In the Groove-Serving

Week 5: Hands and Feet

Scriptures: Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 4:10-11

Overview: In our final week, we'll explore the discipline of service as a way to embody Christ's love and mission in the world. Jesus set the ultimate example of servant leadership, and we are called to follow in His footsteps. Serving others with our gifts, talents, and time aligns us with God’s mission and brings glory to Him. We will challenge the congregation to identify their gifts and commit to regular acts of service both inside and outside the church.

Key Points:

● Jesus’ Model of Servant Leadership(Matthew 20:25-28)

○ Contrasting worldly leadership with Christ’s example

○ The call to serve rather than be served

○ How service connects us to Christ’s mission

● Using Our Gifts to Serve Others(1 Peter 4:10-11)

○ Every believer has received gifts from God

○ The responsibility to use our gifts to serve others

○ Serving with God’s strength for His glory

Application:

● Help listeners identify their spiritual gifts and passions

● Provide information on service opportunities within the church and community

Challenge the congregation to commit to regular acts of service

Series Title: In The Groove

Week 5: Hands And Feet

Scripture: Matthew 20:25-28 // 1 Peter 4:10-11 // 1 Corinthians 12:27

Write Up: In our final week, we'll explore the discipline of service as a way to embody Christ's love and mission in the world. Jesus set the ultimate example of servant leadership, and we are called to follow in His footsteps. Serving others with our gifts, talents, and time aligns us with God’s mission and brings glory to Him. We will challenge the congregation to identify their gifts and commit to regular acts of service both inside and outside the church.

Think: Reflect on the idea that true greatness in God’s kingdom is not found in being served, but in serving others.

Feel: Feel encouraged to use their unique gifts to serve others, embracing humility and love as the driving forces behind their actions.

Do: Commit to regular acts of service, whether small or large, and actively look for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways.

Sermon: Good morning, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here as we continue our series, In The Groove. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into what it means to stay in step with the Spirit of God and live a life aligned with His purpose. A key truth of this series is that the God of the universe desires a real and personal connection with each of us. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, God gives us His Holy Spirit to live within us—to convict, empower, and guide us through the highs and lows of life.

In the first week, we explored how constant communication with God through prayer keeps us in the groove, helping us receive His guidance and encouragement. The second week focused on the Bible’s vital role in a believer’s life—not just as a collection of ancient stories but as a living word that shapes, corrects, and equips us for everyday life. In week three, we discussed the importance of community, learning that we are better together. Last week, we discovered how generosity reflects God’s character and transforms us from the inside out. Today, as we wrap up In The Groove, we’ll focus on how living in step with God’s Spirit means choosing to serve others. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

Illustration: (Bring a record player on stage with a vinyl record) Have you ever listened to a vinyl record? The sound is rich, warm, and timeless. Vinyl records are making a comeback in our culture as a new fad these days. People love to listen to the vintage sound, but there’s a catch. For the music to play, the needle has to drop into the groove on the top of the record. If the needle isn’t in the groove, all you get is static. No music. No melody. Just noise. But place the record on the turntable and lower the needle into the groove carefully. Let the music start to play softly. Serving others is just like this. When we’re in the groove with God, aligned with His Spirit and focused on His heart, our lives produce something beautiful. But when we’re out of step, focused only on ourselves, all that’s left is static. No joy. No impact. Just noise.

In the scriptures, there is no mistaking that God’s heart is one of service. Jesus Himself said that He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. God's nature is deeply rooted in sacrificial love, humility, and compassion. He demonstrates this through the life of Jesus, who served the broken, healed the hurting, and gave His all to redeem humanity.

When we serve others, we reflect His heart. When we put others first, we live in the groove.

As you may know from reading the gospels, one of the common struggles that Jesus faced as he led his disciples was getting them to embrace the humble positions of being servants. In the book of Matthew, we read about one of these instances.

READ Matthew 20:25-28

Jesus addresses His disciples after James’ and John’s mother had asked Jesus for her sons to sit at His right and left in His divine kingdom. The disciples' dispute over positions of power provided Jesus with an opportunity to redefine greatness according to God’s values rather than the world's standards.

