Serving Others: A Spiritual Act of Worship
Summary
In our journey through the series "Good Deeds," we delve into the profound call to action that God places on our lives. Romans 12:1 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, a true act of worship. This call is not just about personal piety but about serving God through our actions. Reflecting on God's goodness, we are challenged to consider what we are doing in response to His blessings. Colossians 1:9-10 emphasizes that God desires us to be fruitful in every good work, which includes winning others to Christ, mentoring, serving, praying, and giving.
Today, we focus on the theme "Do It For Him," inspired by Matthew 25, where Jesus equates serving others with serving Him. When we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, or visit the imprisoned, we are doing it for Jesus. This is a powerful reminder that our acts of service are not just social duties but spiritual offerings. Our recent Thanksgiving serve at Alternatives for Girls exemplifies this, as we served those in need, recognizing that in doing so, we served Christ Himself.
Moreover, Colossians 3:23-24 teaches us to work heartily as if for the Lord, not for men. This perspective transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship, knowing that God rewards our sincere service. The story of David in 1 Samuel 30 further illustrates that everyone who contributes, whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, shares in the reward. This principle applies to our service in the church and community, where every role is vital and valued.
Finally, Ephesians 6:18 calls us to pray for others, highlighting the power and responsibility of intercessory prayer. Our prayers can be the difference in someone else's spiritual battle, as seen in Jesus' prayer for Peter in Luke 22. We are encouraged to be vigilant, praying earnestly for our brothers and sisters, knowing that our prayers have the power to bring healing and breakthrough.
Key Takeaways:
- Living Sacrifices: Offering our bodies as living sacrifices is a true act of worship. This involves serving God through our actions, reflecting His goodness in our lives. Our service is a response to His blessings, and it is through our good deeds that we truly worship Him. [00:51]
- Serving Others is Serving Christ: When we serve those in need, we are serving Christ Himself. Our acts of kindness and service are not just social duties but spiritual offerings that God values and rewards. This perspective transforms our service into a profound spiritual act. [08:50]
- Work as Worship: Whatever we do, we should do it heartily as for the Lord. This transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship, knowing that God rewards our sincere service. Our work becomes a spiritual offering when done with excellence and dedication. [11:19]
- Shared Rewards: In God's kingdom, everyone who contributes shares in the reward. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, every role is vital and valued. This principle encourages us to serve faithfully, knowing that our contributions are significant. [18:20]
- Power of Intercessory Prayer: Our prayers for others can be the difference in their spiritual battles. We are called to be vigilant, praying earnestly for our brothers and sisters, knowing that our prayers have the power to bring healing and breakthrough. [26:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:51] - Living Sacrifices
- [01:42] - God's Goodness and Our Response
- [02:42] - The Call to Good Works
- [04:04] - Do It For Him
- [05:25] - The Importance of Worship
- [07:25] - Serving Others as Serving Christ
- [08:50] - Thanksgiving Serve
- [09:44] - The Call to Serve
- [10:30] - Work as Worship
- [11:19] - Excellence in Service
- [12:51] - Blessing Others, Blessing God
- [13:58] - David's Story and Shared Rewards
- [18:20] - The Principle of Shared Rewards
- [26:56] - Power of Intercessory Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Do It For Him"
Bible Reading:
- Romans 12:1
- Matthew 25:34-40
- Colossians 3:23-24
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Observation Questions:
1. In Romans 12:1, what does Paul mean by offering our bodies as a "living sacrifice"? How does this relate to our daily actions and service? [00:51]
2. According to Matthew 25:34-40, how does Jesus describe the connection between serving others and serving Him? What specific acts of service are mentioned? [07:25]
3. In Colossians 3:23-24, what attitude does Paul encourage us to have in our work, and what is the promised reward for this attitude? [11:19]
4. How does the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 illustrate the principle of shared rewards in God's kingdom? [18:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to be a "living sacrifice" in the context of modern Christian life? How can this concept influence our daily decisions and priorities? [00:51]
2. How does the idea of serving others as serving Christ challenge or change the way we view acts of kindness and charity? [08:50]
3. In what ways can viewing our work as worship transform our approach to our jobs and responsibilities? How does this perspective align with Colossians 3:23-24? [11:19]
4. How does the principle of shared rewards, as seen in David's story, apply to our roles within the church and community? What does this teach us about the value of every contribution? [18:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you served someone in need. How did it feel to know that you were serving Christ through that action? How can you seek out more opportunities to serve others in your community? [09:44]
2. Consider your current work or daily tasks. How can you shift your mindset to view these activities as acts of worship? What changes might you need to make to serve "heartily as to the Lord"? [11:19]
3. Think about a time when you felt your contribution was insignificant. How does the principle of shared rewards encourage you to continue serving faithfully, even in roles that seem small? [18:20]
4. Identify someone in your life who could benefit from your prayers. How can you commit to being vigilant in intercessory prayer for them, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:18? [26:56]
5. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are living as a "living sacrifice" in your daily life? How can you remind yourself of God's goodness and your response to it? [00:51]
6. How can you incorporate the practice of praying for others into your daily routine? What specific strategies can you use to remember and prioritize this responsibility? [27:33]
7. Reflect on the last time you shared your faith with someone. How can you use your personal story to win others to Christ, as discussed in the sermon? What steps can you take to be more intentional about this? [02:42]
Devotional
Day 1: Living Sacrifices as True Worship
Offering our bodies as living sacrifices is a profound act of worship that goes beyond personal devotion. It involves actively serving God through our actions, reflecting His goodness in our lives. This service is a response to His blessings, and through our good deeds, we truly worship Him. By living sacrificially, we align our lives with God's will, allowing His love and grace to flow through us to others. This call to action challenges us to consider how we can embody God's love in tangible ways, making our lives a testament to His transformative power. [00:51]
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 specific actions can you take today to offer yourself as a living sacrifice, demonstrating God's love and goodness to those around you?
