Theme

On Sunday, October 19 we concluded the third and final week of the sermon series “Invited to Resign.” Tricia Murphy invited us to resign from self and examined the concept of giving up our time to serve others.  

Bible passages

John 13: 12-17

Matthew 25: 35-36

Key points

*In the gospel of John we read about the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, a wonderful picture of servanthood. We should follow the example of Jesus and figuratively wash one another’s feet. Or to put it another way, we should be looking for ways to serve others. What Jesus did was profound, and we are called to do the same.

*We need to act with a sense of urgency. Do we take the time to see our brothers and sisters and their needs? We must make an effort to find out about the real needs right here in the Green Bay area. We need to get beyond certain misconceptions about poverty. The fact is, it exists in our area and it’s not up to us to determine who is deserving of our help. We need to reach out and serve as the hands and feet of Jesus.

*We must meet people’s physical needs first, then look for opportunities to reach them spiritually. A hungry stomach is not willing or able to learn. But the second you hand a hungry person groceries you have shared the gospel with them. You are the gospel. The love of Jesus becomes contagious.

Discussion questions

*What are some things that prevent you from serving others?

*What are some reasons why you do serve others?

*What would it look like if you gave the first 10% of your time away?

How urgent are the needs of people in our community? Do you think our service is needed?Who are the people we should be serving?

When you hear the phrase "resign from self," what does that mean to you? Give an example at home, in your workplace and your community.