Devoted to Service

OPENING THOUGHT

The church is called the “body of Christ” (Eph. 1:22-23). In his physical absence, we are his eyes, ears, hands, and feet. Therefore, what we do as the church ought to be inspired by the service Jesus rendered in his body during his life on earth.

THE READING (Acts 24:10-21)

Although the book of Acts does not dwell on the motives behind Paul's return to Jerusalem and his subsequent arrest, from his letters we know that Paul was in the city to deliver humanitarian aid to the poor saints who lived there. Perhaps it is because of modesty, but the only reference to Paul’s reason for being in the city is found in his defense before Felix, where he says he came to “bring alms.” When we look at the epistles, we learn that the contribution Paul delivered was the result of a massive fundraising effort among the Gentile churches on behalf of their Jewish brethren who were in desperate need.

EXPLORE

Discuss these questions to get a better understanding of the text.

• Paul was accused of visiting the temple to stir up riots and profane the temple (Acts 24:5-6). What was his true reason for being there? (see v. 17).

• Read Galatians 2:10. When Paul first met the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, what did they ask him to remember?

• Read Romans 15:25-28. Why did Paul feel the Gentile churches owed service to the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem?

• Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-4. Was it easy for the churches of Macedonia to contribute? What was their attitude toward service?

APPLY

Discuss these questions to envision what it would be like to practically live out this passage.

• What is the best “fuel” for Christian service? (Gal. 5:13).

• Many people let's say they feel better after a they help someone else. Why do you think that's true?

• Discuss the relationship between evangelism and service (Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 9:19).

• Discuss some specific service needs and opportunities at Ashville Road.