Finding Joy in a Life of Service
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound question of what constitutes a "good life." While society often equates the good life with financial security, health, and meaningful relationships, we delved into a deeper understanding through the lens of Scripture. We are currently journeying through Paul's letter to the Philippians, a letter often referred to as the "letter of joy." Today, we focused on the theme of pursuing joy through service, as exemplified by Jesus and highlighted by Paul in his writings.
Paul presents Timothy and Epaphroditus as models of a life dedicated to service. Timothy, a spiritual son to Paul, and Epaphroditus, a trusted member of the Philippian church, both exemplified lives of service, embodying the transformative power of the gospel. Their stories remind us that true life, the good life, is found in serving others, following the example set by Jesus.
We also examined the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, where Jesus challenges cultural norms and invites us to see, surrender, and sacrifice for the sake of others. The Samaritan's actions teach us that service requires us to see the needs around us, surrender our own agendas, and embrace sacrifice. This parable pushes us to redefine who our neighbor is and what it means to love them.
In our own lives, we are called to open the eyes of our hearts, to see the needs around us, and to respond with compassion. We are encouraged to surrender our will, recognizing that our lives belong to Jesus, and to embrace a life of sacrifice, knowing that serving others will cost us something but will also bring us immense joy and fulfillment. As we live out this calling, we become conduits of God's kingdom on earth, bringing heaven to those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Good Life Through Service: True life is found in serving others, as exemplified by Jesus, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Their lives remind us that joy is not in self-centered pursuits but in selfless service. [10:34]
2. Seeing with the Heart: To serve effectively, we must first see the needs around us with the eyes of our hearts, attuned to God's heart. This requires us to be open to the Spirit's leading and to be willing to be uncomfortable. [22:31]
3. Surrendering Our Will: Service often requires us to surrender our own agendas and preferences. By recognizing that our lives belong to Jesus, we become more aware of opportunities to serve others. [28:28]
4. Embracing Sacrifice: Serving others will always cost us something, but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Our acts of service are an extension of Jesus's love and bring us closer to experiencing the good life. [29:56]
5. Living Out the Kingdom: As we serve, we bring the reality of God's kingdom to earth. By meeting the needs of those around us, we become living expressions of Jesus's love, joy, and peace. [34:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Opening Prayer
[02:26] - The Good Life Question
[04:00] - Pursuing Joy in Service
[05:37] - Jesus's Example of Service
[07:30] - Timothy and Epaphroditus
[08:55] - The Transformative Power of Service
[10:34] - The Desire for True Life
[12:12] - The Lawyer's Question
[13:52] - Cultural Context of the Parable
[15:14] - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
[19:24] - Principles of Joyful Service
[22:31] - Seeing with the Heart
[28:28] - Surrendering Our Will
[29:56] - Embracing Sacrifice
[34:52] - Living Out the Kingdom
[36:36] - Call to Action and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 2:5-10
- Philippians 2:19-30
- Luke 10:25-37
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Observation Questions:
1. What characteristics of Timothy and Epaphroditus does Paul highlight in Philippians 2:19-30 that exemplify a life of service? [07:30]
2. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), what actions did the Samaritan take that demonstrated his compassion and willingness to serve? [16:42]
3. How does Paul describe Jesus's example of service in Philippians 2:5-10, and what does this reveal about the nature of true life? [05:37]
4. What cultural and religious barriers did Jesus challenge in the parable of the Good Samaritan, and how did this redefine the concept of a "neighbor"? [16:42]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the example of Timothy and Epaphroditus challenge contemporary views of success and the "good life"? [08:55]
2. In what ways does the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrate the concept of "seeing with the heart," and how might this apply to modern-day acts of service? [22:31]
3. How does the act of surrendering one's will, as discussed in the sermon, align with the teachings of Jesus and Paul regarding service and sacrifice? [28:28]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between sacrifice and joy, and how can this perspective transform one's approach to serving others? [29:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were able to see a need around you with the "eyes of your heart." How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [22:31]
2. Consider your current schedule and commitments. What might it look like for you to surrender your will and make room for unexpected opportunities to serve others? [26:49]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to embrace sacrifice for the sake of serving others. What steps can you take to act on this calling? [29:56]
4. Think about a person or group in your community who might be considered a "neighbor" in the context of the Good Samaritan parable. How can you extend compassion and service to them this week? [16:42]
5. How can you incorporate the principles of seeing, surrendering, and sacrificing into your daily routine to pursue joy through service? [19:24]
6. Reflect on the idea that serving others can bring immense joy and fulfillment. How can you shift your mindset to view acts of service as opportunities for joy rather than obligations? [34:52]
7. As you consider the communities you are part of, what is one practical way you can bring the reality of God's kingdom to those around you through service? [36:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Good Life Through Service
True life is found in serving others, as exemplified by Jesus, Timothy, and Epaphroditus. Their lives remind us that joy is not in self-centered pursuits but in selfless service. In a world that often equates a good life with personal success and comfort, the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus challenge us to redefine our understanding of fulfillment. Timothy, a spiritual son to Paul, and Epaphroditus, a trusted member of the Philippian church, both lived lives dedicated to serving others. Their stories illustrate the transformative power of the gospel, showing us that true joy and fulfillment come from selfless service. By following their example, we align ourselves with the life and teachings of Jesus, who demonstrated ultimate service through His life and sacrifice. [10:34]
Philippians 2:19-22 (ESV): "I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel."
