A Formatio book. Serving others can be exhausting.

So what is it that motivates you to serve?

It's easy to serve for your own glory--to become wrapped up in your own goodness. Yet God challenges you to serve not out of love for yourself but to develop a Christlike love for others.

In this Bible study guide, Jan Johnson covers the disciplines of service and secrecy. Going deeper in these areas will help you to avoid prideful motivations and to enjoy partnering with God. You learn to "be" even as you "do."

About Formatio

Formatio is a line of spiritual formation books from InterVarsity Press. Formatio books take readers on a journey of transformation rooted in a deep desire to live in the presence of God. The Formatio line features authors seasoned in the rich traditions of spiritual formation. Their books will encourage those who want to be enriched by this ancient Christian heritage as well as those seeking to regain a sense of joy in Christ.

Table of Contents

Introducing Service & Secrecy
1. Doing Flows Out of Being - Nehemiah 1:1--2:18
2. Jesus' Heart for Others - Luke 8:26-39
3. Service Transforms the Soul - John 13:1-17
4. The Peril of the Hypocritical Heart - Matthew 23:1-37
5. Secrecy As a Discipline - Matthew 6:1-8
6. Simple, Unpretentious Service - Luke 10:25-37
Guidelines for Leaders
Study Notes