Gotta Serve Somebody

August 20, 2023

Many people assume that joy doesn’t come from serving but from being served. But the reality is that humans were designed to serve something. Whether it is power or wealth, pleasure, or fame, we all live our lives in service to someone or something. Join us for part three of the Summer Psalms Mixtape, where we will learn from Psalm 96 that joy comes from serving the One we were created to serve.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Psalm 96

Principle

Joy comes when we ##serve## the One we were ##created## to ##serve##.

Practice

##Heed## to the testimony of all creation (Psalm 96:1-8)

##Declare## The Glory of God (Psalm 96:9-10)
##Rejoice## in the judgment of God (Psalm 96:11-13)

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group. ‍

HANGOUT

Have you ever been in a situation where you took someone’s place because they had a personal misfortune or were somehow disqualified? How did you feel about that situation?

HEAR

Read Romans 11:1-10

What does Paul mean that God “foreknew” the Israelites?
How does Paul know that the Israelites haven’t been rejected?
Who makes up the remnant? How were they chosen? What does that mean for the other Israelites?

Read Romans 11:11-24

What was the consequence of the Israelites “stumbling” over the gospel?
Should someone who is not Jewish be worried that they aren’t worthy of being in God’s family? Should someone who is Jewish be confident of their salvation based on their Jewish heritage alone? Why or why not?
Are there people who, like the Israelites of Paul’s day, feel entitled to be a part of God’s kingdom but could be in danger of being cut off?

Read Romans 11:25-36

When Paul says that all Israel will be saved, do you think he means a) every one of Jewish descent will ultimately be saved, b) everyone who will be saved must first become Jewish, or c) the people who put their faith in Jesus are the people who make us the real Israel and will all be saved.
What does it mean to your faith that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable?

HUDDLE

Are there ways that you take God’s grace for granted? If so, how and what will you do this week to be more aware of His grace? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you follow this week’s reading plan, invite the Holy Spirit to show you how to find joy through serving Him this week.

Day 1: Romans 11
Day 2: Psalm 93
Day 3: Psalm 94
Day 4: Psalm 95
Day 5: Psalm 96
Day 6: Psalm 97
Day 7: Psalm 98

Think Deeper

Do you agree that everyone ends up serving something or someone?
Do you spend more time serving things that have been created or the One who created all things?
Do you fear or look forward to the judgment of God? Why?