Serving is God’s Invitation

What needs do you see in your city where you can be the hands and feet of Jesus? How can you help the neighbors? What about your neighborhood? Or what about the needs in the broader community? Serving is an invitation from God into blessing. God is the ultimate servant and we are built in His image, so joining Him in what He is doing is stepping into a massive part of our identity, thus unlocking amazing blessings. Everything stems from a relationship with the Lord. Ask God how He wants you to serve; dream big, and write those ideas down.

Scripture References from the Sermon

• Mark 10:43-45
• Psalm 100:2
• Exodus 23:25
• Ephesians 4:11-12, 16
• Matthew 12:18, 22
• Acts 10:38
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Ephesians 4:32
• 1 Corinthians 13:4
• 1 Kings 17:8-16
• Luke 15:29-31
• Romans 12:9-13

Discussion Questions

• How might your life be different if you came to church with an attitude of giving and serving rather than of receiving? 
• Discuss the following statements:
  “Serving is the invitation of God to enter into His provision. It puts you on the frontlines of seeing the impact of God in someone’s life.”
  “Serving is God’s way of helping us combat selfishness and being self-centered.”
• What are some potential hindrances to a lifestyle of serving others? How can these hindrances be overcome?
• Share an example of when someone has been a servant towards you or your family that has had a big impact on you. What sacrifices did they make in order to serve you?
• Do you know your neighbors names? Are you aware of any needs in your neighborhood? What are the needs? Could your Group help meet some of those needs?
• Last week we talked about a lifestyle influenced by Sabbath rest – living at the pace of relationship, and resting forward. How does the idea of Sabbath dovetail with the spiritual discipline of serving?