PURSUE | EXPLORE YOUR MINISTRY CALLING.

Written By Matthew Mauk

Approaching a majestic waterfall, you can feel its thundering roar, unrelenting cascade, and steady power—it never stops flowing, just like God’s faithfulness never runs dry. This week, we’re reminded God isn’t distant but closer than we know, ready to protect, deliver, and walk with us through every challenge we face. 
As we stand in awe of God’s unchanging presence, we worship because God is faithful.

BIBLE: Psalm 34:17–20, Matthew 17:20; Hebrews 12:1–2

  • Touch Base: How was everyone’s week?

    1. Serving the Lord (The Ultimate Priority)

    Question: Jesus said that the Son of Man came "not to be served but to serve." What does it mean for you to serve the Lord, and how is serving other people actually a way of serving Him?

    Scripture: Mark 10:45 (NIV): "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

    Follow-up Prompt: Can you think of one specific way your actions today could be counted as serving God?

    2. Using Your Unique Gifts in the Church

    Question: The Bible says that God gives every person gifts to use. What gifts or talents do you think God has given you (even if you think they're small, like being a good listener, being organized, or being funny)? How can you use that gift to serve and build up the people in our church?

    Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV): "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."

    Follow-up Prompt: If you could pick any job or role in the church to serve in, what would it be and why?

    3. Serving the Local Community

    Question: Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Who are the "neighbors" in our local community who might be struggling (like the hungry, the sick, or the lonely)? What's one practical way our youth group, or you personally, could serve them this week?

    Scripture: Matthew 25:40 (NIV): "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"

    Follow-up Prompt: What would a community project look like if we planned it with Jesus' teaching in mind?

    4. The Motivation for Serving

    Question: We are told to "serve one another humbly in love." Why is serving others "humbly" important? How can serving become about us instead of about God and the person we are helping?

    Scripture: Galatians 5:13 (NIV): "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

    Follow-up Prompt: Have you ever tried to serve but felt like you were just showing off? How did that feel?

    5. Serving with Full Effort

    Question: When you are doing a chore or a task that feels boring (like stacking chairs, cleaning up, or doing a school assignment), the Bible encourages you to work as if you are serving the Lord, not people. What does it look like to put in your best effort on a task, even when you don't feel like it or no one is watching?

    Scripture: Colossians 3:23 (NIV): "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..."

    Follow-up Prompt: What's one chore or task you could try to do 'with all your heart' this week?

    6. The Rewards of Serving

    Question: The Bible tells us that our "labor in the Lord is not in vain." This means our service has a purpose that lasts. What do you think is the best reward for serving God? Is it a feeling, a reputation, or something else entirely?

    Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV): "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

    Follow-up Prompt: How does knowing your work is for God change how you view your effort?

    7. Serving as a Way of Life

    Question: If serving the Lord is about having a mindset of selflessness and love, how can you practice "serving" in the small, everyday moments of your life, like at school, at home with your family, or with your friends?

    Scripture: Romans 12:11 (NIV): "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

    Follow-up Prompt: What is one small, simple act of service you can commit to doing for a family member or friend tomorrow?

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    Pray

    • High School Gather in Main Space

Matthew Mauk
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