Legacy - Part 2 [Notes]

In the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey discovers what the world would have been like if he had never been born. He comes to understand something he never realized before: his life had a profound and great impact on all those around him.  

God has uniquely created each of us with special talents, abilities, and gifts that can be used to make a difference in our world.  Is it possible God wants to use you in a special way to change your world for good? Join us as we begin a new series titled, "Legacy." We will be exploring how God has a unique plan for our lives.

Today's Takeaway // When we are in God’s will, we are in our sweet spot.

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time because the days are evil. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.¹
– Ephesians 5:15-17 (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Eph 5:15–17). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

When we are in God’s will, we are in our sweet spot.

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship.^e Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
– Romans 12:1-2 (HCSB)
_{^e 12:1 Or your reasonable service}

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.
– Romans 12:2 (HCSB)

Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable ^o use, some for dishonorable.^p So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special ^s instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.²
– 2 Timothy 2:20-21 (HCSB)
_{^o 2:20 Or special
^p 2:20 Or ordinary
^s 2:21 Or an honorable
² The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2 Ti 2:20–21). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.}

When we are in God’s will, we are in our sweet spot.

For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. Now as we have many parts in one body and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of one’s faith; if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.
– Romans 12:3-8 (HCSB)

S: Spiritual Gift
H: Heart
A: Abilities
P: Personality
E: Experiences

For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.
– Romans 12:3 (HCSB)

Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
– Romans 12:9-11 (HCSB)

When we are in God’s will, we are in our sweet spot.

1.Read Romans 12:1-2. What do you think Paul means when he says we should offer up ourselves as a living sacrifice?
2. Read Romans 12:3-8. Do you think most people are aware of the talents, gifts and abilities God has given them? Explain your answer.
3. Why is it important that we be humble and realistic about the gifts or abilities God has given us? How might being more connected with other believers help us discover our spiritual gifts?
4. Read Matthew 6:33. What are some ways we can use the abilities God has given us to advance the kingdom of God?
5. How might you apply today's lesson to your life?

My Defense // Jireh // Living Hope // Graves into Gardens

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