Serving: The Pathway to True Life and Purpose
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, as we approach Labor Day, I want to talk about a topic that might seem a bit daunting—serving. Many of us might think of serving as something that drains us, something the church demands from us. But what if we've got it all wrong? What if serving is actually a way to come alive, to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us?
God's ways are often higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Just like the passengers in the movie "Poseidon Adventure" who had to go against their instincts to survive, we too need to rethink our approach to life. Serving, far from taking life from us, actually gives us life. The Apostle Paul tells us that we were dead in our sins but made alive in Christ. This new life isn't just about a one-time decision; it's an ongoing journey of trust and alignment with God's ways.
We are created in God's image, designed to live and love as He does. Jesus, our Creator, came not to be served but to serve. This divine design is in our DNA. Serving others brings us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Research even shows that serving can improve our physical health, reducing stress and increasing happiness.
However, we often get confused about what gives life and what takes it away. Satan, our adversary, wants to unalive us by keeping us in "selfie mode," focused on ourselves rather than on serving others. This not only separates us from the life God wants for us but also diminishes the impact we can have as a church.
The church is not just a building; it's a living organism made up of people who trust and follow Christ. When each of us does our part, the church grows and thrives. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community and the world. So, let's step out, step up, and align ourselves with God's design. Let's make the decision to serve, not because God wants something from us, but because He wants something for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Serving Brings Life: Serving others is not about depleting our energy or time; it's about aligning with our divine design. When we serve, we come alive in ways we never thought possible. Serving is a pathway to experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. [50:51]
2. Trust and Alignment: Our journey with God is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process of trust and alignment. As we trust God and follow His ways, we align ourselves with the way we were designed to live, which brings us true life and fulfillment. [55:42]
3. Divine Design: We are created in God's image, designed to live and love as He does. Jesus, our Creator, came to serve, and this quality is embedded in us. Serving others brings us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose, aligning us with our Creator's likeness. [01:00:24]
4. The Adversary's Tactics: Satan aims to unalive us by keeping us in "selfie mode," focused on ourselves rather than on serving others. This not only separates us from the life God wants for us but also diminishes the impact we can have as a church. [01:06:55]
5. The Power of Togetherness: The church is a living organism made up of people who trust and follow Christ. When each of us does our part, the church grows and thrives. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community and the world. [01:16:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[48:39] - Introduction and Labor Day
[49:23] - Misconceptions About Serving
[50:51] - Upside Down Thinking
[52:21] - The Poseidon Adventure Analogy
[53:53] - Made Alive in Christ
[55:42] - Trust and Alignment
[57:12] - Jesus' Promise of Full Life
[58:53] - Serving as Divine Design
[01:00:24] - Jesus Came to Serve
[01:02:06] - Joy in Serving
[01:03:35] - Good Works Prepared in Advance
[01:05:13] - The Adversary's Tactics
[01:06:55] - Death by Selfie
[01:09:56] - The Church as a Living Organism
[01:16:07] - The Power of Togetherness
[01:20:53] - Call to Action
[01:22:11] - God's Love and Our Decision
[01:23:45] - The Church When It's Alive
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV)
> "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved."
2. John 10:10 (NIV)
> "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."
3. Matthew 20:28 (NIV)
> "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:1-5, what state were we in before being made alive in Christ?
2. In John 10:10, what does Jesus say is the purpose of His coming?
3. How does Matthew 20:28 describe the mission of Jesus on earth?
4. What analogy did the pastor use to illustrate our upside-down thinking about serving? ([52:21])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "made alive with Christ" as described in Ephesians 2:1-5? How does this new life contrast with our previous state?
