Bible Study

Title: Being Used by God
Date: Sep 14, 2005
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood
Scripture: John 14:12-24, John 12:24-26, Luke 6:38, Romans 12:1-21

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What is the secret to being used by God? It's all wrapped up in a choice: to daily sacrifice or put aside my agenda and desires in order to follow or fulfill God's agenda and desire for me. That's what Jesus did--He sacrificed His life in order to accomplish God's plan for your salvation. Surely, the least you can do as His follower is to follow His example and give up your life for Him. It may not include your physical death, but you might have to set aside your self-focused life in order to meet the needs of others.

What Does God Say?

In Romans 12:1, the apostle Paul writes, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (ESV).

Jesus laid it on the line with His own example as a Shepherd, a Servant and a Sacrifice. Read His words in John 12:24-26 and John 14:12-24. What does Jesus say we will do if we love Him?

What kind of help does He give us? (John 14:16-17).

My Thoughts

We have been given so much through Jesus Christ. Look up the following verses, and jot down a few things that God has given you:

Romans 8:37-39 ___________

Romans 8:1 ___________

2 Corinthians 5:17 ___________

Romans 6:6-7 ___________

Romans 6:23 ___________

1 Peter 1:3 ___________

Romans 5:1 ___________

Romans 12:6-8 ___________

If you're willing to be used by God, what are some things you can "give away"? Develop a list from Romans 12:9-21.

Living a sacrificed life, "giving away" what God has given to us doesn't leave us empty-handed. We won't run out or run short of what we need. Look at Jesus' promise in Luke 6:38: "Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you" (ESV).

My Part

In a paraphrase of John 12:25, martyred missionary Jim Elliot once wrote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." A sacrificed life knows that giving up our way for God's way is the secret to fulfillment and being used by God. So how do you get started today?

Begin with a two-fold prayer. First, thank God for all He's given to you through Jesus (you've just made that list). Then tell Him you're willing and ready to be used by Him, to "give away" to others.

Working from your notes on Romans 12:9-21, think of three things you can "give away" today. Ask God to show you three people in your life who need what you have to give, and take steps to accomplish that in the next 48 hours.

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