Serving in the Groove

Last week I spoke of the need, indeed the urgency, of the church being in the groove, in alignment with one another.

When the brothers and sisters are together in unity, it is a glorious, a beautiful thing that accomplishes astounding miracles.

Psalm 133:1–3 (NIV) How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Psalm 133 tells us that in place of Holy Spirit-led unity:

Is not only a good and pleasant place .

It is a precious place — as precious and as valuable as the special anointing oil that God told Moses to make in Exodus 30

The anointing oil that ran down the face and beard of Aaron when he was anointed High Priest.

The place of unity is a place of refreshing — like precious moisture, the dew falling on the arid slopes of Mount Zion, on top of which sits Jerusalem, God’s city

But, best of all, the place of unity is the place of God’s blessing, the place where God’s eternal life is on display

A place of Holy Spirit-birthed unity is a place to be prayerfully, even tearfully sought.

It is a good place, a valuable place, a refreshing place.

It is the place of God’s blessing.

Where the Holy Spirit is poured out again and again.

In Acts 2:1 (NASB95) When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.

That place of unity was the place …

Where the breath of God blew in like a F-5 tornado

Where the prophesied FIRE of the Holy Spirit was poured out.

Where praises in the languages of the nations rose up to a worthy God.

In Acts 4:24 (NASB95) And when [the assembled church] heard [what Peter and John had to say about the healing of the lame man and the persecution they endured for that miracle], they [all together in unity] lifted their voices to God with one accord …

In unity, a great band of believers prayed together.

And Acts 4:31 (NASB95) [tells us that God’s response was that ] … when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Signs and miracles and wonders flowed out of their unity.

I pray that this morning we haven’t gathered together just to check off the boxes on a to-do list.

But that we have gathered to worship the One who is worthy.

Gathered in unity of purpose.

Whether it be for 9 months like the Welsh revival of 1904 and 1905

Or 16 days like Asbury University 3 years ago.

Or like what just happened at SEU for 9 days, ending this past Friday.

In those gatherings people had an encounter with the living God and He changed them — transformed them, transformed their lives.

Every one of these moves of God was birthed in a place of unity.

Where there was unity in repentance.

Unity in prayer

Unity in worship

Following Jesus

There is another uncommon attribute of people who dwell in unity.

They follow the example of their Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Jesus modeled many things for those who would follow Him:

Love, compassion, prioritizing the Father’s will, prayer, walking in the anointing, miracles, faith …

But, one of the main things Jesus modeled for those who would walk in the unity of the Spirit is the willingness to serve others.

Philippians 2:5–7 (NASB95) Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, …

He told His disciples in Matthew 20:28 (NASB95) … the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

One of the main aspects of being In the Groove with the Holy Spirit and thereby in unity with one another is that:

As we have seen on Wednesday night in Ephesians 5:21 (NASB95) [we are] … subject to one another [we submit ourselves to one another] in the fear of Christ.

And we serve one another: Galatians 5:13 (NASB95) For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

You may have noticed that serving is part of our mission.

Serving our community (like UCNH)

Jesus taught this concept AND He modeled this concept:

Mark 9:33–35 (NASB95) They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. 35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

Mark 10:35–45 (NASB95) James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink; and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized. 40 “But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 Hearing this, the ten began to feel indignant with James and John. 42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 “But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

We sang it this morning…

If you wanna be great in God’s Kingdom, learn to be the servant of all.

But probably the greatest example of Jesus’ teaching on serving is found in John 13:1-17

John 13:4–5 (NASB95) [Jesus] got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. 5 Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

In John 13:12–17 (NASB95) So when He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 “You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. 14 “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 16 “Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. 17 “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

What “things” is Jesus talking about?

Serving others.

Following Jesus’ Model of Service

As we think about Jesus serving not just His disciples, but many others let us …

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.

So, let us resolve to be the hands and feet of Jesus

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.

Serving As 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 of Jesus’ day, leadership involved power over others.

Rulers wielded 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.

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

Disgraced 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.

As we read in Philippians 2, Jesus emptied Himself, He humbled Himself and became a servant.

Jesus calls us to 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.

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.

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.

So, we need to discover our spiritual gifts,

How? 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.

We can 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.

Next, 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.

Serving uses a gift and serving IS a gift.

A gift from God to others.

A gift from God to US.

Serving confirms that our lives have purpose and value.

We matter.

To God.

To others.

Esther 4:13–14 (NASB95) Then Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, “Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. 14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?”

God couold have used someone else, but His Plan A was to use Esther.

The Jews still celebrate her willingness to be a gift of God to save her people

Purim, March 3rd

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.

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.

The Apostle Paul speaks to this in his letters to the Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT) All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.

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 make beautiful 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.

The Spirit’s Call to Service

Living "in the groove" means aligning every area of our lives with the rhythm of God’s Spirit.

As we surrender our lives in service to Jesus that alignment with the Spirit 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]

This week, may we pray for eyes to see the needs of those around us 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 we see how serving others allows us to embody the love of Christ in practical, tangible ways.

The Lord’s Supper

Let’s remember Jesus’ model of serving as we partake of the Lord’s Supper this morning.

Before we partake let’s make sure we are worthy to partake.

that our sins are under the Blood of Jesus.

Holy Spirit inspection:

Those of us who served in the military may have served in different branches, but we shared one thing in common - inspection.

Whether it was standing on a parade ground

Or having our quarters inspected.

Or having our weapon inspected for cleanliness and functionality.

We stood before a superior officer who would tell us whether we passed muster or not.

This morning, let’s willing put ourselves in front of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to inspect our lives:

To reveal sin

To call us to a closer walk

To tell us or remind us of the area of service to which He has called us and our faithfulness to it

1 Corinthians 11:28–31 (NLT) That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. 29 For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. 30 That is why many of you are weak and sick and some have even died. 31 But if we would examine ourselves, we would not be judged by God in this way.

If we will surrender our thoughts, our words and our actions to the inspection of the Holy Spirit, He will reveal the areas that need repentance.

Prayer before partaking

Distribute elements:

Becky comes

Worship team comes

You don’t have to be a member to partake.

Have you thought about it?

Jesus served His disciples the Bread and the Cup

Bread:

Matthew 26:26 (NASB95) While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

Prayer over the Bread:

(Becky)

End prayer with prayer from Seder:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Cup:

Matthew 26:27–29 (NASB95) And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

Prayer over the Cup:

(George)

End prayer with prayer from Seder:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Jesus has completed His service — now we live in anticipation of His return as King of kings and Lord of lords

1 Corinthians 11:26 (NASB95) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

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.