james: Faith Tested

  • James calls on his Jewish Christian brethren who are experiencing hardship throughout the world in following Christ to hold strong and rely on God. He talks of trials, endurance and faith.


    Read James 1:1-12

    1. When did you last find joy in a trial?


    2. Where does our endurance come from?


    3. Compare people living in doubt with those who live in faith. What are some key differences?


    4. What should a Christian’s perception of success be compared to the world’s?


    5. What is rewarded for our endurance?


    6. What else is key for us to be rewarded?


    Prayer - Are there struggles that your group can pray for? Are faithful to accept God’s answer to your prayer with joy no matter the result?


    Assignment - Find joy in the trials. Do not allow yourself to become bitter when things don’t go your way. Think about what a successful life for yourself is.

  • James encourages Jewish Christ followers to take accountability and search within themselves. He calls for honesty and for action.


    Read James 1:13-27

    1. Why do we blame our weakness on God?


    2. What attributes of God are mentioned? How does meditating on these attributes affect your faith?


    3. What is our way out of death?


    4. With the current state of the world are you faithful in following verse 19-21?


    5. Do we care more about our reflections than our actual selves?


    6. What is the perfect law? Define liberty. How does this affect your faith?


    7. How is the Christian Church or even your own life measuring up to the pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God?


    Prayer - As you ask for prayer this week, focus on following through. Don’t just hear God’s word but put it into action.


    Assignment - Acknowledge when things make you angry. Be honest with yourself using this text if it’s worth something to be angry about. If you feel comfortable, share with the group your strategies when you meet those moments of anger.

  • James implores fellow Jewish Christians not to look down on others. The Jewish people had become arrogant and self righteous. Here he explores the thought process of treating others in a new way.


    Read James 2:1-13

    1. What should our attitude in faith be? How should we treat those in the church?


    2. Think about success in week 1. What is our spiritual class in the kingdom of God?


    3. We are made in God’s image. How should we reflect this image in how we treat others?


    4. What is the royal law? How would you connect this to the perfect law?


    5. Is there a hierarchy to sin? Do you rank sins and judge others more harshly on that?


    6. What place does mercy have in the Christian life compared to judgement?


    Prayer - This week as you pray, ask yourself if you’re praying with a selfish heart or a merciful heart.


    Assignment - See if you recognize if you ever place someone in higher regard because of their status in life. Challenge yourself to show mercy when you feel compelled to react in judgement.

  • James has heard a lot of speaking & hearing without action. He makes a bold statement on faith and calls out those who are spiritually dead.


    Read James 2:14-26

    1. How do we manifest our faith? Compare this to what James says in 1:22.


    2. How often do we speak empty words?


    3. Believing God is real doesn’t save us. What components make our faith real?


    4. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. Are the works performed in faith our own?


    5. Faith & works are a packaged deal. What are some of the dangers that come from separating the two?


    6. What qualifications does a person need for God to use them for His works?


    7. Read Revelations 3:15-22. Are there similarities between the church of Laodicea and what James is warning about?


    Prayer - As you pray this week, pray for a humble spirit as you do good works.


    Assignment - Ask yourself if the good works you do are for yourself or are from God. Give glory to God in the things you do. Be active in your faith, don’t put God on the back burner.

  • James explores the responsibility that church leaders have. He emphasizes the power of the spoken word.


    Read James 3:1-12

    1. Should we strive to be teachers? What are some of the pitfalls?


    2. What are the implied hardships of those leading in the church? How have you seen this be taken advantage of?


    3. How have you seen words ruin a person’s life? How have you seen them ruin churches?


    4. Do we often take small words for granted? What negative outcomes have you seen because of this?


    5. How often do we acknowledge the power of the human spirit? All humanity is made in God’s likeness not just believers, why do we curse God’s creation so often?


    6. Do you find yourself falling into a two-faced nature? What can you do to keep yourself from blessing God & then flipping around cursing another person.


    Prayer - This week as you pray, be encouraged to pray for the leaders in the church.


    Assignment - Think about the words you say. Is there a motive behind them? Is that motive for the glory of God?

  • James explores the importance of wisdom.


    Read James 3:13-18

    1. Is wisdom only spoken?


    2. Do you feel people in the church are honest with themselves and each other about jealousy?


    3. Compare earthly wisdom to wisdom from above.


    4. What qualifies as heavenly wisdom?


    5. Compare this to James 1:5.


    Prayer - This week in your prayers, seek wisdom from above.


