GenerosityThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week one of the sermon series “Generosity”. Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Discover the transformative power of true servanthood in this powerful message about imitating Jesus. Learn the critical difference between merely serving and being a servant at heart, and why many Christians struggle with this distinction. This teaching explores how our need for validation and recognition often prevents us from experiencing the freedom of genuine service.The message dives deep into Mark 10:35-45, where Jesus confronts His disciples' desire for position and power with His own example of sacrificial service. Understand how Jesus, the powerful 'Son of Man' who deserves all worship, chose instead to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.You'll discover how receiving Jesus's gift of salvation provides not just forgiveness but a secure identity as God's beloved child - the very foundation needed for selfless service. Learn practical ways to transform your approach to serving others through:- Changing your thinking from 'What can I get?' to 'What can I give?'- Using your spiritual gifts not for personal gain but for others' benefit- Extending your servant's heart from church into your communityThis message offers biblical insights on Christian service, spiritual growth, finding purpose, living without regrets, and following Jesus's example. Whether you're struggling with burnout in ministry, seeking your spiritual gifts, or wanting to make a greater impact with your life, this teaching provides practical guidance for becoming more like Christ through selfless service.Important VersesMark 10:45Ephesians 5:1-2Philippians 2:3-5Matthew 5:14-16Think about it!What's the difference between simply serving and being a servant? Why is this distinction important?The pastor mentioned a 'hole in our significance' that we often try to fill. How have you experienced this in your own life?How might serving for recognition or appreciation reveal something about our motives?In what ways does finding our identity in Christ free us to serve others selflessly?The sermon suggests we should ask 'What can I give?' rather than 'What can I get?' in every situation. How might this mindset change your daily interactions?What are some ways you've seen people use their power or position to lift others up rather than promote themselves?How does our culture's emphasis on status and recognition make Jesus' teaching about servanthood countercultural?What's one area of your life where you need to move from serving to truly being a servant?Apply it!This week, identify one relationship or environment (home, work, church, community) where you tend to seek recognition or status. Each day, ask yourself, "What can I give?" rather than "What can I get?" in your interactions. Keep a journal of how this shift in thinking affects both your actions and your heart attitude. Key TakeawaysBeing generous like Jesus requires learning to be a servant, not just serving occasionally.It's impossible to be a servant if you're not serving, but it's possible to serve without being a servant if your motives are selfish.True servanthood begins with finding your identity in Christ rather than seeking significance through recognition.Imitating Jesus' servanthood happens from the inside out - from our thinking to our actions, from our gifts to our giving, and from the church to the world.A servant thinks not about what they can get, but what they can give to lift others up.