From Consumer to Contributor: Embracing Church's True Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of the church's role in meeting our needs, and how our expectations and understanding of this role can evolve over time. We began by acknowledging that many of us initially approach church with the mindset that it exists to meet our needs. This is a natural starting point, especially when we are searching for answers, feeling broken, or seeking purpose. However, as we grow in our relationship with Jesus, our expectations should shift from a consumer mindset to a contributor mindset.
We discussed how our wants and preferences can often disguise themselves as needs, leading to discontent when they go unmet. True needs, such as the need for purpose, are met in the context of the local church, but not by focusing on ourselves. Instead, our needs are met when we shift our focus to loving God and loving others. This principle is rooted in Jesus' teaching in Mark 12:30-31, where He emphasizes the greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We also examined the idea of a spiritual tipping point, a moment when our perspective shifts from what we can get from the church to what we can contribute to it. This shift is crucial for spiritual growth and fulfillment. James 1:22-25 reminds us not to be mere listeners of the Word but doers, applying God's teachings to our lives. This application leads to blessings and fulfillment.
The story of the paralyzed man and his friends in Luke 5 illustrates the power of focusing on others' needs. The friends' determination to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus resulted in a miraculous healing, demonstrating that our needs are often met when we help meet the needs of others.
Finally, we heard the testimony of Deb, whose spiritual growth and fulfillment were unlocked when she said yes to serving in the church. Her story underscores the importance of moving from a consumer to a contributor mindset. By serving and giving, we become part of something bigger than ourselves, fulfilling our purpose and experiencing the joy and fulfillment that come from loving God and loving others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Shift from Consumer to Contributor: Spiritual growth and fulfillment come when we move from a consumer mindset to a contributor mindset. By focusing on what we can give rather than what we can get, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience deeper spiritual growth. [15:54]
2. Distinguish Needs from Wants: It's essential to differentiate between our true needs and our wants or preferences. Unmet wants can lead to discontent, but true needs, such as the need for purpose, are met when we focus on loving God and others. [17:33]
3. Love God and Love Others: The greatest commandments, as taught by Jesus, are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This shift in focus from ourselves to God and others is key to finding fulfillment and purpose. [20:36]
4. Be Doers of the Word: James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of not just listening to God's Word but applying it to our lives. This active obedience leads to blessings and fulfillment, as we live out our faith in practical ways. [23:33]
5. Serve to Find Fulfillment: Serving in the church helps us connect to something bigger than ourselves. The story of Deb illustrates how saying yes to serving can unlock new phases of spiritual growth and fulfillment, as we contribute to God's kingdom. [34:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:29] - Shoutouts to Other Campuses
[15:54] - The Church Exists to Meet My Needs
[17:33] - Distinguishing Needs from Wants
[19:05] - The Counterintuitive Solution
[20:36] - The Greatest Commandments
[22:11] - Loving God and Loving Others
[23:33] - Spiritual Tipping Point
[25:11] - Be Doers of the Word
[26:46] - The Story of the Paralyzed Man
[29:38] - Focusing on Others' Needs
[31:07] - Practical Ways to Serve
[32:36] - Deb's Testimony
[34:04] - The Impact of Serving
[35:41] - Invitation to Serve
[37:07] - Highlighting Ministry Teams
[38:31] - Giving as a Form of Contribution
[40:10] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Mark 12:30-31: "And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these."
2. James 1:22-25: "But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."
3. Luke 5:18-25: "Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven.' The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, 'Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?' Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, 'Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.' So he said to the paralyzed man, 'I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.' Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two greatest commandments according to Jesus in Mark 12:30-31?
2. In James 1:22-25, what analogy does James use to describe someone who hears the word but does not act on it?
3. How did the friends of the paralyzed man in Luke 5 demonstrate their faith and determination to help their friend? [28:09]
4. What was the reaction of the crowd after Jesus healed the paralyzed man in Luke 5:25?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized loving God and loving others as the greatest commandments? How do these commandments relate to our needs and purpose? [20:36]
2. How does James 1:22-25 challenge us to move beyond merely listening to God's word? What are the implications of being "doers" of the word? [23:33]
3. In the story of the paralyzed man, what can we learn about the importance of community and helping others in their faith journey? [29:38]
4. How does the concept of a "spiritual tipping point" change our perspective on what it means to have our needs met by the church? [23:33]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current mindset: Do you approach church with a consumer mentality or a contributor mentality? What steps can you take to shift towards being a contributor? [15:54]
2. Think about a time when you confused your wants with your needs. How did this affect your contentment and relationship with the church? How can you better distinguish between wants and needs in the future? [17:33]
3. Jesus taught us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. What practical steps can you take this week to live out these commandments more fully? [20:36]
4. James 1:22-25 calls us to be doers of the word. Identify one specific teaching from the Bible that you have heard but not yet applied. What action can you take this week to put it into practice? [23:33]
5. The friends of the paralyzed man went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus. Is there someone in your life who needs your help to come closer to Jesus? What can you do to support them in their faith journey? [28:09]
6. Deb's story illustrates the fulfillment that comes from serving. Are you currently serving in your church? If not, what is one area where you feel called to contribute, and how can you take the first step to get involved? [34:04]
7. How can you cultivate a heart that is more focused on loving God and others rather than on your own needs? What changes in your daily routine or mindset might help you achieve this? [22:11]
Devotional
Day 1: From Consumer to Contributor
As we begin our spiritual journey, it's common to approach the church with the expectation that it exists to meet our needs. This consumer mindset is a natural starting point, especially when we are searching for answers, feeling broken, or seeking purpose. However, true spiritual growth and fulfillment come when we shift from a consumer mindset to a contributor mindset. This means focusing on what we can give rather than what we can get. By aligning ourselves with God's purpose and serving others, we experience deeper spiritual growth and a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond our initial expectations. [15:54]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think of one way you can contribute to your church community this week. How can you use your unique gifts to serve others and glorify God?
