The Journey of Service

Bible Study Lesson | April 8, 2020

 

In this lesson we will explore how serving: honors God, reflects Jesus Christ, blesses others, matures believers, evangelizes and disciples. We will see that serving costs. It requires humility. It requires sacrifice. It may lead to being misunderstood. It will lead to being unthanked and unappreciated. When we consider the humblest servant of all, Jesus Christ, He was despised, mocked and rejected.

Serving can be hard. Christian service is different to mere humanitarian service. The Scriptures teach that God empowers our service- we can serve in His strength. Added to this, God places within the Church those who have the spiritual gift to serve. By seeking God and His strength, the believer is able to do more than they otherwise could. This then becomes a powerful witness because it causes observers to wonder how it is possible. The answer of course leads to God being glorified. Thus, when a believer refuses to stretch in their serving, they are in part depriving God of glory.

The questions in this Bible Study lesson are designed to help you learn what the Bible actually says about servanthood; why it might be saying this; and how we can apply this Texts which instruct us in our serving.

CHRIST THE SERVANT “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. Matthew 12:18

We could have no greater example or hero of a servant than Jesus Christ.

  1. What did it take for even Jesus Christ to become a servant? (Philippians 2:5-8)

 

The above passage shows us that Christ deliberately chose to become a servant. But it cost Him. Later, we will see that servanthood comes at a cost for us too.

  1. Note Philippians 2:9-11. How did God the Father respond to Christ’s choice to become a servant?
  2. Read Matthew 20:26-28. What was the basis for Christ being able to command that His followers be servants?

 

  1. Based on Mark 10:45, what was Christ’s greatest act of servanthood?

 

  1. Why did Christ serve people?

 

  • Conclusion: Is your heart struggling to love others? Ask Jesus for a heart change.

Be open to Him working, stretching, and changing your heart. This may bring out some things you need to address and work on, but it will be worth it! He can change your heart, soften the edges, and teach you to love others with kindness and compassion.