Finding Joy Through Selfless Service to Others

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of joy through the lens of serving others, as part of our ongoing series. We began by revisiting the acrostic "JOY," where "Y" stands for "Yourself last," and today, we delved into "O," which represents "Others second." This principle is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified a life of service and humility. By putting others before ourselves, we align with the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

We reflected on the powerful act of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, a profound demonstration of humility and service. This act challenges us to serve others selflessly, without seeking recognition or reward. Serving others is not just about meeting their needs but about pointing them to Jesus, the ultimate source of fulfillment. When we serve, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, creating bridges for others to experience His love and grace.

The story of Apostle Manuel washing our feet was a poignant reminder of the humility and love that comes with serving others. It was a moment of deep spiritual connection, transcending language barriers and cultural differences. This act of service was not about the one serving but about allowing us to see Jesus through the act of humility and love.

We are called to serve with the right heart and attitude, focusing on showing Jesus to others rather than seeking personal glory. Serving others transforms our hearts, breaking the chains of selfishness and pride, and fills us with joy and compassion. It is through serving that we experience the depth of God's love and draw closer to Him.

As we continue this journey of joy, let us consider how we can serve others this week, showing the heart of Jesus in our actions. By doing so, we not only impact the lives of those we serve but also experience the transformative power of God's love in our own lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. Yourself Last, Others Second: Embracing the principle of putting yourself last and others second aligns us with Jesus' teachings. This selfless approach allows us to experience true joy and fulfillment, as we prioritize serving others over our own desires. [13:25]

2. The Power of Humble Service: Jesus washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of humility and service. This act challenges us to serve others selflessly, without seeking recognition, and to reflect the heart of Jesus in our actions. [16:01]

3. Serving as a Bridge to Jesus: When we serve others, we create opportunities for them to encounter Jesus. Our acts of service point people to the ultimate source of love and fulfillment, bridging the gap between their needs and God's provision. [30:47]

4. Transformation Through Service: Serving others transforms our hearts, breaking the chains of selfishness and pride. It fills us with joy, compassion, and a deeper connection to God, as we focus on His work in the lives of those we serve. [28:14]

5. The Call to Serve: We are called to serve with the right heart and attitude, focusing on showing Jesus to others rather than seeking personal glory. This call to service is an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and to draw closer to Him. [24:53]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[13:25] - Yourself Last, Others Second
[14:21] - The Joy of Serving
[16:01] - Jesus' Example of Humility
[18:28] - A Personal Story of Service
[20:36] - Love Transcends Language
[21:45] - Obedience Over Recognition
[23:54] - The World Needs a Witness
[24:53] - Transformation Through Service
[26:32] - Washing Feet: A Lesson in Obedience
[28:14] - Healing Through Service
[29:39] - Faith in Action
[30:47] - Ushering in the Kingdom
[33:56] - Questions for Reflection
[35:03] - Living Out the Heart of Jesus
[36:27] - Closing and Prayer for Healing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 20:16 - "So those who are last now will be first then."
2. Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
3. John 13:1-17 - The story of Jesus washing His disciples' feet.

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the acrostic "JOY" stand for in the sermon, and how does it relate to the teachings of Jesus? [13:25]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate humility and service in the story of washing His disciples' feet? [16:01]
3. What was the significance of Apostle Manuel washing the pastor's feet, and how did it reflect the heart of Jesus? [20:36]
4. How does serving others create opportunities for them to encounter Jesus, according to the sermon? [30:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the principle of "Yourself last, Others second" challenge common societal values, and what impact does it have on personal joy? [13:25]
2. In what ways does humble service, as exemplified by Jesus, transform the server's heart and relationship with God? [28:14]
3. How can serving others act as a bridge to Jesus, and what does this mean for the person being served? [30:47]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between serving others and experiencing God's transformative love? [24:53]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent situation where you put yourself first. How might you have approached it differently by putting others second, as Jesus taught? [13:25]
2. Think of a person in your life who could benefit from an act of humble service. What specific action can you take this week to serve them without seeking recognition? [16:01]
3. How can you create opportunities in your daily life for others to encounter Jesus through your acts of service? [30:47]
4. Identify an area in your life where pride or selfishness might be holding you back. How can serving others help break these chains and fill you with joy and compassion? [28:14]
5. Consider a time when you felt joy from serving others. What was different about that experience compared to when you sought personal glory? [24:53]
6. How can you ensure that your acts of service are focused on showing Jesus to others rather than seeking personal recognition? [21:45]
7. What practical steps can you take this week to live out the heart of Jesus through serving someone in your family, workplace, or community? [35:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Selflessness for True Joy
In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, the principle of putting oneself last and others second stands in stark contrast. This approach is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified a life of selflessness and service. By prioritizing others, we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. This selfless approach allows us to experience true joy and fulfillment, as we prioritize serving others over our own desires. It challenges us to break free from the chains of selfishness and pride, inviting us into a life of joy and compassion. [13:25]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: Think of a situation this week where you can intentionally put someone else's needs before your own. How can you serve them in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Humble Service
The act of Jesus washing His disciples' feet is a profound example of humility and service. This act challenges us to serve others selflessly, without seeking recognition or reward. It is a call to reflect the heart of Jesus in our actions, demonstrating love and humility in tangible ways. By serving others, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, creating opportunities for them to encounter His love and grace. This humble service transforms our hearts, breaking the chains of selfishness and pride, and fills us with joy and compassion. [16:01]

