Wk_2_-_Faithful_in_Service.pdf

Devotional

Day 1: Greatness Is Forged in the Hidden Places

Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments of life is where God shapes the heart of a servant. David’s story reminds us that before he ever faced Goliath, he was simply a young man bringing lunch to his brothers. It was in these ordinary, overlooked acts that his character was formed and his faithfulness tested. The world may not notice the quiet ways you serve, but God sees every act done in love, no matter how small.
Today, consider the places in your life that feel mundane or insignificant. These are often the very places where God is inviting you to serve with a willing heart. True greatness in God’s Kingdom is not about public recognition, but about being faithful in the tasks that no one else sees. When you serve quietly, you are building a foundation for God to do greater things through you.

“So David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry.” (1 Samuel 17:20, ESV)

Reflection: Where is God inviting you to serve quietly and faithfully today, even if no one else notices?

Day 2: The Power of Obedience Without Applause

Sometimes, the most significant contributions to God’s work come from those who are willing to obey without expecting recognition. The owner of the donkey in the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry is never named, yet his simple act of obedience played a crucial role in God’s plan. He gave what he had, trusting that God could use it for something greater.
You may feel like your acts of service are small or unimportant, but God values your willingness to give what you have. Obedience, even when it goes unnoticed by others, is powerful in God’s hands. When you serve without seeking applause, you are free to trust that God sees and honors your faithfulness.

“And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.” (Luke 19:35-36, ESV)

Reflection: What is one thing you can offer to God today, without expecting anything in return or recognition from others?

Day 3: Humility: The Posture of True Servanthood

Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet is a radical example of humility. He, the Son of God, stooped down to serve those who followed Him, showing that true greatness is found in putting others’ needs above our own. This wasn’t just a lesson in etiquette, but a call to a new way of living—one marked by humility and selfless love.
Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It’s about making space for others to experience God’s love through your actions. When you choose to serve, even when it’s uncomfortable or beneath your status, you reflect the heart of Jesus to the world around you.

“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.” (John 13:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone you can serve today in a way that stretches your comfort or pride?

Day 4: Becoming, Not Just Doing: The Identity of a Servant

Serving others is not just about what we do, but about who we are becoming. Jesus calls us to let our acts of service flow from a transformed identity—one rooted in His self-giving love. When serving becomes part of our core identity, we no longer need recognition or reward; our joy is found in reflecting Jesus to the world.
Ask God to shape your heart so that serving is not just an occasional action, but a way of life. As you grow in Christ, let your identity as a servant guide your choices, relationships, and priorities. In this way, your life becomes a living testimony to the love and humility of Jesus.

“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you let your identity as a servant shape your decisions and interactions today?

Day 5: The Daily Journey of Following Jesus

Following Jesus is not a one-time decision, but a daily journey of turning from self-centeredness, trusting in Christ, and putting His words into practice. Each day brings new opportunities to examine your motives, realign your heart with God’s purposes, and step into acts of service.
Repentance, belief, and obedience are ongoing choices that shape you into someone who lives, loves, and leads like Jesus. As you walk this path, you become part of God’s work to bring His Kingdom to earth through faithful service. Let today be another step in that journey.

“And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.’” (Luke 9:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can choose to follow Jesus more closely today, especially in how you serve others?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

Today’s message, “Faithful in Service,” challenges us to shift our focus from self-promotion to selfless service, following the example of Jesus. In a culture obsessed with being the “greatest of all time,” Jesus redefines greatness as serving others. We looked at the story of Tabitha, a woman known for always doing good and helping the poor, and considered what it would mean for us to be described by what we are “always” doing. Through three biblical images—bringing a lunch (David), offering a ride (the donkey’s owner), and carrying a towel (Jesus washing feet)—we saw that true greatness is found in humble, often unnoticed acts of service. The call is not just to do servant things, but to become servants at our core, living lives that reflect Jesus’ selfless love.

