Finding Jesus Through Service and Selflessness
Summary
In our ongoing series "Finding Jesus," we delve into the profound act of finding Jesus in helping others. Reflecting on our personal allocation of time towards assisting others, we often overestimate our contributions. Studies suggest that realistically, we dedicate a mere 5% or less of our time to such endeavors. This is due to our preoccupations with work, hobbies, and the exhaustion that accompanies our daily routines. Yet, as Christians, we are called to serve those in need, particularly those who cannot help themselves. This call to service is not rooted in the oft-misquoted adage "God helps those who help themselves," which is not found in Scripture. Instead, the Bible is replete with verses urging us to aid the less fortunate.
Our lives are marked by seasons, each with its own set of responsibilities and challenges. Despite these fluctuations, we are reminded by the Apostle Paul that our freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving one another in love. This freedom is unique to Christianity, where God's love is unconditional, not contingent upon adherence to a set of rules. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus instructs us to let our good deeds shine before others, not for self-promotion but to glorify our Heavenly Father. This visibility of our actions can draw others to Christ.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of a heart transformed by God, capable of transcending our inherent selfishness. A changed heart leads to a life of generosity and service, as evidenced by countless testimonies of those who have been transformed by God's love. We are also encouraged to evaluate our schedules, ensuring we are not consumed by busyness to the detriment of serving others. Placing others first in our daily lives aligns with Christ's command to value others above ourselves, a principle that can significantly increase our service to others.
Our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our fellowship with one another. We cannot claim to have fellowship with God if we neglect our relationships with our neighbors. The early Church exemplified this through their actions, growing from a small group to millions within three centuries, not because of their theology but because of their willingness to serve others, guided by the Holy Spirit.
In summary, finding Jesus in helping others is not a passive endeavor but an active pursuit that requires a heart change, a reassessment of our priorities, and a commitment to placing others first. It is through these actions that we truly practice the teachings of Jesus, offering peace, comfort, and refreshment to a world in need.
Key Takeaways:
- True freedom in Christ is not an excuse for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve others with love. This service is a reflection of the freedom we have received, allowing us to act selflessly and with generosity. [10:25]
- Letting our good deeds shine before others should not be for our own glory but to illuminate the path to God for those witnessing our actions. Our service can be a powerful testimony to God's love and grace in our lives. [11:57]
- A heart transformed by God is essential for overcoming our innate selfishness. This transformation leads to a life of impactful service, where our actions align with God's will and demonstrate His love to the world. [13:24]
- Evaluating our schedules and commitments is crucial to making room for serving others. In a culture that glorifies busyness, we must intentionally create space to fulfill God's call to help those around us. [15:30]
- The growth of the early Church was fueled by their service to others, not by their theological knowledge. Their example challenges us to live out our faith through tangible acts of love and kindness, thereby drawing others to Christ. [22:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Finding Jesus in Helping Others
#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:15 - "I have given you an example for you to follow. Do as I have done to you."
