Term 3 2012 series 'One Another' session 3

Serve one another

“For you, Brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love, serve one another” Gal 5:13

"One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if done to himself in person, standing visibly before us."  John Wesley

Introduction: There is silence in the room as Jesus disrobes and girds himself with a towel. What is the Master about to do? All eyes are on him as he stoops down and takes the first disciple by the foot. He begins to wash the dirt, grime and pollution of the busy Jerusalem streets from his feet, and dries them with the towel around his waist. This was the duty of the ‘doulos’ or the house slave; one of the lowest services that this level of slave performed. Why is the master doing this? Isn’t there a house slave available? Jesus quietly but intentionally works his way around the group till he comes to Peter. This disciple is the first to break the silence in the room; “Lord are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus said “What I am doing you will not understand now, but afterwards you will know” (Story in John 13.1-11)

…We will leave the narrative here and return to it later.

Q. What are your impressions after hearing this story?
Q. Place yourself as one of the disciples; what are you feeling as Jesus takes up your feet?

I like the way that Paul brings up the issue of Christian freedom in relation to service. The truth is that we as individuals stand in the ‘liberty’ of God. One of the main focuses of the letter to the Galatians was the issue of liberty in Christ vs the bondage of the law. Freedom is a great gift. Will we use this great liberty we have been given on ourselves or will we be impelled by love to use it for others? It is actually in our own hands; like a fist full of money – how will we spend it?

Q. What does Christian liberty look like? Practically describe it.
Q. How might this be misused as Paul alludes too? Describe that.

…Back to the Narrative in John 13

In Jewish culture the provision of foot washing for guests was a cultural norm. To not provide a servant for this task, if you had a gathering - was a great oversight. For whatever reason no servant was available for this task, yet they all knew that it needed to be done! Jesus taught them a valuable lesson in humility and pro-active service. While they were preparing for the meal like normal, Jesus does what no one else in the room was prepared to do. NOTE: awareness of a need is not always the only barrier to meeting it! (Discuss this in the group)

Peter now begins to refuse this act of service from the Lord and vows (with a double imperative ‘never, ever’) that it will not take place. Q. Why do people find it so hard to accept service?

I love Jesus’ response: “If you don’t let me do this then you have no part with me” [part Grk meros can carry several shades of meaning; an allotment, destiny, a share or portion, Fellowship (in the sense of a shared endeavor) or an inheritance.] However Peter understood this statement from Christ, he then responds in the opposite direction and now wants a more complete wash! (there is another deeper spiritual lesson here; about spiritual cleansing – but I am choosing to focus on the issue of loving service and the practical example that Jesus was giving them)

Perhaps the giving and receiving of loving service is somehow an integral part of fellowship and connection with Christ? It is at the center of divine life – and is at the very heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. In John 13.12-15 Jesus explains the purpose of the foot wash episode.

Q. Review the passage and comment on Jesus words.
Q. Discuss some practical ways we can serve one another.

Ok, so where is that bowl and towel? Phew! Those feet of yours stink – let me help you with that.

Hope you had a great and stimulating discussion this week, and are compelled to serve!

Regards,
Ps Rhett

Next session: Admonish one another

Term 3 2012 series 'One another' session 2

Care for one another

‘That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another." 1 Cor 12:25

Schism is Greek schisma lit. a rent, gap, or a division. This chapter is a celebration of the giftedness and the unity of the body. Paul is anxious that the members of the body have the same care ['care' in original Greek from a word denoting to separate or apportion into parts] When it comes to honor, dignity, expression of gifts and provision of care it is God’s intention we all get a fair share of the pie! I like this analogy as it is a great concept for us to grasp. Alternatively when this is not in balance, it has potential for resentment & ill-will in the community of God.

Q. How can we ensure that everyone is honored & treated fairly?
Q. Who is responsible for this, according to 1 Cor 12:25?

Pastoral care in a church our size is a major issue. We as a leadership team have determined that the best way to make sure everyone gets equal treatment is to shift the onus of care provision to the small groups, service teams & departments; with people to coordinate care & care partners under the supervision of an expanded Pastoral care team. Of course there will always be a need for Pastors in the church to oversee, care and intervene in critical matters, but their primary role is to train, guide, preach and teach to equip the church to care and envelope each other in Christian community. They are not umpires, professional counselors, lawyers, policemen or psychologists. The word pastor or 'poinmen' in the Gr denotes 'a shepherd' or one that guards, guides, feeds and protects the sheep. In the Pastoral Epistles Paul has much advice to Timothy primarily in regard to the role of a pastor; it had a lot to do with study of the word, preaching and teaching and guidance in doctrine & Christian living. Practical care was the responsibility of the deacons, and the elders were to provide governmental oversight. We see this practically in Acts 6 where there was a complaint about neglect of widows needs; (Read Acts 6:1-6)

Q. What are some common misconceptions of the ‘Pastoral’ role? (i.e the ‘School nurse’ mentality – had to be all things to everyone)
(Leaders you will need to moderate responses to this question)

Small groups are a great way for the immediate needs of individuals to be discovered and met. We are training and equipping our leaders to have capacity in this area; our Area leaders look after a few group leaders each and we in turn supervise them. This structure allows for growth, sustainability and is a more effective model consistent with the NT church concept. In a church of 50-100+ a single Pastor can perhaps be a primary care provider, but 500+ even a small team of Pastors will quickly be overwhelmed. It is interesting to note that the early church was perhaps 8-10 thousand. So they very quickly had to raise up and commission many workers and leaders.

Brainstorm.
Discuss what might be common issues in a church of our size. How would you address these needs? Prioritize issues? Decide on appropriate interventions and actions.
(Hint: Perhaps it will help to define ‘care’ and list all the ways care might be expressed.)
Q. as a leader/group member how can I be more involved in care provision?

Prayer.
Take some time to pray about needs in your own group, and any others you are aware of. Have a great time in your small group and a stimulating discussion!

Ps Rhett

Next session Serve one another