Serve One Another

ICEBREAKER
Would you rather survive a global pandemic or a third world war?

Would you rather escape the end of the world by living underground forever or living in space forever?

Today we’re talking about the command to “serve one another.” The reality is that If the end is really near, we’d probably all go a little crazy and people would more likely serve themselves than one another. We’ve even seen glimpses of it already. But the truth is, those who put their trust and hope in Jesus are different. That’s what Peter is teaching us in 1 Peter 4:7-11 
 
FROM THE TRUTH
Read or review 1 Peter 4:7-11.
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It’s easy for us modern readers to think that the first line “the end of all things is near,” refers to the end of the world as if it’s predicting that the world is about to end for us. However, it’s important to remember that “meaning is found in the original author’s original intent for the original audience in their original context.” (Play by the Rules) Jim taught about the persecution that was happening to Jews and Christians in Rome and the Roman - Jewish war in Jerusalem. What do you recall about these and why would Peter be using the phrase “the end of all things is near”?

What does Peter mean in verse 7 when he says “so that you may pray”? The ESV says “for the sake of your prayers.” 

What does Peter mean in verse 10 when he says “as faithful stewards of God’s grace”?

Why is it important for us to “serve one another” even when “the end of all things is near”?

FROM THE TAKEAWAY
How do you respond when life gets stressful and chaotic?

What have you discovered about your gifts and the best way for you to serve others?

How are you serving others now?

FINAL QUESTION
How does living this “one another” make us irresistible people?

PRAYER
First, take some time to ask people to identify prayer needs related to the discussion about encouraging one another.

​Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in prayer.