Being a true spiritual guide to members of our small group requires us to have a spirit of service to them. Being a small group leader is not just about the up front leadership skills sets that tend to receive a lot of strokes. It is much more so the behind the scenes tasks that often are overlooked. Jesus modeled for us the ultimate example of serving our disciples as he performed a task that was only done by the lowest of household servants in his day. Lead your group in this brief Bible Study. Plan to wash their feet as a part of your group experience.
"Jesus knew the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he showed them the full extent of his love…Jesus knew that he had come from God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him." John 13:1-5.
Reasons to serve
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You demonstrate your love when you serve.
"Having loved his own who were in the world, he showed them the full extent of his love" 1b
"Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13
The true test of love is…the sacrifice of service
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You model the life of Christ when you serve.
Jesus said, "I have set an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 15:15
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You are blessed by God when you serve.
In this life: the blessing of being used by God "Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 15:17
In the next life: eternal riches-Each of you should use whatever gift he has to serve others. I Pt 4:10a
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does." Ephesians 6:7-8
Learning to serve
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Develop a servants heart.
"You should also wash one anothers feet." John 15:14b
Be willing to do whatever needs to be done.
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Develop a servants lifestyle.
"Having loved his own who were in the world, he showed them the full extent of his love" 1b
2 questions for every servant:
- Who may I serve today?
- How will I serve them?
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Develop a servants vision
"Jesus knew that he had come from God" 3b
The double vision of a servant:
- I was sent from God to serve others.
- I will answer to God for my service.
"Well done, good and faithful servant". Matthew 25:21
"Whatever to do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…" Colossians 3:23
The way we serve God is by serving others in His name.
