Humbled to Serve Others - It's Not Me, It's You

Essential Church Podcast

Essential Church, message from Pastor Steve Swisher

Shownotes

Main Points

- Analogy of NCAA tournament seeding to have congregation think about where they rank themselves among fellow churchgoers (1-300)

- Discusses how people can move from being self-focused to open-handed and thinking of others

- Wonders if it takes a near death experience to prompt this change

- Notes natural human tendency towards selfishness and the socialization process around sharing

- Observes that greater love does not necessarily reduce selfishness, as in marriages

- Discusses how social media can provide social interaction while allowing self-curation

Bible Examples

- Outlines Paul's teaching to Corinthians about constructive speech/actions

- Gives examples of Bible figures having outlook changed after encountering God (Job, Isaiah, Peter, Paul)

Conclusion

- Wants people to have frequent encounters with Jesus to see themselves as humble and willing to serve others

- Prays that people experience lasting change in outlook and happily participate in church community

Discussion Questions

1. Pastor Steve analyzes the process of how people can move from being self-focused to open-handed and caring about others. Do you agree that it often requires a major life event to prompt that change? What other factors could contribute?

2. Several Biblical figures like Job, Isaiah and Paul are highlighted as experiencing humility after encounters with God. What do you think Pastor Steve wants you to take away from those stories? Why focus on humility specifically?

5. Pastor Steve wants you to have transformative divine encounters that shift their perspective through worship, service or hardship. Which of those avenues seems most promising to you? How does your faith prompt perspective shifts?