"Be Like Him - Live to Serve"
Adult Study Class with Elder Nathan Reed
July 12th, 2026
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Summary
Elder Nathan Reed teaches an adult study class on “Be Like Him - Live To Serve,” continuing the prior discussion of King Benjamin’s teaching that serving others is service to God. Nathan frames “living to serve” as an active, ready posture: disciples should be prepared to serve whenever and however God gives opportunity.
Nathan grounds the class in Jesus’ teachings from Mark 9, Mark 10, and John 13. Jesus taught that greatness comes through becoming servant of all, and He demonstrated that truth by washing the disciples’ feet and giving His life as a ransom for many. Service is not beneath the disciple; it is the pattern of Christ Himself.
The class then turns to 1 Peter 4:8–10, emphasizing fervent charity, hospitality without grudging, and ministering according to the gifts God has given. Through discussion, the class identifies many forms of service: cooking, encouraging, connecting people, listening, praying immediately, repairing, creating, supporting worship, and quietly helping behind the scenes.
Nathan also explains that service can open the door to spiritual ministry. When people see genuine care, they may become more open to hearing about Christ. He uses examples from Christian ministries, Ammon’s service in the Book of Mormon, and King Benjamin’s trusted leadership to show how love shown through action can prepare hearts for the gospel.
The class closes by emphasizing that small acts of service matter. God can use simple beginnings, ordinary gifts, and unseen efforts to build His kingdom. Each person may not be called to serve in the same way, but everyone has something God can use. As believers serve others in daily life, they also grow spiritually and help bring forth the spirit of Zion.
Highlights
- Living to serve means being ready and willing to serve whenever God places an opportunity before us.
- Jesus taught greatness by showing that the greatest in His kingdom must become servant of all.
- Christ modeled service through humility, ministry, foot washing, and giving His life for many.
- Every believer has gifts that can be used to minister to others as good stewards of God’s grace.
- Service takes many forms, including cooking, listening, praying, encouraging, connecting, repairing, creating, and supporting others quietly.
- Genuine service opens the door for people to see Christ’s love and become more receptive to the gospel.
- Small acts matter because God can use simple, faithful service to build His kingdom and strengthen Zion.
Key Insights
- Readiness: Nathan presents “living to serve” as more than occasional kindness. It is a posture of readiness, where disciples are prepared to answer the call of service whenever it comes. In our own lives, this means we should not wait for large or dramatic opportunities before we serve. A ready servant listens for God’s prompting and responds faithfully in ordinary moments.
- Greatness: Jesus’ teaching in Mark 9 and Mark 10 turns worldly greatness upside down. The disciples argued about who was greatest, but Jesus taught that true greatness is found in becoming servant of all. This challenges us to examine our motives. Christian service is not about recognition, position, or control; it is about humility, love, and willingness to bless others.
- Example: Jesus did not merely teach service; He lived it. In John 13, He washed the disciples’ feet, showing that even the Lord and Master was willing to take the place of a servant. This gives disciples a clear pattern to follow. If Christ served in humility, then no act of loving service should be beneath us.
- Gifts: Nathan draws from 1 Peter 4:8–10 to emphasize that each person has received gifts that can be used to minister to others. These gifts are not always dramatic or public, but they are still valuable. Cooking a meal, offering encouragement, praying with someone, making connections, repairing something, listening calmly, or helping behind the scenes can all become faithful service when offered to God.
- Witness: Service can become a doorway to the ministry of Christ. Nathan explains that when people see genuine love and care, they may become more open to hearing about Jesus. This is seen in Christian ministries that help people in need, in Ammon’s service to the king of the Lamanites, and in King Benjamin’s trusted service to his people. Love in action prepares hearts for truth.
- Smallness: The class highlights the importance of small beginnings, including the reference to Zechariah 4:10. Simple acts may seem insignificant, but God can use them in ways we may not see. This encourages us not to despise small service. A smile, note, phone call, prayer, meal, or quiet act of help may be exactly what someone needs.
