BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS WILL LEAD US TO SERVE OTHERS IN HUMILITY. 

SCRIPTURE | 1 Samuel 16:14-23 

CENTRAL TRUTH 

Our resistance to serve others or to lay down our own desires is really a form of idolatry, with self being our “god.” 

KEY QUESTION 

WHAT DOES IT REVEAL ABOUT OUR HEARTS THAT WE OFTEN RESIST SERVING OTHERS? 

KEEP IN MIND 

Your students may struggle to put others first. They’re not alone. Humility and service go against our sin nature. As babies, we only know our own needs, and everyone around us makes sure they’re met. As we grow, we become more aware of the needs around us. But some of your students may continue to focus only on their needs and wants. Sometimes their families only make this worse by continuing to give in to them. Culture certainly celebrates looking out for ourselves too. Humility and serving others is often countercultural because it means putting others first. Humility is learned; it’s a discipline students must practice in small ways until it becomes part of their identity. 

APPLICATION 

HOW CAN YOU SERVE OTHERS THIS WEEK? 

THE WIN 

FOR THE STUDENT: This week, students can consider praying each morning for God to show them ways to serve others; they can pray for Him to make them aware of the needs surrounding them. These acts of service don’t have to be huge; they can serve others in simple ways. 

FOR THE LEADER: Serving others the way God calls us to requires action; it won’t just happen on its own. When we don’t actively look for ways to serve, we often miss opportunities. Look for ways to serve your students this week by praying for them, taking them for ice cream, or writing them a note.