Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:10-11
The Greek word translated serve here is διακονία. The word is often translated ministry. Other words associated with it are relief, service, support, attendance. You have a ministry. You are a minister. Through this series, we are equipping you to be present for others in Jesus' name, by Jesus' power and Jesus' own presence to minister, serve, lead, bring relief and support.
Learning Goals for Session 9: Disciples will...
articulate the value of serving others
model themselves after those who serve humbly, deeply and joyfully.
In your huddle, read the following passage from the Gospel of Matthew, then discuss the questions that follow.
20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were indignant at the two brothers. 25 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. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,[c] 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,[d] 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:20-28
What do you learn about God from this passage?
What do you learn about yourself and others?
How will you apply this passage?
Whom do I need to include in this?
How did you get into serving others? Tell me when it started.
Who has served you well?
What has been the most memorable time you served someone?
What motivates you to serve?
Share when serving was difficult for you.
Why do you keep doing it?
What impresse me about this person?
What inspired me?
What convicted me?
What am I going to do with what I learned?
Upload your reflection to the following email for feedback:
Learning Goals for Session 10: Disciples will...
identify their gifts for service to others.
make a plan to use their gifts to serve others
In your huddle, read the following passages, then discuss the questions that follow.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. - 1 Peter 4:10-11
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[f]with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit,[g] serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. - Romans 12:3-13
What do you learn about God from these passages?
What do you learn about yourself and others?
How will you apply this passage?
Whom do I need to include in this?
In your huddles, affirm the other members in your group, sharing with them what you see in them, the gifts they have that can be used to serve others. Reflect on the passages above for some help on what those gifts might be.