Living the Mission: Serving with Love and Surrender

Devotional

Day 1: The Mindset of Christ: Humility and Service

To follow Jesus is to embrace a mindset radically different from the world’s values. While society often equates greatness with being served, Christ demonstrated that true greatness is found in serving others with humility. He, though fully God, chose to become a servant, humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross. We are called to let this same attitude be in us, esteeming others above ourselves and seeking not our own interests, but the interests of others. This is the foundation of a life on mission: to serve as Christ served, with humility, love, and self-sacrifice. [10:36]

Philippians 2:3-11 (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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reflection: In what specific way can you humble yourself today to serve someone else, putting their needs above your own?

Day 2: God’s Love: The Foundation of Our Mission

God’s love is not sentimental, but sacrificial—He demonstrated it by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. This love is the foundation of our calling to serve and love others. Many struggle with doubt, feeling unworthy of such love, but Scripture assures us that God’s love is steadfast and unearned. When we truly grasp the depth of His love, it transforms our hearts and compels us to love others in action, not just in words. Let God’s love be the wellspring from which your service flows, knowing that nothing you have done can separate you from it. [13:31]

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you doubt God’s love for you? How can you remind yourself today of His unwavering love and let it move you to love others?

Day 3: Surrender: Embracing the Cost and Letting Go

Surrender is the bridge between love and obedience; it is a posture of the heart that says, “Your will be done, not mine.” Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him—letting go of our own ambitions, desires, and even our past failures. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to move forward, refusing to look back or be defined by what once was. In surrendering fully, we find the freedom and strength to live out God’s purpose for us, trusting that He is leading us every step of the way. [24:19]

Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Reflection: What is one thing you need to let go of today in order to fully surrender to God’s will and move forward in following Jesus?

Day 4: Obedience: Love in Action

Obedience is the natural outflow of love and surrender—it is love in action and surrender in motion. Jesus modeled perfect obedience, laying down His life willingly, not out of compulsion but out of love for the Father and for us. We are called not just to hear God’s Word, but to do it, living out our faith in tangible ways. Obedience may not always be easy or comfortable, but it is the path to fulfilling God’s purpose and experiencing His presence. Let your love for Christ be seen in your actions, as you keep His commandments and serve others faithfully. [29:00]

John 14:15 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Reflection: What is one command of Jesus you can intentionally put into practice today as an act of love and obedience?

Day 5: Trusting God and Living the Mission

Trust is essential to living out the mission Christ has given us. We are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, not relying on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all our ways. This trust empowers us to go boldly, knowing that God is with us and nothing can separate us from His love. As we trust, we are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission—to go, make disciples, and serve others with the heart of Christ. Let your legacy be one of service, humility, and faith, carrying forward the mission Jesus began. [31:32]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Reflection: Where are you tempted to rely on your own understanding instead of trusting God? What step can you take today to acknowledge Him and trust Him with your path?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to honor those who have served in the military, recognizing not only their sacrifice but also the families who have stood alongside them. This spirit of service and sacrifice is a powerful reflection of the calling we all share as followers of Christ. Many join the military seeking purpose and belonging, but through the process, they are transformed from self-focused individuals into people who understand the value of serving something greater than themselves. This transformation mirrors the journey we are called to take as believers—moving from self-interest to a life marked by humility, service, and love.

Philippians 2:3-11 reveals the heart of Jesus, who, though fully God, chose to humble Himself and become a servant. He was not forced into this role; He chose it out of love. The world often teaches us that service is a sign of weakness, but in God’s kingdom, it is the highest calling. Jesus’ life and death demonstrate that true greatness is found in serving others, not in being served. To serve as Christ served, we must first understand and accept the depth of God’s love for us—a love that is sacrificial, not sentimental. This love was demonstrated while we were still sinners, as Christ died for us.

Understanding God’s love leads us to surrender. Surrender is not a one-time event but a daily posture of the heart, where we lay down our own desires and take up our cross to follow Jesus. This means letting go of our past, our doubts, and our sense of unworthiness, and moving forward in faith. Surrender bridges the gap between love and obedience, enabling us to live transformed lives.

