Sacred Invitations…The Pattern and The Promise
Speaker: Pastor CJ Cody
Scripture Reference: John 13:3-8
Sermon Recap:
As believers, we tend to see some things in life as sacred and others as not. We may consider our actions at church as sacred, but not those in the community. The truth is everything God has said and ordained is sacred, and He calls us to live our lives in concert with His sacred patterns. When we do, we will receive the blessings of His promise. In the Gospel of John during the Last Supper, Jesus extends a sacred invitation for us to follow His pattern of serving others. Although there may be varied feelings or thoughts about serving, we must decide whether to accept this invitation and to act accordingly or not. Some may think that to give of their time and energy deserves compensation for their worth, but in reality, no one can compensate us for our worth. This attitude shows that one is a disciple of the culture, rather than a disciple of the Kingdom. In contrast, when we subscribe to Kingdom principles and do whatever our hands find to do as unto God, it becomes sacred.
When we accept Jesus’ invitation and follow His kingdom pattern, the blessing of transformation occurs in three ways. First, serving purifies us. When we move from being a spectator to a participant, we begin to be fed differently and the spirit of entitlement is moved out of us. Secondly, serving prepares us for what God wants to do next in our lives, and ultimately for our purpose. In the process, we learn and develop skills that we are often not even aware are taking place. Finally, serving positions us for where God wants us to be. Yes, time, energy and discipline are required to serve, but as we serve faithfully, not becoming weary in well-doing, we will live out the pattern God has set for us, and will ultimately receive His promise.
Discussion Questions:
1. What resonated with you as you listened to this sermon and reviewed it?
2. What are your personal thoughts and feelings about serving? Why do you think some people are hesitant or resist serving in the church?
3. Are you currently serving in the church? If not, why not? If so, in what area are you serving, for how long, and what has your experience been like so far?
4. Read John 13:1-17. What message do you think Jesus was conveying when He washed His disciples’ feet? Why do you think He invites us to serve?
5. Other than serving in a church ministry, what are other ways we can serve in a manner that would please God?
6. Pastor CJ mentioned the concept of servant leadership. In your estimation, what is a servant leader? How would a servant leader be different from another type of leader?
7. Consider the three ways that Pastor CJ said transformation can occur as a result of serving (purification, preparation, positioning). Give an example of how this has occurred in your life, in someone else’s life that you know of, or in the life of a biblical character.