Serving Others: A Reflection of Our Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound call to serve others as an expression of our faith. We began by acknowledging the worthiness of Jesus, who grants us access to the Father through His sacrifice. This sets the foundation for our lives as believers, where our actions should reflect the love and grace we've received. We explored Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus emphasizes serving "the least of these" as serving Him. This passage challenges us to see every person we encounter as an opportunity to demonstrate Christ's love, regardless of their status or what they can offer us.
We delved into the concept of "saved people, serve people," highlighting that our faith should naturally lead to serving others. This isn't about earning God's love but responding to it. We discussed the importance of loving our neighbors, even those who might be difficult or considered enemies. Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 13 provide a framework for this love, urging us to be patient, kind, and not easily angered. We are called to love in action, not just in words, and to see others through the lens of Christ's compassion.
Furthermore, we addressed the practical aspect of serving within the church community. Serving is not just about filling roles but about using our God-given gifts to contribute to the body of Christ. We shared the impact of our collective efforts, such as the numerous serve opportunities and the lives touched through our outreach programs. This is a testament to the power of unity in advancing God's kingdom.
Finally, we emphasized the necessity of making Jesus the Lord of our lives. It's not enough to perform acts of service; our hearts must be aligned with His will. This involves a personal commitment to follow Him, allowing His love to transform us and guide our actions. We invited those who haven't yet made this commitment to take that step, assuring them of the life-changing power of a relationship with Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- The Worthiness of Jesus: Our worship and service are rooted in the worthiness of Jesus, who grants us access to the Father through His sacrifice. This foundational truth calls us to live lives that reflect His love and grace. [23:38]
- Serving "The Least of These": Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25 challenges us to see every person as an opportunity to serve Him. Our actions towards those society deems insignificant are a direct reflection of our love for Christ. [36:24]
- Love in Action: True love is demonstrated through patience, kindness, and a refusal to be easily angered. Our interactions with others, especially in disagreement, reveal the depth of our love and commitment to Christ's teachings. [44:57]
- Serving the Church Community: Using our gifts to serve within the church is vital for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. Our collective efforts have a significant impact, demonstrating the power of unity in Christ. [56:44]
- Making Jesus Lord: Beyond acts of service, our hearts must be surrendered to Jesus as Lord. This involves a personal commitment to follow Him, allowing His love to transform us and guide our actions. [01:04:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:38] - Worship and Worthiness of Jesus
[25:19] - Introduction and Prayer for Pastor Brandon
[36:24] - Serving "The Least of These"
[40:31] - State Fair and Seeing Neighbors
[44:57] - Love in Action
[53:04] - Responding to Enemies
[56:44] - Serving the Church Community
[01:01:35] - Invitation to Make Jesus Lord
[01:04:19] - Sinner's Prayer and Celebration
[01:05:34] - Encouragement to Engage and Serve
[01:09:51] - Closing and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 25:35-40
- Galatians 5:13-14
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 25:35-40, what specific actions does Jesus mention that reflect serving "the least of these"? How do these actions relate to serving Jesus Himself? [36:24]
2. According to Galatians 5:13-14, what is the relationship between freedom and serving others? How does this passage define the fulfillment of the law? [40:31]
3. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, what are the characteristics of love mentioned? How do these characteristics challenge our everyday interactions with others? [44:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "saved people, serve people"? What does this imply about the nature of faith and works? [36:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the teaching in Matthew 25:35-40 challenge the way believers view and interact with those considered "the least" in society? What does this imply about the value of every individual? [36:24]
2. Galatians 5:13-14 speaks about using freedom to serve one another through love. How might this freedom be misused, and what does true service look like according to this passage? [40:31]
3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, how can the characteristics of love be applied in situations of disagreement or conflict? What does this reveal about the depth of one's commitment to Christ's teachings? [44:57]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making Jesus the Lord of one's life. How does this commitment transform a believer's approach to service and relationships? [01:04:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Think of a time when you encountered someone who might be considered "the least of these." How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of Matthew 25:35-40? [36:24]
2. Galatians 5:13-14 encourages believers to serve one another through love. Identify a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. What steps will you take to make this happen? [40:31]
3. Reflect on a recent disagreement you had. How could the characteristics of love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 have changed the outcome of that interaction? What will you do differently next time? [44:57]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of using God-given gifts to serve within the church community. What is one gift you have that you can use to serve your church? How will you start using it? [56:44]
5. Consider the idea of making Jesus the Lord of your life. What is one area of your life where you struggle to surrender control to Him? What practical steps can you take to align this area with His will? [01:04:19]
6. The sermon mentioned the impact of collective efforts in advancing God's kingdom. How can you contribute to a group effort in your church or community to make a positive impact? [56:44]
7. Reflect on the concept of "saved people, serve people." How does this perspective change your understanding of faith and works? What is one action you can take this week to live out this principle? [36:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Worthiness of Jesus as Our Foundation
Our journey of faith begins with recognizing the worthiness of Jesus, who through His sacrifice, grants us access to the Father. This foundational truth calls us to live lives that reflect His love and grace. Understanding Jesus' worthiness is not just an intellectual exercise but a transformative realization that shapes our actions and attitudes. When we acknowledge His sacrifice, we are compelled to respond with lives that mirror His love and grace. This response is not about earning His love but living in gratitude for the love we have already received. [23:38]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: How does acknowledging the worthiness of Jesus change the way you approach your daily interactions and decisions? Can you identify one area in your life where you need to let His love and grace shine more brightly?
