Be Rich, Part 2: “Serve”
November 12, 2023

Download a printable version of this guide

Message Review

On Sunday we continued our annual series called, Be Rich.  According to Paul in 1 Timothy 6:17-18, the way to be rich is to give generously, serve sacrificially, and love extravagantly.  This past Sunday we talked about the second way to be rich: Serving Sacrificially.  We discovered following Jesus and sacrificially serving others are inseparable.  

Main Point: Following Jesus and sacrificially serving others are inseparable.  

Scripture References: 1 Timothy 6:17-18; Matthew 16:24-25; Matthew 25:31-46

Bible Study      

The focus Bible passage from the sermon was Matthew 25:31-46. Before going to the Sermon Discussion Questions, study the passage by reading through it together, then talk through it using the Inductive Bible Study Method questions that follow:

  • Context: Discuss the context of this passage (i.e. when it was written, who wrote it, who it was written to, what was going on before and/or after this specific passage, etc.)

  • Observation: What do you notice in this passage?  What words or phrases stick out to you? And why?

  • Interpretation: What was the author’s original intent in this passage?  What main point(s) was he trying to communicate, and why is that important?

  • Application: What is one key takeaway or insight you had from this passage? How can or should you apply it to your life?

  • Questions: What questions/tensions do you have from this passage that you would like to discuss?

Discussion Questions

  • What were your initial thoughts or takeaways from the sermon and why? 

  • What is the difference between people who serve others and people who are self-serving? 

  • Would you describe yourself as someone who sacrificially serves others, or is self-serving?  Why?  How would you like to be described? 

  • Why do you think people’s natural tendency is to be selfish and self-serving?  

  • Read Matthew 16:24-25 as a group. What is Jesus communicating in this passage?  

  • We can sacrifice our lives for Jesus or for ourselves, but we can’t sacrifice our lives for both. Why can’t we do both?  

  • Read Matthew 25:34-40 again as a group. According to Jesus, what demonstrates a person is a true follower of Christ?  Why would Jesus identify that as what demonstrates we are in a saving relationship with Him? 

  • Pastor Ronnie said, “Following Jesus and sacrificially serving others are inseparable.” Why is it impossible to distinguish between these two things?  

  • Pastor Ronnie talked about how sacrificially serving others comes at a cost to us, but that it’s worth it.  What does it cost us to sacrificially serve others?  Why is it worth it? 

  • Tell about a time you sacrificially served someone and describe the impact that had on them and on yourself. 

  • What is preventing you from sacrificially serving others…from serving the needs you see?  What is one next step you can take to be less self-serving, and more of a sacrificial servant? 

To watch or listen to Sunday’s sermon, visit our Sermons page.