Did You Know?
To return to God’s original design of His church includes serving others.Why should you serve? Here are examples from the Original that tell us why.
Example #1 – Jesus demonstrated that God’s personality is service.
Matthew 11:29 (ESV) — Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
John 13:1-5 (ESV)
Matthew 20:25-28 (ESV) — But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Question: What is serving in the church supposed to do? Is serving supposed to get stuff done or something else?
Example #2 – The events described in Acts 6 demonstrate that it is primarily serving that supports a church moving forward in its mission.
Acts 6:7 (ESV) — And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:1-6 (ESV)
Example #3 – Acts 9 demonstrates how serving impacts others with the Gospel.
Acts 9:36-39 (ESV) — Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
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Questions to Consider:
Please start by reading through Acts 9:36-42 and considering the following questions. It might be helpful to read it in more than one version of the New Testament.
For Small Group Discussion:
Opening Question: When was a time when someone ministered to you? Have you ever had someone not give up on you?
Main Point: Ministering to others is an important part of growing as a disciple of Jesus. Read/Tell the Story: Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus Heals a Paralytic)
Questions:
Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:11-16, 1 Peter 4:7-11, Luke 9:1-6