Intentional Service: Winning Souls for God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound joy and responsibility of witnessing and participating in the winning of souls to God. This journey begins with understanding that our greatest comeback story is our own salvation, where we were once lost but are now found through God's grace. This transformation compels us to share the good news of Jesus with others, becoming active participants in God's mission to win souls for His kingdom.
The core of our discussion centered around the idea of "How to Win" in God's kingdom, which involves seeking the salvation of others through intentional service. We delved into 1 Corinthians 9, where the Apostle Paul provides timeless principles for engaging with different groups of people. Paul exemplifies serving with intentionality by becoming a servant to all, building bridges with religious, irreligious, and developing Christians. His approach is not about conforming to the world but about connecting with people where they are, to lead them to Christ.
We also discussed the importance of serving with intensity, likening our spiritual journey to that of an athlete who trains with focus and discipline. Just as athletes strive for a perishable prize, we are called to pursue eternal victories that glorify God. This requires us to be intentional and intense in our service, ensuring that our efforts are directed towards kingdom work.
Finally, we emphasized the necessity of serving with integrity. Integrity ensures that our actions align with our message, maintaining self-control and discipline in our walk with Christ. This integrity is crucial for effective ministry and for avoiding disqualification in our spiritual race.
As we move forward, we are challenged to build bridges with those around us, whether they are deeply religious, indifferent to God, or new in their faith. By doing so, we can share in the blessings of the gospel and witness the transformative power of God's love in the lives of others.
Key Takeaways:
- The Joy of Salvation: Our greatest comeback story is our own salvation, where we were once lost but are now found through God's grace. This transformation compels us to share the good news of Jesus with others, becoming active participants in God's mission to win souls for His kingdom. [01:47]
- Intentional Service: Winning souls for Christ involves serving with intentionality, as demonstrated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9. By becoming a servant to all, we build bridges with religious, irreligious, and developing Christians, connecting with them where they are to lead them to Christ. [06:54]
- Intensity in Service: Our spiritual journey requires intensity, akin to an athlete's focused training. We are called to pursue eternal victories that glorify God, ensuring our efforts are directed towards kingdom work. This intensity in service is essential for making a lasting impact. [25:59]
- Integrity in Ministry: Serving with integrity ensures our actions align with our message, maintaining self-control and discipline in our walk with Christ. Integrity is crucial for effective ministry and for avoiding disqualification in our spiritual race. [38:22]
- Building Bridges: We are challenged to build bridges with those around us, whether they are deeply religious, indifferent to God, or new in their faith. By doing so, we can share in the blessings of the gospel and witness the transformative power of God's love in the lives of others. [47:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:47] - The Joy of Salvation
- [03:55] - How to Win Souls
- [06:54] - Serving with Intentionality
- [08:31] - Building Bridges with Religious People
- [11:28] - Connecting with the Irreligious
- [13:21] - Engaging Developing Christians
- [14:49] - The Purpose of Bridge Building
- [22:24] - Practical Steps for Building Bridges
- [25:59] - Serving with Intensity
- [32:22] - Intense Seasons of Service
- [35:07] - Opportunities for Intense Ministry
- [36:46] - Eternal Impact of Intense Service
- [38:22] - Serving with Integrity
- [41:36] - The Importance of Self-Control
- [43:23] - Call to Action: Intentional, Intense, and Integrity-Driven Service
- [47:10] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 9:19-27
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul mentions becoming a servant to all. What does this reveal about his approach to sharing the gospel? [06:54]
2. How does Paul describe his method of connecting with different groups of people in 1 Corinthians 9:20-22? What are the three groups he mentions? [08:31]
3. What analogy does Paul use in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 to describe the Christian life, and what is its significance? [25:59]
4. According to the sermon, what are the three key aspects of serving in God's kingdom? [47:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to serve with intentionality, and how does Paul's example in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 illustrate this concept? [06:54]
2. How can the analogy of an athlete's discipline in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 be applied to one's spiritual life and service to God? [25:59]
3. In what ways does serving with integrity, as discussed in the sermon, impact the effectiveness of one's ministry? [38:22]
4. How does Paul's approach to building bridges with different groups challenge contemporary Christians in their interactions with others? [14:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own "comeback story" of salvation. How does this personal transformation motivate you to share the gospel with others? [01:47]
2. Identify a specific group or individual in your life with whom you can build a bridge for the sake of the gospel. What practical steps can you take to connect with them intentionally? [11:28]
3. Consider a time when you served with intensity, similar to an athlete's focused training. How can you apply that same level of dedication to your current spiritual journey? [32:22]
4. Integrity in ministry is crucial. What are some areas in your life where you need to align your actions with your message? How can you ensure consistency in your walk with Christ? [38:22]
5. Think about the relationships you have with people who are indifferent to God or new in their faith. How can you intentionally support and encourage them in their spiritual growth? [14:49]
6. What are some potential distractions or obstacles that might prevent you from serving with intentionality, intensity, and integrity? How can you address these challenges? [43:23]
7. As you consider the call to be a prayer warrior or evangelist, what specific steps can you take to actively participate in God's mission to win souls for His kingdom? [47:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Joy of Personal Salvation
Our greatest comeback story is our own salvation, where we were once lost but are now found through God's grace. This transformation compels us to share the good news of Jesus with others, becoming active participants in God's mission to win souls for His kingdom. The joy of salvation is not just a personal experience but a call to action. It is a reminder of the profound change that God has worked in our lives, moving us from darkness into His marvelous light. This joy should overflow into our interactions with others, inspiring us to share the hope and love we have found in Christ. [01:47]
"For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2:25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the joy of salvation? How can you share your personal story of transformation with them today?