John 13:14-15 (ESV): "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you."

Reflection: Consider a simple act of service you can perform for someone today, without expecting anything in return. How can this act point them to Jesus?


Day 3: Serving as a Bridge to Encounter Jesus
When we serve others, we create opportunities for them to encounter Jesus. Our acts of service point people to the ultimate source of love and fulfillment, bridging the gap between their needs and God's provision. This perspective shifts our focus from ourselves to the needs of others, allowing us to be conduits of God's love and grace. By serving with the right heart and attitude, we invite others to experience the depth of God's love and draw closer to Him. [30:47]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "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: Identify someone in your life who may be far from God. How can your acts of service this week serve as a bridge for them to encounter Jesus?


Day 4: Transformation Through Service
Serving others transforms our hearts, breaking the chains of selfishness and pride. It fills us with joy, compassion, and a deeper connection to God, as we focus on His work in the lives of those we serve. This transformation is not just about meeting the needs of others but about allowing God to work in and through us. As we serve, we experience the depth of God's love and draw closer to Him, becoming more like Jesus in our attitudes and actions. [28:14]

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: Reflect on a recent act of service you performed. How did it change your perspective or attitude? What did you learn about God's love through this experience?


Day 5: The Call to Serve with the Right Heart
We are called to serve with the right heart and attitude, focusing on showing Jesus to others rather than seeking personal glory. This call to service is an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and to draw closer to Him. By serving others, we not only impact their lives but also experience the transformative power of God's love in our own lives. It is through serving that we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. [24:53]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: Examine your motives for serving others. Are there areas where you seek recognition or personal glory? How can you shift your focus to reflect the heart of Jesus in your service?

Quotes



One of the most incredible things, or incredible stories in the Bible that we see is when Jesus washes his disciples' feet, right? He comes up and he washes all their feet. And if you don't know this, they had sandals. They didn't have Nikes back then, just sandals. Their feet were very dirty, and he washed all their feet. [00:16:32] (21 seconds)


And I was just like, oh my goodness. We don't even speak his language, but how many of you know that love translates, doesn't it? And while he was down there doing that and praying over us, we were just weeping and just overwhelmed with what he was doing. And we could just have, it was just a powerful moment. [00:20:36] (23 seconds)


Remember, what I'm trying to teach you is to walk in pure joy. Making yourself last and then serving others pulls this joy into your life. Amen? Like the gentleman that was dropping off the presents. I saw the joy on his face and I went and asked him and he says, yeah, it feels really good. [00:26:32] (21 seconds)


And when that happens, the depth of God that gets poured out into you is off the charts, y 'all. You all looking for a relationship with Jesus Christ? You need to start serving your brothers and sisters in Christ. You got to ask the Lord. He will show you a way. There's a multitude of ways. [00:28:49] (15 seconds)


When you serve them, it breaks that completely off you. Amen? You're going to start growing in compassion. You're going to start growing in humility. You're going to start obeying. You're going to be falling in love with the Lord because you feel this overwhelming pure joy, because it's not about you. It's about him. Amen, church? [00:29:39] (21 seconds)


When you serve others, it ushers in the kingdom of God. It brings the kingdom of God forth as you serve other people. Amen? Because what you're showing them is real love that's possible by God, and they start to believe, maybe I can receive this. Maybe this is available to me. [00:30:47] (29 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?