DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY
STAGE FIVE: HOW TO SERVE
DEVOTIONAL
1 Peter 4:10-11 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
God has given us natural abilities and spiritual gifts. Many chapters in Scripture describe these gifts (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4). It’s important to discover and use your talents to glorify God and build up others. Cultural Christianity is distracted and selfish. Biblical Christianity gives us an eagerness to serve and make a difference. Drop the consumer mindset and be a contributor.
Be a doer and developer.
Serve and train others to grow in their gifts. As you inspire and mobilize, there will be fewer watchers and more workers in the harvest field. Participating is fulfilling, and being a spectator is not your calling. Instead of 20% of the church being active, we want 100% of the church serving God (Ephesians 4:12-16). It’s time to step up and speak up.
Let’s do this together through the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us.
Let’s be faithful at home, with our church family, and in our communities too.
DISCIPLESHIP QUESTIONS
1. What is Jesus’ perspective on serving? (Matthew 20:28)
2. What are your spiritual gifts and how are you using them? (Romans 12:6-8)
3. What is your passion, and how can you develop your gifts? (2 Timothy 1:6)
4. How can you serve your family well? (1 Timothy 5:8)
5. How can you encourage more people? (Philippians 2:1-4)
6. How does the Holy Spirit empower you to serve? (Zechariah 4:6)
7. How can you reject the typical serving excuses? (Exodus 4:10-15)
DISCIPLESHIP MILESTONES
1. Identify your primary gifts and abilities and write them down for clarity.
2. Choose some ways you can use your gifts at church and in the community.
3. Find people you can mentor and help them develop their gifts.
This week, write down your spiritual gifts and the ways you can use them to bless your family and church in this season as you make a prayerful plan.
