, Jesus instructs us to pray for those who hurt us and to extend grace and mercy, even when it is difficult. Forgiveness is not just about letting go of anger and resentment; it is about aligning our hearts with God's will and reflecting His love to others.

When we forgive, we experience healing and freedom. Holding onto unforgiveness can create bitterness and hinder our relationship with God and others. By choosing to forgive, we release the burden of anger and allow God's peace to fill our hearts. Forgiveness also opens the door for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships. It is a powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Jesus and brings us closer to Him.

Bible Passage:
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

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Day 4: The Importance of Fellowship and Sharing

True fellowship involves more than just social gatherings; it’s about encouraging and motivating each other towards love and good deeds. Acts 2:42-47 illustrates the early church's commitment to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, which should inspire us to build deeper, more meaningful relationships within our church communities. [33:32]

Fellowship is a vital aspect of the Christian faith. It goes beyond mere social gatherings and involves a deep commitment to encouraging and motivating one another towards love and good deeds. The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, exemplified this kind of fellowship. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This commitment to community and shared life strengthened their faith and created a supportive environment for spiritual growth.

In our modern context, true fellowship means building meaningful relationships within our church communities. It involves being intentional about spending time together, sharing our lives, and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. By fostering a sense of community and mutual encouragement, we can create an environment where everyone feels valued and loved. This kind of fellowship not only strengthens our faith but also reflects the love of Christ to the world around us.

Bible Passage:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection:
How can you be more intentional about building deeper relationships within your church community? What steps can you take to encourage and support others in their faith journey?

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Day 5: Serving with the Right Attitude

Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross teach us that true service comes from humility and selflessness. Our service should not be about looking good or feeling better about ourselves but should be driven by faith and a genuine desire to follow Jesus' example. [45:50]

True service, as demonstrated by Jesus, is rooted in humility and selflessness. Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet is a powerful example of servant leadership. Despite being their teacher and Lord, He humbled Himself to perform a task that was typically reserved for the lowest servant. This act of service was not about looking good or gaining recognition; it was about demonstrating love and humility. Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross further exemplifies the depth of His selfless love and commitment to serving others.

As followers of Christ, we are called to serve with the same attitude of humility and selflessness. Our service should not be motivated by a desire for praise or personal gain but by a genuine desire to follow Jesus' example. This means putting others' needs before our own, serving with a joyful heart, and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others. By serving with the right attitude, we reflect the love of Christ and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those around us.

Bible Passage:
"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 10:45, ESV)

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you can serve others with more humility and selflessness? How can you follow Jesus' example of servant leadership in your daily interactions?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we continued our series on "Love Like Jesus," focusing on how we can emulate Jesus' love in our daily lives. We began by revisiting 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul addresses the church in Corinth about their misplaced priorities. They had become enamored with their wealth and possessions, performing acts of kindness for self-glorification rather than to honor God. This serves as a reminder that our actions should be motivated by a genuine desire to serve Jesus, not ourselves.

We then explored why Jesus came to earth, referencing various Gospels. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, fulfill the law, and offer Himself as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Understanding His mission helps us grasp how we can love like Him. We discussed the concept of "Jesus-style love," which transformed a church community in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and led to significant outreach efforts both locally and globally.

We delved into three key aspects of loving like Jesus: forgiveness, sharing, and serving. Forgiveness is crucial because we have been forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice. We must extend that same grace to others. Sharing involves motivating and encouraging one another within the church community, as described in Hebrews 10:24-25 and Acts 2:42-47. True fellowship and breaking bread together deepen our relationships and strengthen our faith.

Finally, we examined how to serve like Jesus. Service is not just about actions but also about attitude and motivation. Jesus demonstrated ultimate service by washing His disciples' feet and sacrificing Himself on the cross. His actions teach us that true greatness comes from humility and selflessness. We are called to serve others with the same love and dedication that Jesus showed, even in the face of suffering and ridicule.

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Key Takeaways

1. glorification. Paul’s message to the Corinthians reminds us that even good deeds can be tainted if done for the wrong reasons. We must constantly check our hearts to ensure our actions honor God. [23:43]
2. Understanding Jesus' Mission: Jesus came to seek and save the lost, fulfill the law, and offer Himself as an atoning sacrifice. This understanding helps us grasp the depth of His love and the purpose behind His actions. It also guides us in how we should love others, reflecting His mission in our lives.

3. The Power of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings. He flipped the script by instructing us to pray for those who hurt us and to forgive as we have been forgiven. This radical approach to forgiveness not only heals relationships but also aligns us with God's will.

4. The Importance of Fellowship and Sharing: True fellowship involves more than just social gatherings; it’s about encouraging and motivating each other towards love and good deeds. Acts 2:42-47 illustrates the early church's commitment to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, which should inspire us to build deeper, more meaningful relationships within our church communities.

