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Redeemer Church Mauritius
Growing in Groups: Discipleship and Service - Phil Kendon
The vision of Redeemer is to make disciples one life at a time, which really means to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Although Jesus sometimes taught in a lecture format, most of his discipleship happened informally in the normal routine of life. It was through group discussions (often around meals), praying together, serving together, and personal interactions that disciples grew into maturity. We are seeking to follow this pattern of disciple-making in the life of Redeemer Church. Discipleship and service go hand in hand. Jesus expected his disciples to serve. He taught about the value of humble servanthood. He set an example of laying down his life. It should come as no surprise that serving others is an integral component of our spiritual growth.
Locations & Times
Redeemer Church Mauritius
Mauritius
Sunday 9:30 AM
1. Jesus taught about servanthood
Matthew 20:25–28 (NIV)
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Serving others is better than status over others.
- Serving others is the path to greatness.
Matthew 20:25–28 (NIV)
Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Serving others is better than status over others.
- Serving others is the path to greatness.
2. Jesus modelled service
John 13:12–17 (NIV)
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
- Jesus used actions, not just words, to get the message across.
- Jesus went to extreme lengths to demonstrate service.
John 13:12–17 (NIV)
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
- Jesus used actions, not just words, to get the message across.
- Jesus went to extreme lengths to demonstrate service.
3. Jesus expected his disciples to serve
Luke 9:51–52 (NIV)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him;
Luke 22:7–8 (NIV)
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
Matthew 25:37–40 (NIV)
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
- Acts of service were considered part of the deal for being a disciple.
- Serving God’s people is serving God.
Luke 9:51–52 (NIV)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him;
Luke 22:7–8 (NIV)
Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
Matthew 25:37–40 (NIV)
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
- Acts of service were considered part of the deal for being a disciple.
- Serving God’s people is serving God.
4. The New Testament teaches serving
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Philippians 2:1–4 (NIV)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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.
- Reinforcing Jesus' message of serving God’s people.
- Reinforcing Jesus' example as one we are to follow.
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Philippians 2:1–4 (NIV)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 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.
- Reinforcing Jesus' message of serving God’s people.
- Reinforcing Jesus' example as one we are to follow.
5. God rewards service
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
- God takes note of our lives.
- God is just and rewards us for our obedient service even if no one else does.
Hebrews 6:10 (NIV)
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
- God takes note of our lives.
- God is just and rewards us for our obedient service even if no one else does.
6. How do we grow through serving?
Deuteronomy 8:10–11 (NIV)
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
- We experience what it is like to be taken for granted – just like God.
Philippians 2:6 (NIV)
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
- We learn to put our sense of entitlement to death.
Galatians 6:9–10 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
- We stop looking for rewards on earth – content with out reward in heaven.
Acts 20:35 (NIV)
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
- We experience that the joy of giving far surpasses the joy of receiving.
Deuteronomy 8:10–11 (NIV)
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.
- We experience what it is like to be taken for granted – just like God.
Philippians 2:6 (NIV)
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
- We learn to put our sense of entitlement to death.
Galatians 6:9–10 (NIV)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
- We stop looking for rewards on earth – content with out reward in heaven.
Acts 20:35 (NIV)
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
- We experience that the joy of giving far surpasses the joy of receiving.
7. Consider joining a D-Group
- Four Dinners with discussion, one prayer meeting, one act of service, one one-on-one meeting with your leader.
- Maximum of 4 people per leader or 8 with a couple.
- More info to come.
- Four Dinners with discussion, one prayer meeting, one act of service, one one-on-one meeting with your leader.
- Maximum of 4 people per leader or 8 with a couple.
- More info to come.
D-Group Sign Up Form
If you’re interested in joining a D-Group, or if you’d just like a bit more information about what they entail, please complete this form.
https://redeemerchurchmu.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1163156Remember:
Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
