FBC Daily Devotions

Read Romans 12:3-8.

God has gifted each of His children with specific gifts that enable the body of Christ to work together as one. In the passage today, Paul relates those gifts with a certain attitude: not to think of oneself more highly than they ought.

To Consider
Why would there be a need for a command to guard against this attitude? How does knowing that your gifts are given “according to the grace given us” (v. 6) affect your attitude (i.e. what is “grace” and how does that enable us to have “sober judgment” (v. 3))?
The kind of attitude addressed in this passage comes when comparisons of gifts are made, and different values are placed on different gifts. Paul makes it clear that we are not to make comparisons with one another but rather focus on using our gifts as best as we possibly can. If we are concentrating on using our gifts for their intended purposes (i.e. building up others), then there is no time to be self-serving, and there is no room for comparison.

To Consider
It is difficult to focus on the use of one’s gifts if you don’t know what your gifts are. Take a few minutes right now and jot down some areas you feel you minister to others well in. Then consider how you might use those abilities in a ministry to others on a regular basis.

What are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

Finding one’s place in the community of Christ can be a rewarding experience. Working alongside fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to help others in their life and walk is perhaps the best way to build a tight community. This week we look at serving in the context of community. May you find a greater understanding of your value in the Body of Christ as you work through these devotions.

-Pastor Mike

Small Group Questions
Week of October 20, 2008

Opening: How have you seen God work this week?

1. God has gifted each of His children with specific gifts that enable the body of Christ to work together as one. It is difficult to focus on the use of one’s gifts if you don’t know what your gifts are! Discuss with one another what you believe could be each person’s spiritual gift. (This could seem awkward to put each person on “the hot seat”, but trust me, this exercise is an affirming and encouraging way to speak into one another’s lives and worth the discomfort.) What are specific ways each person can use his or her gifts to serve the church Family?
2. Based on John 13:3-7, what should be our attitude in serving others? What are some underlying characteristics of this kind of service?
3. Consider that Judas was in that group of men. What does that say about Jesus’ servant attitude knowing that He knew Judas would betray Him? Who are the Judas’ in your life (if any)? How can this attitude be carried out in your work, home, and church?
4. Obedient service is an act of generosity according 2Cor. 9:10-15. Our generosity has its origins in the generosity of God. His deep riches in our life are meant to be given to others. How have you (like Paul) been on the receiving end of someone’s generous blessing in your life? Take time to thank God during your prayer time for those blessings.
5. Compare the differences between an earthly life filled with worry of food and clothing and a kingdom rich with inexhaustible goods. The truth is, we live in both worlds. But which is the one we should live in based on Jesus’ words? How ought this to impact our worries in this world?
6. Have you ever found yourself worrying about the necessities of life? If so, when? Have you experienced how seeking the kingdom and giving to those in need helped you let go of the worry? If so, when?
7. Are you currently struggling with fear? Discuss ways to “seek the kingdom” first.

As you go into your prayer time, consider the following questions:

• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?

Look over your notes from the past week. What one or two things did God impress upon you this week?

Read Isaiah 25:6-8.

A day is coming, yes, a day is coming when we will feast on the best God has to offer for all peoples. It will be a day of feasting on fine food with all of God’s people in one place. I like to think we can have a little taste of that experience in a gathering of God’s people… with good food, of course!

Craig shared (by accident) last Sunday that we can’t have food without fellowship (he meant to say we can’t have fellowship without food). But he was right in this regard: we shouldn’t have food without fellowship. A meal forces us to slow down, and it is the perfect opportunity to share conversation with others.

Several nights ago we had a number of families at our house. The girls were in the kitchen preparing dinner, the kids were in another room playing together, and the guys… (where were the guys?) During the course of preparations, one of the girls mentioned that she liked doing this more than meeting for Home Group. Can you believe that?! Well, I was not totally surprised because when people get together to enjoy a good meal together with family and friends, it doesn’t get much better than that.

That same evening I visited the Akamine’s where a small group practiced a few songs for the Fall Conference. I was running a little late, but we managed to run through the songs in about 15 minutes. But instead of everyone heading home, for the next hour to hour and a half we all sat around the table snacking and gabbing about life. The music may have been why we came, but the fellowship is why we stayed. When I look at the early church, that was one of the reasons the church continued to grow (Acts 2:47).

A church that reaches across and enjoys fellowshipping together is truly a Family of God.

To consider:
How are you enjoying the fellowship of believers? When was the last time you “sat down around the table” and enjoyed the fellowship of others? Take a moment and thank God for those times and the Family He has brought you into.