I feel used
Last Edition Recap
How have you applied the last edition to your life?
Opening Prayer
Father God, thank you that we can meet again as friends. Thank you for the gift of companionship, friendship, and the assistance of learning more about you. May we learn and understand what you are teaching us. May we not dismiss your instruction to us. And may we know your truth to live by it. Amen.
Intro
There are two ways in which we can approach this topic:
- Negatively: e.g. when loved ones have broken hearts or someone has been conned out of money.
- Positively: e.g. When someone has been put in a to fulfil a specific task, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.
Chat Point 1
- Look at the picture and identify which match would say “I feel used” positively or negatively? Why?
- What does this picture tell you about Christians and the church?
- What are some of the excuses or reasons we give for being useful?
When we think of those God used in the Bible, we remember the extraordinary things these people did. Think of:
- Noah – Saved humanity from extinction
- Abraham – Placed God first over his Son
- Moses – Parted the Sea to save God’s people
- Gideon – A mighty warrior and leader
- Samson – Had tremendous strength
- Rahab – Housed and hid Joshua’s spies
- David – A shepherd who became a king
- Elijah – Called down fire from Heaven
- The Disciples – Spread the Gospel
- Paul – Fearlessly proclaimed Jesus and planted churches.
These characters have “Hero” status in Biblical history. But these people were all ordinary people whom GOD used in extraordinary ways.
- Noah – was a drunk
- Abraham – was too old
- Moses – had a speech impediment
- Gideon – was afraid and hiding away
- Samson – was a womaniser
- Rahab – was a prostitute
- David – was an adulterer and murderer
- Elijah – was suicidal
- The Disciples – Lobbied for which one was the best disciple
- Paul – Formally known as Saul, murdered Christians and tried to stop Christianity from spreading.
Key Focus
- Mat 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth…
- Mat 5:14 You are the light of the world…”
- Joh 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Chat Point 2
- What stands out for you in these passages?
- What do you think God is trying to tell you?
- Why is Jesus telling you that you are the salt and the light of the earth? (Think of the church).
- If Jesus said this to you personally, taking into account all the people God has used before, How would you respond to him?
Final Thought
One of the world’s greatest feelings is having a sense of purpose. Belonging to and being a part of something greater than ourselves – for the betterment of humanity – is always a positive emotion. For example: Think of a loved one that needed your help. When you helped them, you felt important and knew that you were there, at that moment, to fulfil a purpose. One cannot deny the sense of fulfilment when helping our loved ones. In the back of our minds, we can say with smiles on our faces, “I feel used (useful) – I Feel important – I mattered to someone.”
While we still breathe, Jesus gives us a deep sense of purpose. He encourages us to grasp the privilege of being part of an eternal movement for the rescuing of souls. If we want true fulfilment and a real sense of purpose, we need to allow ourselves to be used for the Kingdom of God here on earth. When you truly allow God to use you for His purpose, you will know that you are being used for something eternally wonderful. You will know that you – EVEN YOU READING THIS – matter more than you could ever imagine to the movement of God.
Look at the picture of the matches again.
- Which match fulfilled its purpose?
- Which match are you?
What are your prayer requests?
Closing Prayer
Lord God, you have purposefully planned for us to be alive today. Not so that we may suffer the hardships of this world but that we may know your mercy. Please help us not only learn from you but prompt us to apply what we learn. May we be used for you and your purpose. Amen.
In-between Chats: Personal Reflection
- How do you feel about God having a plan and a purpose for you?
- What do you think God wants you to do or get involved in?
- How are you going to apply this lesson to your own life?
Edition Writer: Rev Kevin Zondagh
Executive Coach, Life Coach, and Ordained Minister. Founder of CoffeeChatConnect and the Exemplar Coaching Company.