The Joy of Service – Philippians 2:14-30

Just as Paul poured out his life for the sake of Christ and others, we are called to do the same. When our buckets are filled with Jesus, we can pour out to others and still be full.I know, it hardly makes sense, but God is our source and He always has more for us. Our buckets will not go dry as long as we stay close to the source. That is why I am so glad you are here today – to fill up! Taking time to be with the Lord is essential to help us focus our mind and heart on God and all He has done for us. It is like placing our soul bucket right under the spigot! Gratitude is like oil for our engines – it will keep us running without grumbles and complains. Let’s spend some time looking further at all of this.

Discussion Questions:

  • How do you think pouring yourself out in service actually fills your bucket rather than empties it? Have you experienced it? Share your experience.
  • How has grumbling and complaining zapped your joy?
  • How can thankfulness change our perspective and help us from grumbling and complaining?
  • What do you complain about the most? How can you find a something to be thankful for in that situation?

Homework Week 4:

Service is doing everything as if it is to the Lord, for the Lord and yet flowing from the Lord so all credit goes to Him. Read all or just a few of the verses below. What insights do they give you aboutservice?

  • Ephesians 6:7
  • 1 Peter 4:9-11
  • Romans 7:6
  • Joshua 22:5
  • 1 Samuel 12:24
  • Romans 12 – the whole chapter is awesome!

God’s Word tells us that there is this link between what is in our hearts and what comes out of our mouths. Although it is possible to only give God lip service with a detachment of the heart (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9) most of the time what is in our heart will come out our mouths.

Readall or just pick a few of the verses below. What does God’s Word say about the connection between our heart and our mouths?

  • Matthew 15:18
  • Luke 6:45
  • Romans 10:9 -10
  • Proverbs 15:28
  • Psalm 17:10
  • Proverbs 16:23
  • Proverbs 4:23-24

Our grumbling and complaining flows from what is in our heart. If we doubt God and His provision, if we are dissatisfied with what He has given us – it will come out as grumbling and complaining. Both of these words describe what we are murmuring under our breath as if it is pouring right from out heart. Sometimes these verses are even translated murmuring and disputing with the truth within yourself. It is as if you are arguing with the Spirit within you. Grumbling and complaining is not God honoring.

Read Numbers 11:1-10 to learn a little more about the Israelites in the wilderness.

  • What were the Israelites complaining about?
  • How did God feel about their complaining?

Sometimes it is hard to see how God does not like our grumbling and complaining and we may be inclined to think this Old Testament story is a bit harsh.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:10-11. What does it say about these Old Testament stories?

What should flow from our lips when our hearts are set on God? Read and match the verses to the correct answer.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Joy, prayer and thanks in all circumstances

Psalm100Praise is the fruit of our lips

Hebrews 13:15 Give blessing and not insult

1 Peter 3:9Joy, praise, thanksgiving

Read the following verses. How does God listen to our earnest pleas? What is the difference between whining and praying?

  • Psalm 5:1-3
  • Psalm 17:1
  • Psalm 18:6
  • Proverbs 2:1-5

God will always hear our pleas and cries. Psalm 56:8 says that he records our tears. The difference between whining and praying is faith — belief that God hears you, listens to you, and now you can wait with expectation for Him.

According to these verses, what are some ways we can pray for our mouths?

  • May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14).
  • Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3).

Application:

This week start a “Thankful jar” or even just a “Thankful Notebook”, try to write at least one thing you are thankful for every day. You can even get the others in your family to join you! How might this change the grumbling and complaining that goes around your house? I would love to hear your stories!

Next Wednesday there will be an article on Philippians 3:1-11! The Joy of Knowing Christ!