In spite of such a challenging season, we also experienced some really positive moments. Neighbors helped each other when we lost power and water. We shared with others when there were food shortages. We helped others, and we got help. We caught a glimpse of the kind of community God has in mind for all of us. We can make BLESSing our neighbors an ongoing part of our lives.
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.) Answer these fill in the blank questions:
a. If I had all the time in the world I would ________________.
b. I will be successful if I _____________________.
c. When I think of greatness I think of_________________.
d. What leads you to fill in the blanks above the way you did?
2.) What stood out to you from the message?
3.) How do you see yourself – Are you here (on the planet) to be served or are you here to serve? Read Mark 10:43-45. What first thoughts come to mind as you read those verses (be honest)?
4.) Read John 13:3-5. Jesus used his power to serve. Do you use the power that has been given to you in your work, family, volunteer role, neighborhood, friendships to serve? How does knowing that Jesus was given all power and authority and still got down on his knees and washed his disciples’ feet challenge you as you think about your life?
5.) Read John 13:12-17. Who is in your life right now that you could bless by following Jesus example to put on humility and serve? Make a plan to serve them this week.
6.) How could you relaunch your life in such a way that it intentionally includes serving others? What is exciting about that possibility? What obstacles do you have?
7.) What do you need to do with what you have heard from this message?
KEY SCRIPTURE
Mark 10:43-45 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
John 13:3-5 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him
John 13:12-17 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
DIGGING DEEPER
What is your next step to finding a place to serve at Gateway?
Fill out the Connect Card online at gatewaychurch.com/connect and check “I’m looking to make a difference thru serving”
- Maybe consider signing up to serve with our refugees by visiting gatewaychurch.com/refugeeassistance
- Want to serve with our Kids or Students Team? Visit gatewaychurch.com/nextgen for more info.
- Some of our Networks were created to serve specific neighborhoods or people groups. Check out all of the opportunities by going to your campus’ page on gatewaychurch.com and click on Networks.
- Our GO! Teams are currently on hold until further notice but make sure to visit gatewaychurch.com/goteams for all info on our global serve teams.
- Can’t decide what area might be best for you? Head to the “New Here” spot at any of our campuses to ask any questions or to get help finding a spot to serve.