A JOURNEY TOWARD SIGNIFICANCE
Making The Most of What You Got (Part 2)
FEBRUARY 7-11, 2005

When He was in the house, He [Jesus] asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the road?' But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. He sat down and called them around Him and said, 'Anyone wanting to be the greatest must be the least-the servant of all!'

Mark 9:33-35 (NIV)

'Your care for others is the measure of your greatness.'

Luke 9:48 (LB)

If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life.

Mark 8:35 (NLT)

Everyone has dreams to be great in their lifetime. We all want to live a life with significant meaning. As children some common dreams included, being a fireman, nurse, action hero or policeman. These figures are strong, never afraid and even posses supreme powers. One of the most important decisions in life is when we realize that we are not Superman, but we can lead a super life through the promises of the Bible. Search: As the example tells us in Mark 9:33-35 above, the followers who were close to Jesus struggled with how to lead a life of significance. They were searching, but focused on the wrong objectives. We often do the same things; we search for the land of aspiration but end up in the land of boredom because we are focused on the wrong things. Serve: Jesus gives us the answer for living a significant life in Luke 9:48. It's to serve others! We need to serve in our ministry, with our family, at work and throughout our community. However, as Mark 8:35 points out, we need to become less selfish and more selfless in life to serve others. We cannot move toward a life of significance without serving. Who and where do you serve currently in life? We need to answer and evaluate this question carefully. During this lesson we are going to review five practical applications to help us serve others more effectively for a life of significance.

MONDAY

1. ELIMINATE EXCUSES.

[Your Objective: Recognize the excuses that are used to avoid getting involved in service and turn them into opportunities for spiritual growth.]

What excuse does the sick man give to Jesus in John 5:7?

  • Name some excuses that people might give for not being involved in ministry?
  • How could people overcome some of the excuses that were identified above?

In 2 Corinthians 12:10, what does Christ use to show His strength through us?

  • Why do you think God often uses people's areas of weakness rather than strength?
  • How can we take pleasure in our weaknesses?

Discipleship (Maturity) - When we serve the body of Christ we serve for the sake of our spiritual growth. What excuse will you eliminate this week and turn into an opportunity to serve? Reflect on how doing this has helped you grow spiritually.

TUESDAY

2. START SMALL.

[Your Objective: Realize that all service in the name of God is significant and God will be pleased by even the simplest act of kindness done in His name.]

What small act will be rewarded according to Matthew 10:42?

  • Why do many people feel that they have to do something big in order for it to be significant?
  • Name some small things that people do for your study group, church or community that seem small but would be obviously missed if they weren't done?

Where does God search for a person's motive to serve according to 1 Chronicles 28:9?

  • How is God's glory magnified when He takes something small and uses it to make a big difference?
  • Why is a person's motive for doing something for others more important than the size of what they do?

Ministry - Getting involved in ministry doesn't mean doing only the big things. God looks at your heart and rewards your motive, not the size of what you do. Getting started in ministry can be as simple as seeing a need and then meeting it. What need in your church or in your community do you see that you will meet this week?

WEDNESDAY

3. GO TOGETHER.

[Your Objective: Know that we were created to work together serving the needs of our church and community.]

How did Jesus send His disciples out into ministry in Mark 6:7?

  • Discuss some reasons why the disciples were sent out in pairs and not individually.
  • Why can we get more done when we work together than if we try to do everything by ourselves?

Fellowship (Membership) - It is more fun serving with others. Identify tasks that can be done together with your group, family, or all the families of group members. Let others know the fun you had serving God together.

THURSDAY

4. KEEP LOOKING.

[Your Objective: Identify our spiritual gifts and seek new areas in ministry to glorify God.]

What does 1 Corinthians 12:4 teach us about spiritual gifts?

  • Name some gifts that God has given to believers. With what gift has He blessed you? Where does the Bible say these gifts are from?
  • What is the object of our spiritual gifts?
  • If we used our gift(s) self-centeredly, what example would we be showing to others and what blessings might we and they miss?

Evangelism (Mission) - We all have a spiritual bit of God's DNA. He has gifted us in a way that allows us to fulfill our purpose here on earth by using the talents He has provided. What ways can you imagine to use His gifts in serving others? Choose one and step out this week by putting your own gift in action. If you are not sure what your gifts are, get out there and become involved until you find the right fit. Do not give up. Volunteer where your interests lie. Since God has tailor-made the fit, you will know it when you find it.

FRIDAY

5. REST AND REFLECT.

[Your Objective: Recognize that we cannot meet all the needs.]

What example did Jesus give to His apostles in Mark 6:30–32?

  • How might it be possible for a well-meaning Christian to 'burn out'?
  • In what ways can we refresh ourselves in order to better serve others?

Worship (Magnification) - Even more important than our service is the condition of our hearts. Serving is just a part of God's will for you. Serving must grow your faith not choke it out. By drawing aside and focusing on Jesus, we will increase our faith and our service. How can you continue to grow closer to Him? What specific area of worship needs your attention? Commit your heart to quiet reflection and watch for God's response.

Take a moment to review any assignments/challenges made during the personal application and commitment section of your previous meeting. Seeing God at work in the lives of those who commit to Him is essential for growth.

SATURDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Help the group to move toward living a truly significant life by serving others in everything they do with everyone they encounter by surrendering their heart and becoming selfless.]

Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'

John 14:6

As you consider this lesson, have you surrendered your life to Christ so you can start living a truly significant life? Jesus connects us to God, our Father through His sacrifice on the cross. We need to surrender our life for eternal life. We should not live out life in boredom with a desperate heart.

When we serve, it changes us. Pray for Jesus to mold our way into His way. Make a commitment to your group today to implement one or more of the areas discussed above to serve others more effectively and start living a truly significant life.

True significance comes from selfless serving and a surrendered heart.