Now that we are starting to see changes in expectation, we will see more opportunities to live out our faith as the local church. Even though we are still limited in what it looks like to meet together to study, learn, and grow, we must continue to make this a priority as families.
Each week, you will find a new audio message, along with some corresponding Scripture readings that focus on the topic addressed in the message. You will also see a number of questions designed for you and your family to discuss together, or for you to use in personal reflection and assessment. Our desire is that your family will have an opportunity to engage together with God’s Word and examine the expectations expressed for His family.
We are discussing today the eleventh of twelve simple steps that will guide us in fulfilling the church’s mission to become disciples who make disciples. Today we will unpack one of the most significant aspects of making an impact in our community and world by discussing what it means to be a S.H.A.P.E. User.
LISTEN
READ & DISCUSS
Scripture Reading One: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
What observations can you make from this passage?
Specifically, what is different, and what is the same?
Even though each person and his giftedness is different, God is the same, and we are all striving for the same thing.
This passage speaks specifically about spiritual gifts, but this is only one of the five
components that make each of us unique. It is also important to identify the heart’s passion for ministry that God has placed in your life, as well as your various abilities and skills. You also need to figure out your unique personality, as well as examine the experiences that God has allowed you to go through in your life. When all five of these components are joined together, you are able to identify all the possibilities for service and ministry that God might have you participate in for His glory and your joyful rewards.
What does this passage tell us about God’s expectations and provisions for His children?
How does knowing that God has prepared good works for you to do encourage or motivate you?
Scripture Reading Three: Exodus 31:1-5
What did God tell Moses about how he gifted Bezalel in order to do all the artistic work of the Tabernacle?
This is a great example of how God specifically designed someone with talents and skills so that he could perform the task that God wanted to be accomplished.
Share some talents and skills that you have and discuss how God might use them for his glory.
Scripture Reading Four: 1 Corinthians 2:11-12
Although this passage may be challenging to understand, it demonstrates the uniqueness of each personality. It is important for each of us to know our own personality so that we can learn how we interact with others, process information, make decisions, and utilize our time.
What resource has God provided to help us understand these things about ourselves?
Scripture Reading Five: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Why does God provide comfort to us in all our troubles?
Why is it important that we offer comfort to others during their times of need and trouble?
God does not waste our experiences, whether they are good or bad, joyful, or sorrow-filled. In the midst of every struggle, God comforts us. During our times of success and fulfillment, God utilizes that as well.
God desires that we identify and utilize all of the giftedness and uniqueness that He has provided to each of us. He did this to demonstrate that we all have something to contribute and are expected to participate in the body of Christ.
It is possible for students and adults to identify their S.H.A.P.E. through either the Home Group class offered to students each year, or the Next Steps class, which is available monthly for any adult in the church.