The Most Excellent Way: Secret Service
Pastor Kent Landhuis
THEME – We follow Jesus in the practice of service done with humility and in secret.
TEXT – John 13:1-17, Matthew 6:1-4
1. Caution #1: Beware of inflated egos.
- Mark 10:42-45
- EGO – Edging God Out.
2. Caution #2: Beware of dirty toes.
- John 13:7-11.
- John 15:1-5.
3. Caution #3: Beware of lesser rewards..
- Matthew 6:1-4
- “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21.
NEXT STEPS
- Recognize the worth of a person in the everyday.
- Drop off a meal, card, or flowers to a person in need without telling anyone.
- Volunteer for a local charity and don’t tell your friends.
JOURNAL
- What ordinary, everyday people or places come to my mind as opportunities for service?
- Do I associate service with more distant contexts rather than my closest relationships and immediate surroundings? Why?
- How have I experienced the tension between serving for recognition verses serving out of genuine love?
FOR REVIEW: Nine Core Practices
- Sabbath: Rest and stopping work to delight in God and creation.
- Solitude: Stepping away from noise and distraction to be alone with God.
- Prayer: Conversing and communicating with God throughout the day.
- Fasting: Abstaining from food or other appetites to hunger for God.
- Scripture: Engaging with the Bible for spiritual formation.
- Simplicity: Living with less to make space for what matters.
- Generosity: Giving away money and possessions freely.
- Hospitality: Welcoming others into your space and life.
- Community: Doing life together with a committed group of believers around a table.
Of these nine practices, which have been the most fruitful in helping you abide in Jesus?
Of these nine practices, where do you feel the strongest pull toward legalism?