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Key Takeaways

1. Greatness Begins in the Small and Unseen The story of David bringing lunch to his brothers reminds us that faithfulness in small, unnoticed acts is where true greatness is forged. God often prepares us for bigger battles through our willingness to serve in the mundane. The world may overlook these moments, but in God’s Kingdom, they are the foundation of a servant’s heart. Ask yourself: where is God inviting you to serve quietly today?
2. Obedience Without Recognition is Powerful The owner of the donkey in Jesus’ triumphal entry is a nameless figure, yet his simple act of obedience played a crucial role in God’s plan. He gave what he had, without expectation of reward or recognition. Sometimes, the most significant contributions to God’s work come from those who are content to remain in the background, trusting that God sees and values their faithfulness.
3. True Servanthood Means Embracing Humility Jesus washing His disciples’ feet is a radical picture of humility—God Himself stooping to serve. This act wasn’t just a lesson in etiquette, but a call to a new way of living: putting others’ needs above our own, even when it’s uncomfortable or beneath our status. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less, and making space for others to experience God’s love through us.
4. Identity as a Servant, Not Just Actions of Service Jesus’ teaching and example show that being a servant is not just about what we do, but who we are becoming. Our acts of service flow from a transformed identity—one that is rooted in Christ’s self-giving love. When serving becomes our identity, we no longer need recognition or reward; our joy is found in reflecting Jesus to the world.
5. Repentance, Belief, and Following Jesus are Ongoing Choices The invitation to follow Jesus is not a one-time event, but a daily decision to turn from self-centeredness, trust in Christ, and put His words into practice. Each day, we are called to examine our motives, realign our hearts with God’s purposes, and step into opportunities to serve. This ongoing journey shapes us into people who live, love, and lead like Jesus, bringing His Kingdom to earth through our faithful service.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faithful in Service**

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### Bible Reading

- **Acts 9:36**
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.”

- **John 13:3-17**
(Jesus washes the disciples’ feet)

- **Mark 10:42-45**
(“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”)

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### Observation Questions

According to Acts 9:36, what was Tabitha known for in her community?
In John 13, what did Jesus do for His disciples, and how did the disciples react?
In Mark 10:42-45, how does Jesus define greatness compared to the world’s definition?
What three images or stories did the sermon use to illustrate faithful service?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Tabitha’s acts of service had such a big impact on her community that they sent for Peter when she died?
What does Jesus’ act of washing His disciples’ feet teach us about humility and leadership?
The owner of the donkey in the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is never named. What does this tell us about the value of serving without recognition?
The sermon said, “Servant is not what you do. Servant is who you are.” What does it mean for serving to be part of your identity, not just your actions?

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### Application Questions

If someone described what you are “always” doing, what would they say? Is there something you wish was different about that description?
Think about a small, unnoticed act of service you could do this week (like “bringing a lunch” for someone). What is one specific way you can serve quietly?
Are there areas in your life where you find yourself wanting recognition for what you do? How can you practice serving without expecting to be noticed or thanked?
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, even though it was uncomfortable and beneath His status. Is there a task or person you’ve avoided serving because it feels “beneath you”? What would it look like to serve in that area?
The sermon challenged us to shift from self-promotion to selfless service. Where do you notice self-promotion in your life (at work, online, in relationships)? What is one step you can take to put others first this week?
The owner of the donkey simply gave what he had when the Lord needed it. What is something you have—time, resources, skills—that you could offer to God’s work, even if it seems small?
Following Jesus is a daily choice. What is one practical way you can “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him” in your routine this week?

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Sermon Quotes

Our culture is all about self-serving, self-gratifying, and self-promoting, but Jesus teaches the opposite: if you want to be great in the Kingdom of God, you must become the servant of all.

I am a servant of the Most High God. When I serve others, I am serving Jesus.

In the Kingdom, greatness isn’t about self—it’s about service.

Greatness begins with small acts of faithfulness. If you want to win the battle, you start by bringing a lunch.

The owner of the donkey in Jesus’ story had no resistance, no recognition, no reward. He just offered the ride. And that simple act made way for the King.

While the disciples argued about who was the greatest, Jesus quietly wrapped a towel around His waist and began to wash their feet. Our King knelt down and served.

If you want to be great in God’s Kingdom: bring a lunch, offer a ride, carry a towel.

Servant is not what you do. Servant is who you are.

Maybe today you realize your life has been more about self-promotion than serving others. Maybe you’re ready for a new life.

Learn to live, love, and lead like Him.

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