Sunday, February 5th

Professional athletes spend thousands of hours training and practicing for big games like the Super Bowl, but what would happen if they suddenly decided they weren’t good enough, and stayed in the locker room instead? Life can be like that for us as Christians; we think God has big plans for us, but fear or feelings of unworthiness keep us stuck on the sidelines instead of fighting for the win. How do we get off the bench and into the game?

Work through the following Scriptures and questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. This week’s message reminded us that we are uniquely qualified to be a part of God’s team, even though we may often feel that we have nothing worth contributing. Describe a time you stayed on the bench because you didn’t think you had what it took to get in the game
2. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-30. In school it was usually the popular kids who were picked first for teams. God’s way is very different, preferring the “foolish” and “weak” and “lowly.” What were your circumstances when God picked you for His team?
3. We learned that knowing Jesus leads to wisdom, maturity, power, and an understanding of the mysteries of God. How well do you really know Jesus? Do you feel that you have more head or heart knowledge of Him?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 2:7-10. Why is God’s wisdom a mystery? Would it be better or easier for the world if there was no mystery to it?
5. God is at work in our lives, even when we can’t see it. Have you ever had an experience with spiritual blindness where you were unable to see what God was doing until later in your life?
6. Our qualification to serve comes directly from God and is not dependent on what we or other people think. What is one way you have wanted to serve others but have felt unequipped to do so? What would it take for you to go for it?
7. This week we talked about God choosing people that you’d least expect for important roles on His team. In the weeks ahead, how can you prepare yourself for the next time you hear your name called to suit up and take the field in order to bring glory to God and His Kingdom?

KEY SCRIPTURES

1 Corinthians 1:26-30 — Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

1 Corinthians 2:7-10 — We declare Godʼs wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”

DIGGING DEEPER — GET IN THE GAME

As you begin to consider how God qualifies and equips you to serve, perhaps you are also considering how you can step out of anonymity into community and begin to serve others with others at Gateway.

For more information on any of our serving opportunities, please go to STARTING GATE after a Gateway Sunday service.

SPRITUAL OUTCOME — SERVE