Unity in Service: Supporting Each Other's Journey to Christ

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the theme of unity and service, drawing from the story in Mark chapter 2, where a group of friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus. This narrative beautifully illustrates the power of community and the importance of having friends who will go to great lengths to support us in our times of need. We all face moments of paralysis in life, whether due to fear, anxiety, or other challenges, and it's crucial to have a support system that can help us reach Jesus. Reflect on whether you have such friends and if you are that kind of friend to others.

The story also highlights the role of the crowd, which can be both a blessing and a hindrance. As our church grows, we must remain vigilant not to become complacent or self-focused, but instead, ensure we are making room for those who need Jesus. Our mission is to be aware of those around us who are seeking Him and to facilitate their journey to Christ.

Jesus' response to the paralytic is profound. He first forgives the man's sins, addressing the deeper need before healing his physical ailment. This reminds us that Jesus knows our true needs and prioritizes our spiritual well-being. As a church, we are called to emulate this understanding and compassion, ensuring that we are not just meeting physical needs but also addressing the spiritual needs of those we serve.

Finally, we discussed the importance of serving with purpose, as exemplified by Jesus washing His disciples' feet in John 13. Serving others with humility and love is at the heart of being Christ-like. Our church offers numerous opportunities to serve, and it's vital that we engage actively, not just as hearers of the Word but as doers. Let's commit to serving wholeheartedly, both within our church and in our everyday lives, reflecting the love and humility of Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Community: Just as the paralytic needed his friends to reach Jesus, we all need a supportive community to help us in our spiritual journey. Reflect on whether you have such friends and if you are that kind of friend to others. [21:01]

2. The Role of the Crowd: As our church grows, we must ensure we are not just a crowd but a community that makes room for those seeking Jesus. We should be vigilant not to become complacent or self-focused, but instead, facilitate others' journey to Christ. [25:17]

3. Jesus Knows Our True Needs: Jesus prioritized the paralytic's spiritual healing over physical healing, reminding us that our deepest needs are often spiritual. We should strive to address both the physical and spiritual needs of those we serve. [28:47]

4. Serving with Purpose: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet exemplifies serving with humility and love. We are called to serve others with the same heart, reflecting the love and humility of Jesus in our actions. [32:01]

5. Being Doers of the Word: It's not enough to hear the Word; we must act on it. Being a Christian means actively participating in God's work, serving others, and living out our faith in tangible ways. [38:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Unity
- [04:30] - The Story of the Paralytic
- [07:45] - The Importance of Community
- [10:15] - Reflecting on Our Support System
- [13:00] - The Role of the Crowd
- [16:30] - Jesus' Response to the Paralytic
- [19:45] - Spiritual vs. Physical Needs
- [22:30] - Serving with Purpose
- [25:00] - Jesus' Example of Service
- [28:00] - Opportunities to Serve
- [31:00] - Being Doers of the Word
- [34:00] - Call to Action
- [37:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Unity and Service

Bible Reading:
- Mark 2:1-5
- John 13:4-5
- Ephesians 6:7

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Observation Questions:

1. In Mark 2:1-5, what actions did the friends of the paralytic take to bring him to Jesus, and what does this reveal about their determination and faith? [21:01]

2. How does the crowd in Mark 2:1-5 both help and hinder the paralytic's journey to Jesus? [25:17]

3. In John 13:4-5, what specific actions did Jesus take to serve His disciples, and what does this demonstrate about His character? [32:01]

4. According to Ephesians 6:7, how are we instructed to serve, and what attitude should accompany our service?

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might the story of the paralytic in Mark 2 suggest about the importance of community in overcoming personal challenges? [21:01]

2. How can the role of the crowd in Mark 2 serve as a warning for churches today as they grow in size and influence? [25:17]

3. What does Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet in John 13 teach us about the nature of true leadership and service? [32:01]

4. How does Ephesians 6:7 challenge our motivations for serving others, and what does it mean to serve "as if you are serving the Lord"?

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Do you have a community of friends who would go to great lengths to support you in times of need? If not, what steps can you take to build such relationships? [21:01]

2. Consider the role of the crowd in your church or community. How can you ensure that you are not just part of a crowd but actively making room for others to encounter Jesus? [25:17]

3. Jesus prioritized the spiritual healing of the paralytic over physical healing. How can you apply this principle in your interactions with others, ensuring you address both spiritual and physical needs? [28:47]

4. Jesus served His disciples with humility by washing their feet. What are some practical ways you can serve others with humility in your daily life? [32:01]

5. Ephesians 6:7 encourages us to serve wholeheartedly. Identify one area in your life where you can improve your attitude towards service. What specific changes can you make this week?

6. Reflect on the concept of being "doers of the Word" as mentioned in the sermon. What is one specific action you can take this week to live out your faith more actively? [38:17]

7. Think about a time when you felt paralyzed by fear, anxiety, or another challenge. How did your community support you, and how can you be that support for someone else in the future? [21:01]

Devotional

Day 1: The Strength of Supportive Friendships
In life, we all encounter moments of paralysis, whether due to fear, anxiety, or other challenges. The story of the paralytic man in Mark chapter 2 reminds us of the power of community and the importance of having friends who will go to great lengths to support us in our times of need. These friends carried the paralytic to Jesus, overcoming obstacles to ensure he received healing. Reflect on whether you have such friends in your life and if you are that kind of friend to others. A supportive community is essential in our spiritual journey, helping us reach Jesus when we cannot do it alone. [21:01]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who are the friends in your life that you can rely on during difficult times? How can you be a more supportive friend to those around you today?


