As we start a brand-new year, many of us are motivated to take some next steps in pursuing our purpose, or to seek direction in our lives and relationships. The answers we are looking for don’t always seem clear, and we might ask ourselves how we can get the kind of faith we need to navigate some of the challenges we face. Thankfully, Jesus answers that question for us, even if it isn’t quite what we expect.

Key Takeaway

How do we increase our faith? We increase our faithfulness through serving.

Jesus’ teaching tells us that when our faith is rooted in God, instead of our own strength or plans, even a small amount can accomplish great things.

Jesus also reminds us to follow his own example by faithfully serving others. Serving is not just what he did, it is who he was. As his followers, being a servant is our identity as well. We can live that out by serving others, when it is fun and even when it becomes tiring. Being a faithful servant of God means that we continue to serve him and believe that he is able, even when things don’t work out the way we wish they would. When we remember who we are and who we serve, we are compelled to be faithful with all that he had given us. Increasing our faithfulness is the very thing that will grow our faith.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Father,
Thank you for this new year, and all the blessings you have given me. This year, please help me to place my faith fully in you, and not in my own strength or plans.

I know that what you plan to do in and through me is far greater than anything I could accomplish on my own. Lord, please bless me so that I can be a blessing to others.

God, I am your servant, and I choose to serve you always, even when it is hard. I will lean on you for all the strength and energy I will need to live out my purpose in you. Please send me opportunities this year to benefit others and share your love with them.

Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise God for his guidance.

• Know That I Know – The Belonging Co.
• Bless God – Brooke Ligertwood
• What a God – SEU Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

• Scripture – Luke 17:5-10
• Scripture – Luke 22:26-27
• Read – Helping Others Like Jesus
• Listen – Luke 17 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

A small amount of faith can accomplish great things when it is rooted in God. Consider some challenges
in your life right now. Are you placing your faith in your ability to control your circumstances, or in God?

• What would it look like for you to fully trust the outcome of those challenges to God?

Read Luke 17:5-10. As followers of Jesus, we are called to serve others the way that he did – not as
something we do, but because it is who we are.

• How does claiming the identity of a servant change the way you see yourself, others and God?
  • Does it bring any clarity to your understanding of your purpose and how to live it out?
  • How do you believe your faithfulness to God has impacted others in your life?
• Have you ever been tempted to quit a job or a service opportunity when it got difficult or tiresome?
  • What did you do? As you reflect, how did that decision effect your faith?

Next Steps

• This week as you pray, ask God how he would have you increase your faithfulness this year. Two great ways you can serve others are to find your place on our J-Team, or lead a J-Group.