2. Philippians 2:3-5 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus."
3. Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what percentage of our time do studies suggest we realistically spend helping others? ([00:40])
2. What common misquoted adage does the pastor mention, and what does he clarify about its presence in the Bible? ([02:08])
3. How did the early Church grow according to the sermon, and what was their primary focus? ([03:25])
4. What example did Jesus set for His disciples in John 13:15, and how does the pastor interpret this for our modern context? ([04:09])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of freedom in Christ, as discussed in Galatians 5:13, differ from the worldly understanding of freedom? ([09:42])
2. What does it mean to let our good deeds shine before others, and how can this act draw people to God? ([11:57])
3. Why is a heart transformation essential for overcoming selfishness and living a life of service, according to the sermon? ([13:24])
4. How does evaluating our schedules and commitments help us make room for serving others, and why is this important in our busy culture? ([15:30])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current schedule. Are there activities or commitments that you can adjust to make more time for helping others? What specific changes can you make this week? ([15:30])
2. Think about a recent opportunity you had to help someone. Did you expect anything in return? How can you shift your mindset to serve others selflessly, as Paul instructs in Philippians 2:3-5? ([07:00])
3. Jesus washed His disciples' feet as an example of humble service. What are some practical ways you can serve others in your community, even in small, humble acts? ([04:09])
4. The early Church grew through their acts of service and love. How can your small group or church community emulate this example to impact those around you? ([03:25])
5. Evaluate your heart's condition. Are there areas where you struggle to love and serve others? Pray for a heart transformation and discuss with the group how you can support each other in this journey. ([13:24])
6. How can you let your good deeds shine in a way that glorifies God without seeking personal recognition? Share a specific example of how you can do this in your daily life. ([11:57])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of fellowship with one another. How can you strengthen your relationships within the church to better support and serve each other? ([19:46])
This guide aims to foster meaningful discussion and practical application of the sermon’s teachings on finding Jesus through helping others.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Freedom to Serve
True freedom in Christ is a call to selfless service, not self-indulgence. It is a gift that empowers believers to look beyond their own desires and to pour themselves into the lives of others. This freedom is not an absence of rules but the presence of love, which compels one to act for the benefit of others. It is a freedom that finds its fullest expression not in doing what one wants, but in loving service to those in need.
"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." - 1 Corinthians 9:19
Reflection: How can you use your freedom in Christ today to serve someone else's needs before your own?
Day 2: Illuminating the Path to God
Our good deeds are not a stage for our own glory but a beacon that guides others to the love of God. When we serve, we must do so with the intention of shining a light on the divine grace that fuels our actions. This is not about attracting attention to ourselves but about reflecting the light of Christ so that others may find their way to Him through our example of love and service.
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16
Reflection: What is one act of service you can perform this week that points others to Christ rather than to yourself? [11:57]
Day 3: The Heart Transformed by God
A heart transformed by God is the wellspring of genuine service. It is only when the Spirit renews our inner being that we can truly overcome our selfish tendencies and live a life marked by generosity and compassion. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that continually shapes our desires and actions to align with God's will.
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26
Reflection: In what ways has your heart been transformed by God, and how is that leading you to serve others? [13:24]
Day 4: Prioritizing Service in Our Schedules
In a world that often celebrates busyness, it is essential to evaluate our schedules and make intentional choices to prioritize serving others. This may require saying no to certain activities or reorganizing our time to ensure that we are not only fulfilling our own needs but also responding to the call to love and serve those around us.
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16
Reflection: What is one commitment or activity you can adjust or remove from your schedule to make room for serving others? [15:30]
Day 5: Following the Early Church's Example
The early Church's explosive growth was a result of their commitment to service, not their theological acumen. Their love and kindness were practical and contagious, drawing others to Christ through their actions. We are called to emulate this example, allowing our faith to be expressed through tangible acts of love and service that impact the world around us.
"And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need." - Acts 2:44-45
Reflection: How can you follow the example of the early Church by using your resources to serve others this week? [22:28]
Quotes
1) "A Generous person will prosper and whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. We live in tough times... let us be the ones that extend a helping hand." [26:42] (Download | )
2) "When we place others first in our day-to-day, we are doing that which Christ wants us to do... if we were to live this out on a day-to-day basis, how much would that increase our service?" [17:35] (Download | )
3) "When you accept Christ you are truly free... use your freedom to serve one another in love. This is unique to Christianity, where God's love is unconditional." [10:25] (Download | )
4) "Let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly father... when you do it, people around you will see it and they will be drawn to Christ because of your deeds." [11:57] (Download | )
5) "All of us are selfish by nature... the only way we can change that is when we say, 'God, I want you to give me a new heart.' This is a prayer that all of us can do." [13:24] (Download | Download cropped video)
6) "Take a look at your schedule. Are you doing too much?... Perhaps God wants you to clear your schedule, free up some time, not add more." [15:30] (Download | )
7) "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather in humility value others above yourself... when you elevate others above yourself, you will find Christ." [07:00] (Download | )
8) "The church grew in the early Church in the first 300 years not because they had the right theology; they grew because their deeds were followed up by what they knew what Christ did for them." [22:28] (Download | Download cropped video)
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