Life On Mission – Part 2: Serving Selflessly

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John 13:1-17

“…I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it” Matthew 16:18b (p.747)

Biblical Authority:  We live under and surrender to the authority of God’s Word by:

Gathering Purposefully: We embrace a consistent rhythm of worship, inspiration, and motivation while emphasizing life transformation by growing to be more like Jesus.

Serving Selflessly: We use our God-given gifts, talents, and passions to serve the ministry and mission of the Church, the body of Christ.

Series Memory Verse: “‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 (p.747)

“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15 (p.822)

  • We Follow Jesus’ Example by Serving Selflessly.
  1. Walk in the humility of Jesus.

“So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.” John 13:4-5 (p.822)

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:10 (p.932)

  1. Use my God-given gifts, talents, and passions.

“When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’” John 13:6 (p.822)

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 (p.893)

  1.  Serve the ministry and mission of the church.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15c (p.822)

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13 (p.824)

My Next Step This Week:

_____ I will take the first step of serving in the church by shadowing on a team.

_____ I will help someone take their first step in serving by inviting them to shadow me.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

One Thing: Serving Selflessly

Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24 (p.47)

Bible Background: John 13:1-17, Jesus washing the disciple’s feet

CONVERSATION STARTER

// Share a time you served someone outside of your family or friends. It might have been something ‘big’ or ‘small’. How did that experience come about? Did you feel any different after the experience?

WEEKEND REVIEW

We Follow Jesus’ Example by Serving Selflessly.

How you can live that out:

  1. Walk in the humility of Jesus.
  2. Use my God-given gifts, talents, and passions.
  3. Serve the ministry and mission of the church.

// Was there anything that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Foot washing was widespread during the time of Jesus and was a significant act of hospitality, humility, and service towards guests. The washing of feet was something servants would do for guests. The act of foot washing here for Jesus was a symbolic act of cleansing and humility to show His disciples that they must be ready to serve others. His actions also show that unless Jesus cleanses people, they have no possibility of being cleansed themselves. Jesus is demonstrating that evenly this lowly act of service to others is honorable and reflects loving others. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

// Read Ephesians 4:2-3 (p.896-897).

  • Why does Paul call on us to be humble and gentle towards others?
  • How does being humble and gentle tie into serving selflessly?
  • What are some ways we can live this out in our daily lives?

// Read 1 Peter 4:10 (p.936).

  • When you read this verse what comes to your mind?
  • Why should we use the gifts God has given us to serve others? 
  • What benefits do we receive when we help others with our gifts, talents, and passions?

// Read 1 Corinthians 12:5-6 (p.877).      

  • Do you feel that God has worked in you? If so, how has He worked in you?
  • What are some ways you can use your gifts and talents to serve others? 
  • In our busy lives, how can we make the time and use our energies to serve?

// Read Matthew 23:11-12 (p.754).

  • Why does Jesus say that the greatest must serve?
  • How is the concept of serving reflected in our society today?
  • How can we live out the mission Jesus has for us by serving the church?

NEXT STEP

My Next Step This Week:

_____ I will take the first step of serving in the church by shadowing on a team.

_____ I will help someone take their first step in serving by inviting them to shadow me.

DIGGING DEEPER

As you continue to look at your life on mission with Jesus, take a minute to read the following verses and think about what steps you can take to help selflessly serve others. 

Matthew 25:35-40 (p.756) Mark 10:45 (p.771)  Ephesians 6:7-8 (p.898)     Joshua 24:15 (p.186)

At the end make a list of ways you can serve your family, your church, and your community. Write down where you can serve and then write down some things that have been holding you back from living this out.