Saved for Service

In Sunday School and in the sermon this week, we continued our series on the importance of Sunday School. As a family, review the Sunday School Scripture (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11-13) and sermon notes and Scripture (1 Peter 4:8-11).  

Review the MEMORY VERSE: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

DISCUSS: What did you learn this week about the importance of serving one another?  In Sunday School this week, we learned about spiritual gifts. What was your spiritual gift? How can you use that gift to minister in the Body of Christ?

Read 2 Timothy 1:9

Why are we saved? According to this passage of Scripture, we are saved by grace for God’s purposes. Pastor Rick Warren writes, “God redeemed you so you could do his holy work. You’re not saved by service, but you are saved for service. In God’s kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value” (The Purpose Drive Life).

Read 1 Corinthians 12:27

Paul explains that each believer is an important and necessary part of the Body of Christ. YOU are significant and needed in the Body of Christ. Without your contribution, the Body suffers. With your contribution, the Body becomes healthier and glorifies God. So how can YOU contribute?

In his book, The Purpose Driven Life, author and Pastor Rick Warren encourages us to use the acrostic SHAPE to discover the unique ways God has enabled each of us to contribute. 

Spiritual Gifts – What spiritual gifts has God given you? How can you use your gift to minister in the church?
Heart – What has God made you passionate about? How can you use your passions to serve others?
Ability – What abilities or talents has God given you? How can you use these to glorify God?
Personality – How are you unique? How can you use your unique personality to contribute?
Experience – What life experiences are part of your testimony? How can your experiences help others?

THIS WEEK:
Take time to really think about your God-given SHAPE. Remember, you are saved and shaped for service! How will you use your SHAPE to serve the Body and glorify God? Make a list of ministries you could become involved in or even start at your local church. Pray and ask God to direct you as you strive to use your SHAPE to contribute. Then, plug into the Body of Christ!!