Obedience is love in action. Jesus was obedient even unto death, not because He was forced, but because He chose to fulfill the Father’s will. We are called to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. This requires daily trust in God, even when the path is difficult or unclear. Trusting God means acknowledging Him in all our ways and allowing Him to direct our paths.

When we embrace love, surrender, obedience, and trust, we are equipped to fulfill the mission Jesus gave us: to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not over; it continues through each of us as we choose humility over pride, service over status, and sacrifice over self. The same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus dwells in us, giving us the strength to carry out this calling. No matter our past or present struggles, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are invited to step forward in faith, accept His gift, and live out our purpose with boldness and compassion.

Key Takeaways

1. Service is the highest calling, not weakness The world often equates being served with success, but in God’s kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others. Jesus, though fully God, chose to humble Himself and serve, setting the ultimate example for us. Embracing a servant’s heart transforms our ambitions and aligns us with Christ’s mission. [12:27]
2. Love initiates transformation and mission God’s love is not based on our worthiness but is sacrificial and unconditional. Accepting this love frees us from doubt and empowers us to love others in tangible ways. When we truly grasp how deeply we are loved, it compels us to surrender and serve. [14:01]
3. Surrender bridges love and obedience Surrender is a daily act of laying down our own desires and taking up our cross. It is the bridge between experiencing God’s love and living in obedience to His will. This posture of surrender leads to transformation and a renewed purpose in Christ. [21:23]
4. Obedience is love in action Obedience is not passive; it is the active expression of our love for God. Jesus’ obedience, even unto death, was a choice rooted in love and trust in the Father. We are called to be doers of the Word, living out our faith through concrete actions and daily trust. [26:49]
5. The mission continues through us The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a command to carry Christ’s love to the world. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to humility, service, and sacrifice, knowing that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Our legacy is found in carrying the mission forward with boldness and compassion.

** [33:19]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:38] - Honoring Veterans and Families
[06:38] - The Heart of Service and Sacrifice
[08:14] - Transformation Through Service
[09:24] - Philippians 2: The Mind of Christ
[12:27] - Jesus: The Ultimate Servant
[13:07] - Love as the Foundation
[14:39] - The Fall and God’s Longing
[16:49] - Jesus Restores What Was Lost
[17:50] - The Tearing of the Veil
[18:57] - Called to Love One Another
[20:47] - Surrender: Embracing the Cost
[22:19] - Taking Up Your Cross Daily
[24:38] - Moving Forward, Not Looking Back
[26:49] - Obedience and Trust in Action
[32:30] - The Great Commission: Our Mission
[34:38] - Nothing Can Separate Us from God
[35:53] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[37:25] - Invitation to Surrender and Receive

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Philippians 2:3-11 (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. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 5:8 (ESV)
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 9:23 (ESV)
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Observation Questions

According to Philippians 2:3-11, what specific actions and attitudes did Jesus model for us when it comes to serving others?
In Romans 5:8, what does it say about the timing and nature of God’s love for us?
In Luke 9:23, what does Jesus say is required of anyone who wants to follow Him?
The sermon described how people entering the military are transformed from self-focused individuals to people who serve something greater than themselves. What parallels did the pastor draw between this transformation and the Christian life? ([08:32])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul emphasizes humility and considering others above ourselves in Philippians 2? How does this challenge the way our culture views success and greatness?
The sermon said, “Love initiates the mission. Love is not sentimental. It's sacrificial.” What does it mean for love to be sacrificial rather than just a feeling? ([13:07])
The pastor said that surrender is a daily act, not a one-time event. Why might it be difficult for believers to “take up their cross daily” as Jesus commands in Luke 9:23? ([22:19])
The sermon described obedience as “love in action.” How does understanding God’s love for us change the way we view obedience? ([26:49])