Day 2: Transforming from a Crowd to a Community
As our church grows, it is crucial to ensure that we do not become just a crowd but a community that makes room for those seeking Jesus. The crowd in the story of the paralytic man could have been a hindrance, but the friends found a way to bring the man to Jesus. We must be vigilant not to become complacent or self-focused, but instead, facilitate others' journey to Christ. Our mission is to be aware of those around us who are seeking Him and to help them find their way. [25:17]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: How can you contribute to transforming your church from a crowd into a welcoming community? What specific actions can you take this week to help someone on their journey to Christ?


Day 3: Recognizing Our True Needs
Jesus' response to the paralytic man was profound; He first forgave the man's sins, addressing the deeper need before healing his physical ailment. This reminds us that Jesus knows our true needs and prioritizes our spiritual well-being. Often, our deepest needs are spiritual, and we should strive to address both the physical and spiritual needs of those we serve. As a church, we are called to emulate this understanding and compassion in our interactions with others. [28:47]

Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"

Reflection: What are some of the deeper spiritual needs in your life that you may have been neglecting? How can you prioritize addressing these needs in your daily walk with God?


Day 4: Serving with Humility and Love
Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet exemplifies serving with humility and love. Serving others with purpose is at the heart of being Christ-like. Our church offers numerous opportunities to serve, and it's vital that we engage actively, not just as hearers of the Word but as doers. Let's commit to serving wholeheartedly, both within our church and in our everyday lives, reflecting the love and humility of Jesus. [32:01]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what ways can you serve others with humility and love this week? Identify one specific act of service you can perform for someone in your community.


Day 5: Living Out Our Faith
It's not enough to hear the Word; we must act on it. Being a Christian means actively participating in God's work, serving others, and living out our faith in tangible ways. We are called to be doers of the Word, reflecting the teachings of Jesus in our actions and interactions with others. This week, let's focus on being active participants in our faith journey, seeking opportunities to serve and make a difference in the lives of those around us. [38:17]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out your faith in action today? How can you ensure that you are not just a hearer of the Word but a doer in your daily life?

Quotes

"I mean, I love this passage and we can, I think, spend a ton of time on this passage. But for the sake of unity is what we're kind of looking at here. I just want to look at each one of the characters of this story and try to learn a little something about them and what Jesus is trying to show us here. First, the paralytic. We're going to look at him. The paralytic. So he's paralyzed. He can't move. He can't get to Jesus on his own. He needs his friends." [00:19:22] (26 seconds)


"And then I love their determination too. They didn't stop at like, oh man, we carried him as far as we could. The crowd was there. Oh, stink. We're done. No, they were like, no, we're going to get him to Jesus. We got to get our friend there. He needs Jesus. So we're going to get him past the crowd, get up on top of some roofs, literally tearing the roof off this place, lowering him down to Jesus so Jesus can do his thing. Like those are awesome friends." [00:22:59] (26 seconds)


"Jesus, when he saw the paralytic in verse 5, it says this, when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, son, your sins are forgiven. And I love that. Oh man, this got me in the first service too. But Jesus doesn't see the paralytic as somebody who is worthless or an outcast or has messed up his whole life or as somebody who, you know, people disregard and could care less about. But Jesus says, hey, you are my son." [00:25:49] (34 seconds)


"And Jesus wants that for each and every one in this room. He wants to be able to call you son or daughter. That's your identity. That's who Jesus sees you as. And then secondly, I love that Jesus, he heals, he heals the paralytic, but not of what I think his friends probably thought he was going to heal him of, right? The friends, you know, Jesus says here in verse 5, it says he heals. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, son, your sins are now forgiven." [00:26:26] (30 seconds)


"But Jesus knows what we need more than anything, right? And Jesus is like, no, I'm healing your sins, man. That's what we need more than anything. A few verses later, as you keep reading, he will heal him of his legs. But Jesus knows best. Grace Bible Church, let's be united. Let's be there for each other. Let's be a crowd, but let's be a crowd that makes room for those that need to find Jesus. And when we see them, man, we take him to Jesus as fast as we can." [00:27:20] (28 seconds)


"Pillar three, let's move on. So pillar three, the last one, this is serving with a purpose. And we love this one here. I think serving with a purpose goes hand in hand with being united. I think when you serve on a team or you work together with other people, you can't help but draw closer. You can't help but feel a little more united. So I think they go hand in hand. But serving with a purpose. Let's start with Ephesians 6 verse 7. It says this, serve wholeheartedly as if you are serving the Lord and not people." [00:27:42] (27 seconds)


"Jesus gives us, like I said, just the ultimate example of what it means to serve. Again, a little bit of context of this passage here. Jesus is with his disciples. This is his last moment with them before he's right about ready to be sold and betrayed and given over to the Romans to be tortured and killed for you and for me. And this is his last moment with his disciples. And he's like, man, this is it. I got to give him something that's important." [00:30:26] (26 seconds)


"Grace Bible Church, to be a Christian is to be Christ-like, to be a follower of Jesus Christ. And if we are to be more Christ-like, then we are to serve others with the same heart that Jesus did. Mark 10 45, this is an awesome verse as well. It says, for even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but he came to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. That's Jesus right there. Jesus's heart was one of love for those around him and serving them, and ours should be the same." [00:32:56] (35 seconds)


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Transcript
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