On the Sidelines
Part 2 - Serve
Leader Guide
Jesus gives us the ultimate example of what it means to be a servant: He taught, healed, and cared for all types of people. More than that, He laid His life down for us all. If we want to follow Jesus, He calls us to live as He lived: being a servant in every room and every aspect of our lives. Let's look at scripture and discuss how we can apply this in our lives.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What team have you been passionate (maybe rabidly passionate) about? What stupid thing did you do to show your “team spirit”?
Leader Note: If there is no discussion, ask if they have ever been in a fan club for a band or artist.
2. Read Mark 9:33-35, 10:45. Our culture teaches us to strive for influence, power, and success. Where do you see this in your workplace, school, or profession? What does Jesus say is the actual way to find success and greatness? Have you ever tried this method? Have you ever seen this principle working in your life (or the life of someone in your life)?
Leader Note: This is so counterintuitive! But you may have seen this work. The one who serves all in the company becomes indispensable and learns all the jobs...and is promoted to manager! This is not the same as meekly cowing down to all oppressors, but humbly deciding to serve others as Jesus served. Also, realize you are serving from a place of being extremely loved by the Lord!
3. Be a servant in every room. Read Ephesians 5:22-25, 28, Luke 6:27-29, Mark 9:36-37, and James 1:27. List every person, people group, or type of relationship that you should serve. Be specific. Note the ones that you feel you need to work on. Why is this hard for you?
Leader Note: Jesus elevated every type of person: lepers, children, “sinful” men and women. In these passages, we find we should love our spouses, love children and protect them, love our enemies, and even our oppressors. The James passage points to widows and orphans having special value to God. It may be an EX-spouse or a tyrannical boss, but we are to serve others when we can and as God nudges us. When you do not feel that nudge, be intentionally to look for ways to humbly serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus.
4. Read Philippians 2:3-8. Review these points from the message and share when, who, or where this applies to you personally. Are these different people or situations from those listed in question three?
a. Serve those who can’t pay you back.
b. Serve when it’s inconvenient.
c. Serve when it’s anonymous.
Leader Note: These are some ideas you might discuss if there is no dialogue.
a. People with no power or possessions cannot help us from their own resources. They cannot help you get a promotion or even an “atta boy” in public. You must have the attitude that you are serving “as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 6:7), and trust that God will “see and reward” you (Ruth 2:12).
b. Often, our time is more valuable than our stuff. Serving when you are in a hurry, don’t have enough time, don’t have the resources, or it feels uncomfortable (let someone go in front of you) is a sacrifice. It is putting someone else in front of your needs, preferences, and desires.
c. It can be both harder and easier to help someone who I don’t know; short-term compassion does not take as much commitment. On the other hand, it may feel like you are embarrassing someone to reach out and help, like paying for their groceries when their card is declined. If you serve without anyone even knowing who gave or who met that need (Matthew 6:2-4).
5. Action Step: You can intentionally plan to serve someone, or some group, that you have realized you are neglecting or avoiding. Share with your group. If this seems too scary, check out this link for serving opportunities at The Cove to get started.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
6. Read John 13:1-15 and Mark 10:45.
a. Why did Jesus come to earth? How does this square with His ultimate mission? (LN: from the start, He came to give His life, to serve God, and to serve us).
b. Why specifically did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet? (LN: it is an example to us that we should likewise serve others, even humbling ourselves to wash their feet.)
c. What gave Jesus the confidence to humble Himself in such a way? (LN: verses 3 and 4 show He knew completely well that He held all authority, that He would soon be finished and with His beloved Father, and that He was already honored, loved, “great” in every way. We must serve from a position of confidence in that we are children of the King, yet we serve because He served.)
d. What was wrong with Peter refusing (at first) to have his feet washed? What might have been his attitude? (LN: Peter may have been too proud and sure that he knew what was right to allow Jesus to wash his feet. But whatever God asks is the thing to which we need to submit.)