Day 2: Intentional Service in Winning Souls
Winning souls for Christ involves serving with intentionality, as demonstrated by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9. By becoming a servant to all, we build bridges with religious, irreligious, and developing Christians, connecting with them where they are to lead them to Christ. This intentional service requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people from all walks of life. It is about meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and showing them the love of Christ through our actions and words. Intentional service is not about conforming to the world but about being a light in the darkness, guiding others to the truth of the gospel. [06:54]
"To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." (1 Corinthians 9:22, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person or group you can intentionally serve this week. What specific actions can you take to build a bridge and connect with them?
Day 3: Intensity in Our Spiritual Journey
Our spiritual journey requires intensity, akin to an athlete's focused training. We are called to pursue eternal victories that glorify God, ensuring our efforts are directed towards kingdom work. This intensity in service is essential for making a lasting impact. Just as athletes train with discipline and focus to achieve their goals, we must approach our spiritual lives with the same dedication. This means prioritizing our relationship with God, seeking His guidance, and being diligent in our efforts to serve others. Intensity in our spiritual journey is about being fully committed to the work God has called us to do, striving for excellence in all that we do for His glory. [25:59]
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your spiritual life needs more intensity and focus? How can you train yourself to pursue eternal victories with greater dedication?
Day 4: Integrity in Ministry
Serving with integrity ensures our actions align with our message, maintaining self-control and discipline in our walk with Christ. Integrity is crucial for effective ministry and for avoiding disqualification in our spiritual race. It is about being authentic in our faith, living out the values we profess, and being consistent in our actions and words. Integrity in ministry means being trustworthy and reliable, setting an example for others to follow. It requires us to examine our hearts and motives, ensuring that we are serving God with pure intentions and a sincere desire to honor Him in all that we do. [38:22]
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current ministry or service. Are there areas where your actions do not align with your message? How can you cultivate greater integrity in your walk with Christ?
Day 5: Building Bridges with Others
We are challenged to build bridges with those around us, whether they are deeply religious, indifferent to God, or new in their faith. By doing so, we can share in the blessings of the gospel and witness the transformative power of God's love in the lives of others. Building bridges is about creating connections and fostering relationships that allow for meaningful conversations about faith. It involves being open and approachable, willing to listen and understand others' perspectives. By building bridges, we create opportunities for the gospel to be shared and for lives to be changed by the love of Christ. [47:10]
"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." (Romans 15:2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is different from you in terms of faith or beliefs. What steps can you take to build a bridge and foster a meaningful relationship with them?
Quotes
"What a beautiful moment that is to be able to experience. Maybe you've had the chance to pray with your son or your daughter. Maybe as you were sitting with them on the bed next to each other. And as you talked about what it means to follow Jesus, your son or your daughter said, you know what? I want to trust Jesus as my savior. You pray together. What an incredible moment." [00:00:19] (24 seconds)
"And for many of us, it is. But in this room, that's your story as well. That's got to be your greatest comeback story of all time, right? When you were lost, but because of God's work in you, now you've been found. You've been won into God's kingdom." [00:01:53] (18 seconds)
"Paul says this, For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. He says, hey, I want people to become Christian. I want people to become followers of Jesus and to have hope that will last for all eternity as we go to heaven. To be with our Savior." [00:07:00] (28 seconds)
"Paul sets this great example. He says, even for those people who are still within Judaism, who have not recognized the truth that Jesus is the promised Messiah, or even to other people of other religions, those people who are trying so hard to earn something by their own good works, Paul says, I'm going to connect with these people and seek to build a bridge towards them. It may have been in his dress. It may have been in some of those cultural expressions." [00:11:28] (31 seconds)
"serve with intensity with focus being directed towards that here's the thing the christian life the christian life that we are all called to live will make a difference in the lives of the people around us so we must live we must serve with intensity just like a devoted athlete i don't know if you knew this but they had sports those 2 000 years ago when the apostle paul was writing this epistle and you better believe it the apostle paul is about to break out a sports analogy in his message here okay you know we've done that before here at the church right hey chicago bears got a new coach yeah leadership yeah okay good all right a little little side change there but here's the thing paul breaks it out because in corinth the people were familiar with sporting events wasn't quite as big as the olympics were but back in the day in that area of corinth there was a huge area where people would come to an auditorium some of the wealthy businessmen who were seeking to maybe boost the economy in the area they'd buy everybody food so everybody would show up and there would be athletes competing working hard at the