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MISSION POSSIBLE: Serve, Part 2

 

Deep Dive Weekly Small Group Study 7

Text:  Mark 10:35-45

Message: “Mission Possible: Serve Pt. 2”

Week of October 26, 2009

QUICK REFLECT:   Looking back on this week’s message, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

OPENING:  What was your most enjoyable serving experience? Why?

THOUGHTS:   Nothing disciplines the inordinate desires of the flesh like service, and nothing transforms the desires of the flesh like serving in hiddenness. The flesh whines against service but screams against hidden service. It strains and pulls for honor and recognition. It will devise subtle, religiously acceptable means to call attention to the service rendered. If we stoutly refuse to give in to this lust of the flesh, we crucify it. Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p.130.

 

Do you agree with the quote?

 

Why do we whine “against service”?

 What makes service so hard?  Why do we yearn for credit when we serve? 

Have you ever experienced the pleasure of serving simply through the act of serving?

 

That’s  what HE Said:      Read: Matthew 25:31-46

1.        What is the context in which Jesus shares this teaching?

 

2.       What is the significance of doing for the “least of these”?

 

3.       Have you thought of your acts of service for others as serving Jesus?

 

4.       What ways will you seek to help the people identified in vs. 35 this month?

Read: Mark 10:35-45

 

Do you put more effort into gaining a position of favor than you put into service?

 

Do you prayers sound like you asking Jesus to do you “a favor”? (vs. 35)

 

Jesus attempts to help James and John have an insight what it means to be close to him by asking if they are willing to share in His suffering.  They replied, “Oh yes, we are able!”  They said this not fully understanding the suffering Jesus was talking about.  We have the advantage of knowing the “rest of the story.”  Knowing it, are you willing to follow Jesus even though it means sharing in His suffering?

 

Are you guilty of “lip service” instead of real service?

 

Are you willing to engage in some lowly or hidden acts of service?

 

Does Jesus himself engaging in service, help you to be motivated to serve?

 Choose an act of service to engage in as a group within the next month. 

Share Prayer Concerns

Have each person offer a one sentence, “Jesus, I offer you. . .”

Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever.  Amen.