Day 2: Serving Others as Serving Christ
When we serve those in need, we are serving Christ Himself. Acts of kindness and service are not merely social duties but spiritual offerings that God values and rewards. This perspective transforms our service into a profound spiritual act, reminding us that every gesture of love and compassion is a reflection of Christ's love. By seeing Christ in those we serve, we elevate our actions to a divine level, recognizing the sacredness in every opportunity to help others. This understanding calls us to approach service with humility and gratitude, knowing that in serving others, we are serving our Savior. [08:50]
Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV): "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.’"
Reflection: Who in your life is in need of help today, and how can you serve them as if you were serving Christ Himself?
Day 3: Work as Worship
Whatever we do, we should do it heartily as for the Lord. This transforms our daily tasks into acts of worship, knowing that God rewards our sincere service. Our work becomes a spiritual offering when done with excellence and dedication, reflecting our commitment to God in every aspect of our lives. By viewing our work as worship, we find purpose and fulfillment in even the most mundane tasks, recognizing that every effort is an opportunity to honor God. This mindset encourages us to pursue excellence, not for human recognition, but as a testament to our faith and devotion. [11:19]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you transform your daily work into an act of worship today, ensuring that your efforts reflect your dedication to God?
Day 4: Shared Rewards in God's Kingdom
In God's kingdom, everyone who contributes shares in the reward. Whether on the front lines or behind the scenes, every role is vital and valued. This principle encourages us to serve faithfully, knowing that our contributions are significant. By recognizing the importance of each role, we foster a spirit of unity and collaboration, understanding that every effort is essential to the greater mission. This perspective helps us appreciate the diverse gifts and talents within the community, encouraging us to support and uplift one another in our shared pursuit of God's purposes. [18:20]
1 Samuel 30:23-24 (ESV): "But David said, 'You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us. Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.'"
Reflection: What role do you play in your community or church, and how can you better appreciate and support the contributions of others?
Day 5: The Power of Intercessory Prayer
Our prayers for others can be the difference in their spiritual battles. We are called to be vigilant, praying earnestly for our brothers and sisters, knowing that our prayers have the power to bring healing and breakthrough. Intercessory prayer is a profound expression of love and faith, as we stand in the gap for those in need. By committing to pray for others, we participate in God's work of transformation and redemption, trusting that our prayers can effect change in the lives of those we lift up. This responsibility calls us to be intentional and persistent, believing in the power of prayer to bring about God's will. [26:56]
Ephesians 6:18 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: Who in your life needs your prayers today, and how can you commit to interceding for them consistently and fervently?
Quotes
If God's been good to you, what have you been doing for Him? You know, if He's done so much for you, we talked about in our last series, He healed us, prospered us, comforts us, strengthens us, you name it. What are we doing for Him? [00:01:22] (19 seconds)
When you serve people in need, God sees it as though you're doing it for them. You're serving him. And this is one of the good deeds that you should be doing on a regular basis. [00:09:31] (13 seconds)
At some point, you should be serving. In our church, we're blessed to have our dream team here, and the dream team is maybe 100 people, but the church serves on a Sunday in person, on online, probably between 500 to 600 people. [00:20:43] (20 seconds)
Your prayers give other people strength. I don't know about you, but I've had those moments where I just felt like I'm done. Like, I just can't take it no more. I'm done. [00:37:16] (11 seconds)
Your prayers actually make a difference in somebody else's life. They actually do. Best example, Jesus. Verse 31, he says, Simon, Simon, Satan has desire to have you, has asked to sift each of you like wheat. [00:33:10] (18 seconds)
When you pray for your brother, sister next to you, somebody in your group, somebody in your family, your prayers make a difference. They produce power. They produce results. They cause you to be healed. [00:44:57] (22 seconds)
God has an amazing future for you, one that is greater than anything you can create for yourself. But the way to get to that future is to do things God's way, to actually apply what you just heard. [00:52:02] (12 seconds)
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