Connect

Main Idea: The world pushes the “+” so that we buy into it. But if we buy in, we miss out. Jesus promises LIFE+ and delivers.

Introduction: We may understand Jesus promises LIFE+ and delivers, but we try to plug back into the world’s outlet of success. But the power of LIFE+ flows only one way, from God to us.

Discussion Starter: Talk about the best and worst customer service you’ve ever received and how it affected your day and your experience. What knowledge did you take and use from those times for your next experience with people?

Grow

Primary Scriptures:  John 10:10, Ephesians 3:20, Matthew 20:28, Luke 4:18-19, 1 Peter 4:9-11, 1 Timothy 4:14, 1 Corinthians 14:13, Ephesians 4:11-13.

Discussion Questions:

1. Read John 10:10. The thief (aka the Enemy) seeks only to steal, kill, and destroy. That can come in many forms: stealing your joy, killing your hope, destroying your focus, and many others. The lie from Satan is that you are not needed to serve others because it will drain you and you won’t be appreciated for what you do. But God doesn’t just give you gifts to use, He empowers them. Pastor Chris asks what good is a tool that has no power? How can you look at serving others as empowering and life giving?
2. Read Matthew 20:28. Look at all of the ways someone serving you occurs in your life. Now look at how you can serve others. Which way gives you life? In what ways can you tangibly focus on serving others?
3. We try to alternate between living God’s way and living the world’s way, but it doesn’t work. We can’t focus on ourselves and God at the same time. This week Pastor Chris challenged us using 1 Peter 4:9-11 and Ephesians 4:11-13 to focus on serving others by using our gifts. What are your gifts that God has given you? How are you using them to glorify God and advance His Kingdom?
4. Read 1 Timothy 4:14 and 1 Corinthians 14:13. God has a divine purpose for you (and your gifts). Using your gifts through service enables you to walk in joy, power, and LIFE+ What’s one thing you can do this week to express your faith through doing something? Even if you are serving in the church, in what ways can you serve others in your life? How can you be more aware of how to serve people where you  work, study, shop, and play?

Protect

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section. 

What is one way you can encourage each other this week to keep your focus on serving others—even those you may not want to serve? If you have not taken a spiritual gifts test to discover your God-given gifts, take one together. Discuss your gifts and how you can use them.

Commit to praying for each other’s faith and service to others to increase this week.