Below is a summary of the week and some questions to ask in your Tribe. Feel free to use any of the resources at the bottom too! The idea is that we are growing in our connection with God.
Hello, it's great to see you!
This week we continued our series "Pursuit of Happiness." As the new year begins, we want to have a vision and a focus on simplifying and having a truly happy life. This series has a goal of showing us how to live a happy life. Having a happy life means actively making choices daily to bring happiness in. Many of us want to do this, but don't know how. This week we talked about finding happiness in serving others.
Jesus demonstrated the path to true fulfillment (happiness) is found in serving others. Pursuing service leads to satisfaction. Pursuing success only leads to more pressure. As we reflect on His example, we begin to understand that true happiness is found not in accumulating personal accolades but in contributing to the well-being of others. Pursuing service allows us to create connections that cultivate joy and purpose amidst life’s complexities. Engaging in acts of service opens our hearts to the needs of those around us, shifting our focus from personal gain to collective growth. In Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV), Paul urges us, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
KEY SCRIPTURES
KEY POINTS
The Service Cycle:
1. The Preparation Phase (Matthew 4:23)
Before engaging in any successful chase, we must prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. This phase involves equipping ourselves with the right mindset and tools. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) encourages us, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” In our service journey, we prepare our hearts to help those in need, shedding distractions that detract from our purpose.
2. The Pursuit Phase (Matthew 4:23)
The pursuit phase is where the chase truly begins. This is an active phase filled with movement and engagement. Mark 10:45 (NIV) states, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Jesus exemplified this phase by taking action, demonstrating that our happiness and fulfillment derive from actively serving others and contributing to the greater good.
3. The Multiplication Phase (Matthew 4:24)
As we navigate the chase, we experience personal growth and lessons learned along the way. This phase encourages self-reflection and adaptation. Philippians 2:3 (NIV) emphasizes, “In humility, value others above yourselves.” Our encounters while serving others teach us humility, compassion, and a greater understanding of the diverse challenges individuals face. A successful chase is not just about the pursuit itself; it's also about the connections we make along the way. During the connection phase, we build relationships through our acts of service.
4. The Maturity Phase (Matthew 4:24)
After significant efforts in the chase, taking time to reflect is crucial. This phase allows us to assess the impact of our service. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) instructs us to “encourage one another and build each other up.” Reflecting on how we've affected others fosters gratitude and inspires continued efforts in service, demonstrating that our pursuits can lead to positive change.
Living a life of service is living a life like Jesus. One of the largest ways for us to show others God's love is by serving them and in return we are served by the Holy Spirit that fills us up.
If you haven't yet watched the sermon from this past weekend, we encourage you to check it out. The current sermon video will be available this Tuesday. Click on the link below to view:
Recent TVC Sermon Video
1. Do you have a routine service that you do for others? If not, how could you start serving others? Maybe with your Tribe?
2. What is the most difficult aspect of living a life of service?
3. How can your Tribe support you this week?