5. Serving with the Right Attitude: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross teach us that true service comes from humility and selflessness. Our service should not be about looking good or feeling better about ourselves but should be driven by faith and a genuine desire to follow Jesus' example.

### [23:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:43] - Misplaced Priorities in Corinth
[25:10] - Self-Serving Acts vs. God-Honoring Acts
[26:22] - Why Jesus Came
[27:32] - Jesus-Style Love
[29:07] - Forgiveness
[30:06] - Radical Forgiveness
[31:21] - Sharing Jesus' Love
[32:39] - Encouraging One Another
[33:32] - Fellowship and Breaking Bread
[35:39] - The Importance of Community
[37:17] - Intimacy Around the Table
[38:48] - The Power of Prayer
[39:59] - Serving Like Jesus
[45:50] - Jesus Washing Disciples' Feet
[50:46] - Jesus' Ultimate Sacrifice

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the Corinthians' misplaced priorities according to 1 Corinthians 13? [23:43]
How does Hebrews 10:24-25 describe the importance of fellowship and encouraging one another? [31:21]
What actions did Jesus take to demonstrate humility and service in John 13:1-5? [45:50]
What are the three key aspects of loving like Jesus mentioned in the sermon? [29:07]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to have the right motivation behind our acts of kindness, as discussed in 1 Corinthians 13? [25:10]
How does understanding Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost influence our approach to loving others? [26:22]
What does the act of washing the disciples' feet teach us about the nature of true service? [45:50]
How does the early church's commitment to fellowship and breaking bread together, as described in Acts 2:42-47, serve as a model for our church communities today? [33:32]

Application Questions

Reflect on your recent acts of kindness. Were they motivated by a genuine desire to serve Jesus or by self-glorification? How can you ensure your future actions honor God? [25:10]
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. How can you incorporate this mission into your daily interactions with others? [26:22]
Think of a person who has hurt you. How can you begin to extend forgiveness to them, following Jesus' example? [30:06]
In what ways can you encourage and motivate others within your church community to love and do good deeds, as described in Hebrews 10:24-25? [31:21]
How can you deepen your relationships within your church community through fellowship and breaking bread together? What practical steps can you take this week? [33:32]
Reflect on your attitude and motivation when serving others. Are there areas where you need to adopt a more humble and selfless approach, as Jesus demonstrated? [45:50]
Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week with the same love and dedication that Jesus showed, even if it involves personal sacrifice. [50:46]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You can do good things. You can do good things for the wrong reasons. And that's what Paul was trying to get across to the church before him. So we need to know, and we talked about this last week, review for some, why. We have to ask the question, why did Jesus come? We need to understand how we're going to serve like Jesus, how we're going to love like Jesus." [25:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Why did Jesus come to this earth? For me, it's. Seek and save the lost. He came as that atonement, that sacrifice for all of the bad stuff, the poor decisions that I've made, that we've made. He is the atoning sacrifice for those sins that we all have committed so that we can have that right relationship with God. And through that, God sees us covered in the blood of Jesus. And we are forgiven." [26:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We need to pray with one another. Make it a priority. If we really want to move forward, the hard work is prayer. And then you release that, watch him work." [38:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Jesus served us in a way that showed us how we can walk through those storms. Jesus' father was with him. We have Jesus to be with us through all those storms." [52:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "How do we show Jesus style love to those who are in the room? How do we show Jesus style love to the communities and the neighborhoods that we are a part of? And then how do we show? Jesus style love to those who we can't see, who are to the furthest ends of the earth. It transformed our church. I believe it became a mantra. It became our identity." [27:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Within the church, we have this nucleus of people that we are connected to in a little deeper level than the rest of the church. And what is this verse saying? It's admonishing us to push forward, sharpen each other, encourage each other, inspire one another to do good works and show the love of Jesus." [32:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Serving just isn't about your actions. It's about your attitude. It's about your posture. What is the motivation behind your act? Is it so you can look good in front of your friends? Is it because it makes you feel better? Is it because you have this wealth compared to the rest of the world, and this is a way that you feel better about that, better about yourself? What is your motivation?" [47:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "In order for you to be the greatest, you need to be the least. And that's when he took off his audit garment, tied that towel around his waist, grabbed the water basin and poured water, and started washing the feet of his disciples." [43:10] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need to answer these three questions. Forgive. We talked about that last week. How do we share? And how do we serve? We're going to attack those two today. A reminder about forgiveness. Jesus really flipped the script when he gave us these verses in Matthew 43 and 44. When someone's gossiping about me or if I'm hearing that there are disparaging words coming from somebody else, or someone comes at me, human nature is what? right back at them, right? That's our nature, because we're human. But Jesus didn't say that." [30:06] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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