WARM-UP
In our last meeting, we talked about the importance of surrounding ourselves 100 percent with the right team. But then what? Do you simply live happily ever after or is there a greater purpose behind this whole journey?
The answers are “no” and “yes.”
No, you don’t just take what you’ve gained from your relationship with Christ and keep it yourself. And yes, there is a much greater purpose behind this whole journey—far greater than we can imagine.
What we experience as believers is first and foremost meant to glorify God, and secondly, it’s meant to lead to a life of extending hope to those around us so that we might have the opportunity to share the gospel and bring them into God’s family.
It’s all about giving 100 percent of yourself to serve others and lead them into a growing relationship with Jesus!
The “Me” Monster
Everyone knows that a team consists a many vital parts. This is also true with individual sports where the athlete requires a lot of solid support including coaches, trainers and parents. Still, we live in a society where it’s easy to turn into a “Me” Monster—an athlete who uses his or her talent and skill primarily for selfish purposes.
On the other hand, there are athletes who understand that there is greater reward in serving their teammates, their family members, and their community. They don’t do it to get recognized and, in fact, usually do these things behind the scenes and unnoticed.
Q: Throughout your athletic career, have you ever been tempted to turn into a “Me" Monster? Describe what your “Me" Monster is like.
Q: What are some ways that you as an athlete can serve or have served others through sports?
WORKOUT
The Lowliest Servant
When Jesus walked the earth, He showed us what it looked like to be a servant leader. He was a compassionate teacher who took care of the people’s most basic needs. Jesus fed the masses (Matthew 14:13-21), healed the sick (Matthew 8:1-15), delivered the possessed (Matthew 8:16), and protected His disciples from harm (Matthew 8:23-27).
But in one instance, He took that concept of serving others to a level that stunned even His closest followers. In John 13, the story begins during the celebratory Passover supper as Jesus draws closer to His death.
But in one instance, He took that concept of serving others to a level that stunned even His closest followers. In John 13, the story begins during the celebratory Passover supper as Jesus draws closer to His death.
This was typically an act that only the lowliest servant would perform, and yet here was Jesus, the Son of God, going above and beyond what anyone might expect from such a revered spiritual leader. In that moment, He was able to teach the disciples a valuable lesson. No one is too important to serve.
Years later, the apostle Paul echoed Jesus’ sentiment in a letter to some of the early Christians:
Q: Question Why do you think it’s so surprising to see important leaders performing selfless acts of serving?
Q: Do you personally find it easy or difficult to serve others who are seen as less important in our society? Explain.
Making Disciples
Jesus didn’t stop with selfless acts of serving. Right before He left the earth, He gave His disciples one final commandment:
While Jesus had shown them how to serve the physical and emotional needs of others, the most important thing He wanted them to do was attend to the spiritual well-being of those within their reach. This was a truth that apostle Paul addressed when writing an encouraging letter to one of his young friends:
Q: Why do you think Jesus placed such a heavy emphasis on spiritual discipleship or teaching others how to grow in their relationship with God?
Q: How do you think you might be able to help someone else in his or her spiritual walk with God?
WRAP-UP
100% Others
God didn’t send His Son to be sacrificed just so you could enjoy a life-changing relationship with Him. He wants all humankind to receive the promise of eternal salvation. That means those who accept salvation are responsible for sharing the gospel message with others.
Here are three ways that you can accomplish that mission through servant leadership.
Key Training Points
• Serve the body. Everyone has physical needs. Serving those needs is often a great introductory way to show people that you really care:
• Serve the soul. There’s nothing more powerful than a kind, encouraging word. If you want to make a difference in someone’s life, find ways to speak to their heart and through their emotions.
• Serve the spirit. Ultimately, the most important thing you can do for anyone is to bring them into a relationship with God and then help them grow closer to Him through discipleship.
As you step out of your comfort zone, God will give you opportunities to be a blessing to those around you and begin to fulfill the call to be more like Jesus:
OVERTIME
As a Huddle, discuss some ways that you can serve others physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.