Reflection: Who in your life can you serve selflessly today, and how can you make it a priority to seek their welfare above your own interests?
Day 2: Seeing with the Heart
To serve effectively, we must first see the needs around us with the eyes of our hearts, attuned to God's heart. This requires us to be open to the Spirit's leading and to be willing to be uncomfortable. The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 challenges us to look beyond societal norms and prejudices to truly see those in need. The Samaritan's actions teach us that service begins with seeing—recognizing the needs of others and responding with compassion. This kind of vision requires us to be attuned to God's heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in identifying opportunities to serve. It may lead us into uncomfortable situations, but it is in these moments that we can truly embody the love of Christ. [22:31]
Ephesians 1:18 (ESV): "Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Reflection: What is one need in your community that you have overlooked? How can you open your heart to see and respond to it today?
Day 3: Surrendering Our Will
Service often requires us to surrender our own agendas and preferences. By recognizing that our lives belong to Jesus, we become more aware of opportunities to serve others. Surrendering our will is a crucial step in living a life of service. It involves setting aside our personal desires and plans to align with God's purpose for our lives. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to prioritize God's will over our own. As we do this, we become more attuned to the needs of those around us and more willing to step into roles of service. This surrender is a reflection of Jesus's own life, as He consistently chose the Father's will over His own. [28:28]
Luke 22:42 (ESV): "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 4: Embracing Sacrifice
Serving others will always cost us something, but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Our acts of service are an extension of Jesus's love and bring us closer to experiencing the good life. Embracing sacrifice is an integral part of serving others. It involves giving up our time, resources, and comfort for the benefit of others. While this may seem daunting, the rewards of such sacrifices are profound. As we serve, we experience a deeper connection with Jesus, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Our acts of service become a tangible expression of His love, bringing joy and fulfillment that surpasses any temporary discomfort or loss. [29:56]
2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV): "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."
Reflection: What is one specific sacrifice you can make this week to serve someone in need, and how can you prepare your heart to embrace the cost?
Day 5: Living Out the Kingdom
As we serve, we bring the reality of God's kingdom to earth. By meeting the needs of those around us, we become living expressions of Jesus's love, joy, and peace. Living out the kingdom involves actively participating in God's work on earth by serving others. Each act of service is a reflection of God's love and a glimpse of His kingdom. As we meet the needs of those around us, we become conduits of His grace, bringing hope and healing to a broken world. This calling is not just for a select few but for all who follow Jesus. By living out the kingdom, we fulfill our purpose as His disciples, making His love known to all. [34:52]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you intentionally live out the kingdom of God in your daily interactions this week, and who can you reach out to with the love of Christ?
