Sermon Summary
The sermon focuses on the importance of serving others as a fundamental value of the church. It emphasizes that every believer has been given a spiritual gift by God, which should be used to serve others and build up the church. The sermon outlines four qualities of a person who is ‘saved to serve’: receiving a spiritual gift from God, implementing that gift to build the church, operating the gift empowered by God, and using the gift for God’s glory. The ultimate goal of serving is to bring glory to God while building up the church community.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us today. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom as we discuss how we can better serve You and others. Help us to understand our spiritual gifts and use them for Your glory. May our time together be fruitful and may we leave here more committed to serving You and our community. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one act of service you received this week that made a difference in your day?
Key Verses
1. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen“
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.“
3. 1 Corinthians 14:26 (ESV): “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.”
4. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Questions
1. What stood out to you the most from today’s sermon?
2. How do you feel about the idea that every believer has a spiritual gift?
3. Can you identify your spiritual gift? If so, what is it?
4. How have you seen spiritual gifts being used effectively in the church?
5. What are some barriers that prevent people from using their spiritual gifts?
6. How can we encourage each other to use our spiritual gifts more effectively?
7. What does it mean to serve with meekness, and why is it important?
8. How can we ensure that our service is for God’s glory and not for our own recognition?
Life Application
This week, identify one way you can use your spiritual gift to serve someone in your church or community. Take a step to act on it, whether it’s volunteering for a ministry, helping a neighbor, or offering encouragement to someone in need.
Key Takeaways
1. Every believer has a spiritual gift given by God.
2. Spiritual gifts are meant to build up the church and serve others.
3. Serving should be done with meekness and humility.
4. God empowers us to use our spiritual gifts effectively.
5. The ultimate purpose of using our spiritual gifts is to bring glory to God.
Ending Prayer
Lord, we thank You for the gifts You have given each of us. Help us to recognize and use these gifts to serve others and build up Your church. May our actions always bring glory to Your name. Give us the courage and wisdom to step out in faith and serve with humility and love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.