Day 2: Distinguishing Needs from Wants
It's essential to differentiate between our true needs and our wants or preferences. Often, our wants can disguise themselves as needs, leading to discontent when they go unmet. True needs, such as the need for purpose, are met when we focus on loving God and others. By shifting our focus from ourselves to God and others, we find that our true needs are fulfilled in ways we may not have initially expected. This principle is rooted in Jesus' teaching in Mark 12:30-31, where He emphasizes the greatest commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. [17:33]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Identify a want in your life that you have mistaken for a need. How can you shift your focus to loving God and others to find true fulfillment?
Day 3: Love God and Love Others
The greatest commandments, as taught by Jesus, are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This shift in focus from ourselves to God and others is key to finding fulfillment and purpose. When we prioritize these commandments, we align ourselves with God's will and experience a deeper sense of joy and satisfaction. Loving God and others requires intentionality and a willingness to put their needs above our own, leading to a more meaningful and purpose-driven life. [20:36]
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can show love to a neighbor or someone in your community this week. How can you demonstrate God's love through your actions?
Day 4: Be Doers of the Word
James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of not just listening to God's Word but applying it to our lives. This active obedience leads to blessings and fulfillment, as we live out our faith in practical ways. Being doers of the Word means taking what we learn from Scripture and sermons and putting it into practice in our daily lives. This application of God's teachings transforms us and allows us to experience the fullness of His blessings. [23:33]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent Bible passage or sermon that spoke to you. How can you apply its teachings to your life this week in a tangible way?
Day 5: Serve to Find Fulfillment
Serving in the church helps us connect to something bigger than ourselves. The story of Deb illustrates how saying yes to serving can unlock new phases of spiritual growth and fulfillment, as we contribute to God's kingdom. By serving and giving, we become part of a larger community and fulfill our purpose in ways that bring joy and satisfaction. Serving others not only meets their needs but also enriches our own spiritual journey, leading to a deeper connection with God and a more meaningful life. [34:04]
Galatians 5:13-14 (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. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Reflection: Consider a ministry or service opportunity within your church that you have not yet explored. How can you take a step towards serving in that area this week?
Quotes
1. "The purpose of a single puzzle piece is fully realized when it's placed in the context of the entire puzzle. And today we're going to see how the same is true for you when you find yourself placed in the context of God's church." [14:29] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I've got a confession. I've been following Jesus now for quite some time and I still walk into church thinking this is where I will have my needs met. But I will say this, over the years of following Jesus and, and growing in my relationship with him, my expectations have changed that I walked in a certain way thinking my needs would be met and how they actually got met surprised me." [15:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The church exists to meet your needs, but the way your needs get met is somewhat counterintuitive. What do I mean by that? Oftentimes, if you have a need, you have something that is going unmet in your life, the solution is to focus on that need, give it some attention, and you're going to find a solution, and you'll get to a place where that need is being met. But being part of God's church, it's essential to seeing your needs met. It's just that they aren't met by staying focused on yourself." [20:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want the church to meet your needs, it starts by taking the focus off of you and shift it to loving God and loving others. It's a bit counterintuitive. We would think we've got to stay focused on our needs. We've got to be the ones that search out and find the solution, find the answer so that our needs are met. But really, what happens is our needs are met once we take the focus off of ourselves." [22:11] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When church becomes less about what you can get from it and more about what you can contribute to it, you've reached the spiritual tipping point. It's easier and it's maybe less fulfilling to stay focused on yourself and your needs. But remaining self-centered will always prevent you from becoming the person that God created you to be." [23:33] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you press in, if you lean in, and if you pursue God to draw close to him, you study his word, you get connected to his church, you find yourself in biblical community, living out what you're looking for, you find yourself learning from God, and you're actually doing what he wants you to do, God will bless you for doing it." [25:11] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you want the church to meet your needs, take an honest look at your heart and ask yourself, again, you don't have to answer this out loud. It might be something you want to talk about with a friend or a loved one later, but ask yourself this, am I loving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? Am I loving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength? Am I doing that? Am I loving God with everything that I am, everything that I have?" [26:46] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "If you really want your needs met at the church and through the church, the church exists to meet my needs. If you want to see your needs met, it starts by loving God and loving others. And it's really when you exchange the mindset of a consumer that I'm going to come and church is all about me to then all of a sudden changing that, exchanging that for the mindset of a contributor, your faith will come alive as you plug into God's church and become part of something bigger than yourself." [31:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you want to see the church meet your needs, if you want to become all that God wants you to be, if you want to discover fulfillment of your purpose to love God and love others, trade the consumer mentality for the contributor mentality and find your place to belong in the bigger picture of God's church. As you love God with all and others as yourself, you'll find God and his church will meet your needs for fulfillment. You'll discover your purpose and you'll have a deeper sense of why God created you." [40:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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