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Introduction:
How do we love our neighbors as ourselves? When God’s love transforms us, we can’t help but want others to experience the same love, grace, and freedom we enjoy through Christ. But how do we share that love with others without scaring them away or offending them? For most Christians, “evangelism” is a scary and intimidating word. What if there was a more organic, authentic way to share our faith with our friends, neighbors, and coworkers?
“Do not owe anyone anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” —Romans 13:8
Together, we can learn to be a blessing in our neighborhoods and to those around us. We were made to B.L.E.S.S. others. If we can live out the love of God where we are, we will see those around us experience the blessings God promised long ago.
In this collection, we will discover 5 everyday ways to love our neighbors and change the world:
June 1st/4th - Begin with Prayer
June 8th/11th - Listen to the Holy Spirit
June 15th/18th - Engage and Eat
June 22nd/25th - Serve Them
June 29th/July 2nd - Share Your Story
Text: John 13:1-17 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: To bless our neighbors, Jesus invites us to serve.
Week 4 - Serve Them
I. SERVING OTHERS IS
(vs. 1–17)
“… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Matthew 20:26b-28
“For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints — and by continuing to serve them.” —Hebrews 6:10
II. SERVING OTHERS IS A
(vs. 6–11)
“Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you.” —1 Samuel 12:24
“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. 15But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.” —Galatians 5:13-15
A. You serve others in
B. You are to serve people
C. You ought to serve people
Jesus was teaching: The disciples should
III. SERVING OTHERS IS
(vs. 12-17)
“Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” —John 14:12
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.” —Luke 2:52
A.
Relationally: He grew in favor with
Physically: He grew in
Mentally: He grew in
Spiritually: He grew in
B.
- How’s my neighbor doing relationally?
- How’s my neighbor doing physically?
- How’s my neighbor doing mentally?
- How’s my neighbor doing spiritually?
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14-16
CONCLUSION: Who do you need to B.L.E.S.S. this week?
DEEP DIVES:
Why do we resist serving even the people we care about most?
Read John 13:1-17. Why did Jesus choose to wash His disciples’ feet the night before His cruifixion? How would you have felt it you had been there?
Read Mark 7:31-37. What stands out to you about this encounter between Jesus and the deaf man with the speech impediment?
Who do you think God wants you to serve this week?
