Serving with Humility: Embracing God's Transformative Love

 

Summary

In our gathering today, I was deeply moved by the testimonies shared by members of our church. Each story is a testament to God's work among us, and I am grateful for the privilege of serving alongside such dedicated individuals. The essence of our community is not about what we can receive but about what we can give. We are called to be servants, to greet others, and to be active participants in the life of the church. This is not something we do out of obligation but out of a genuine desire to follow Christ's example.

Reflecting on the passage from Matthew 11, I was reminded of the gravity of witnessing God's miracles and yet failing to repent. Jesus denounced the cities that saw His mighty works but did not turn from their ways. This is a sobering reminder that experiencing God's power should lead us to repentance and transformation. The kindness of God is meant to draw us closer to Him, not to be taken for granted.

The story of King Uzziah in 2 Chronicles serves as a warning against pride. Uzziah was marvelously helped by God, but when he became strong, he grew proud, leading to his downfall. This is a cautionary tale for us all. We must remain humble and recognize that any success we experience is because of God's help, not our own doing. Pride can lead to destruction, and we must guard against it by staying close to God and acknowledging our dependence on Him.

In the midst of personal challenges, such as the recent departure of our adopted daughter, I am reminded of the importance of trusting in God's goodness. Even when we feel we have done everything we can, we must remember that God's patience and kindness are ever-present. We must continue to pray and trust that He is working in ways we cannot see.

Ultimately, our relationship with God is what matters most. Knowing Him, being able to call Him Father, and experiencing His presence in our lives is our greatest boast. It is not about the deeds we do but about the relationship we cultivate with Him. Let us strive to know Him more deeply and to live lives that reflect His love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Call to Serve: Our role as believers is to serve others, not to focus on what we can receive. By being active participants in our church community, we reflect Christ's love and create a welcoming environment for all. This service is not out of obligation but a genuine desire to follow Christ's example. [00:35]

2. Repentance and Transformation: Witnessing God's miracles should lead us to repentance and transformation. The kindness of God is meant to draw us closer to Him, and we must not take it for granted. Our response to His mighty works should be a life of obedience and change. [08:37]

3. The Danger of Pride: The story of King Uzziah warns us against pride. When we become strong, we must remain humble and recognize that our success is due to God's help. Pride can lead to destruction, and we must guard against it by staying close to God. [16:32]

4. Trusting in God's Goodness: In the face of personal challenges, we must trust in God's goodness. Even when we feel we have done everything we can, His patience and kindness are ever-present. We must continue to pray and trust that He is working in ways we cannot see. [11:09]

5. Knowing God is Our Greatest Boast: Our relationship with God is what matters most. Knowing Him, being able to call Him Father, and experiencing His presence in our lives is our greatest boast. It is not about the deeds we do but about the relationship we cultivate with Him. [22:54]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Gratitude for Testimonies
- [00:35] - The Call to Serve
- [01:42] - Studying the Word Together
- [03:05] - Transformative Stories
- [04:51] - Remembering God's Goodness
- [06:46] - Reflections on Matthew 11
- [08:37] - The Danger of Unrepentance
- [10:55] - Personal Challenges and Trust
- [14:24] - Lessons from King Uzziah
- [16:32] - The Warning Against Pride
- [20:10] - The Importance of Humility
- [22:54] - Knowing God as Our Boast
- [24:32] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 11:20-24
- 2 Chronicles 26:15-16
- Romans 2:4-5

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 11:20-24, what was Jesus' response to the cities that witnessed His miracles but did not repent? How does this reflect on the importance of repentance? [08:37]

2. According to 2 Chronicles 26:15-16, what led to King Uzziah's downfall, and how was he described before his pride took over? [16:32]

3. Romans 2:4-5 speaks about the kindness of God. What is the intended effect of God's kindness according to this passage? [09:38]

4. How did the pastor describe the role of testimonies in the church community, and what impact do they have on the congregation? [00:09]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does the pastor mean when he says that experiencing God's power should lead us to repentance and transformation? How does this relate to the passage in Matthew 11? [08:37]

2. How can the story of King Uzziah serve as a warning for us today regarding pride and success? What lessons can we draw from his life? [16:32]

3. In what ways does the pastor suggest that God's kindness should influence our actions and decisions, especially in times of personal challenges? [11:09]

