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Two Guys From Vista
Listen in every Mon.-Fri., 2:30-3 PM on 1210 AM KPRZ, to hear the Two Guys from Vista show. It features our very own teaching pastors, Larry & Chris!
Print this pageChristianity Made Simple | Ministry Made Simple | February 2-3, 2008 |
Growth Group Homework
For the week of February 3, 2008
QUICK REVIEW: This week we took a good look at Paul's ministry and focused on a few principles that impact our ministry. Is there anything about this topic or message that particularly caught your attention, challenged or encouraged you?
MY STORY
1. When you think of "ministry" what are some of the thoughts, images, people, or ideas that come to mind (positive or negative)?
2. Most of us don't enjoy being corrected, rebuked or disciplined. So when it comes to being warned or admonished about something, what do you think are the key ingredients that need to be present for you to respond positively?
When the tables are turned and we have the role of admonishing someone else, what are some indicators that could tell us our motivation is messed up?
DIGGING DEEPER
1. It's pretty amazing to think that God chooses to use us to make a difference in this world. How do the following verses help us further understand both our role and God's role in this process?
1 Timothy 2:1-7
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time. [7] And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. [NIV]
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe--as the Lord has assigned to each his task. [6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. [7] So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. [8] The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. [9] For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. [NIV]
Romans 1:20
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. [NIV]
1 Peter 2:12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. [NIV]
1 Peter 3:15-18
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, [16] keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. [17] It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. [18] For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, [NIV]
What are some potential pitfalls or problems we could face if we confuse our role with God's role or His role with ours?
2. The mission of North Coast Church is to make disciples in a healthy church environment. This weekend we heard that making disciples requires that we focus on the "right goal" and communicate the "right message." Ephesians 4:11-16 gives us a picture of what that can look like. According to the passage and/or your experience:
Ephesians 4:11-16
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, [12] to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
[14] Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. [NIV]
What are some of the obstacles that can get in the way of our spiritual growth both individually and as a church family?
What knowledge and actions are called for in order to see a healthy church grow?
Is there something in this passage that you could apply in your own life to help our church family grow and mature?
3. Pastor Larry pointed out that being involved in ministry and having the "right perspective" will require our willingness to serve and even suffer for others. Acts 20:17-34 shows us some of the things Paul had to endure in order to carry out his ministry. How does 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 help explain what motivated Paul to willingly suffer for others?
Acts 20:17-34
From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. [18] When they arrived, he said to them: "You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. [19] I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. [20] You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. [21] I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.
[22] "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. [23] I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. [24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
[25] "Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. [26] Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. [27] For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. [28] Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. [29] I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. [30] Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. [31] So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
[32] "Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. [33] I have not coveted anyone's silver or gold or clothing. [34] You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. [NIV]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. [17] For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. [18] So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. [NIV]
In what ways does this passage or Paul's example motivate you to give, sacrifice, or serve?
TAKING IT HOME
1. Pastor Larry made it clear that, "If you are a Christian, you have a ministry." One of the best ways to discover our ministry is to just get out there and serve where there is a need. Take a few minutes to talk to God about how He would like to use you, and then listen. Is He nudging you in any specific direction?
2. Another way to get involved is to look closely at your gifts, interests, abilities, personality or experience. Based on your unique wiring, can you think of a ministry that might have your name on it? Try not to get too caught up in finding the exact right thing; God is more interested in you stepping out and doing something.
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We're offering a number of new projects. Here's one:
Day of Service at the Vista's Boys and Girls Club
Saturday, February 23 --- 8 AM - 5 PM
Vista's Boys and Girls Club provides young people a safe place to learn and grow, especially those who need us most. We will be doing a one day service project. Volunteer opportunities include painting, general cleanup and fix-it projects. Handymen and carpenters needed! Sign up on our Web site www.northcoastchurch.com/service or contact Terry for more information, 760-696-8270.