Bible Study

Title: Being More Than a Couch Potato
Date: Aug 26, 2005
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:18, Philippians 2:1-18, Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:11-13, Hebrews 13:20-21

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It's easy to settle for the couch when you're tired, when you want to escape, when you're afraid or feel you have no purpose in life. Before you know it, a lot of life has slipped away. Does God have something better in mind? The answer is yes; He has big plans for your life.

What Does God Say?

God created you so He could have a relationship with you. Through faith in Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, we are reconciled to God. We can know Him personally and intimately as a Friend and Father. That requires reading His Word, the Bible, and talking with Him through prayer. The goal is to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18, ESV).

God also created us to serve, to do good. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (ESV.) God already has a plan for you, a way you can serve Him and bring glory to Him.

And Galatians 6:10 says, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (ESV). Doing good and fulfilling God's purpose means investing in other people within and beyond the Church (the "household of faith"). As followers of Christ, we belong to each other; we have a responsibility to love, serve, teach and encourage each other to spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13).

My Thoughts

It's hard to honestly evaluate how you spend your time. Think back over the past week, and chart your free time (evenings, weekends, etc.). Now fill in how you've used that time.

Are there things you can change? Gaps that can be used in different ways?

These slots in your schedule can be "repurposed" according to God's Word.

Look at Philippians 2:1-18. List a few ways that Jesus modeled service for us.

Describe the attitudes of a godly servant. Then put a check by the attitudes you'd like to develop.

What are three steps you can take to change how you spend your time?

My Part

If you're ready to make a change, why not begin with one evening this week? Challenge yourself to a TV-free night and skip the junk food.

• Begin with God--read His Word, and in prayer, ask for His guidance on where and how you can fulfill His plans. Set a time frame or a schedule if it helps you stay on track.
• Jot down ways you can serve others in the name of Jesus. Include things you've done before and ideas you'd like to try. Maybe it's a need that tugs at your heart, like pitching in at a homeless shelter, working with teens or visiting older people.
• Then do it! Call your church office, contact a local ministry that needs your help or talk to a friend who's involved. Take action now, and see how God can use you. Don't be afraid to try; God has promised to equip you to do His will (Hebrews 13:20-21).

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