2. How does Jesus' promise of "life to the full" in John 10:10 relate to the concept of serving others? ([57:12])
3. Why is serving others considered part of our "divine design" according to the sermon? ([58:53])
4. How does the adversary's tactic of keeping us in "selfie mode" separate us from the life God wants for us? ([01:06:55])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current state of spiritual life. Do you feel "alive with Christ"? If not, what steps can you take to align more closely with God's design for your life? ([55:42])
2. Jesus came to serve and not to be served. How can you incorporate this principle into your daily life? Are there specific areas where you can start serving others more intentionally? ([01:00:24])
3. The sermon mentioned that serving can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. Can you recall a time when serving others brought you these feelings? How can you seek out more opportunities to serve? ([01:02:06])
4. The pastor talked about the adversary's tactic of keeping us in "selfie mode." Are there areas in your life where you find yourself overly focused on your own needs and desires? How can you shift your focus to serving others? ([01:06:55])
5. The church is described as a living organism that thrives when each member does their part. What role do you currently play in your church community? Are there new ways you can contribute to the growth and health of the church? ([01:16:07])
6. The sermon emphasized the power of togetherness in the church. How can you foster a sense of community and teamwork within your small group or church? ([01:17:47])
7. Consider the pastor's call to action. Is it time for you to step out, step up, or check your attitude and motives in serving? What specific steps will you take this week to respond to this call? ([01:20:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Serving Brings Life
Serving others is not about depleting our energy or time; it's about aligning with our divine design. When we serve, we come alive in ways we never thought possible. Serving is a pathway to experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us. When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we tap into a deeper sense of joy, fulfillment, and purpose. This is not just a spiritual truth but also supported by research, which shows that serving can improve our physical health, reduce stress, and increase happiness.
God's ways are often higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Just like the passengers in the movie "Poseidon Adventure" who had to go against their instincts to survive, we too need to rethink our approach to life. Serving, far from taking life from us, actually gives us life. The Apostle Paul tells us that we were dead in our sins but made alive in Christ. This new life isn't just about a one-time decision; it's an ongoing journey of trust and alignment with God's ways. [50:51]
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: Think of one person in your life who could use your help today. How can you serve them in a way that aligns with your God-given gifts?
Day 2: Trust and Alignment
Our journey with God is not a one-time decision but an ongoing process of trust and alignment. As we trust God and follow His ways, we align ourselves with the way we were designed to live, which brings us true life and fulfillment. This alignment is not always easy; it requires us to go against our natural inclinations and trust that God's ways are better than our own.
We often get confused about what gives life and what takes it away. Satan, our adversary, wants to unalive us by keeping us in "selfie mode," focused on ourselves rather than on serving others. This not only separates us from the life God wants for us but also diminishes the impact we can have as a church. When we trust and align ourselves with God's design, we experience the fullness of life that He intends for us. [55:42]
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: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God? How can you take a step today to align that area with His will?
Day 3: Divine Design
We are created in God's image, designed to live and love as He does. Jesus, our Creator, came not to be served but to serve. This divine design is in our DNA. Serving others brings us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. When we serve, we are not just doing good deeds; we are aligning ourselves with our Creator's likeness and fulfilling our true purpose.
Jesus' life was a perfect example of this divine design. He served others selflessly, even to the point of laying down His life for us. This quality of serving is embedded in us as well. When we serve, we are living out the image of God in us, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from aligning with our Creator's design. [01:00:24]
Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent opportunity you had to serve someone. How did it make you feel, and how did it align with your understanding of being created in God's image?
Day 4: The Adversary's Tactics
Satan aims to unalive us by keeping us in "selfie mode," focused on ourselves rather than on serving others. This not only separates us from the life God wants for us but also diminishes the impact we can have as a church. When we are self-focused, we miss out on the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving others and aligning with God's design.
The adversary's tactics are subtle but effective. He wants us to believe that focusing on ourselves will bring us happiness, but in reality, it leads to emptiness and separation from God. By recognizing these tactics and choosing to serve others, we can counteract the adversary's plans and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. [01:06:55]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: In what ways have you noticed the adversary's tactics in your life? How can you actively resist these tactics and choose to serve others instead?
