True Greatness Through Humble Service and Love
Summary
God’s love is the foundation of everything, and it is out of this love that we are called to live selflessly. In a world obsessed with self-promotion and personal achievement, the call of Jesus is radically different: true greatness is found in faithful service. The question to consider is, “What are you always doing?” If others were to describe your life, would they say you are always serving, always loving, always seeking the good of others? The story of Tabitha in Acts 9 is a powerful example—she was known for always doing good and helping the poor, so much so that her loss was deeply felt by her community. Her life challenges us to consider whether our presence would be missed if we were gone, not because of our titles or accomplishments, but because of the way we serve.
Faithful service is not about grand gestures or public recognition. It is about small, consistent acts of obedience and generosity. Three images from Scripture illustrate this: bringing a lunch, offering a ride, and carrying a towel. David’s greatness began with simple obedience—delivering lunch to his brothers, which positioned him for greater things. The unnamed owner of the donkey offered what he had for Jesus’ use, without seeking recognition. And Jesus himself, on the night before his crucifixion, took up a towel and washed his disciples’ feet, modeling servant leadership in the most humble way.
Being a servant is not just something we do; it is who we are. Our identity is rooted in Christ, the Servant King. When we serve others, we are serving Jesus himself. This is not about earning God’s favor, but about living out the reality of his kingdom—caring for the marginalized, the voiceless, and those in need. The call is to deny ourselves, turn our hearts toward God, believe in such a way that it changes how we live, and follow Jesus by putting his words and ways into practice. Faithful service is the path to true greatness in God’s kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- True greatness is found in faithful, often unnoticed service. The world may celebrate self-promotion, but God’s kingdom values those who quietly and consistently serve others, like Tabitha, whose legacy was her compassion and generosity. Our impact is measured not by recognition, but by the lives we touch through humble acts of love. [09:56]
- Small acts of obedience can open the door to greater opportunities. David’s willingness to deliver lunch, a seemingly insignificant task, positioned him for his encounter with Goliath. Faithfulness in the mundane prepares us for moments of significance, reminding us that God often uses our everyday obedience for his greater purposes. [12:57]
- Generosity without the need for recognition reflects the heart of Christ. The owner of the donkey gave what he had for Jesus’ use, not seeking reward or acknowledgment. When we hold our resources loosely and offer them for God’s purposes, we make a way for Jesus to enter the lives of others and advance his kingdom. [16:17]
- Servant leadership is modeled by Jesus, who took up a towel and washed his disciples’ feet. In a culture obsessed with status, Jesus redefined greatness as humble service. To follow him is to kneel, to serve, and to meet the needs of others, even when it is uncomfortable or goes unnoticed. [19:37]
- Our identity as servants is rooted in Christ, not in what we do but in who we are. Serving others is an expression of our allegiance to Jesus and our participation in his kingdom. Repentance, belief, and following Jesus are not just intellectual decisions, but a reorientation of our lives toward selfless love and faithful action. [29:02]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:50] - Resources and Daily Devotions
[04:03] - What Are You Always Doing?
[04:50] - The Culture of Self-Promotion
[06:38] - The Main Point: Serving Jesus
[07:29] - The Story of Tabitha
[09:56] - Would Our Community Miss Us?
[11:03] - Bring a Lunch: David’s Faithfulness
[12:57] - Greatness in Small Acts
[13:38] - Offer a Ride: The Donkey’s Owner
[16:17] - Generosity Without Recognition
[18:01] - Carry a Towel: Jesus Washes Feet
[19:37] - The Meaning of Servant Leadership
[21:45] - The Sheep and the Goats
[22:35] - Servant Is Who You Are
[23:23] - Modern Examples of Service
[25:48] - The Heart of Our Church
[28:08] - Responding to Jesus’ Call
[29:02] - Repent, Believe, and Follow
[32:31] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faithful in Service
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 9:36-42 (The story of Tabitha/Dorcas)
- John 13:1-17 (Jesus washes the disciples’ feet)
- Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 9:36, how is Tabitha described by her community? What specific actions made her stand out?
