The Joy of Service Worship
January 8, 2023
Society tends to associate happiness with getting something. But several studies show that people who invest their time in serving the needs of others tend to be more satisfied, less depressed, and experience greater joy. The Bible made the connection between joy and serving long before the first clinical study. Join us for a message from Psalm 100, where we will learn how to find joy in service.
Passage
Psalm 100
Principle
“Joy is not a ______________ thing to ________ but a ________________ thing to ________.” - James Martin
Practice
- Dedicate ____________________ you go as a __________ of worship.
- Surrender __________ ____________ and word as an ______ of worship
- Serve ________________ as you would serve __________.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
We’ll resume our study of Luke’s Gospel next Sunday, January 15th. Pick up your personal study guide and devotional at the church and begin week one week.
Plan a time when your group will volunteer at the MLK food packing event next weekend.
HANGOUT
What was the worst job you’ve ever had? What was the best? What made the difference?
HEAR
Read Colossians 3:1-14
- What does it mean to “set your mind on things above”? How do you do that? Contrast this idea with the old saying, “so heavenly minded they’re no earthly good.”
- What examples of “earthly things” and our “earthly nature” does Paul mention? What is the consequence of our having lived that way?
- How does the “new self” affect how we see and treat each other?
Read Colossians 3:15-17
- What does it mean to “let” the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Are there ways you’ve refused to let Christ’s peace rule in you?
- What are some practical ways we can “let” the message of Christ dwell among us?
- What does it mean to do something in someone’s name? What would need to change if everything you said and did was done in the name of Jesus?
Read Colossians 3:18-25
- How do Paul’s instructions in verses 18-22 relate to verse 11? Is verse 22 a justification for slavery? Is verse 18 a justification for misogyny? Why or why not?
- How should verse 23 affect the way we live and serve others? Read Matthew 25:40 and relate the words of Jesus Paul’s directions verses 17 and 23.
- How do these verses relate to what Jesus did for us?
- How does the truth in verses 24 and 25 make obeying verses 17 and 23 easier?
HUDDLE
Is there a particular person or type of person you have a difficult time serving? Are there tasks or responsibilities you despise doing? How will you apply Colossians 3:17 & 23 to those people and tasks this week? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Readings
This week’s scripture readings focus on serving. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to show you how you can serve this Lord with gladness this week.
- Day 1: Psalm 100
- Day 2: Psalm 139
- Day 3: Romans 12
- Day 4: Colossians 3
- Day 5: Matthew 25
- Day 6: Philippians 2
Think Deeper
- Describe a time you experienced joy by serving the needs of another.
- Do you see your current job as an act of worship? Why or why not?
- How would your attitude change if all your words and deeds were offered as an act of service to God?
Suggested Resources
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama Rev. Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams
Check out these and other suggested books at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB