Summary

This sermon, part of an ongoing series called "Ekklesia" (meaning "called out"), explores how self-promotion and self-protection are hardwired into human nature as a result of the fall, and how Jesus calls us to a radically different way of living. The pastor uses relatable examples like calling "shotgun" in the car and merging on the highway to illustrate how naturally we maneuver for position and look out for ourselves. He argues that these instincts, while understandable in a fallen world, are directly opposed to the way of Jesus, who commands us to love one another as He has loved us, even to the point of laying down our lives. The sermon then walks through 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, examining the spiritual gifts Paul lists in order of kingdom impact: apostles (spiritual entrepreneurs who start new works), prophets (who bring God's truth to people), teachers (who deepen understanding), miracle workers and healers (who pull back the curtain between the eternal and temporal), helpers and administrators, and finally those who speak in tongues. The pastor explains that tongues refers to known languages used to share the Gospel with unbelievers, not a private heavenly language. He closes with a story about his wife choosing to ride the school bus with her students after one of them was struck by a car, holding it up as a picture of what it looks like to stop self-promoting and start advancing God's kingdom by simply being present where Jesus would be.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us together today. We come with our habits of self-protection and self-promotion, and we confess that we often look out for ourselves before we look out for others. As we open your Word and discuss what it means to follow Jesus, we ask that your Holy Spirit would soften our hearts and open our eyes. Help us to set aside our own agendas and truly hear what you want to say to each of us today. May this time together draw us closer to you and to one another. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one funny or memorable moment when you or someone in your family competed over something small, like a seat in the car or the last piece of food?

Key Verses

• 1 Corinthians 12:27
• 1 Corinthians 12:28-31
• 1 Corinthians 14:22
• Acts 2

Questions

• Kent says self-protection and self-promotion are hardwired into us. Can you think of a recent situation where one of those instincts kicked in automatically? What did that look like?
• He describes how we were created for Eden but live in a fallen world, and how that gap shapes the way we cope. How has the fallen world shaped some of the habits or defense mechanisms you carry today?
• Jesus gave one command: to love one another as He has loved us. What does it look like practically to love someone the way Jesus loved, especially when your instinct is to protect yourself first?
• Kent says that when you are consumed by self-promotion and self-protection, you will never be able to truly see the needs of the person next to you. Do you agree with that? Why or why not?
• Looking at the list of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, which gift do you think you might have, and how are you currently using it? Is it being used for your own benefit or for the kingdom of God?
• Kent argues that Paul ordered the gifts by kingdom impact rather than impressiveness. Does that reframing change how you think about your own gifts or the gifts of others in this group?
• He shares the story of his wife going to the bus stop to be with her students after a traumatic event, saying that is where Jesus would be. Where do you think Jesus would show up in your neighborhood, workplace, or school this week?
• What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to stop calling "shotgun" and instead lay down your position for the sake of someone else?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific person in your life whose needs you have been overlooking because you have been focused on your own protection or advancement. Take one concrete step to serve that person, whether it is a phone call, a meal, showing up somewhere they need support, or simply praying for them every day. Ask God each morning to help you see where He is at work and how you can join Him there, even in small ways.

Key Takeaways

• Self-protection and self-promotion are natural responses to living in a fallen world, but they are directly opposed to the way of Jesus, who calls us to love others as He has loved us.
• Jesus has one command for His followers: to love one another as He has loved us, which means laying down our own agendas and caring genuinely for the people around us.
• The spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12 are ordered by kingdom impact, reminding us that our gifts are not meant to elevate our status but to serve others and advance God's purposes.
• Speaking in tongues, as described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14, refers to known languages given as a sign for unbelievers, and no single gift is a requirement for salvation, which comes by grace through faith alone.
• Following Jesus means leaning into God for protection and promoting His kingdom rather than our own, and it begins with being faithful in small, everyday acts of love and service before pursuing larger callings.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank you for this time together and for the reminder that we were made for something greater than looking out for ourselves. Forgive us for the ways we have called "shotgun" in our relationships, our workplaces, and even in our churches. Help us to trust you enough to lay down our need to protect and promote ourselves, and give us the courage to love the people around us the way you have loved us. Show each person in this group where you are at work this week, and give us the boldness to show up there. May we be the kind of people who make others feel seen, valued, and loved because your Spirit lives in us. In Jesus' name, amen.