
Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. Matthew 25:14-15
Your life is a gift from God, and what you do with your life is your gift back to God.
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:13-14
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Philippians 4:9
You can live your life by design or you can live your life by default.
You can live your life intentionally or you can live your life accidentally.
How do I discover God’s plan for my life?
“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.” John 10:10a
“My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10b
NEXT STEP: Mark your Connection Card that you will commit to serving on a ministry team at The Connection Church.
Connection Group Discussion Questions
- What point from this week’s message did you agree with most? Why?
- Who was the most talented person you knew growing up? What made him/her so talented?
- What talent do you have that others may not necessarily know about?
- Read Matthew 25:14-23. In this parable what did the master entrust the servants to do while he was away? What did the first two servants do? How were they rewarded?
- Read Matthew 25:24-30. What was the master’s response to the third servant’s handling of the talent? Why do you suppose the master responded the way he did?
- What are you doing with the “talents” that God has given you?
- Read Philippians 3:13-14 and Ephesians 2:10. What is Paul’s main focus (Phil. 3:13-14)? When was this purpose defined (Eph. 2:10)?
- Share how serving has shaped your life and purpose. What happened?
- If you are not serving on a team, what step can you take this week to “test and use your talents?” If you are serving already, how can you bring others along?
- How can your Connection Group pray for you this week?