Making Room for Service: Embracing God's Call
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of "Making Room to Serve" as part of our ongoing sermon series. This theme aligns perfectly with our "God's Work, Our Hands" weekend, where we transition from worship to active service. We began by reflecting on the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks about the necessity of abiding in Him through the metaphor of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This teaching was difficult for many, leading some disciples to turn away. However, Peter's response, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal sustenance Jesus offers.
We also delved into Joshua 24, where Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve—God or the false gods of their ancestors. This pivotal moment of decision-making is mirrored in our own lives as we navigate choices that either draw us closer to God or pull us away. The sermon emphasized the importance of making room for God and others in our lives, especially through acts of service.
In our consumer-driven culture, we often seek quick fixes and immediate gratification, but Jesus offers something far more enduring—the bread of life that satisfies our deepest needs. This bread is not just for us but for the whole world, and making room to serve others is a way to experience true contentment and joy. We were reminded that our cravings for quick fixes often keep us focused on ourselves, but God's vision is much broader, encompassing the needs of the entire world.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging us to participate in various service projects as part of "God's Work, Our Hands" weekend. By serving others, we not only fulfill God's mission but also find true satisfaction and purpose. We were urged to make room for service in our lives continually, not just today, and to come to the table of the Lord to receive the body and blood of Christ, which strengthens us to make choices that lead to abundant life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Abiding in Christ for Eternal Life: Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood symbolizes the deep, abiding relationship we must have with Him. This relationship is not about quick fixes but about eternal sustenance that nourishes our souls. Reflect on Peter's words, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," as a reminder of where true life is found. [26:04]
2. Choosing Whom to Serve: Just as Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose between God and false gods, we are continually faced with choices that either draw us closer to God or pull us away. Reflect on Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," and let it guide your decisions and actions. [29:42]
3. The Illusion of Quick Fixes: In our fast-paced, consumer-driven culture, we often seek immediate solutions to our problems. However, Jesus offers something far more enduring—the bread of life that satisfies our deepest needs. This requires patience and a willingness to be discipled, rather than seeking quick fixes. [36:17]
4. Serving Others as a Path to Joy: True contentment and joy come from serving God and others. When we make room to serve, we align ourselves with God's broader vision for the world. This service is not just a one-time act but a continual practice that brings us closer to God's mission. [38:21]
5. The Power of Community in Service: Participating in community service projects, like those organized for "God's Work, Our Hands" weekend, helps us live out our faith in tangible ways. These acts of service not only benefit others but also strengthen our own faith and sense of purpose. [42:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:41] - Gospel Reading: John 6
[26:04] - Peter's Response: Words of Eternal Life
[27:11] - Parenting Decisions and Choices
[28:42] - Joshua 24: Choosing Whom to Serve
[30:42] - Decision Making in John 6
[32:44] - Making Room to Serve
[34:14] - The Struggle with False Gods
[36:17] - The Illusion of Quick Fixes
[37:50] - The Bread of Life
[38:21] - Serving Others for True Joy
[39:22] - Bishop Tutu's Example
[41:23] - Choosing Candidates and Community Service
[42:23] - God's Work, Our Hands Weekend
[43:55] - Conclusion and Call to Serve
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 6:53-69 - Jesus said to them, "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them." From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."
2. Joshua 24:14-15 - "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life"? ([24:41])
2. How did the disciples react to Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood? ([25:19])
3. What choice does Joshua present to the Israelites in Joshua 24:14-15?
4. How does Peter respond to Jesus when asked if the Twelve also want to leave? ([26:04])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What might Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood symbolize in terms of a relationship with Him? ([24:41])
2. Why do you think many disciples found Jesus' teaching difficult and chose to turn away? ([25:19])
3. How does Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," serve as a model for decision-making in our lives today? ([29:42])
4. What does Peter's response, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," reveal about his understanding of Jesus' mission? ([26:04])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought a quick fix for a problem. How did it compare to seeking a deeper, more enduring solution through faith? ([36:17])
2. Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose whom they would serve. What are some "false gods" in your life that you need to put away to serve the Lord more faithfully? ([29:42])
3. How can you make room in your daily schedule to serve others, aligning with God's broader vision for the world? ([38:21])
4. Peter recognized that Jesus had the words of eternal life. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus to find true sustenance for your soul? ([26:04])
5. In what ways can participating in community service projects strengthen your faith and sense of purpose? ([42:23])
6. How can you ensure that your decisions and actions reflect a commitment to serving the Lord, as Joshua declared for his household? ([29:42])
7. What specific steps can you take this week to move from a consumer-driven mindset to one focused on serving others and experiencing true joy? ([38:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Abiding in Christ for Eternal Life
Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood symbolizes the deep, abiding relationship we must have with Him. This relationship is not about quick fixes but about eternal sustenance that nourishes our souls. Reflect on Peter's words, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," as a reminder of where true life is found. Jesus offers something far more enduring—the bread of life that satisfies our deepest needs. This requires patience and a willingness to be discipled, rather than seeking quick fixes. [26:04]
John 6:56-57 (ESV): "Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Christ, focusing on eternal sustenance rather than quick fixes?
