We are called toward love and good deeds. We are a body and a team. We want to help everyone find avenues for serving within the church and beyond the church.
SERMON OUTLINE
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24)
A Reset on Our Concept of the Church
- The church as an event or a consumer activity
- Last week: the church as a family who loves one another
- This week the church as a body who serves one another
A Reset on How the Church Serves as a Body (Romans 12:3-8)
- Like a body, the church is made by God and gifted by God
- Like a body, the church has different parts that belong to one another
- Like a body, the church has differing abilities in differing parts
- Like a body, the church requires every part to actively use its unique gifts
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who do you know who embodies a life of service? What is it about them or their life that makes you say this about them?
- This weekend we continue our series “Reset” rooted in Hebrews 10:24-25. This week’s study focuses on part of verse 24 related to serving and living with good deeds. Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then read Hebrews 10:24-25 aloud.
- Last week we explored how the church is a family of God and this week we will look at what it means that the church is a body. Explore the idea of the church as the body of Christ by reading aloud and considering some of these Scripture passages: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31; Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 4:4, 15-16; Colossians 1:18, 24; Colossians 2:19.
- We’ll spend the remainder of the study looking at Romans 12:3-8. Read that passage aloud. Why do you think Paul begins this section with a call to humility in verse 3?
- What is the humility of the church based in according to verse 3?
- Why do you think we sometimes struggle with humility in the church?
- How is the church in Christ like a body according to Paul in verses 4-5?
- With verse 6, Paul returns to a theme we see elsewhere in his writings that the church has difference that is important because of God’s grace and work in us. How does this perspective change our approach to spiritual gifts and service?
- It is likely that the gifts Paul lists in verses 6-8 are not a comprehensive list but examples of gifts in the body of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 12. What is Paul’s point in these verses?
- What do you think happens when believers do not use their gifting for service within the church?
- What is one way God is speaking to you through this study about service within the church? If you’re on your own, write that down, pray over it, and share it with someone this week. If you are with a small group, share your answers with one another before closing in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize some portion or all of either Hebrews 10:24-25 or Romans 12:3-8.
- What do you think are your spiritual gifts or talents given by God? Pray about that and. then make a list of those you are aware. Perhaps you could discuss that with someone close to you so you both can grow in your faith and service.
- Set aside space and time this week to meditate on Romans 12:3-8. Let the Lord search through your heart and mind about your love for Him and for others. Ask the Lord to direct you in service within the church for His glory.