Application Questions

The world often teaches us that being served is a sign of success, but Jesus modeled the opposite. In what areas of your life do you find yourself wanting to be served rather than to serve? What is one practical way you can choose to serve someone this week? ([12:27])
The pastor said, “Stop doubting his love...We have to stop doubting what we've done in this world. Thinking that we are undeserving of that love.” Are there past mistakes or doubts that make it hard for you to accept God’s love? What would it look like to let go of those doubts? ([14:01])
Surrender was described as a daily posture, not a one-time event. What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control to God? What step could you take this week to practice surrender in that area? ([21:23])
The sermon challenged us to be “doers of the Word, not just hearers.” Is there a command or teaching of Jesus that you know but have struggled to put into action? What is holding you back, and how can you take a step of obedience this week? ([26:49])
The Great Commission is not just for pastors or missionaries. Who in your life might God be calling you to reach out to, serve, or disciple? What is one step you can take to move toward that this month? ([33:19])
The pastor said, “Let the mindset of Christ be your compass. Let love be your motive. Let surrender be your posture. Let obedience be your path. And let service be your legacy.” Which of these do you find most challenging, and why? ([34:02])
The sermon reminded us that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” When you face struggles or doubts, what helps you remember and trust in God’s unbreakable love? ([34:58])

Sermon Clips

And this love is so important because whether you like to hear it or not, this may not be something that sits well with you. But every single one of us deserves nothing but death. It is a grace and a mercy and a gift. It is a gift that the Father, the love that God showed to send his only begotten son to die for you and I. That we have the gift of eternal life. That we can accept that gift. But make no mistake about it. There's no works that we could do to make us deserve. It's a gift that we receive. [00:15:51] (45 seconds) #GraceNotWorks

That veil represents a separation. Go back and study Leviticus in the temple. It shows that separation. When that veil was torn from top to bottom, it was no longer just the high priest that could go into the presence of the most high God. It was every single one of you. Because God loves us. And understanding how much he loves us. We are called to love one another. [00:18:25] (32 seconds) #VeilTornForAll

Obedience is love and action. And is surrender in motion. It's not just hearing. It's doing. See, Jesus, as we saw, has humbled himself and became obedient even unto death. [00:26:47] (17 seconds) #ObedienceIsLove

Jesus had the power at any time to call on the legions of angels. He had the power at any time to stop his suffering. Every lash that he took. The crown of thorns on his head. The ridicule of being stripped naked. Says he was beaten so bad he was unrecognizable. He had the power to stop that at any time. But he loved us so much that he went through every single stage of that. The worst, the worst crucifixion for you and I. He chose. He was not forced. Somebody needs to hear that today. He chose to lay down. He chose to lay down his life for you. He chose to be obedient. He had the power to stop it. But he knew. He knew that the mission was far greater than him. [00:27:29] (75 seconds) #PowerInSacrifice

That's what we're doing. We're saying God serve me instead of serving God. And that's what we're talking about today. You got to rid yourself of that mind of saying that God serves. You. God does not serve you. You're called to serve God. Can I get an amen? But the only way that we can truly serve him and do this and be doers of the word is by fully trusting him. Trusting him that it's not always going to be easy. Trusting him that it's not always going to be pretty. It's not going to be our way. It's not what we want. It's his will, not our will. [00:30:48] (37 seconds) #ServeGodNotSelf

The mission hasn't ended. It continues through us. And every act of kindness. Every word of truth. Every step of faith. It continues when we choose humility over pride. Service over status. And sacrifice over self. Let the mindset of Christ be your compass. Let love be your motive. Let surrender be your posture. Let obedience be your path. And let service be your legacy. [00:33:15] (46 seconds) #LiveTheMission

Go with boldness. Go with compassion. Go with the heart of Christ. Because, brothers and sisters, the mission is not over. And you were born to carry it forward. [00:34:02] (18 seconds) #CarryTheMission

If you're sitting here today and you don't know that if you died right now that you would go to heaven, you don't know if you've accepted the gift of eternal life, I want to tell you right now, Romans 3.23 says, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 6.23 says, for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life. And Christ Jesus, our Lord, can I get an amen. [00:36:40] (21 seconds) #GiftOfEternalLife

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