Click the link to go to this week’s discussion guide: https://lifegroupscoc.org/discussion-guide
Be dressed for service and well prepared, as though you were waiting for your master to return from a wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. There will be special favor for those who are ready and waiting for his return. Luke 12:35-37 (NLT)
Goals for this Week’s Study
· Recall a time when you were faced with a major cleaning project. How did you handle it? What was the result?
· Message Aim: Recognize the need for preparation in order to be used by God and identify at least one step you’ll take this week.
Introduction
God created you in order to use you in this world. If that is your goal then it’s important, as Luke says above, to be dressed for service and ready to open the door when your master knocks. The Bible identifies five ways to prepare: I must 1) purify my heart; 2) sanctify my body; 3) simplify my schedule; 4) fortify my faith; and 5) I must intensify my passion for God. In this week’s lesson, let’s consider what God’s Word has to say about this preparation phase. What will you do to be ready?
Open your group with a prayer. This is only a guide – select the points you want to discuss.
“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean,
and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 (NLT)
1. Purify my heart. Many find it helpful to do “spring cleaning” of their homes each year. In 2 Timothy 2:21 above, what are three (3) reasons the Apostle Paul gives believers for taking a personal inventory to periodically purify their hearts?
“Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you…? You do not belong to yourself,
for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
2. Sanctify my body. Once we’ve dealt with our hearts, then we need to dedicate our bodies to be used by God. We can’t accomplish anything for God without healthy bodies. How does 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 above indicate that our bodies have been dedicated to God?
“Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 (LB)
3. Simplify my time. God’s kingdom is eternal and deserves first priority in our lives. We’re called to simplify our lives and schedules to leave room for the work God has planned for us. For example, we don’t want to be distracted by envy (trying to be like others), greed (trying to have it all and do it all), and the expectations of others (wrong friends and acquaintances). Rather we want to eliminate distractions keeping us from God’s purpose for our lives. What might we include in a plan to eliminate distractions?
“Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit.” 1 Timothy 4:7b (LB)
4. Fortify my faith. Faith is like a muscle; it must be exercised regularly to stay strong. Share some of your favorite habits for exercising your faith, such as classes, groups, or personal study. What has worked best for you, or, what is your plan for growth?
“I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV)
5. Intensify my passion. God is looking for people to use, and he wants to use you. Are you serious about living the life you were meant to live? If so, what step will you take this week to prepare? Personalize John 17:4 and pray about the next step God is nudging you to take. Is it time for some soul-searching or to focus on getting physically healthy? Do you need to weed out your schedule, or is spiritual growth needed in your life?