4. How does the pastor's reflection on personal challenges, such as the departure of his adopted daughter, illustrate the importance of trusting in God's goodness? [11:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you have witnessed God's work but have not fully repented or transformed? What steps can you take to address this? [08:37]

2. Consider a time when pride may have led you away from relying on God. How can you cultivate humility and recognize God's help in your successes? [16:32]

3. In what ways can you actively serve others in your church community, following the example of Christ? How can this service be a genuine expression of your faith rather than an obligation? [00:35]

4. Think about a personal challenge you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's goodness and continue to pray, even when the outcome is uncertain? [11:09]

5. How can you deepen your relationship with God and make knowing Him your greatest boast? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this relationship daily? [22:54]

6. Reflect on the kindness of God in your life. How can this awareness lead you to repentance and a closer walk with Him? [09:38]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can demonstrate God's love and grace to others. What specific actions can you take this week to reflect Christ's love in your interactions? [00:35]

Devotional

Day 1: Serving as a Reflection of Christ's Love
Our role as believers is to serve others, not to focus on what we can receive. By being active participants in our church community, we reflect Christ's love and create a welcoming environment for all. This service is not out of obligation but a genuine desire to follow Christ's example. Serving others is a tangible expression of our faith and a way to demonstrate the love of Christ to those around us. It is through service that we can truly embody the teachings of Jesus and make a meaningful impact in our community. [00:35]

"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." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you serve this week, and how can you do so in a way that reflects Christ's love?


Day 2: Responding to God's Miracles with Repentance
Witnessing God's miracles should lead us to repentance and transformation. The kindness of God is meant to draw us closer to Him, and we must not take it for granted. Our response to His mighty works should be a life of obedience and change. When we experience God's power, it is an invitation to examine our lives and align them with His will. Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins but about turning away from them and embracing a new way of living that honors God. [08:37]

"Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek transformation in response to God's kindness?


Day 3: Humility as a Guard Against Pride
The story of King Uzziah warns us against pride. When we become strong, we must remain humble and recognize that our success is due to God's help. Pride can lead to destruction, and we must guard against it by staying close to God. Humility is a safeguard that keeps us grounded and reminds us of our dependence on God. It is through humility that we can maintain a healthy perspective on our achievements and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance. [16:32]

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your daily life to guard against pride?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Unseen Work
In the face of personal challenges, we must trust in God's goodness. Even when we feel we have done everything we can, His patience and kindness are ever-present. We must continue to pray and trust that He is working in ways we cannot see. Trusting in God means believing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good, even when we cannot understand them. It is through faith that we can find peace and assurance in the midst of uncertainty. [11:09]

"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenge you are facing where you need to trust in God's unseen work, and how can you actively place your trust in Him today?


Day 5: Cultivating a Deep Relationship with God
Our relationship with God is what matters most. Knowing Him, being able to call Him Father, and experiencing His presence in our lives is our greatest boast. It is not about the deeds we do but about the relationship we cultivate with Him. A deep relationship with God is the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength. It is through this relationship that we can experience true joy and fulfillment in our lives. [22:54]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'" (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God this week, and what specific steps will you take to know Him more intimately?

Quotes

"I love teaching at these things because every time by the time I get up here I go I don't even need to teach anymore like it's just done I mean and every time I hear a testimony from someone in our church I I just sit there I go God thank you that this is my brother thank you that I get to serve next to this guy don't don't you feel every time someone gives a testimony don't you just feel grateful like man I'm so glad this guy's in my church I'm so glad she's a part of this church." [00:05:08]

"The thing I love about Nate everyone that knows Nate knows that man that guy's a servant and that's so key in this process of life that God's put us in as Believers otherwise we'll sit back in our church services and go I didn't like this I didn't like this I didn't like this these people don't treat me right not enough people greeted me it's like who do you think you are man what do you do you know like like did you ever think maybe you should greet someone now that you've been here a few months you ever think maybe you should you know you've got the spirit you you be a giver." [00:35:32]

"Jesus did some amazing things in these cities and the people saw them and they still didn't turn from their sin and Jesus go man do you understand you have the greatest opportunity you saw Miracles you saw God himself work and then you're still still going to walk away he goes it's going to be worse for you on Judgment Day because of everything you got to experience we know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah where the fire just came and the sulfur and just destroyed the whole city and and he talks about their judgment he goes hey for you it's going to be worse because they didn't get to experience the Miracles you got to experience." [00:17:39]