    Assignment - Don’t act with selfish ambition. Act with qualities of heavenly wisdom.

  • James warns his Christian brethren about the dangers of the world and arrogance.


    Read James 4:1-10

    1. Do you think there are people who instigate drama in the church just for enjoyment?


    2. What does James say is the root cause of this behavior?


    3. Describe being a friend of the world. How is this different from loving people in the world? Refer to 1 John 2:7-11; 15-17.


    4. What causes God’s jealousy? How does rendering ourselves humble play into this?


    5. Should we be afraid of the devil?


    6. What James’ thoughts on feeling emotion?


    Prayer - This week as you ask for prayer, be honest with yourself about the true motives behind the prayer.


    Assignment - Be encouraged to explore your emotions. Don’t bury them deep, but feel free to express what you’re feeling. Don’t mask what’s inside.

  • James warns his Christian brethren about the dangers of trying to control things and act on God’s behalf.


    Read James 4:11-17

    1. What is our place in other people’s actions?


    2. Does this apply when disciplining within the church? Refer to Matthew 18:15-17.


    3. Should our confidence be in our own actions?


    4. How does giving situations & their outcomes to God make you feel?


    5. God opposes the proud. So where does arrogance leave you in God’s sight?


    6. Have you not done the right thing cause it might be uncomfortable?


    Prayer - This week pray that in all situations that you accept God’s will.


    Assignment - Try to act in the right way in all circumstances. Even ones that might make you feel uncomfortable.

  • James feels strongly about men who are using their riches for ill gain. Encourages Christians to support each other.


    Read James 5

    1. Describe James’ feelings on the selfish and rich.


    2. Does God listen to the cries of the oppressed?


    3. What is James’ encouragement to the downtrodden?


    4. How much did the prophets endure? Use them as your models of endurance.


    5. Do you often find yourself making empty promises? In what context?


    6. Does the western church take prayer and anointing seriously?


    7. How important is accountability?


    Prayer - As you pray this week, have faith in your endurance. Have faith in the power of prayer.


    Assignment - Be accountable for each other. Don’t judge each other but do keep each other from error. Do so with mercy & grace.

Songs of Christmas

(scroll down for Gifted to serve study guide)

This Bible study guides participants through the four major songs in Luke's account of Jesus' birth, exploring their theological significance, historical context, and personal application. Each week's questions encourage deep reflection on the text and its implications for Christian faith and practice.

  • Mary's Song, also known as the Magnificat, is a profound expression of faith and praise found in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55). This passage captures a pivotal moment in the New Testament, where Mary, upon visiting her cousin Elizabeth, bursts forth in song, celebrating the miraculous news of her impending motherhood.


    Read Luke 1:46-55

    1. What circumstances led to Mary's song of praise? (Luke 1:39-45)


    2. How does Mary describe herself? (Luke 1:46-48)


    3. How does Mary's response to her situation demonstrate faith? (Luke 1:38, 46-47)


    4. List the attributes of God that Mary mentions in her song. (Luke 1:49-50)


    5. What does this song reveal about Mary's understanding of God's character? (Luke 1:49-50)


    6. What does Mary say about God's actions towards the proud and the humble? (Luke 1:51-52)


    7. How might Mary's song have been a source of encouragement to early Christians? (Luke 1:52-53)


    8. How does Mary's song reflect God's promises to Israel? (Luke 1:54-55)


    9. In what ways does the Magnificat echo themes from Hannah’s song from 1 Samuel 2:1-10?


    10. In what ways can Mary's song inspire our own worship and praise today?

  • Zechariah's Song, also known as the Benedictus, is a powerful prophetic hymn found in Luke 1:68-79. This song of praise erupts from Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, after months of divinely imposed silence. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zechariah's words bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, heralding the imminent arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.


    Read Luke 1:67-79

    1. What event immediately preceded Zechariah's song? (Luke 1:64-66)


    2. How does Zechariah describe God's actions in verses 68-71? (Luke 1:68-71)


    3. What Old Testament covenant does Zechariah reference in his song? (Luke 1:72-73; Gen 22:1-19)


    4. How does this song connect the Old Testament promises with their New Testament fulfillment? (Luke 1:70-73)


    5. What does Zechariah's song reveal about the purpose of God's redemption? (Luke 1:74-75)


    6. How does Zechariah describe his son John's future role? (Luke 1:76-77)


    7. What metaphors does Zechariah use to describe the coming Messiah? (Luke 1:78-79)


    8. How does Zechariah's experience of being mute impact the power of this song?


    9. In what ways does this song demonstrate Zechariah's faith and understanding?


    10. How can Zechariah's song inform our understanding of God's faithfulness?

  • The Angels’ Song, found in Luke 2:13-14, represents a profound moment of divine celebration marking the birth of Jesus Christ. This brief yet powerful proclamation, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," captures the cosmic significance of Christ's arrival.


    Read Luke 2:8-20

    1. To whom did the angels first announce the birth of Jesus? (Luke 2:8-9)


    2. What is the significance of God choosing shepherds as the first recipients of this news? (Luke 2:8-11)


    3. How does the angels' song balance heavenly glory with earthly peace? (Luke 2:14)


    4. What does the phrase "with whom He is pleased" imply about the nature of God's peace? (Luke 2:14)


    5. How does this brief song encapsulate the meaning of Christ's birth? (Luke 2:10-14)


    6. In what ways does the angels' song connect with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah? (Luke 2:32; compare with Isaiah 42:6, 49:6)


    7. How might this heavenly proclamation have impacted the shepherds' understanding of the event? (Luke 2:15-20)


    8. What does the angels' song reveal about the cosmic significance of Jesus' birth?


    9. How does this song relate to the broader themes of Luke's Gospel? (Luke 1:32-33, 2:10-11)


    10. In what ways can we apply the message of the angels' song to our lives today?

  • Simeon's Song, found in the Gospel of Luke (2:29-32), is a profound moment of prophetic revelation and spiritual anticipation. This powerful hymn emerges from a deeply faithful man who had been waiting his entire life for the promised Messiah.


    Read Luke 2:25-35

    1. Who was Simeon and what had God promised him? (Luke 2:25-26)


    2. How does Simeon's reaction to seeing Jesus demonstrate his faith? (Luke 2:27-28)


    3. What does Simeon mean by "dismiss your servant in peace"? (Luke 2:29)


    4. How does Simeon describe Jesus' mission in his song? (Luke 2:30-32)


    5. What does Simeon's reference to "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" signify? (Luke 2:32)


    6. How does this song connect with Isaiah's prophecies about the Messiah? (Luke 2:32; compare with Isaiah 42:6, 49:6)


    7. What does Simeon's song reveal about the universal scope of God's salvation? (Luke 2:31-32)


    8. How does this song complement the other songs in Luke's nativity narrative? (Luke 1:46-55, 1:67-79, 2:13-14, 2:29-32)


    9. What additional prophecy does Simeon give about Jesus and Mary? (Luke 2:34-35)


    10. How can Simeon's faithful waiting and joyful response inspire our own spiritual lives?

Gifted to serve

God was directly involved in making you who you are. The Scripture teaches that He was involved in “weaving you together” in your mother’s womb. You were not an accident or here by random chance, but by the direct result of God at work.

You were created with a unique personality and abilities. Like a snow flake, no two persons are alike. Because God is without limits, so His handiwork demonstrates a great variety.


Unfortunately our sin has damaged what God intended for us in so many different ways. First of all sin destroyed our relationship with God and with others. Not only that it severely damaged our ability to become all that God intended for us to be.


The good news in the Bible is that when a person receives the gift of salvation, their sin is forgiven and God begins a restoration process in their life. We are made alive spiritually and are given special gifts to serve in God’s kingdom.


When God’s people begin to use their gifts in service, the church catches on fire and their community feels the impact. Together we will explore how we have been “gifted to serve.”


As a member of a Growth Group at La Center Church, you will experience New Testament community. You will pray for one another, encourage one another, support one another and learn from one another. You will share meals together and work side by side. Most importantly you will grow in your relationship with Christ as you apply God’s word to your life.


So buckle up your seat belt and together let’s “discover our calling”.


  • Often we feel like we have few talents or abilities. It is easy to compare ourselves with others and our insecurity tells us we are not important. Inside we know this isn’t true, but our emotions distract us from the truth. In our study we will see that God has made us just as we are and He wants us to use our uniqueness to serve Him.


    Read Jeremiah 1:5

    1. What do we learn about God’s involvement in our creation from His conversation with Jeremiah?


    2. What does this passage teach us about our calling?


    Read Psalm 139:13-16

    3. What role does God have in our formation? (v.13)


    4. How does David respond to this knowledge? (v.14)


    5. How does verse 15 amplify what David proclaimed in verse 13? How does he describe God’s handiwork?


    6. Besides a physical body, what did God prepare for you? (vs. 16)


    7. What does this indicate about God’s desire for your life and efforts?


    Read Ephesians 2:1-10

    8. How does the Apostle Paul describe our life before receiving Christ? (vs. 1-3)


    9. What impact does our sin nature have on our understanding of God’s calling for our life? (vs.3)


    10. Why did God intervene in your life? (vs. 4) How does this impact how you feel about your personal worth and abilities?


    11. What did God do for you? (vs. 5-6) What will be the ultimate result of God’s work in your life? (vs. 7)


    12. How do we receive this gift from God? (vs.8-9)


    13. What does it mean that we are God’s workmanship? (vs.10)


    14. For what were we created? (vs. 10) Explain what this means to you?


    For Your Prayer Time: Spend time in prayer for one another, rejoicing in God’s creative work in making you unique for His glory.

  • God was directly involved in making us who we are before we were born. Even though we have sinned, God loved us and offers us the opportunity to receive salvation by faith. Why? So we will be pictures of His grace and kindness and that we would use our days to honor Him by our efforts.


    Read 1 Peter 4:10-11

    1. What does verse 10a indicate about spiritual gifts?


    2. How are we to use our gift(s)? (vs. 10b)


    3. Describe the role of a steward. What does this have to do with our gifting? (vs.10c)


    4. What two types or categories of gifts does Peter describe? (vs.11)


    5. Describe what is involved in a “speaking” gift?


    6. How does Peter describe the speech of the one with the speaking gift? How should this truth sober the one who speaks? How should the listener respond to the message given?


    7. Describe what kinds of things are included in a serving gift?


    8. Where does our strength to serve come from? Why is this important?


    9. When the congregation is serving one another through their gifting, what is the result? (vs.11b) Practically what does this look like?


    10. God blesses us when we serve one another using our unique gifting. How have you experienced God’s blessings in service?


    Assignment: Spend time in personal prayer over whether God has given you a speaking gift or a serving gift? Write down what you understand about your spiritual gift(s).


    For your prayer time: Thank God for giving you gifts for His service.

  • Review Assignments: Have each group member share what they believe their type of spiritual gift to be (speaking/serving).


    We are formed by the hand of God. Jesus gave his life so we might be forgiven and our lives renewed. He did this for the praise of His glory and that our lives would reflect His grace through our service.


    In 1st Peter we learned that God gave each of us a gift to serve others. We may have speaking gifts or serving gifts. We are to take our service seriously as stewards of God’s grace in our lives.


    Review Romans 12:1-2

    1. Why does Paul appeal to the believers in Rome?


    2. Review Romans 11:25-36. How has God shown us His mercy? (See vs 29-32)


    3. How does understanding God’s mercy to us provide us motive for our service?


    The book of Lamentations was written after the nation of Israel was taken into captivity and Jerusalem was destroyed. Jeremiah is lamenting what had happened. In the mist of this horrible situation, he writes about God’s mercy.


    4. Read Lamentations 3:22-23 What do you learn about God’s mercy?


    5. How does experiencing God’s mercy daily help to keep you motivated to serve Him.


    6. What does it mean to present our bodies as a living sacrifice? (Romans 12:1)


    7. What was involved in offering a sacrifice in Jesus’ day? How is a living sacrifice different?


    8. What is to be the character of our offering? Explain its importance?


    9. What does this sacrificial offering have to do with worship? How do you describe worship?


    10. What does conformity to the world look like? (12:2) How are we to be different?


    11. How do we experience this kind of transformation that Paul is describing?


    12. How does this transformation empower us to discern what God’s will is in our lives?


    13. How is God’s will described?


    14. How have you “tested” God’s will in your life?


    Assignment: Prayerfully answer the following questions this week:

    1. What motivates you to get up each morning and go to work/school?


    2. What is your motivation to work at building healthy relationships at home with your spouse or family, or with friends?


    3. Why do you come to church?


    4. What inner drive encourages you to serve God with what He has given to you?


    For Your Prayer Time: Thank God for His mercy in your life—be specific. Ask Him to transform your life.

  • Review Assignment: Discuss the assignment questions from the previous week on motivation.


    God has uniquely created us and called us to serve Him. Part of this service is directed to the body of Christ by using our spiritual gifts of speaking and serving. Our motive for service grows out of understanding how much God has done and continues to do for us in Christ.


    Salvation in Christ impacts each one of us individually, but in that process we are placed in the body of Christ—the church. We are “one body” and are called to serve Christ as a team, not solo.


    Read—Romans 12:1-5

    1. What danger does the Apostle Paul identify in regard to attitudes? (v.3a) Give examples of this attitude.


    2. What is the solution to this danger?


    3. Do we all have the same amount of faith? Why or why not?


    4. Where does your faith come from? How does this truth keep you from becoming proud?


    5. What does Paul’s illustration of the body teach you about your relationship and connection within the local church? (v.4)


    6. What does this illustration teach you about your personal involvement in the church?


    7. What happens when one part of our body ceases to function? Give examples.


    8. What does it mean that we are “individually members one of another” (v.5)


    9. When have you truly felt “connected” to the body of Christ? When have you felt “disconnected?”


    10. How does your sense of “connectedness” impact your desire to serve others in the congregation?


    11. What can your growth group do to help those who are new in our church become “connected?”


    Assignment: Besides spiritual gifts, God has given us natural abilities to use for His glory. List out several natural abilities you have.


    Prayer Time: Thank God that He has placed you in the body of Christ and given you special gifts to contribute to its ministry. Pray for those you know who don’t feel connected at this time.


  • Review Assignment: Take turns to share about the natural abilities God has given you. Affirm one another.


    We are uniquely created and called to serve by God. The greatness of our salvation gives us motivation to serve. At the moment of salvation God gives us spiritual gifts to contribute to the life of the church. We need one another, for if one member fails to use their gifts in service, we all suffer.


    Read Romans 12:3-8

    1. In Romans 12:3 , Paul teaches we each were given a measure of faith. How does this relate to v.6 where it speaks of “grace given to us?”


    2. How does the concept of different functions in v.4 relate to differing gifts in verse 6?


    3. What does the concept of grace have to do with our spiritual gifts? How are you to view your gifting because of it?


    4. We are challenged to “use” our gifts. What does it say to the giver if the recipient doesn’t accept or use a gift that has been given?


    5. Describe the following gifts and their value for the church (look up if needed):

    • Prophecy
    • Service
    • Teaching
    • Exhortation
    •  Giving
    •  Leadership
    •  Mercy

    6. Choose a gift listed above and describe how a church would suffer if it wasn’t being used.


    Assignment:  Take the Spiritual Gifts Test. Share the results with your Growth Group next week.


    For Your Prayer Time: Thank God together for our unique differences and gifting within the church.   

  • Review Assignment: Share the results of your spiritual gift inventory with the group. Affirm one another.


    We are uniquely created. . .called. . .gifted. . .and placed. . .to serve our Lord. We are members of Christ’s church with different functions, just as a body has many parts, but all function together in harmony.


    Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

    1. In verses 4-6, what additional words are used to describe gifts? What do they add to our understanding of spiritual gifts?


    2. What does Paul want to communicate about spiritual gifts in verses 4-6? What issue is he confronting at the Corinthian church?


    3. Where do we find the power to serve? (v.6, 11) Why is this important? How have you seen this in your life?


    4. In verse 7 it speaks of a manifestation of the Spirit. What does this mean?


    5. What is God’s purpose for giving us spiritual gifts? (v.7) How does this relate to what we saw in 1 Peter 4:10?


    6. Describe the following gifts and their value to the church:

    • Word of Wisdom
    • Word of Knowledge
    • Faith
    • Healing
    • Miracles
    • Discernment of Spirits
    • Tongues
    • Interpretation of Tongues

    Note—Tongues and interpretation of tongues are sign gifts (1 Cor. 14:22). There are specific instructions and warnings regarding their use within the church. (1 Cor. 14). At La Center Church we practice 1 Corinthians 14:19—focusing on speaking within the church language that people understand so the body can be built up.


    7. Who makes the determination of who in the church gets what gifts? (v.11) What common practice does this address?


    8. What do we learn from 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 regarding the Spirit’s distribution of gifts? Should we seek any certain gift? Why or why not?


    Assignment: Prayerfully think about the ministry of the church and how your unique gifting can be used here. Write down two or three different kinds of ministries you might enjoy serving in.


    For your prayer time: pray that each on in the Growth Group would not only understand their unique gifting for service, but they would begin to use their gifts to build up the body of Christ.

  • Review Assignment: Share within the Growth Group what two or three ministries at La Center Church would be a match for your unique gifting.


