December 15-16, 2001 Bible Study

DEEPER IMPACT
A study sheet for further exploration
December 15-16, 2001

Give It Up
Luke 1:38

If you could ask God for anything, what would it be?

Read through Mary's encounter with the angel in Luke 1:26-38.

If you could describe why we are in relationship with God, what would you say? What does that relationship look like to you?
How do the following scriptures help enlarge or clarify your understanding of our relationship with God?

Matthew 12:35-36
Luke 12:35-36
John 8:29-30
John 12:25-26
1 Corinthians 7:23

What about the following people inspires you in your relationship with God? Mary in Luke 1:38; Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:8-10; Isaiah in Isaiah 6:1-8.

Do you pray with an attitude of "Speak, Lord, your servant listens" or "Listen, Lord, your servant speaks"?
What does the term "upside down gospel" mean to you? What implications does it have for the way you currently live your life?

"Your gifts and talents are what God gives to you. What you do with your gifts and talents is what you give to God."

Have you ever identified your spiritual gifts? If so, what are they? If not, check out the next "A Follower's Life" class or pick up a copy of "Break Thru" in the bookstore. This would be a great exercise for your group to do together.
How are you following the command in 1 Peter 4:10-11?
Which ministry would be most difficult for you to say "Here am I, send me"? To which ministry could you most easily respond in this way?

If all the members of your group showed up at church saying, "Here we are, send us!" what do you think would happen? How are you "giving it up" to God? What steps will you take individually and as a group to give it up this week?