"Some of you guys know it's been a tough week for me um our daughter that we adopted and lived with us for a couple years uh decide to leave the home um and there's a it's just weird being here and she's not sitting next to me you know and um and then it's really hard reading passages like that where you go man I don't know what more love we could have shown like I I'm racking my brain is there anything more we could have done and you know you always do that right when someone leaves you guys feel it all the time like at the men's home the women's home you feel it in your lives when you you just did everything you felt like you knew to do and they walk away and there's a part of you that goes nuts." [00:45:39]

"King Uzziah was a really interesting King because he was King for 52 years that's a long time 52 years to be king and and and and it says he was an awesome King he was killing it I mean there were no Wars I mean whenever there was a war you take care of it I mean just they were at peace Judah was was was doing real well during his time but then listen to this verse in in 2 Chronicles 26 verse 15 at the second half of the verse his Fame spread far for he was marvelously helped okay listen to that his Fame spread far for he was marvelously helped and if you read about his I mean Miracles like God so so everyone heard about this guy but I love that phrase marvelously helped okay but listen his Fame spread far why for he was marvelously helped till he was strong but when he was strong he grew proud to his destruction." [00:14:24]

"How many times have we seen that someone's at their bottom go on come on help me help me I just need help God then you get a little money in your pocket oh you got a job now you're good oh you're good now you got a job wow worker right and you start going okay I can make money now I don't need need this I don't need that and you get proud and guess what it's going to take you to your destruction man I say this because some of you are doing pretty well right now for yourselves in the world standards you got a neat job you got cool car you maybe even have money for retirement man good job guys you proud of that you're good now you're no longer at the bottom you don't need him anymore." [00:18:07]

"Let him who boasts boasts in this that he knows and understands me see some we need to brag I mean we just some of us maybe some of you are just naturally humble but some of us we're not okay and we just need an outlet he goes you want to brag brag that you know me because that's the only thing worth bragging about and I will say amidst the hard weeks God shows himself and you go wow shut up you just heard my prayer again you're so good to me why do you listen to me like that why do you listen to me why do you stay there with him why why even during the worst times do you just show your power and why do you you know just Throw Another Blessing in my life just to just just because you know me you guys when I pray stuff happens that's what I can brag about it's like I know him it's crazy it is crazy how I pray and how he listens and how he responds other than that man there's not much to me okay a lot of you guys know me I I mean you know even yesterday you know at the the wedding or whatever the the reception you know is leaving and and you know and and Liz where's Liz Liz just kind of commented go gosh you're so awkward you know just like socially you're like a socially awkward person thanks Liz you know there's just not you know there's there's so many things where I go well I'm not great at this you know you're trying to memorize stuff and I think my mind's still all there and it's like I I don't okay we're walking through a museum with my 16-year-old daughter and she's having to explain everything to me I'm like wait wait wait what happened who fought in World War I you know it's just my mind's not there obviously I'm socially awkward I I I just but you know what I can brag about I know him you know and he listens to me and he's forgiven me he's my father and call him dad like we read this week I ask him and he answers and he says wait if if you ask me for a fish I'm not going to give you a scorpion ask for bread I'm not going to give you a rock you're my son Francis and that's all I can boast about is I'm a Child of God and I hope that's true of you that you know him this is not about just doing good deeds I want you all to know him that's why I want you alone with him in the word because you can sing along with all of us you can listen to a sermon anyone can listen to a sermon but when you're alone do you know him you know where you go I'm good drop me off anywhere on this Earth I'll be okay throw me in a prison cell throw me in a jungle throw me wherever cuz God's with me he hears me he knows me and look at the lies of the field they don't toil or Spin and yet God marvelously helps them and takes care of them and so if you're here today and you you don't have this knowledge of him like you know stuff about him but you don't know him man talk to to one of us talk to someone around you right now you don't need me get alone with God because you want to be like that King that knows him and those you have gotten cocky man it's time to repent of that it's going to lead to your destruction Pride always leads to a fall I've seen it over and over and over again but God is good even amidst the tough weeks good weeks bad weeks we're not immune to that none of us are but God is good." [00:22:54]

"Jesus did some amazing things in these cities and the people saw them and they still didn't turn from their sin and Jesus go man do you understand you have the greatest opportunity you saw Miracles you saw God himself work and then you're still still going to walk away he goes it's going to be worse for you on Judgment Day because of everything you got to experience we know the story of Sodom and Gomorrah where the fire just came and the sulfur and just destroyed the whole city and and he talks about their judgment he goes hey for you it's going to be worse because they didn't get to experience the Miracles you got to experience." [00:17:39]