    Uniquely created. . .called. . .gifted. . .placed. . .and empowered for service to the body of Christ. We each are important and belong to one another.


    Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

    1. Here Paul again used the illustration of a body to describe the church. In verse 12 what two truths does he emphasize? Why are both significant?


    2. What can happen when a church emphasizes the diversity of gifts and neglects the unity of the body?


    3. What are the results when unity is overemphasized to the detriment of our diversity of gifts?


    4. What does Paul teach about the baptism of the Spirit? Do some have this baptism and other not? (12:13)


    5. What are the problems Paul addresses in verses 15-16?


    6. What creates a sense of belonging within a church? What destroys this sense of belonging?


    7. In your perspective, how is belonging to a family similar to belonging to a church.


    8. What are the implications of limiting ministry to just a few within the church? (v.17, 19)


    9. Again examining the illustration of the body, God in his wisdom created us physically where each of our parts works together for the good of the whole. How does this call us to place our trust in this same God who gifts people within the church for service? (see v. 18, 20)


    10. What does this illustration indicate about the importance of each one of us using our unique gifting?


    11. Why is unity within the church so important? How are we to respond to those who stir up division (see Titus 3:10-11)?


    Assignment: Look back over your life and identify positive and negative experiences God has brought you through. God uses our experiences to prepare us for service. List down a couple of “defining experiences” in your life.


    For Your Prayer Time: Ask God that we would see more and more people commit themselves to service within La Center Church. Together we can impact our community for Christ.

  • Review Assignment: Share together your “defining experiences” that God has used to make you who you are.


    Created. . .called. . .gifted. . .placed. . .differences . . teamwork. . .unity. . .belonging. ..and interdependent. We need one another. If you fail to serve—you cheat me and the rest of the congregation. If I fail to serve in my gifting—I am cheating you.


    Read 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

    1. Why do we feel at times that we are sufficient on our own? (v21)


    2. What keeps us from asking for help?


    3. Using Paul’s specific illustration in verse 21, describe the functionality of our physical body without hands or feet. How does this relate to the church?


    4. What does Paul teach about the weaker parts? (v. 22)


    5. How are we to treat the less honorable and unpresentable parts? (v.23-24) What would this look like in the church?


    6. When we give great honor to the “least” among us, what does that do for the church? How does that destroy division? (v.24-25)


    7. When you hit your thumb with a hammer, your whole body reacts. How is this a picture of the body of Christ? (v.26)


    8. When you have enjoyed a great meal, how does your body react? How is this a picture of the church? (v.26)


    9. How is care expressed to one another within the church? What can we do to improve in this area? (v.25)


    10. In your life, in what ways can we rejoice with you? In what ways can we suffer with you?


    Assignment: We use the acrostic S.H.A.P.E. to help us begin to understand our unique creation, calling and gifting for ministry. Review what you have learned during our study and jot down some notes about your SHAPE for ministry.


    S—Spiritual Gifts:

    H—Heart—what moves your heart to serve:

    A—Abilities—your unique natural abilities:

    P—Personality*:

    E—Experiences—both positive and negative:

    *If you would like to take a personality test, check out https://careerdirect.org/pid/

     

    For Your Prayer Time: Ask God to confirm your unique SHAPE this week.

  • Review Assignment: Discuss what you learned by exploring your unique SHAPE.


    God created us to serve. He called us and made us new for service. He gives us both natural talents and spiritual gifts. He wants to use our unique personality for His glory. He places us within the church and we are members of one another and belong to one another. If we don’t contribute by using our gifts we cheat one another. But if we use our gifts the church is built up and grows. But what often is missing?


    Read 1 Corinthians 13

    1. What is the value of sacrificial service apart from love? (v.1-3)


    2. What does verses 4-7 teach about the relational side of our service?


    3. How does expressing love measure up against the use of our spiritual gifts?


    Read John 13:34-35

    4. How does Jesus express this same theme?


    5. What is the measure of our love?


    6. What is the result of our love?


    Read John 14:12-14

    7. What does Jesus promise to his disciples?


    8. How are we to accomplish this challenge?


    9. Who is the source of our works? Why is this significant?


    10. What is the result of our good works and service? (v.13)


    11. What keeps us from asking God for a great impact as a church?


    12. Lastly—would you share with your Growth Group how God has used this study in your life?


    For Your Prayer Time: Praise God for who He made you to be and the unique place He has for you in the body of Christ.