things that they have been training in and so that's why paul is able to say in verse 24 do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one receives the prize only one person can get first place so he says run that you may obtain it he says run with focus now a little less than a year ago i went out and i ran a half marathon okay and i got for uh for finishing yeah i didn't win because somebody asked did you win i think one of my kids Dad, did you win the half marathon? No, not even close. But I finished. That's why I got a finisher right here. And so, wow, here's my, I got him for a pen and pen and paint. So here's how it worked. So you start in here. Here's the Fox River, okay? Start in here, run up halfway, cross over, go all the way up, run around this little water table, very small. Come back down across, and that's how you finish. And we were focused. We said, we're going to go. We prepared in advance. We ran, and I was like maybe a quarter of the way there, like only halfway up to the turnaround spot. And all of a sudden, the guy in first place ran past me in the other direction. He was like." [00:25:59] (159 seconds)
"quarters of the way already done i'm like what is going on with you like as fast as i can run he did the whole 13 miles like that way i'm like that is crazy this guy got first place by the time i got to the finish line i'm like where'd everybody go you know he's not everybody went home around they're like oh here you go sir okay i love it but here's the thing paul says when you run a race do it with intentionality he says in verse 26 i do not run aimlessly imagine if i got to the starting line that a little gun went off and i start running in any old direction i probably end up like falling in the fox river the medics are coming over like what's wrong we gotta run with intensity with focus and he also said there were boxers back in that day boxers back in the day and paul says i do not box as one beating the air when i'm boxing anybody see the jake paul and mike tyson fight anybody want someone on netflix lots of room in the room yes anybody's netflix like flaked out on during that like glitching yeah that's the same true for me but uh but here's the thing when you're boxing like you're literally you gotta be focused you're ready to block the blows you're ready for whatever's next you're not just over here like going in the air no you're doing something on purpose that's why he says i do not box as one beating the air the principles here no one wins first place by accident no one crosses the finish line i know i'm not going to wear this for the rest of my sermon no one crosses the finish line on accident no one serves in the kingdom of god in an effective eternal winning way by accident you've got to serve with intentionality intensity here's what paul says he encapsulated it all go back just a little bit there in verse 25 he says every athlete exercises self -control we're coming back to self -control later every athlete exercises self -control in all things they do it to receive a perishable wreath now for those of you who did small your small group study this week you know what this wreath was made out of this wreath that they used to give to people at times they used to make it out of like evergreen branches uh and then they started to make it out of get this for the champion celery they would make these wreaths for the people's head out of celery i'm not going to tell you i had celery for lunch on tuesday and the reason that i did is because i looked in the fridge i said that celery is not going to last very long so let me go ahead and eat it for lunch that thing that yep" [00:28:11] (173 seconds)
"That temporary victory on earth lasted a very short while. And you may be here like, you know what? Yeah, we've come around. We're not giving people salary when they win the Olympics. We're giving them some precious medals, right? Anybody watch the Olympics over the summer? Good stuff out there in Paris. Well, this last week in the news, people were posting pictures of their medals starting to degrade. Go ahead and show that picture. So like gold, like can you imagine you train your whole life, and all of a sudden your gold medal starts like deteriorating. It's all nasty and gross. I don't know what happened there. But here's the thing. Earthly victories are fun." [00:31:31] (39 seconds)
"But eternal victories are forever. Earthly victories may be exciting for a short period of time. But eternal victories are where it's at. That's God's heart for each one of us to be making an impact in that way. So God. Question for you. What's the most intense season of service that you've been a part of in your life? Look back. You know, we've got a lot of people in the room who have served and love to serve, and many who are even serving today." [00:32:10] (35 seconds)
"What's the most intense season of service that you've been a part of in your life? Look back. You know, we've got a lot of people in the room who have served and love to serve, and many who are even serving today. What was the most intense season of service for God's kingdom you've ever experienced? For some of us, we say, hands down, BDS week. BDS, man, that's a rough time. It's a beautiful thing. We're bringing people in from our community. But, man, I'm tired by the end of it. It is intense. We're sharing the good news of Jesus. We're learning all the motions to the Psalms. It's all really good. And we've got it stuck in our heads for the rest of the summer. That could be an intense season of ministry that you've been a part of." [00:32:30] (47 seconds)
"Maybe it's a mission trip. Maybe you've been a part of, I was talking to this earlier, during greeting time, someone who had gone and served in different places around the world. We've got different mission trips each year, too. Uganda, and Alaska, and Poland, and Mexico. Opportunities to serve God around the world. And if you've ever been on a trip, you know you may be running out of energy by like the second day. Because it's an intense season of travel and ministry. But by the end of it, man, you're able to see God at work. What he's doing in the lives of other people." [00:33:50] (35 seconds)
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