Preparation question
- What do you think of when you consider a life of service?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gohcD6A5sHc (3m 22 s)
Pray
Introduction
Followers of Christ are not spectators in the church, but servants in the church. You need to be in a local church to be strengthened by the gifts of others, and you need to be in a local church because others need to be built up by your gifts! Remember as we think about this that it isn’t necessarily about having lots to give in worldly terms. The poor widow in the Gospels was commended by Jesus for putting two very small copper coins (worth only a few pence) into the temple treasury. You may feel you have just two copper coins to give but we are called to honour Jesus with what we have, whether it is much or little. Our currency may be different but out purpose is the same – to worship the One who has given us everything.
Questions
- List some of the ways different people serve at Dundonald (whether on rotas or informal acts of service)?
Bible study
Read Romans 12 v 1-21
- What does whole-life worship look like, and what motivates it (v 1-2)?
- How should we see our own identity (v 5)? How does this help us to serve well?
- Verses 9-21 contain some challenging instructions. Why is doing these things hard? What difference can they make (v 21)?
Reflection
- What gifts has God given you? How can you use them with excellence, passion, and humility for the good of our church?
- What needs do you see in our church? How could you meet them?
- Is there anything in Paul’s instructions that is lacking in our church’s life or in your own life? How will you pray in response to this passage?
Prayer
Father, as we dwell on the wonder of your love shown for us at the Cross, would we gladly surrender our souls, our lives, our all to you in lives of worship and service, whatever our situation or season of life and, as we do that together, would each part of the body build the church for Your glory.
Action Points
- Dwelling on gospel truths gives us motivation to serve. You may wish to memorise Romans 12:1-2 and consider what “in view of God’s mercy” means to you.
- Remember that discipleship involves more than just knowing things.
- Use the preaching of the word and the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ways to cultivate a heart for service.
- Challenge yourself to be a servant rather than a critic.
- Ask your church leaders where particular needs are and offer to help as you can.
- Pray that you and your fellow church members will “serve the LORD with gladness!” (Psalm 100 v 2).
Further resources
- Book: Love Your Church (Ch 5) by Tony Merida
- Book: Serving Without Sinking by John Hindley
- Song: When I Survey the Wonderous Cross by Isaac Watts
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