2. According to John 13:4-5, what did Jesus do for his disciples during the meal, and how did the disciples react?
3. In Matthew 25:35-36, what kinds of actions does Jesus say are done for him when done for “the least of these”?
4. The sermon mentioned three images: bringing a lunch, offering a ride, and carrying a towel. What do these images represent, and who are the biblical examples behind each? [12:57]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Tabitha’s death had such a big impact on her community? What does this say about the kind of legacy God values? [09:56]
2. What does Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet teach about leadership and greatness in God’s kingdom? How is this different from the world’s view? [19:37]
3. The owner of the donkey in the Palm Sunday story is never named or recognized. What does this teach about serving without seeking recognition? [16:17]
4. The sermon says, “Servant is not what you do. It’s who you are.” What does it mean for serving to be part of your identity, not just your actions? [22:35]
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### Application Questions
1. If someone were to describe what you are “always doing,” what would they say? Would they say you are always serving, loving, or seeking the good of others? Why or why not? [04:03]
2. Think about Tabitha’s example. If you were gone, would your presence be missed in your community or church because of the way you serve? What would you want your legacy to be? [09:56]
3. The sermon highlighted small acts of obedience, like David bringing lunch. What is one “small” act of service you can do this week that might seem insignificant but could make a difference? [12:57]
4. Is there something you have (time, resources, skills) that you tend to hold onto tightly? What would it look like to offer it to God for his purposes, like the owner of the donkey? [16:17]
5. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, even though it was uncomfortable and went unnoticed. Is there a “low” or humble task you tend to avoid? How could you step into that kind of service this week? [19:37]
6. The sermon said, “Our identity as servants is rooted in Christ, not in what we do but in who we are.” What helps you remember that your value comes from being a servant of Jesus, not from recognition or titles? [22:35]
7. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, turn our hearts toward God, believe in a way that changes how we live, and follow him. What is one area where you need to “turn toward God” and put his words into practice this week? [29:02]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are willing to serve faithfully, even in small or unnoticed ways, and for the courage to put Jesus’ words into practice in daily life.
Devotional
Day 1: Faithful Service Impacts Lives Beyond Our Imagination
Tabitha was known for always doing good and helping the poor, and her faithful service left such a mark on her community that when she died, the people were desperate for her to be restored. True greatness in God’s kingdom is not measured by self-promotion or recognition, but by a life poured out in service to others, meeting needs and loving people in practical ways. When we serve others selflessly, we are not just performing tasks—we are embodying the love of Christ and making a difference that echoes far beyond what we can see. Consider how your daily actions and choices might impact those around you, and whether your life would be missed for the love and service you offer if you were gone. [09:56]
Acts 9:36 (ESV)
"Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity."
Reflection: If someone described what you are “always” doing, what would they say? How can you intentionally serve someone in need today, even in a small way?
Day 2: Greatness Begins with Small Acts of Faithfulness
David’s story reminds us that before he ever faced Goliath, he was faithful in the small, unseen tasks—caring for sheep and delivering lunch to his brothers. God values humble obedience in the everyday moments, and it is often in these small acts of faithfulness that He prepares us for greater things. Don’t underestimate the significance of simple, obedient service; bringing a lunch, helping a neighbor, or quietly supporting someone may be the very thing God uses to open doors for His kingdom. [12:57]
1 Samuel 17:17-20 (ESV)
"And Jesse said to David his son, 'Take for your brothers an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your brothers. Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.' Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him."
Reflection: What is one small, humble act of service you can do today that no one else may notice, but that honors God?
Day 3: Sacrifice Opens the Way for Jesus
The unnamed owner of the donkey in Jerusalem gave up something valuable without hesitation or need for recognition, making a way for Jesus to enter the city as King. True selflessness is shown when we are willing to let go of our possessions, our comfort, or our need for acknowledgment, so that others can encounter Jesus through our generosity. Ask yourself how tightly you hold onto your resources, and whether you are willing to offer your best for God’s purposes, even if no one else sees or applauds. [14:57]
Luke 19:30-35 (ESV)
"…saying, 'Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, "Why are you untying it?" you shall say this: "The Lord has need of it."' So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, 'Why are you untying the colt?' And they said, 'The Lord has need of it.' And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it."
Reflection: Is there something you are holding onto that God may be asking you to release for His kingdom? What would it look like to offer it freely today?
Day 4: True Greatness Is Found in Humble Service
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus took a towel and washed His disciples’ feet, modeling that the greatest in God’s kingdom are those who serve. Even as the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus showed that leadership and greatness are found in humility and meeting the needs of others, not in seeking status or recognition. Serving others, especially in the lowliest tasks, is not just something we do—it is who we are as followers of Jesus, reflecting His heart to the world. [19:37]
John 13:3-5, 12-15 (ESV)
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him… When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.'"
Reflection: Who in your life could use a humble act of service from you today, especially in a way that might go unnoticed or unappreciated?
Day 5: Servanthood Is Our Identity, Not Just Our Actions
Being a servant is not just about what we do, but about who we are in Christ. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, turn our hearts toward God, believe in Him with a faith that leads to action, and follow Him by putting His words and ways into practice. Our identity as servants of the Most High God means that every act of love, every sacrifice, and every moment of self-denial is an act of worship and allegiance to Jesus, bringing His kingdom to earth. [29:56]
Mark 8:34-35 (ESV)
"And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to deny yourself and follow Jesus today? What practical step can you take to put His words into practice?
Quotes
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