Spiritual Gains (Part 3 - Serving) [prompts]

Introduction:

Attention:

Working out = saying “no” to say “yes”

Need:

Self-serving generation

1 Timothy 4:7... (NLT)

... train yourself to be godly.

Body

The Big Idea: Discipline yourself for service.

The Big Question: Why should you discipline yourself for service?

To lose pride

Mark 10:42–43a (NLT)

Explanation:

Context:

Mirror

Q. What’s the first thing that Jesus did here?

“Jesus called them together”

Q. What do rulers and officials do?

“lord it over/flaunt their authority”

Q. Should Christians do this?

“But among you it will be different!”

Illustration:

Resistance training

Application:

How do you struggle with pride?

Are you willing to let go of your pride?

Release pride = gain a servant’s heart

To gain true greatness

Mark 10:43b–44 (NLT)

Explanation:

The Upside-Down Kingdom

Q. What do you have to be in order to be a leader? What about to be first?

Leader = servant, first = slave

Takes discipline:

Practical examples

Be great in ways that matter

Illustration:

Spotter

Application:

How do you view greatness?

Change perspective?

Begin serving

To follow Jesus

Mark 10:45 (NLT)

Explanation:

Jesus = our example and role model

William Lane: “The reversal of all human ideas of greatness and rank was achieved when Jesus came, not to be served, but to serve.”

Q. What do the words “for even” indicate?

“Humility”

Ransom

“He got down so low so that He might lift others up.”

Jesus’s sacrifice = our disciplined service

We serve bc He suffered

Illustration:

Endurance training

Application:

Do you follow Jesus?

Where is your cross?

Become more like Jesus by serving others

Conclusion:

Visualization:

Serving = selfless

Reiteration:

Repeat main points

Where will you serve?

PRAY