Group Notes | April 22

A BRAND NEW DAY: A BRAND NEW DAY OF SERVING
April 22, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Some people love to help others in the capacity they enjoy most—for instance, cooking a meal for a new neighbor, —while others serve grudgingly. A radio pastor told of arriving in a country only to be ushered to the kitchen with a “Sleep here on the floor; I didn’t know you were coming!” presented in a sour tone. The result was awkward and inhospitable. Can anyone share an example that will illustrate ways to serve?

We are in the series, “A Brand New Day,” looking at the new life a believer has in Jesus Christ. We have learned that we are new creations in Him, with a new purpose in life. We have looked at our new walk, our growth, and the new relationships we have. Now we want to look at the ways in which we can serve others, knowing that is part of our new life and our “calling” from God.

Focal Passage: Ephesians 4:1-7

Discuss:

You have been CALLED

  1. Read Eph. 4:1. As believers, it is as though God has “called” us by name. Why would He do that? (John 10:27, 1 John 4:19).
  2. When will our calling end? Will we ever be worthy of this calling?
  3. Who were some Biblical saints called for a special job or vocation?

You are called to SERVE

  1. Read verses 2-4. The calling is to be a blessing to other people through our service. What are ways Paul mentions in these verses?
  2. How impactful is verse 3, i.e., making allowances for people’s differences from our own? Why do we feel our way is usually the right way?
  3. Verse 4 says our calling has a glorious hope. What is it?

You have been EQUIPPED

  1. Read verse 7 and Romans 12:4-13. How and why should this information fill us with comfort?
  2. What is a “gift” (in Scripture) and how can we liken the passage in Romans to our natural body? How is that the same as being a member of the church?
  3. Who are a few examples from the Bible of someone God called to a certain work, after having given him/her a background for what would be needed?

You have been BLESSED

  1. Read Eph. 4:16. What is the result of our service? Is this the life God desires for each of us, and why?

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:1: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”

Close:

This past week in central Virginia, Christians were able to put their faith into action as churches and Disaster Relief teams organized efforts to provide help, resources and food to many who lost homes or household goods in tornadoes. The number of those seen working in communities was staggering as they aided overwhelmed homeowners in restoring their lives as much as possible. It was a testimony of Christ-followers being called to serve their neighbors, loving them, caring, encouraging and repairing. Meanwhile, citizens in the upper Mid-west of the US saw the same love expressed by churches and Christ-followers as they fought their way out of a record-breaking blizzard. Service in action was exemplified everywhere.

Just as we expect fruit trees to flourish, bloom, and produce luscious fruit in its season, so also believers in Jesus Christ, who are rooted in Him, will produce fruit that is both Godly and “worthy of the calling with which you were called.” The service that we give to benefit others must come from a pure heart of love, willing and passionate to do the Father’s business. Do you realize that someday we will all stand before God and give an account of ourselves? Does that cause you to desire a more holy life? What will you answer Him when He asks if you loved your neighbors?

The church has a multitude of ways in which you can serve with whatever gift God has given you. Get connected with a Life Group that is comfortable and fitting for you, and jump in. There will never be a better time to begin to serve than this brand new day of TODAY!