Week of August 10, 2025  –  Rooted – Serving with Purpose

Description:

What does it take to grow spiritually strong and stay rooted in your faith? In Acts 2, we see the early church thriving because they devoted themselves to seven life-giving rhythms: Daily Devotion, Prayer, Repentance, Serving, Generosity, Sharing Your Story, and Worship.

This series, Rooted, will help you cultivate these spiritual practices—not as religious duties, but as relational habits that anchor you in Christ and bear lasting fruit. Each week, we’ll unpack one rhythm and show you how to live it out in practical, powerful ways. Because when you’re rooted in God, you’re ready for anything life throws your way.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

1. What does “exceptional” service look like to you?
2. How would you “make a difference” to change the world around you?
3. Have you ever been served in such a way that it left a lasting impression/impact on you?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

1. Acts 2:42-47

2. Mark 10:35-45

3. 1 Peter 4:8-11

4. Ephesians 2:1-10

5. Matt 16:24, 28:18-20

Discussion Questions

1. In what specific areas of your life have you experienced Jesus’ redemption and transformative power?
2. Where do you sense God is calling you to engage in good works?
3. 3. Which of the three main points do you struggle with the most?
   1.  Head – Think
   2. Heart – Posture
   3. Hands – Serve
4. What aspects of Jesus’ heart are most surprising or impactful to you?
5. Describe individuals you know who embody a heart like Jesus. What qualities do you find most attractive in them?
6. How can you distinguish between serving with a genuine purpose and simply pursuing your own agenda?
7. What practical steps can you take to participate in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?
8. In which areas of your life do you specifically need the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit? What do you aspire to achieve or experience through the power of the Holy Spirit?
9. Spend several minutes in silent prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart. Afterward, write a prayer revealing your desire for the Holy Spirit’s active work in your life.
10. Reflecting on your life and God-given gifts, what sense of purpose do you have, and how do you believe God intends to use you?
11. How do you envision yourself contributing to the needs of society through the unique gifts you possess?

Action Steps

• Craft a prayer expressing gratitude for Jesus’ humility and service, asking God to cultivate a similar heart in you.
• Write a prayer acknowledging your role in God’s mission. If you struggle with this desire, be honest with God and ask Him to open your heart to ways of reaching others. If the desire is present, ask for guidance on how He wants you to serve.
• Identify your spiritual gifts. How can you intentionally utilize these gifts in your current season of life?
• Compose a prayer of gratitude for your spiritual gifts. Ask God for opportunities to use these gifts and to be stretched beyond them, aligning with His will.

Closing Prayer

Father in Heaven,

Thank you for showing us your commitment and devotion to rescuing us from our sin through your Son Jesus. Help us see and experience your love fully each day. Fill us up Lord as we root ourselves in you. May your Spirit flow through us to those around us. As we say “yes” to you and the next step you’re calling each of us to right now – help us respond and take action towards living closer with you.

We love you Lord!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.