That They May Serve Me

Commentary: Bishop Owen McManus Jr. taught that God sets us free for a purpose: to serve Him. Deliverance is the beginning of a life of devotion, surrender, and obedience.

Read Exodus 7:16, Exodus 8:20, Exodus 9:1, Exodus 12:31

Commentary: You have been saved for a purpose. God repeatedly commanded Pharaoh to release His people so they could serve Him. We often celebrate what God has saved us from, but we must also recognize what He has saved us into. True freedom enables us to live for His will.

Discussion:

1. How do you respond to the word “serving”? How does knowing that God freed you to serve Him shape your understanding of salvation?
2. What is the difference between expecting God to serve our desires and surrendering our lives to His purposes?
3. What has God freed you from, and how is He calling you to use that freedom?

Read Exodus 8:25–26, Matthew 23:11

Commentary: Leave compromise behind to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. Egypt represents the bondage and compromise that keep us from fully surrendering to God. Serving Him requires a change in both our priorities and our motives. Even when we serve people, our devotion must remain directed toward the Lord.

Discussion:

1. What compromises or competing priorities can keep us from serving God wholeheartedly?
2. How can we recognize when our service has become driven by personal recognition or people’s approval?
3. What would it look like for you to serve others as an expression of your devotion to God this week?

Read Exodus 5:1, Exodus 10:9, Matthew 23:11

Commentary: Serving involves surrender and sacrifice. Israel’s call to worship included offering themselves and their resources to God. Our service also requires something of us: time, convenience, energy, and personal preferences. When our hearts remain focused on Him, sacrifice can become an expression of joyful devotion.

Discussion:

1. Why does meaningful service require surrender and sacrifice?
2. Is there an area of your life where you welcome Jesus’ help but struggle to surrender to His leadership?
3. What is your next step in serving the Lord wholeheartedly?

UPCOMING EVENTS & REMINDERS:

First Steps - First three Sundays of each month (immediately following service in the chapel)

Encounter - Friday & Saturday November 6th & 7th

Water Baptism- Sunday November 8th (Water Baptism Class will be on Thursday November 5th)

For more upcoming events check out the church calendar on citychurchnola.life

New Members Welcome Party- Sunday November 15th (immediately following service in the Tuscany Room)

For more upcoming events check out the church calendar on citychurchnola.life

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email address at which you would normally receive report reminders, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, then please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and Spirit-filled group!