Life As A Scratch And Dent
August 14-18, 2006

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

(John 10:10, NIV)

Most appliance stores have a scratch and dent section. The scratch and dent items are the ones that got marred and scarred in delivery. Something happened that shouldn't have and the result is an obvious blemish that forces the store to mark down the price because the item is not as valuable as it would have been. The item works fine, but the scratches and dents make it unattractive. People are often very similar to these appliances! Along our life journey things happen to us - some are things we bring on ourselves and others are things we have no control over. As a result, you and I get some scratches and some dents. We're not as shiny and attractive as we once were. The real problem is the mistake of viewing ourselves as less valuable - marked down and deserving of being banished to the back section of God's store. To one degree or another, every one of us is a walking, talking "scratch and dent". And that isn't going to change. But Jesus told us He came to give us life to the fullest. In this discussion we will look at the steps to take to live the full life Jesus promised even though we are scratched and dented.

HOW TO LIVE LIFE AS A SCRATCH AND DENT

MONDAY

1. ADMIT IT.
[Your Objective: Understand that our level of perfection is not why God values us.]

How many people have sinned according to Romans 3:23?

  • What is the effect of scratches and dents (understood as the effects of sin) in our life?
  • Why it is better to admit we are scratched and dented?

According to Romans 3:10 who is righteous?

  • Why it is important to know that there is no one righteous?
  • Why it is so hard to admit our faults to ourselves?

What does Isaiah 64:6 say is the effect of our sins?

  • Why does Isaiah remind the reader about how our righteous deeds look?

Discipleship (Maturity) - Maturity is becoming like Christ in character. Christ was willing to take onto Himself all our dents and scratches. Admitting our dents and scratches is a move toward maturity because in admitting them we can change and become more like Christ. How should we take the first steps toward looking at our dents and scratches in this mature way? Take some time this week to decide which of your dents and scratches you need to admit to yourself.

TUESDAY

2. LET GOD HAVE IT.
[Your Objective: Learn the importance of giving our issues and hurts to God for His ultimate wisdom, love, strength, and guidance.]

In 1 Peter 5:7, why should we give all our worries and cares to God?

  • What are some reasons people do not turn their worries, cares, and hurts over to God? Why is this an important step?
  • Why do some people not accept help and support from the people around them whom God has provided?
  • If God cares about us so much, why do all these challenging and bad things keep happening?

Worship (Magnification) - God is waiting for us to acknowledge His awesome power and turn our troubles over to Him. He has a plan for our life that includes all our scratches and dents along the way. We are not strong enough to do it alone. We need God's love and the support of others to assist us with life's challenges. We show strength and maturity to worship God in our weakness. What scratches and dents can you give to God this week? God's plan for this includes other people. Who has God put in your life who could give you some practical help to bring resolution or comfort to your scratches and dents?

WEDNESDAY

3. DON'T WASTE IT.
[Your Objective: See how we can use our past troubles and mistakes to minister to others.]

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. If our treasure or inner power does not come from ourselves, from where does it come?

  • What is the practical process of letting God use our worst failings for His glory? What steps should we take?
  • Why do we often take the credit for God's doing?

According to 2 Corinthians 1:4, why will we be able to comfort others when they are troubled?

  • Why do you think God historically used people with some of the worst scratches and dents for His purposes?
  • Why do we often dwell on our dents and scratches instead of using them to help others?

Ministry - Life is not a straight line that we walk, but more like a squiggly line with unexpected curves and turns we wish we never took. However, for ages God used people's mistakes for His purposes. Our mistakes can help others relate to us better and help us understand, serve, and comfort others in their times of trouble. Assess some of the regretful decisions and mistakes you've made in the past. Then, see how they might help others overcome their struggles. Call someone who is hurting as an opportunity to minister, or commit to joining a ministry where you can bless others.

THURSDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:
[Your Objective: Take concrete steps toward living life to the fullest with the help of your group.]

Begin this part of your discussion with a prayer that God our Father will remind us all that He loves us in spite of our blemishes and weaknesses. Which of the three steps here feels like the biggest challenge for you - admitting your failures to yourself, giving your worries and cares to God, or allowing God to use your weaknesses for His glory? Take turns sharing with your group where you think you are in this process. Explain briefly how you feel about your ability to accomplish each of these steps and where you wish you could have help. Make a commitment to the group to focus on one of these areas this week, and ask the group for their help and prayers.