Serving with Love: Connecting Through Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone! Today, we continued our "Connect" series, focusing on the importance of serving one another within the body of Christ. We began by discussing the physical representation of our connection through the puzzle pieces in the foyer, symbolizing how each of us plays a unique role in God's kingdom. We also touched on the upcoming seven days of prayer and fasting, emphasizing the power of unity in prayer against sickness and disease.
Our main scripture was John 13, where Jesus washes His disciples' feet, demonstrating the essence of servanthood. This act wasn't just about foot washing but about serving each other with humility and love. Jesus chose this moment, right before His betrayal and crucifixion, to teach us the importance of serving one another. We are connected through serving, and this connection is vital for the health and growth of the church.
We explored how serving isn't just about doing tasks but doing them with love, as outlined in Galatians 5:13 and 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, kind, and selfless, and our service should reflect these qualities. We also discussed how each of us is uniquely gifted to serve. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 tells us that our gifts are meant to serve others.
Finally, we talked about the blessings that come from serving. John 13:17 assures us that God will bless us for our obedience in serving others. This isn't about material blessings but the joy and fulfillment that come from living out our God-given purpose.
### Key Takeaways
1. Connection Through Serving: We are designed to connect with one another through acts of service. Jesus demonstrated this by washing His disciples' feet, showing that true leadership and connection come from serving others with humility. This act teaches us that no one is above serving, and we should follow His example in our daily lives. [46:33]
2. Serving with Love: Our service must be rooted in love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, kind, and selfless. When we serve with these qualities, we reflect God's love to others. This kind of service not only meets physical needs but also ministers to the heart and soul of the person being served. [55:28]
3. Gifted to Serve: Each of us is uniquely gifted by God to serve others. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 tells us that our gifts are meant to serve one another. Discovering and using our gifts within the church helps us fulfill our purpose and strengthens the body of Christ. [58:56]
4. Humility in Receiving Service: Sometimes, showing a servant's heart means accepting the service of others. Refusing help can be a sign of pride. True humility begins with recognizing our need for others and allowing them to serve us, just as we serve them. This mutual service builds deeper connections within the church. [50:49]
5. Blessings Through Serving: Serving others brings blessings, not necessarily in material form but in the joy and fulfillment of living out our purpose. John 13:17 assures us that God will bless us for our obedience in serving others. This blessing often comes in unexpected ways, enriching our lives and deepening our faith. [01:11:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:41] - Puzzle Pieces and Connection
[38:05] - Book Signing and Ministry Partners
[39:24] - Seven Days of Prayer and Fasting
[40:45] - Theme Verse: Romans 12:5
[42:10] - Scripture Reading: John 13
[45:14] - Foot Washing Service (Joke)
[46:33] - Connected Through Serving
[48:01] - Jesus Washing Feet: Cultural Context
[49:22] - Belonging to Jesus' Family
[50:49] - Humility in Receiving Service
[52:10] - Serving Within the Church
[53:44] - Love and Unselfish Concern
[55:28] - Serving with Love
[58:56] - Gifted to Serve
[01:11:33] - Blessings Through Serving
[01:13:01] - Next Steps: Becoming a Christ Follower
[01:19:33] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
2. Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love
3. 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Use Your Gifts to Serve Others
### Observation Questions
1. What act of service did Jesus perform for His disciples in John 13, and what was its significance? [42:10]
2. According to Galatians 5:13, how should we serve one another?
3. In 1 Peter 4:10-11, what are we instructed to do with the gifts we have received from God?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Jesus choose to wash His disciples' feet, and what lesson was He teaching them about leadership and service? [46:33]
2. How does serving with love, as described in Galatians 5:13 and 1 Corinthians 13, differ from serving out of obligation or duty? [55:28]
3. What does it mean to be "gifted to serve," and how can recognizing our unique gifts impact our service within the church? [58:56]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you served someone with love. How did it impact both you and the person you served? How can you incorporate more acts of loving service into your daily life? [55:28]
2. Jesus demonstrated humility by washing His disciples' feet. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with humility? How can you practice humility in your service to others? [46:33]
3. Sometimes, accepting help from others can be difficult. Have you ever refused help due to pride? How can you cultivate a heart that is open to receiving service from others? [50:49]
4. Identify your unique gifts and talents. How can you use them to serve others in your church community? If you are unsure of your gifts, what steps can you take to discover them? [58:56]
5. Serving others brings blessings, not necessarily in material form but in joy and fulfillment. Can you recall a time when you felt blessed through serving? How can you seek out more opportunities to serve and experience these blessings? [01:11:33]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of unity in prayer and fasting. How can you participate in your church's upcoming seven days of prayer and fasting? What specific prayer focus will you commit to during this time? [39:24]
7. Think about the puzzle pieces in the foyer symbolizing connection. How can you actively work to connect with others in your church through acts of service? What practical steps will you take this week to build these connections? [36:41]
Devotional
### Day 1: Connection Through Serving
Jesus demonstrated the essence of servanthood by washing His disciples' feet, showing that true leadership and connection come from serving others with humility. This act teaches us that no one is above serving, and we should follow His example in our daily lives. Serving one another is not just about completing tasks but about building relationships and fostering unity within the body of Christ. When we serve with humility, we reflect Jesus' love and create a stronger, more connected community.
In John 13, Jesus chose a moment right before His betrayal and crucifixion to teach us the importance of serving one another. This act wasn't just about foot washing but about serving each other with humility and love. We are connected through serving, and this connection is vital for the health and growth of the church. By serving others, we fulfill our God-given purpose and strengthen the body of Christ. [46:33]
Bible Passage:
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your church or community this week. How can you do this with humility and love, following Jesus' example?
