Big Idea

God’s grace doesn’t end with our salvation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We continue to see God’s abundant grace in the redemption of our purpose when we say yes to Him. God prepared our good works before we were born (Ephesians 2). He created us with a purpose in mind, and by His grace God has given us every gift and talent we need to share the love of Jesus with those around us. As we look to walk in our purpose it’s important to remember:

  • We are filled up with grace gifts
  • We can’t fulfill our purpose without the gifts that God gave us to do so
  • Every gift we need is freely given to us
  • The gift is freely given; the expectation is that our gifts will be used for others

We are encouraged to develop our gifts by knowing:

  • If we start using our gifts in the local church, they will be perfected for everything else
  • God steps in when we get involved and use our gifts to fulfill our purpose

The hinderances we face when training our gifts are:

  • Recognition
  • Hardship
  • Religion

We develop our gifts by:

  • Locating and understanding the gifts God gave us
  • Recognizing how we are supposed to train our gifts
  • Releasing our gifts to make a difference

Discussion Questions

  • Share a time when you were able to make a difference through your gifts and talents.
  • What are the gifts and talents God has given you? How can you make a difference through your gifts and talents?
  • Do you believe God has given you everything you need to live out your purpose? If not, what causes you to doubt that you have everything you need in Christ? If so, what can you do to continue to receive all God has given you?
  • What hinderances do you face when in comes to taking time to train your gifts? What can you do to break through those hinderances?
  • What are things you can do to train your gifts? How will doing so strengthen your purpose?

Important Scriptures

James 1:5, James 1:17, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, Psalm 139:14, Luke 12:48, Galatians 2:8, Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 2:13