Quotes
1) "What is the good life? What is true life? We are in a series right now. We've been working our way through Paul's letter to the Philippians. This is Paul's most personal letter, and within this short little letter, Paul talks about joy, or rejoicing, or being joyful 16 times in the course of four years. It's known as the letter of joy, and so we have been, week by week, going through this letter and asking the question, how do we pursue joy? We've talked about pursuing joy in relationships, in our attitudes, in our heart, and today we're going to talk about pursuing joy in service, because the thing is, Jesus sets an example for us. He shows us what the good life looks like, and the surprising thing is, he shows us what the good life looks like, and the surprising fact is that the good life, true life, is found through a life of service." [04:00] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Both of these men, Timothy and Epaphroditus, lived a life of service. They understood that true life, real life, the good life was found in serving other people. They had experienced the transformative power of the gospel, and that caused them to see their life, their story, as an embodied expression of the story of Jesus. I think that all of us have embedded in our heart the desire for true life. We all want to experience the good life, but we don't expect, we don't expect service to be the pathway that will lead us there. Both Timothy and Epaphroditus, as well as Paul, lived this life of service, but really what they were doing was following the example that had been set for them by Jesus." [10:34] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "I want to point out a couple of things. First of all, I think sometimes when we, from our Western mindset, read this section of Scripture, we read the question that the lawyer asks, What shall I do to inherit eternal life? And what we hear is, How do I get to heaven? Like, what's the minimum bar that gets me in the door? But the word life, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? That word, the Greek word is the word zoe. And that word actually encompasses a much wider view of what he has in mind when he asks about eternal life. That word is about full, wide awake, flourishing and thriving. It is just deeply saturated awareness of the goodness and the presence of God that causes us to live fully into our lives. So what he's asking is much more than just what's the minimum bar for entrance to heaven, but where can I find the good life, true life?" [12:12] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "To experience joy in serving, you must first learn to see those around you. In the parable that Jesus told, all three of the men that passed by the victim saw him. In verses 31, 32, and 33, we're told that the priest came by, and he saw, and he passed to the other side of the road. And the Levite came by, and he saw, and he also passed by on the other side of the road. Only the Samaritan saw in such a way that made room for compassion to well up inside him, and for that compassion to move him to action. But before we are too quick to judge, the priest and the Levite, I want us to consider what might have led to the decision that he made to pass by on the other side of the road." [21:00] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The second step to pursuing joy through service is to choose to surrender your will. Most of us are willing to serve when it aligns with our schedules, with our budget, with our preferences, with our energy level. Most of us will serve in those circumstances. But most of us also view our lives as belonging to us. We have our agendas. We have our schedules. We have our to-do lists. We have our goals. And we don't like when they get interrupted. I certainly don't. But when we can learn to surrender our will, to begin to see our life as not belonging to us, but belonging to Jesus who lives in us, we become aware of opportunities that we might otherwise miss." [26:49] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The third and final element that I see in this parable that will lead us to a life of service is to embrace a life of sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. Serving will always cost us something. Every single time. In the parable that Jesus told, when the Samaritan saw the injured man on the side of the road, and he was moved with compassion, and then he surrendered. Who knows what journey? We know he was on a journey in the story that Jesus tells, but maybe he was going to, you know, meet his future wife or close a business deal. I don't know what he might have been going to do, but it certainly was not in his plan to stop on the side of the road, to minister to this injured person, to secure lodging and care for him. He had to sacrifice in order to make that happen." [29:56] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Jesus himself, in Mark 10 45, made a statement about who he is. He said, for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. And that is the call of every disciple of Jesus, is to serve. This is the pathway to joy. In Hebrews chapter 12, verse 2, the writer of Hebrews says that it was for the joy set before him that Jesus endured the cross. Sometimes when we think about serving other people, we imagine kind of like this life of drudgery or obligation, when in fact the exact opposite is true. There is nothing more joy-filled. There is nothing more fulfilling and more rewarding than knowing exactly who you are in Jesus, how you are gifted, how you were created, and then walking out that identity in the context of your everyday, ordinary, messy life." [32:54] (77 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "A lot of times I think we imagine like, well, when I find God's calling for my life, I'll live in that way. I'll press into that. When I finish school, when I get the kids into full-time school, when I get that new job, when my budget works a little bit better, the good life is not out there waiting for you. The good life is here right now, if we would just step into it. As the worship team makes their way back up here, I want to ask you to consider your real life right now. All the mess, all the inconvenience, all the things that you've been through, all the things that aren't working, your real life right now. I want you to think about who are those inner circle people. It's your spouse, or your kids, or your roommate, or your best friend. Might be the people in your home group. I want you to look around you. Look at the church family sitting with you here today." [36:36] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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