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Introduction:
A new year brings with it excitement and a desire for newness in our lives - a desire to be better, to do more, and to focus on what matters most. Life is short; therefore, life should be lived wisely with the end in mind. NEXT is about helping you make the most of your life this year.
“… we end our years like a sigh. 10Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow; indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.12Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” —Psalms 90:9b-10;12
This collection of talks will provide you with Biblical strategies to help you take next steps in some of the most important areas of your life.
January 9 Taking Next Steps in Your Health
January 16 Taking Next Steps in Your Finances
January 23 Taking Next Steps in Your Relationships
January 30 Taking Next Steps in Your Ministry
February 6 Taking Next Steps in Your Mission
February 13 Super Vision Sunday (Favorite Sports Jersey Day!)
Text: Romans 12:1-8 (CSB, New Testament)
Today’s Takeaway: Missional Churches are led by missional people.
NEXT - WEEK #5: “Taking Next Steps in Your Mission”
I. MISSIONAL PEOPLE ARE
(v. 1)
A. Your greatest ability is your
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me.” —Isaiah 6:8
B. Ability without availability is
Common Excuses for Not Being Missional:
- Don’t have
“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” —Ephesians 5:16 (KJV)
- Don’t have
“But those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” —Isaiah 40:31
- Don’t have
“And he gave … pastors and teachers, 12to equip the saints, for the work of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ.” —Ephesians 4:11-12
II. MISSIONAL PEOPLE STAY
(v. 2)
“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the commanding officer.” —II Timothy 2:4
III. MISSIONAL PEOPLE
THEMSELVES (v. 3-5a)
“But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted.” —1 Corinthians 12:18
A.
1. We believe every member is a minister of the Gospel.
” Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” —I Peter 4:10
2. We want to see every member effectively use their spiritual gifts for the glory of God“Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you …” —II Timothy 1:6a
B.
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” —Psalm 37:4
C.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” —John 15:5
D.
“For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” —Philippians 2:13
E.
“A person’s steps are established by the Lord, and he takes pleasure in his way. 24Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, because the Lord supports him with his hand.” —Psalms 37:23-24
IV. MISSIONAL PEOPLE STAY UNIFIED (v. 4-5)
A. Every member is a
B. Every member has a
C. Every member’s ministry is
D. Every member
“And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, growing into maturity with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness.” —Ephesians 4:11-13
V. MISSIONAL PEOPLE APPLY THEMSELVES (v. 6-8)
“Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; …” —I Timothy 4:14a
CONCLUSION: What next steps do you need to take to be missional?
DEEP DIVE QUESTIONS:
1. Which of the excuses from point 1 do you struggle with?
2. What are some ways you tend to lose focus?
3. Do you know yourself? Have you taken the S.H.A.P.E. test?
4. Are you unified with the body of Christ? Why or why not?