NOTES
SCRIPTURE
SERMON SUMMARY
This sermon challenges us to move beyond a "but first" faith and embrace the selfless way of Jesus by making room for God and for others. Through the overlooked role of the innkeeper in the parable of the Good Samaritan, it reminds us that we don't have to start every miracle—we're called to faithfully create space where God's healing can continue. Ultimately, because Jesus first made room for us through His sacrifice, we are empowered to make room for others and become hope in our communities.
KEY POINTS
- Selflessness takes strength - It takes strength to make space for things that matter.
- Beware of "But First" Faith
- Selfishness often doesn't say "no" to Jesus—it says "not yet." A life full of excuses and priorities that come before obedience leaves little room for God's mission and keeps us from living selflessly.
- Making space for God gives you strength to make space for others.
- The innkeeper in the Good Samaritan story illustrates that people who have room for God naturally have room for others. Our capacity to love people is directly connected to the space we've made for God's presence in our lives.
- Making space for what matters means stewarding the miracle, not starting it.
- Like the innkeeper, we may not be the ones who begin a miracle, but we can faithfully steward what God has already started. Whether in our families, church, or community, our role is often to "keep it going" by serving consistently and making space for healing to continue.
- Making space for God means making less space for yourself.
- True selflessness isn't about recognition or credit—it's about faithfully serving without needing the spotlight. The sermon closes by reminding us that before Jesus ever asked us to make room for others, He first made room for us through the cross, inviting us to respond by making room for Him and living selflessly.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- The sermon talked about having a "but first" faith. What are some "but first..." excuses you find yourself making when God calls you to obey or serve? What's one step of obedience you may be delaying?
- The pastor said, "People who don't have room for God rarely have room for others." How have you seen your relationship with God affect the way you treat the people around you? When you're spiritually full, what changes?
- The innkeeper didn't start the miracle—he helped continue it. Where has God placed you in a position to "keep the miracle going" in your family, workplace, church, or community?
- The sermon emphasized that selflessness requires making space. What is currently taking up space in your life that may be preventing you from making room for God or serving others? What might you need to remove or reprioritize?
- The message ended by reminding us that Jesus first made room for us through His sacrifice. How does remembering what Jesus has done for you change the way you think about serving others? What's one practical way you can "make room" for someone this week, especially during Hope Week?
