From Romans 12, Pastor Jeremiah Johnson addressed “spiritual stuckness” — those moments when we feel impeded in our growth in God. He revealed how serving others is the divine key to breaking free. True spiritual growth happens when we exchange our self-focused mindset for a grace-dependent perspective and embrace our vital role in the body of Christ. Serving with genuine love transforms not just those around us but also our own hearts. Pastor Jeremiah challenged the congregation to find a place to serve, reminding us that every believer is uniquely gifted to contribute to God’s kingdom work.

What was the best team you’ve ever been a part of? Use one word to describe why that team was so good.

HEAD - Read Romans 12:3–9

• Paul begins this passage with an exhortation. What does he urge us to exchange?

• How does Paul describe how the church should function and coexist together?

• What is the significance of Paul saying, “Let love be genuine” (verse 9) after these verses on community life?

• In light of the gospel, why is this our only right response?

• What are some ways pride subtly shows up in our lives — in relationships, work, or ministry?

• How does serving shift our perspective from self-reliance to grace-dependence?

• Describe a time you experienced synergy — when serving with others created something far greater than you could have done alone.

• How has serving others in your church or community helped you grow in genuine love?

• Where might God be inviting you to serve from a place of joy and freedom rather than obligation?

HANDS — Go Deeper Together

Serving isn’t just a task — it’s a pathway to transformation. These practices help your group move from understanding to action.

Take a few moments to reflect:

• Where in your spiritual life do you feel stuck or stagnant?

• How might self-focus or comparison be keeping you from engaging fully in the body?

Write down one area where you sense God calling you to re-engage through service.

Group Option: Pair up and share one “stuck spot.” Pray together for clarity and courage to respond.

Serving shifts our focus from me to we.

As a group:

• Choose one simple act of service to do together this week (e.g., write encouragement cards, serve a local need, support another ministry).

• Pray for God to align your motives with love instead of duty.

Afterward, share how this act of serving impacted your mindset and sense of purpose.

If serving feels routine, pause and remember why you serve.

Reflect:

“Serving isn’t about being noticed; it’s about being transformed.”

Ask:

• Where has serving started to feel like performance?

• How can you return to serving as worship — an overflow of gratitude and love?

Invite the Holy Spirit to renew your heart with fresh passion for people and God’s purposes.

• Thank God for the grace that frees you from self-focus and invites you into serving love.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you’ve grown weary or routine in service, and to rekindle joy.

• Pray for unity and synergy within your church family — that each person would find their place and thrive in their gift.

• End with this prayer together:

“God, thank You for shaping me through serving.

Teach me to give with joy, to love without condition,

and to see every act of service as worship to You.

Use my life to build Your church and display Your grace. Amen