Day 2: Choosing Whom to Serve
Just as Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose between God and false gods, we are continually faced with choices that either draw us closer to God or pull us away. Reflect on Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," and let it guide your decisions and actions. In our daily lives, we encounter numerous distractions and temptations that can lead us away from God. It is crucial to make conscious decisions that align with our faith and commitment to serve the Lord. [29:42]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: What are some false gods or distractions in your life that you need to set aside to serve the Lord more faithfully?
Day 3: The Illusion of Quick Fixes
In our fast-paced, consumer-driven culture, we often seek immediate solutions to our problems. However, Jesus offers something far more enduring—the bread of life that satisfies our deepest needs. This requires patience and a willingness to be discipled, rather than seeking quick fixes. Our cravings for quick fixes often keep us focused on ourselves, but God's vision is much broader, encompassing the needs of the entire world. [36:17]
Isaiah 55:2 (ESV): "Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been seeking quick fixes. How can you shift your focus to seek the enduring sustenance that Jesus offers?
Day 4: Serving Others as a Path to Joy
True contentment and joy come from serving God and others. When we make room to serve, we align ourselves with God's broader vision for the world. This service is not just a one-time act but a continual practice that brings us closer to God's mission. By serving others, we not only fulfill God's mission but also find true satisfaction and purpose. [38:21]
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: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community today. How can this act of service bring you closer to God's mission and bring joy to your life?
Day 5: The Power of Community in Service
Participating in community service projects, like those organized for "God's Work, Our Hands" weekend, helps us live out our faith in tangible ways. These acts of service not only benefit others but also strengthen our own faith and sense of purpose. By serving together as a community, we can make a significant impact and experience the joy of collective service. [42:23]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in community service projects? What steps can you take to encourage others in your community to join you in serving?
Quotes
1. "Our context today and their contexts are very different, but they both tell about crucial moments of decision making within a community. First, let's look at that Joshua chapter 24. It's my favorite verse, and I'll tell you why. Imagine this. All of the tribes of Israel have been gathered together. They are in Shechem, city in the north. This is the exact place where God had once promised to Abraham long ago when he first entered the land of Canaan." [28:12] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The tribes of Israel were being asked to make a decision between trusting in God's promises, as made to Abraham, or trusting in the false gods that had been buried by Jacob. Trusting in God's promises or trusting in false gods. That was the choice. Then, and I imagine this with a loud, booming voice, Joshua said, Now, if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. But, as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." [29:12] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus' teachings, you see, had become more and more difficult. But he didn't worry about crowd sizes. He was teaching about abundant life. He was teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood and how in doing so, they would abide in him. But this was difficult teaching, even for some of his closest followers. So when Jesus asks those remaining with him, do you also wish to go away? Well, Peter responds, maybe not with as much gusto as Joshua, but he responds with heartfelt consideration. Lord, whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." [31:12] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And I encourage you to meditate on both of these verses. Commit them to memory if you haven't already, because they can act as a compass in times of deliberation and discernment during your life. Both of these verses highlight individuals and communities renewing their decision to trust in God's promises and to trust in the bread of life, Jesus. So, they can serve as a reminder to you when you ask that question that we've been asking throughout the sermon series already. For what and for whom will I make room and space in my life?" [32:13] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But most days with our actions we choose to serve our immediate fleeting self-centered desires instead of serving the Lord. Do you remember that familiar nursery rhyme, pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake? Do it with me if you know it. Do the hand motions, right? They're doing it on the screen. Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. Bake me a cake as fast as you can. We'll stop there because I don't know the rest. This nursery rhyme from centuries ago hints at the desire even then for fast food." [35:15] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus however is offering something different something much much more. Jesus tells us that he can offer us the bread that does not perish bread that does not get old this kind of bread is the word of eternal life for all and it doesn't come in fast food packaging it takes time to understand and truly digest here bread is a metaphor. We've been using it for many weeks now. Bread is a metaphor for our deepest need. The need for which we hunger and yearn often without even knowing it." [37:20] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus is the bread of life that gives life to you and to me and the whole world and making room for serving him and others is what will give us true contentment and abiding joy. If left up to ourselves our cravings would keep us focused on our own limited small self-centered interests. God's view however is much much wider and God wants to work through us for the sake of God's mission in the world." [38:21] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Bishop Tutu began to speak of the evils of the apartheid system. How the rulers and authorities that propped it up were doomed to fail. He pointed a finger at the police who were there to carefully record all of his words and he said, you may be powerful, very powerful, but you are not God. God cannot be mocked. You have already lost. Then in a moment of unbearable tension the bishop seemed to soften coming out from behind the pulpit he flashed that radiant Tutu smile and began to bounce up and down with glee saying, therefore since you have already lost, we are inviting you to the winning side." [39:22] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Serving God's kingdom and God's will being done on earth is an invitation to each one of us. It is after all the winning side and we are invited to do God's work with our hands today. So as we look to those elections this fall, remember there will be promises made by local and national politicians on all sides for quick fixes. None of these are the choices of the promised reign of God and no candidate is speaking words of eternal life. Only Jesus can provide the true bread from heaven." [40:53] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Because the reality is that when we are not engaged in serving in some kind of way, well those false gods from that oak at Shechem, well they will continue to try and unbury themselves. And as we reach for them, and as we try to fill all that emptiness and that God-shaped hole in our lives with things that just don't satisfy, well, I invite you to make room. Make room to serve God and others. And make time to come to this table again and again and again to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This is the food that will satisfy." [43:24] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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