POINT #1 – SERVING IS AN ACT OF HUMILITY

As Jesus taught the disciples, he mentioned the way the rulers of the Gentiles (non-Jews) lead as a lesson. He contrasted worldly leadership with kingdom leadership. In the Gentile world, leadership often involved power over others. Rulers wield authority for personal gain, pressing their will on others. This form of leadership utilized control, status, and self-promotion. Jesus calls his followers to something better, something more. Greatness in the kingdom of God is not measured by how many serve you, but by how you serve others. This "upside-down" model of leadership values humility, selflessness, and love. The Greek word for servant in this passage is diakonos which points to one who waits on others, taking a position of humility and service. (This is the word we also get deacon from, and that insight may further help to illuminate the idea of servanthood for your church.)

Jesus calls His followers to embrace this posture in their relationships with one another.

Story: Christian author Philip Yancey, in his book What’s So Amazing About Grace?, shares a powerful story about a woman who worked at a shelter for the homeless. Every day, she saw men and women at their lowest points—people battling addiction, mental illness, and broken relationships. Many were rude or ungrateful, and the work was often exhausting. One day, a colleague asked her why she continued to serve in such a challenging environment. Her response was simple yet profound: “I see Jesus in them. When I serve them, I am serving Him.” She went on to explain that she didn’t see herself as better than the people she helped. Instead, she saw herself as someone who had also been saved by grace, and she wanted to extend that grace to others.

This story illustrates the humility required for true service. The disciples were given grace as Jesus walked with them and taught them. We have been given grace through his life, death, and resurrection to free us from sin. Like the woman at the shelter, we are called to serve others not because it elevates us, but because it honors Christ and reflects His love to the world. The one person who would have had the right to expect others to serve him, Jesus – the God of the universe, did not. Jesus modeled this kind of servant-hearted humility, and we are invited to get in the groove and follow Him. This is not an easy task. We often sense the temptation that the disciples faced, a desire to elevate ourselves. But humility is not optional for the Christian, it is in fact the essence of being a Christian.

What we often don’t recognize is that by serving others we actually grow ourselves. We become more who we were created to be when we do our best to love and help those around us.

POINT #2 – SERVING IS A GIFT

When we serve others, we are not only reflecting Christ’s love but also using the unique gifts God has given us to bring hope to a broken and hurting world.

READ 1 Peter 4:10-11

Serving is not only an act of humility, but also an opportunity to use our God-given talents for His glory. Whether you have a gift for teaching, leadership, encouragement, hospitality, or any other ability, each gift is an opportunity to serve others and fulfill God’s purpose for you. As we use our gifts in service, we partner with God to bring healing, hope, and restoration to a world He loves so much. Serving becomes a joyful act when we understand that our efforts, however small they may seem, are significant in God’s kingdom.

The question is, how do we know what gifts we have been given? Knowing what gifts God has given us and recognizing when He presents an opportunity to serve requires intentional prayer and decisive action.

First, to discover our spiritual gifts, we should start by reflecting on our passions, talents, and the things that bring us to life. Frederick Buechner once said it this way, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Spiritual gifts often align with the natural abilities God has already placed within us. Take time to pray and ask God to reveal His purpose for these gifts. Also, seek feedback from trusted believers who can help identify strengths you might not see in yourself. Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:6-8 provide insight into the diversity of gifts that exist in the Church, emphasizing that each gift serves a unique role in God's kingdom.

Story: (Take a moment to share some of the unique ways people serve in your church and context. Highlight unique roles, ordinary roles, and if possible name specific people in your congregation.) One of the most inspiring examples I know of someone serving others in the church is a woman named Sarah. Sarah has been part of our church for many years, and she's known for her consistent and humble service to others. Her chosen role has been in the children's ministry, but what makes her story unique is how she has used her personal challenges to fuel her passion for service. A few years ago, Sarah faced a major health crisis. She was diagnosed with a chronic illness that significantly affected her energy levels and mobility. Many people might have stepped back and taken time for rest, but Sarah, with a heart full of faith, found new ways to serve. She became more intentional about praying for the children in the ministry, and though she couldn’t be physically present each Sunday, she would send handwritten notes to the kids, encouraging them and praying for their growth. Sarah showed me that God can use me no matter what.

