Living Out Our Faith: Serving with Compassion

Today, we gathered to lift high the name of Jesus, declaring His holiness and supremacy over all creation. As we worshiped, we were reminded that our faith is not just about singing songs or attending church, but about living out the reality that Jesus is Lord in every aspect of our lives. The kingdom of God is advancing, and each of us is called to participate in what God is doing—not just within these walls, but in our families, our city, and the world.

We continued our journey through the “Ready, Set, Go” series, focusing on what it means to be “set”—to see what the Father is doing and to respond. Drawing from 1 Peter 3, Isaiah 58, and Matthew 25, we explored the call to be ready with a reason for our hope, to care for the oppressed, and to recognize Jesus in the faces of those in need. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 challenge us to see Him in the hungry, the stranger, the sick, and the imprisoned, and to respond with compassion and action. The overwhelming needs of the world can tempt us to shut down or create rigid rules, but the invitation is to stay tender and attentive to the Holy Spirit, asking, “Lord, what are you doing? What do you want me to see?”

We heard powerful testimonies from Barb and Allison, who shared how simple acts of faithfulness—showing up, listening, and meeting practical needs—can have a profound and lasting impact. These stories remind us that we may not be able to fix everything, but we can do for one what we wish we could do for all. The kindness of the Lord, expressed through our lives, leads people to repentance and transformation.

Opportunities abound for us to serve together, whether through food deliveries, partnering with Serve GR, or simply being attentive to the needs God places in our path. The real work of the kingdom happens as we step out, see people as God sees them, and respond with love, service, and sacrifice. This is the normal Christian life—a life that changes the world, one act of kindness at a time.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The supremacy of Jesus is not just a theological truth but a lived reality. Declaring His name as the highest means surrendering every part of our lives to Him, allowing His holiness to shape our identity, our worship, and our actions in the world. This surrender is the foundation for true Christian living. [41:20]
• 2. Being “ready with a reason” is more than having a rehearsed answer; it’s about living with a peace and hope that is evident to others, even in suffering. Our readiness flows from a heart sanctified to God, marked by integrity and a willingness to share the source of our hope with gentleness and respect. [45:49]
• 3. The call to serve the least of these is not about meeting every need or solving every problem, but about seeing and responding to the person in front of us. When we act in compassion, even in small ways, we are ministering to Jesus Himself, and our obedience releases God’s presence and blessing in our lives. [53:31]
• 4. Overwhelm and self-protection can lead us to create systems that insulate us from need, but the Spirit invites us to stay tender and responsive. Instead of shutting down, we are called to ask, “What is the Father doing here?” and to do for one what we wish we could do for all, trusting God with the results. [56:03]
• 5. Simple acts of faithfulness—showing up, listening, and meeting practical needs—can have a ripple effect far beyond what we see. The kindness of God, expressed through our lives, can lead to repentance, healing, and even generational impact, as seen in the testimonies shared today. [76:05]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [37:24] - Worship: Declaring God’s Holiness
• [38:11] - Proclaiming Jesus as King
• [41:20] - Surrender and the Advancing Kingdom
• [44:29] - Introduction to “Ready, Set, Go” Series
• [45:49] - Being Ready with a Reason
• [47:42] - Isaiah 58: The Fast God Chooses
• [50:51] - Seeing What the Father is Doing
• [52:53] - Matthew 25: Serving the Least of These
• [54:52] - Responding to Overwhelming Need
• [56:42] - Tenderness to the Holy Spirit
• [65:49] - Testimony: Barb and Walter’s Story
• [73:21] - Testimony: Allison’s Story of Simple Kindness
• [78:00] - Opportunities to Serve Together
• [82:39] - Giving and Announcements
• [85:47] - Ministry Teams and Sending Out

Bible Reading

1 Peter 3:14-16 (ESV) — > But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Isaiah 58:6-10 (ESV) — > “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.”

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV) — > Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Observation Questions

1. In 1 Peter 3, what does Peter say we should always be ready to do, and how should we do it?
2. According to Isaiah 58, what kind of “fast” does God desire from His people? What are some specific actions mentioned?
3. In Matthew 25, who does Jesus say we are really serving when we help those in need?
4. The sermon mentioned that the “normal Christian life” is not just about attending church, but about living out Jesus’ lordship in every area. What are some examples from the testimonies shared that show this in action? [[01:05:49] | [01:14:43]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Peter connects being “ready with a reason” for our hope with living a life of integrity and gentleness? How might this look different from just having a rehearsed answer? [[45:49]]
2. Isaiah 58 describes a fast that is more about action than abstaining from food. What does this reveal about God’s heart for worship and justice?
3. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 suggest that serving others is actually serving Him. How does this change the way we view people in need? [[53:31]]
4. The sermon talked about feeling overwhelmed by the needs around us and the temptation to shut down or create rules to protect ourselves. Why do you think it’s so easy to become numb or detached, and what does the Holy Spirit invite us to do instead? [[56:03]]

Application Questions

1. The supremacy of Jesus means surrendering every part of our lives to Him. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to let Jesus be Lord? What would it look like to surrender that area this week? [[41:20]]
2. When was the last time someone asked you about your hope or your faith? How did you respond? If you haven’t had that opportunity, what might help you be “ready with a reason” in your daily life? [[45:49]]
3. Think about the people you encounter regularly—at work, in your neighborhood, or even in your family. Is there someone you sense God might be inviting you to “see” and serve in a practical way? What is one small step you could take? [[53:31]]
4. The sermon shared stories of simple acts of faithfulness—showing up, listening, and meeting practical needs. Can you share a time when a small act of kindness made a big difference for you or someone you know? [[01:16:05]]
5. When you feel overwhelmed by the needs around you, what is your usual response? How can you practice asking, “Lord, what are you doing? What do you want me to see?” in those moments? [[56:03]]
6. The idea of “doing for one what you wish you could do for all” was highlighted. Who is one person you could focus on this week, and what is one thing you could do for them? [[57:21]]
7. There are opportunities to serve together as a group—like food deliveries or partnering with Serve GR. Is there a way your small group could step out and serve together in the coming month? What would it take to make that happen? [[01:18:00]]