In the second part of this message series, we explore increasing our capacity to be more like Jesus. What would it look like if you could increase your capacity to become more like him? How would that change you? How would it change people around you?
Lifegroup Discussion Questions after the break!
What words or images come to mind when you think of a “servant?”
Jesus says that the word “servant” should characterize our lives, right?
Among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant. -Jesus, Luke 22:26
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. -Jesus, John 13:35
Jesus says that serving each other is our story… Yet in the average church, approximately 20% of the people accomplish approximately 80% of the mission. This means that the vast majority of Christians are not engaged in serving the body of Christ in an ongoing capacity.
What are the typical barriers that keep us from serving each other? Why aren’t we engaged in serving on an ongoing basis?
let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. -Hebrews 12:2
Why is it so important to keep our eyes on Jesus?
When I was learning to ride motorcycles, I had a little difficulty negotiating curves. It turns out this is a common problem for many. I discovered that, when turning, it was important NOT to look at where my bike was currently pointed, but to look at where I wanted the bike to go. If you put your eyes where you want to be, you will naturally go there.
What kinds of things draw our eyes away from Jesus?
When we look at Jesus, what will we see? How will what we see affect us?
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. -Philippians 2:3-8
On Sunday, we talked about our “capacity to serve.” What was the coffee cup illustration, and how is that relevant to “seeing Jesus?”
How can I continually keep my focus on Jesus and his example? What are my next steps in becoming a servant like Christ?