Day 2: Serving "The Least of These"
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus challenges us to see every person as an opportunity to serve Him. This teaching calls us to look beyond societal status and see the inherent value in every individual. Serving "the least of these" is not just a call to action but a reflection of our love for Christ. It requires us to shift our perspective and recognize that our actions towards those society deems insignificant are a direct reflection of our love for Jesus. This perspective challenges us to serve selflessly, without expecting anything in return, and to see each encounter as a chance to demonstrate Christ's love. [36:24]
Isaiah 58:6-7 (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?"
Reflection: Who in your life might be considered "the least of these," and how can you serve them this week in a way that reflects Christ's love?
Day 3: Love in Action
True love is demonstrated through patience, kindness, and a refusal to be easily angered. Our interactions with others, especially in moments of disagreement, reveal the depth of our love and commitment to Christ's teachings. Love in action goes beyond words; it is about embodying the qualities of love described in Galatians 5 and 1 Corinthians 13. This kind of love requires intentionality and a willingness to see others through the lens of Christ's compassion. It challenges us to respond with grace and understanding, even when it is difficult, and to prioritize love in all our relationships. [44:57]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or disagreement. How can you apply the principles of patience, kindness, and forgiveness to that situation today?
Day 4: Serving the Church Community
Using our gifts to serve within the church is vital for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom. Serving is not just about filling roles but about contributing to the body of Christ with our God-given talents. Our collective efforts have a significant impact, demonstrating the power of unity in Christ. When we serve within the church, we are not only building up the community but also growing in our own faith. This service is a testament to the transformative power of working together towards a common goal, and it highlights the importance of each individual's contribution to the larger mission. [56:44]
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: What unique gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve your church community this week?
Day 5: Making Jesus Lord
Beyond acts of service, our hearts must be surrendered to Jesus as Lord. This involves a personal commitment to follow Him, allowing His love to transform us and guide our actions. Making Jesus Lord is about aligning our hearts with His will and letting His love be the driving force behind everything we do. It requires a daily decision to follow Him and to let His teachings shape our lives. This commitment is not just about outward actions but about an inward transformation that reflects His love and grace in every aspect of our lives. [01:04:19]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
1) "When we come together and bring our offerings unto the Lord, we can do more together than we can apart. When we come together and put our offerings together, we're going to see the front lines being moved for ministry and for life change." [30:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Saved people, serve people. It's an easy phrase. It rolls off the tongue, but can be difficult in action." [38:00] (6 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Everyone that we pass around, the crowds that we go through in, in Walmart, the doctor's office, the gas station, those are our neighbors, just as much as the one that is sitting behind, beside you today." [41:00] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Love is not passive. Love is action. It comes out of, the Bible says that it comes out of the overflow of your heart, the way we talk to people, the choices we make that affect people." [45:00] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "When we are mistreated, and when there's rumors that are spread about you, when things are done, when you're lied upon and someone tries to get you fired, what you do in that moment will signify, honestly, if you are a believer or if you're not." [52:00] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Serve your church. Serve where you've been planted. Invest in where you're feeding, where you're being fed. Invest in that, right? No more Christianity consumerism. Don't we just consume and consume." [54:00] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "God served us. He gave us his son, right? He gave us the opportunity to live with him forever. The least I can do is serve him with the gifts he's put in me." [56:44] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "We are more impactful together than we are apart, y 'all." [58:00] (5 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Everyone's down with Jesus. Everyone's down with, he's a great idea. He's, he's a cool figure until he becomes Lord. Because when he becomes Lord, no longer it is I who lives, but he who lives in me." [01:02:00] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "The word is like a double -edged sword. It cuts between bone and marrow. And so, I hope you leave challenged today. Don't be mad at me. Don't be upset at me. Be challenged. Let us be challenged to walk out our faith in Christ." [01:05:34] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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