Day 5: The Power of Togetherness
The church is a living organism made up of people who trust and follow Christ. When each of us does our part, the church grows and thrives. Together, we can make a significant impact on our community and the world. The power of togetherness is immense; it allows us to accomplish more than we ever could on our own.
When we serve together as a church, we reflect the body of Christ, each part working in harmony to fulfill God's purposes. This collective effort not only strengthens the church but also extends its reach and impact. By stepping out and serving together, we align ourselves with God's design and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves. [01:16:07]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Think about your role in the church. How can you contribute to the power of togetherness and help the church grow and thrive? What specific action can you take this week to serve alongside others in your congregation?
Quotes
1. "But what if we've got it all wrong? You know, what if we've got it completely turned around? And it's so easy to do when it comes to spiritual matters and God's way of living this life. It's so easy to get things turned around and not realize it. Even thousands of years ago, God said to his people through the prophet Isaiah these words. He says, for just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my way are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." [50:51] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And what I hope that we all are able to see and understand clearly today is that far from taking something from us, serving gives us life. Actually, through serving, something happens. We come alive. We come alive. You see, you and I, we are made up of body, soul, and spirit. And while our bodies may be alive, the same might not be true of our soul and our spirit, of our inner life." [52:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are dead when we pursue a life of sin. We are dead when our desire to do life is our own. And we fight against God in his ways. When we're following the ways of this world, we're dead because we allow our own selfish desires to run the show and call the shots in our lives. This is what I want. This is what I need. Does this describe anybody here today? I wonder." [53:53] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We come alive when we make first that most important decision that we will ever make in our lives, that decision to turn back to God, our creator, and trust. Rather than continuing to trust ourselves and our own upside down thinking and ideas about life, we say, no, I'm going to choose to trust the one who gave me life. I'm going to choose to trust the one who gave me life and then demonstrated the depth of his love and his trustworthiness by giving up his life on a cross." [55:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus wants to give you and I life and life to the full. The life we really want and we're all in pursuit of. The one deep down inside we know we really want. You know the life I'm talking about, right? You know? It's that life that is just full of meaning and purpose. It's that life where we get to experience this sense of significance and we feel valued and we have this fulfillment every day of our lives. We feel fulfilled." [57:12] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Serving is part of our divine design. Look at what scripture tells us about our design. Very first book of the Bible, God created human beings in his own likeness. He created them to what? Be like himself. We're meant to live the way God lives and love the way God loves. So if we're meant to be, like our creator, created to be like him, the big question is, well, what's our creator like?" [58:53] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The most powerful, the most intelligent being that there is, the one who created everything, serves, serves. The greater being serves the lesser beings. That's what our creator is like. And that is one of the things that just makes him so stunningly beautiful. Our creator serves. And this beautiful character quality, it is in us because we are made in him. His likeness. Now, it might be dormant in many of us. It hasn't yet come alive, but it's there." [01:00:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Serving is about helping and reaching out to others. So serving brings good into the lives of others. But you know what? It also brings good into our lives. And I'm not, I'm talking about more than just feel good. Although we'll get that as well. But I'm talking about physically good. It's fascinating. Research, I love it when research catches up. Today's research catches up with biblical principles." [01:03:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Satan's goal is to simply to get us to not do the good things that God has prepared for each of us to do. Just not do. To convince us not to step out, not to step up, not to give ourselves, not to invest ourselves, so that we never, ever actually discover our real selves. We never discover our real purpose. We never live our real life." [01:06:55] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We live for ourselves. It's about life my way, the way I want it. It's about what's, what I need, what's for me. I'm looking out for myself. I'm pursuing my version of happiness. It's all about self-protection and self-gratification. Don't mess with my plans. Don't dare demand anything from me. Don't even ask anything from me. It's my time. It's, it's my energy, my schedule. It's my money, my, my, my, me, me, me." [01:11:29] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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