"Some of you guys know it's been a tough week for me um our daughter that we adopted and lived with us for a couple years uh decide to leave the home um and there's a it's just weird being here and she's not sitting next to me you know and um and then it's really hard reading passages like that where you go man I don't know what more love we could have shown like I I'm racking my brain is there anything more we could have done and you know you always do that right when someone leaves you guys feel it all the time like at the men's home the women's home you feel it in your lives when you you just did everything you felt like you knew to do and they walk away and there's a part of you that goes nuts." [00:45:39]

"King Uzziah was a really interesting King because he was King for 52 years that's a long time 52 years to be king and and and and it says he was an awesome King he was killing it I mean there were no Wars I mean whenever there was a war you take care of it I mean just they were at peace Judah was was was doing real well during his time but then listen to this verse in in 2 Chronicles 26 verse 15 at the second half of the verse his Fame spread far for he was marvelously helped okay listen to that his Fame spread far for he was marvelously helped and if you read about his I mean Miracles like God so so everyone heard about this guy but I love that phrase marvelously helped okay but listen his Fame spread far why for he was marvelously helped till he was strong but when he was strong he grew proud to his destruction." [00:14:24]

"How many times have we seen that someone's at their bottom go on come on help me help me I just need help God then you get a little money in your pocket oh you got a job now you're good oh you're good now you got a job wow worker right and you start going okay I can make money now I don't need need this I don't need that and you get proud and guess what it's going to take you to your destruction man I say this because some of you are doing pretty well right now for yourselves in the world standards you got a neat job you got cool car you maybe even have money for retirement man good job guys you proud of that you're good now you're no longer at the bottom you don't need him anymore." [00:18:07]

"Let him who boasts boasts in this that he knows and understands me see some we need to brag I mean we just some of us maybe some of you are just naturally humble but some of us we're not okay and we just need an outlet he goes you want to brag brag that you know me because that's the only thing worth bragging about and I will say amidst the hard weeks God shows himself and you go wow shut up you just heard my prayer again you're so good to me why do you listen to me like that why do you listen to me why do you stay there with him why why even during the worst times do you just show your power and why do you you know just Throw Another Blessing in my life just to just just because you know me you guys when I pray stuff happens that's what I can brag about it's like I know him it's crazy it is crazy how I pray and how he listens and how he responds other than that man there's not much to me okay a lot of you guys know me I I mean you know even yesterday you know at the the wedding or whatever the the reception you know is leaving and and you know and and Liz where's Liz Liz just kind of commented go gosh you're so awkward you know just like socially you're like a socially awkward person thanks Liz you know there's just not you know there's there's so many things where I go well I'm not great at this you know you're trying to memorize stuff and I think my mind's still all there and it's like I I don't okay we're walking through a museum with my 16-year-old daughter and she's having to explain everything to me I'm like wait wait wait what happened who fought in World War I you know it's just my mind's not there obviously I'm socially awkward I I I just but you know what I can brag about I know him you know and he listens to me and he's forgiven me he's my father and call him dad like we read this week I ask him and he answers and he says wait if if you ask me for a fish I'm not going to give you a scorpion ask for bread I'm not going to give you a rock you're my son Francis and that's all I can boast about is I'm a Child of God and I hope that's true of you that you know him this is not about just doing good deeds I want you all to know him that's why I want you alone with him in the word because you can sing along with all of us you can listen to a sermon anyone can listen to a sermon but when you're alone do you know him you know where you go I'm good drop me off anywhere on this Earth I'll be okay throw me in a prison cell throw me in a jungle throw me wherever cuz God's with me he hears me he knows me and look at the lies of the field they don't toil or Spin and yet God marvelously helps them and takes care of them and so if you're here today and you you don't have this knowledge of him like you know stuff about him but you don't know him man talk to to one of us talk to someone around you right now you don't need me get alone with God because you want to be like that King that knows him and those you have gotten cocky man it's time to repent of that it's going to lead to your destruction Pride always leads to a fall I've seen it over and over and over again but God is good even amidst the tough weeks good weeks bad weeks we're not immune to that none of us are but God is good." [00:22:54]

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Transcript
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