- Zion: The class connects shared service with the growth of God’s kingdom and the spirit of Zion. When many people each offer small acts of love and support, the community begins to reflect God’s intended way of living. Zion is strengthened not only by great public works, but by ordinary disciples faithfully serving one another through the gifts God has placed in their hands.
Outline
- Opening Connection to Last Week
- Nathan begins by continuing the prior discussion on service.
- He recalls King Benjamin’s teaching that serving our fellow beings is serving God.
- He introduces the class focus: “living to serve.”
- He describes this as an active, ready way of life.
- Jesus’ Teaching on Servanthood
- Nathan turns first to Mark 9:30–32.
- He discusses the disciples arguing over who was greatest.
- Jesus teaches that anyone who desires to be first must be last and servant of all.
- Nathan emphasizes that this shows the importance of being a servant.
- Christ as the Greatest Servant
- Nathan moves to Mark 10.
- Jesus contrasts worldly authority with kingdom service.
- The greatest must become minister and servant.
- Jesus Himself came not to be ministered to, but to minister and give His life as a ransom for many.
- Nathan presents Christ as the ultimate example of servanthood.
- Foot Washing in John 13
- Nathan references John 13, beginning around verse 12.
- Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and then explains the meaning of what He has done.
- As Lord and Master, Jesus gives an example that His disciples should follow.
- Nathan emphasizes that humble service is part of the disciple’s calling.
- Peter’s Teaching on Gifts and Service
- Nathan turns to 1 Peter 4:8–10.
- Peter teaches fervent charity, hospitality without grudging, and ministering according to the gifts received.
- Nathan notes that Peter understood service because he had heard Jesus teach it and had his feet washed by Jesus.
- The scripture becomes the foundation for discussing the many ways people can serve.
- Class Discussion: Gifts for Service
- Nathan asks the class what gifts people have for serving.
- One response identifies abilities such as cooking meals and gathering food or groceries.
- Another response highlights connecting people, encouraging others, calming difficult situations, and helping people see blessings.
- Another response emphasizes being ready and consistent so others know they can reach out.
- Practical and Hidden Forms of Service
- The class discusses practical service such as building furniture, helping with cars, and meeting physical needs.
- Nathan affirms that all forms of service matter, whether large or small.
- He notes that service may include sharing God’s love, praying for others, or helping in physical ways.
- Encouragement and Prayer
- Class members identify reaching out to the homebound, calling lonely people, and sending notes of encouragement as meaningful service.
- Another response highlights being “instant in prayer,” offering to pray with someone immediately rather than only promising to pray later.
- Nathan affirms that these acts can be deeply helpful.
- Service as a Door to Ministry
- Nathan explains that service can have a great impact even when we do not immediately see it.
- He teaches that service can open the door to sharing what Jesus has done in our lives.
- When people see genuine care, they may become more receptive to the gospel.
- Examples from Ministry and Scripture
- Nathan shares from his work as a social worker.
- He describes how Christian ministries in Kansas City have helped people who were struggling and opened them to Christ.
- He references Ammon, who served the king of the Lamanites and gained an opportunity to share the gospel.
- He references King Benjamin, whose service helped the people trust him before he taught them about Jesus.
- Invitation to Increase Service
- Nathan asks the class how they might use their gifts more fully.
- A class member emphasizes that everything begins with a single step.
- Zechariah 4:10 is referenced to show that small beginnings should not be despised.
- The class reflects on how God can use small acts to create great results.
- Small Acts and the Kingdom
- The discussion emphasizes willingness and availability.
- A small word, smile, instruction, or moment of presence can matter deeply.
- When many people do many small acts of service, the kingdom becomes visible among them.
- This is connected to the spirit of Zion.
- Background Service in the Branch
- The class recognizes people who serve quietly behind the scenes.
- Examples include work with technology, music, furniture, logo design, and other support that helps the branch function.
- Nathan affirms that these often-unnoticed forms of service are valuable.
- Closing Exhortation
- Nathan reminds the class that not everyone is called to serve in the same way.
- Some may not be called to foreign missionary work, but there are opportunities to serve right where they are.
- He emphasizes daily service among the people we encounter.
- Nathan closes by noting that serving others brings blessing and spiritual growth.
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