The Purpose Driven Life
Lesson 5
Principle #4: You Were Shaped for Serving God
Do you believe you were put on this earth to make a difference, to make a contribution? Do you believe, “You were created to add to life on earth, not just take from it?” (The Purpose Driven Life, pg 227) The Bible teaches that you were created to serve God (Eph 2:10; Jer 1:5), saved to serve God (2 Tim 1:9), called to serve God (2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 2:9), and commanded to serve God (Php 2:5-7).
There is a direct link between serving and giving of yourself to spiritual growth and maturity. As we serve, we mature. As we mature, we serve. The two are inseparable. Realize that knowledge does not equal maturity. Far to many Christians “know” more than they practice. Spiritual muscles—maturity—are developed when they are worked. So, where do serve? What has God called you to do as a result of your life and salvation? Consider your S-H-A-P-E:
SHAPE is an acronym that describes who you are and what you can do for God. As we consider each letter, really wrestle and honestly look at your life and how you can begin serving immediately.
Spiritual gifts – Unwrapping your SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
God gives every believer gifts to be used in ministry (Rom 12:4-8; 1 Cor 12; Eph 4:8-15).
When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior you are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, who manifests himself in special ways to build up the church and Kingdom of God.
How has God gifted you? Where have you enjoyed serving in the past?
Heart – Listening to your HEART.
“The term heart describes your desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams and affections…Your heart reveals the real you—what you truly are...it determines what you say, what you do, why you feel the way you do and why you act the way you do…Another word for your heart is passion.” (pg 237, 238) God loves your heart, because he created it. While you want your heart to grow in accordance with God’s character and love, God has wired you for ministry that complements your heart.
Think about the paragraph above and list your desires, hopes, interests, ambitions, dreams and affections.
Abilities – Applying you ABILITIES.
“Your abilities are the natural talents you were born with…Realize that your abilities came from God, that you can use your abilities for God’s glory and what you are able to do, God wants you to do.” (pg 241)
What are you good at? List all the abilities you have:
(Realize these can be used for service and ministry)
Personality – Using your PERSONALITY
“Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities.” (pg 245)
Example: Two people may have the same gift or ability, but one is an introvert and the other an extrovert. One person will be more comfortable around many people while the other will thrive in a small circle. Both are valuable and have an exciting and enjoyable ministry ahead if they understand and serve in areas that support their personality.
How would you describe your personality?
(There are many books and personality profiles/tests to assist your assessment)
Experience – Employing your EXPERIENCES.
One of the great “shapers” of life is experience. We all have them and all should use them. In each category below, write the experiences you have had. How could you use these to serve God through others and the church.
Family-
Education-
Vocational (job experience)-
Spiritual-
Ministry (past service)-
Painful (what have you learned from past hurts, problems and trials)-
Rick Warren lists five ways servants think. Do these characterize you? Which ones would you like to grow in?
q Servants think more about others than about themselves
q Servants think like stewards, not owners
q Servants think about their work, not what others are doing
q Servants base their identity in Christ
q Servants think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation
As you have discovered, God has shaped you for service. Look back over your study and put it all together. Are their areas within the church you could begin serving today? Based on your S-H-A-P-E, is there a ministry you should begin or talk with someone about initiating? Write these areas of service—both existing or new ones to be started.
The big question: “Will you take the next step and use your SHAPE for service?” Only you can make a difference with your life.
Note: First Church of Christ regularly offers the class “Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts”. This is a great first step in discovering your gifts and getting plugged into an area of service.