VII. HOW CAN I SERVE?

1. Relationships in the Church

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11,27-30; 1 Peter 4:8-11; John 13:1-17

We saw that a necessary part of our spiritual growth will come out of our involvement in a church. But we also noticed that a church is a place to give as well as to receive. As we grow to maturity, our focus should not be on what we want God to do for us. It should be on what we can do for him. This was Jesus’ focus (see Hebrews 10:5-7). The church is where we learn how to serve.

1. Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 27-30. These verses sandwich those we studied last time when we were considering the church as a body. There is one Lord - but different kinds of what? (1 Corinthians 12:5)

2. To each of us is given the opportunity to demonstrate the life of the Spirit in our various giftings. But what is the purpose of all this? (1 Corinthians 12:7)

3. What kinds of gifts does Paul list? (1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28) Compare these with another list he provides in Romans 12:4-8.

4. Who determines which gifts people should have? (1 Corinthians 12:11)

5. Read 1 Peter 4:8-11. What should our attitude be toward our fellow believers? (1 Peter 4:8)

6. To what use should we put the various gifts and abilities God has given us? (1 Peter 4:10)

7. Peter summarizes his list of different gifts by referring to two categories: those who speak and those who serve (1 Peter 4:11). Which of those categories do you most naturally fall into? What does Peter say about the way that people like you should fulfill their service?

8. What example does Peter give of one practical area of service? (1 Peter 4:9)

9. What does Peter say is the source of the gifts that we have? (1 Peter 4:10) How does this compare with the way Paul speaks of the source? Where does that leave any room for pride in whatever we may achieve?

10 Read John 13:1-17. What was the motive in Jesus’ heart as he began to wash the disciples’ feet? (John 13:1)

11. What did he want us to learn from this story? (John 13:13-15)

12. What does he expect us to do with what we have learned? (John 13:17)

Ask God to help you to discover the unique gifting and calling that he has given you. In the meantime, take every opportunity to offer practical service wherever you can. Our ultimate gifting and calling usually emerges out of just getting on with the job of being a servant!