Second, recognizing an opportunity to serve often comes in moments of need, often paired with a deep sense of compassion or responsibility. These moments might arise in church settings, work environments, or even everyday encounters. The Holy Spirit prompts us when we are in the groove with God’s heart, and as we remain sensitive to His leading, He will open doors for us to serve others. Sometimes, an opportunity may feel like a natural fit for our gifts, while other times, God calls us to step out of our comfort zone, trusting Him to equip us as we serve. Paying for someone’s meal, mowing a yard, dropping off a casserole, or going on a mission trip are all examples of taking advantage of the opportunities God gives us to offer his love by putting others first.

POINT #3 – WE ARE CHRIST’S HANDS AND FEET

As we serve, we embody Christ to those around us. Jesus didn’t just tell us to serve, He modeled it. At the end of His ministry, when He washed His disciples' feet, He was demonstrating the humility and love that we are called to carry in our own lives. We are His hands and feet in a broken world, called to extend His love and care to others. When we serve, it’s not just about meeting a physical need, it’s about reflecting the heart of Christ. Paul speaks to this in his letters to the Corinthians.

READ 1 Corinthians 12:27

As members of the body, we each have a unique role to play in serving others. We are His hands, reaching out to those in need. We are His feet, going into places that need His light. Whether it’s a small act of kindness or a large, life-changing gesture, every act of service is an opportunity to show Christ’s love to the world. One of the most powerful aspects of serving is that it’s never about us. It is always about others and ultimately about glorifying God. We are His vessels, His instruments of grace. When we are in the groove with Him, we makebeautiful music in the world. When we serve, we make His love tangible, showing the world who He is and inviting others to know Him.

This doesn’t always come easily. Sometimes, the need to serve might feel inconvenient, or we may be tempted to look the other way. But remember, Jesus gave His life for us, even when it was hard. He calls us to do the same for others. This week, pray for eyes to see the needs around you and a heart ready to serve. Look for opportunities to reflect Christ’s love, whether big or small. Let your actions point others to Him and bring hope to the world.

As we conclude this message and the entire "In the Groove" series, I want to remind you of the journey we’ve taken together. We began by learning how prayer helps us stay in step with God, keeping us connected to His heart. We explored the transformative power of God’s Word, the strength found in community, and the joy that comes through generosity. Today, we’ve seen how serving others allows us to embody the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways.

Living "in the groove" means aligning every area of our lives with the rhythm of God’s Spirit. It’s about letting prayer, Scripture, community, generosity, and service guide us as we reflect God’s character to the world. These disciplines are not just isolated actions; when done together, they form a beautiful harmony that glorifies God and draws others to Him.

So, let’s commit to staying in the groove, seeking His Spirit, and living out His mission with our hands, feet, and hearts.[1]

Prayer:

Father, thank You for guiding us through this journey of discovering what it means to live in the groove with You. We ask that You help us to stay aligned with Your Spirit—praying without ceasing, grounding ourselves in Your Word, loving one another in community, giving generously, and serving humbly. Use our hands and feet to be instruments of Your love in this broken world. May our lives reflect Your grace, and may everything we do bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discussion Questions:

Provide these questions to your Sunday School classes or small groups, or send them home with families to discuss during the week. They are also a great way to engage with your online audience before, during or after each service

What does true humility in service look like? How can we avoid the temptation to serve in ways that seek recognition or elevate ourselves, and instead serve like Jesus did?

How do you recognize the gifts God has given you? Share a moment when you discovered a new way to serve using your talents. What can you do to further develop and use those gifts for God's glory?

Why do you think Jesus chose to serve, even though He was the King of the universe? How does His example challenge or inspire your approach to service in everyday life?

In 1 Peter 4:10-11, we are called to serve others using the gifts God has given us. What are some specific ways you can step into serving both within the church and in your community in the coming weeks?

How do you manage the feeling of inconvenience when it comes to serving? What helps you stay in the groove with God’s Spirit when it’s hard to serve, and how can we stay focused on the bigger picture of reflecting Christ’s love?

[1]Added this section to better "wrap up" the series and the sermon together. I also added a final prayer here to be in alignment with the other weeks.