### Day 2: Serving with Love
Our service must be rooted in love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is patient, kind, and selfless. When we serve with these qualities, we reflect God's love to others. This kind of service not only meets physical needs but also ministers to the heart and soul of the person being served. Serving with love transforms ordinary tasks into acts of worship and brings glory to God.
Galatians 5:13 reminds us that we are called to serve one another through love. When we serve with patience, kindness, and selflessness, we embody the love of Christ and make a lasting impact on those we serve. This love-driven service is not about recognition or reward but about genuinely caring for others and meeting their needs. [55:28]
Bible Passage:
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify someone in your life who needs to experience God's love through your actions. How can you serve them in a way that reflects the patience, kindness, and selflessness of Christ?
### Day 3: Gifted to Serve
Each of us is uniquely gifted by God to serve others. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and 1 Peter 4:10-11 tells us that our gifts are meant to serve one another. Discovering and using our gifts within the church helps us fulfill our purpose and strengthens the body of Christ. When we use our God-given talents to serve others, we contribute to the overall health and growth of the church.
Understanding that we are uniquely designed by God to serve others can be empowering. It encourages us to seek out and develop our spiritual gifts, knowing that they are meant to benefit the community. By using our gifts, we not only fulfill our purpose but also inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of service and love within the church. [58:56]
Bible Passage:
"Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness." (Romans 12:6-8, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use these gifts to serve others in your church or community this week?
### Day 4: Humility in Receiving Service
Sometimes, showing a servant's heart means accepting the service of others. Refusing help can be a sign of pride. True humility begins with recognizing our need for others and allowing them to serve us, just as we serve them. This mutual service builds deeper connections within the church and fosters a sense of community and interdependence.
Accepting help from others can be challenging, especially if we are used to being the ones who serve. However, allowing others to serve us is an act of humility and acknowledges that we are all part of the body of Christ, each with our own roles and needs. This mutual service strengthens our relationships and helps us grow together in faith. [50:49]
Bible Passage:
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a time when you found it difficult to accept help from someone. How can you practice humility by allowing others to serve you, and how might this strengthen your relationships within the church?
### Day 5: Blessings Through Serving
Serving others brings blessings, not necessarily in material form but in the joy and fulfillment of living out our purpose. John 13:17 assures us that God will bless us for our obedience in serving others. This blessing often comes in unexpected ways, enriching our lives and deepening our faith. When we serve with a genuine heart, we experience the joy of making a difference in others' lives and fulfilling God's calling for us.
The blessings that come from serving are often intangible but deeply rewarding. They include a sense of purpose, joy, and fulfillment that comes from knowing we are making a positive impact. Serving others also helps us grow spiritually, as we learn to rely on God's strength and guidance. These blessings enrich our lives and draw us closer to God. [01:11:33]
Bible Passage:
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on a recent experience where you served someone. How did this act of service bring joy and fulfillment to your life, and how can you continue to seek opportunities to serve others?
Quotes
1. "We are connected to one another through serving. Now, nothing was weird about what was taking place in this passage of scripture. It might, as we read it, might seem weird to us because in our culture, when someone comes over to our house, I mean, unless you do, I don't know, probably don't. I could probably, you know, bank a lot on you, probably don't, have a basin of water at your front door as people come in and you wash their feet." [46:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "See, we need to realize that if we belong to Jesus, then we belong to his family. And if you and I belong to his family, then we serve his family and we are served by his family. See, there's two people participating in this example that Jesus is showing the disciples. If there's no one to be washed, then there's no need for someone to wash." [49:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes we show a servant's heart by accepting the service of others for us. If we only serve and refuse to be served, be careful, it could be a sign of deeply rooted and well-hidden pride. Man's humility does not begin with the giving of service. It begins with the service of service. To receive it. Isn't that the basis and the foundation of salvation?" [50:49] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to make sure that we understand that not only are we to serve, but we are to serve with love. We are to serve in such a way that is always, always, hear me, always rooted in love. And just so we're all on the same page as to what love looks like, as Christ followers, we have to base our findings off of what God says, not how we feel." [55:28] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God took the time when he was creating you to gift you with certain talents and abilities, if he took time in the way he wired and designed you, then it would be great purpose in your serving. Let me just, for a moment, let me remind you how he created you. It's not going to be on the screen. It's not in your notes. I just want you to listen." [58:56] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You may have been told you were an accident, but can I tell you that that's a lie? You may not have come in the way that maybe should have happened, but you are not a mistake. And I want to break the lie off of some of you today that you have believed that for far too long, that you are a mistake. You are not a mistake. Psalm 139 says you're not a mistake." [01:00:29] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I want you to know that every single one of you is gifted by God to serve the people of God. You don't believe me? Listen to what the Bible says. You don't have to believe me. I'm going to read you what the word says. God has given each of you. What does each of you mean? Just that. Each of you. I'm an each. You're an each. We're all an each." [01:02:05] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You want to find out and discover who you are? Service church. You want to find out how God has gifted you? Service church. So how do I do that, Pastor Andrea? Well, so glad you asked. You can start by going to Growth Track. We offer Growth Track every first, second, third, and fourth Sunday of the month. I believe it starts at 1030, right?" [01:06:44] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "I have discovered all of my gifts by serving the church. When I was younger, I didn't have anyone talking to me about how God gifted me. I didn't have Growth Track. We are blessed here that we have leadership over us that have taken the time to look at those things, to develop those things, constantly tweaking to make things better." [01:08:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We are blessed by God through serving. John 13, 17 says, now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them. Now, we don't make the decision to serve purely because God is going to bless us, right? Right? That's not our motivation. But I do want you to know is inevitable, he will bless you. This is how our God works." [01:11:33] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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