Gifted – Hunger to Serve

As we intentionally serve God, we tend to become task-oriented and may lose sight of the basis of service, which is our personal devotion to Jesus. The story of Mary and Martha reflects this dichotomy. Although Martha is often regarded as having the lesser position, lessons may be gleaned from both women. As we grow in service to the Lord, what can we learn from each of these women of faith?

Read:  Luke 10:38-42

Discuss

1. Do you regard yourself more as task/goal oriented or people/reflection orientated? How does that affect the way you do things in work, family and church life?
2. What happens when one is primarily task/goal oriented (like Martha)? What happens when one is primarily people/reflection oriented (like Mary)? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?
3. What does ‘sitting at the Lord’s feet’ mean to you? Refer to Isaiah 40:31, Psalms 37:4-7, Psalms 46:10.
4. According to the text, what do you think Mary was intentionally doing when she was ‘sitting at the feet of Jesus’? Why was it said that she had ‘chosen what is better’?
5. Jesus did not correct Martha about her service. According to text, what specifically did Jesus correct Martha about? What lessons can we learn from this, in terms of attitudes and priorities?
6. What happens when someone assumes the position of Mary on a prolonged basis and does not rise up to serve as Martha did? What could happen to their gifts and calling? Consider the Parable of the Talents.
7. How did Jesus model both action and reflection? See Luke 5:15-16, Mark 1:35-37. While this practice was essential, what was His primary purpose according to Mark 10:45?

Respond

We can learn from both Martha and Mary’s approach. Being like Mary (worshipful) enables us to be like Martha (effective in service) on a sustained basis.

Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” In order to fulfil this effectively and sustainably, we need to balance service and worship. The greater the service, the more time alone with God is required.

Share one adjustment you need to make today – do you need to serve more like Martha, or do you need to wait on God more like Mary?

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Gifted – Gifted to Serve

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Is it any wonder that Christians seek to emulate Jesus by serving? Since the Church’s earliest days, there has been concern for the needs of the community. Effective ways of serving into that space have been the hallmark of Christian charity for centuries – it is hard-wired into the spiritual DNA of the family of God. It is how we show the love of God in a broken world. The workings of the Spirit of God in our lives mature us towards acts of selfless service in some capacity, which is representative of Christ, and evidence of Christ in us.

Discuss

Read:   Matthew 20:25-28

1. Do you regard yourself more as task/goal oriented or people/reflection orientated? How does that affect the way you do things in work, family and church life?
2. What happens when one is primarily task/goal oriented (like Martha)? What happens when one is primarily people/reflection oriented (like Mary)? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?
3. What does ‘sitting at the Lord’s feet’ mean to you? Refer to Isaiah 40:31, Psalms 37:4-7, Psalms 46:10.
4. According to the text, what do you think Mary was intentionally doing when she was ‘sitting at the feet of Jesus’? Why was it said that she had ‘chosen what is better’?
5. Jesus did not correct Martha about her service. According to text, what specifically did Jesus correct Martha about? What lessons can we learn from this, in terms of attitudes and priorities?
6. What happens when someone assumes the position of Mary on a prolonged basis and does not rise up to serve as Martha did? What could happen to their gifts and calling? Consider the Parable of the Talents.
7. How did Jesus model both action and reflection? See Luke 5:15-16, Mark 1:35-37. While this practice was essential, what was His primary purpose according to Mark 10:45?

Read:  John 13:3-5 & 12-17

1. Do you regard yourself more as task/goal oriented or people/reflection orientated? How does that affect the way you do things in work, family and church life?
2. What do you understand Jesus is saying regarding how or why we should serve? Why is verse 3 so important in the context of Jesus’ actions? Why is it important that we know who Christ is to us when serving, and how does it make a difference?
3. Pastor Dale stated, “If you choose not to serve, the body of Christ [the Church] is poorer for you not taking that step.” Why do you think this statement is true? Each of us is uniquely gifted and our journey with Jesus makes us part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12, 18). In what area of giftedness has God best used you to serve in the past? Are you using this today? Is He calling you to serve now in this area or in a different area?

Respond

All of us have gifts and abilities that were given by God and are being developed by the Holy Spirit. They were not given exclusively for our entertainment but were given for service. Take a moment to think, then share one way in which you could, or feel called to, serve in the Church or community, that you are not currently doing. What step could you take this week to move towards making that happen?

Gifted – Giving God Your Best

Each member in the body of Christ has been generously gifted to serve with unique skills, passions and talents. We are called to serve God with our best efforts and the first fruits of our time. What does God expects from us when we stand before him eventually? What can we do in order to hear him say “Well done, good and faithful servant”?

Discuss

1. If you did not have any financial commitments, what profession or vocation would you pursue which is community service related? Or which non-for-profit would you love work for? Often this may indicate your giftings and passion.
2. Ephesian 2:10 says that we are created for “good works”. What are some examples of “good works” you think is evident in church – name a few that which has really blessed you and helped you grow spiritually.
3. In the parable of talents, what was the reward and recognition given to the servants who doubled the talents that were given to them? How does increased responsibilities help us growth more spiritually?
4. Why did the servant with one talent bury it? Why might a person not use their talents which God had given them?
Read 1 Peter 4:10-11. What does this say to you personally about serving God with your best?
5. Read Romans 12: 4–8. What examples of gifts are shown in this passage of scripture? Do any of these gifts resonate with you? How then should we serve?

Respond

Everyone in the Body of Christ has been given talents, just as each part of the human body has a role and function. The body would not be able to function healthily if any part ceased to function. Conversely, when each part works in unity, the body will be functioning most effectively to expand the kingdom of God. Here at Crossway, there are a multitude of ways to serve – from people leadership roles to administrative roles and creative roles. Which areas do you feel challenged to serve in? Contact the Next Step’s lounge and register your interest, or fill out an inquiry at the Crossway webpage (“Contact Us’): crossway.org.au/contact