Speaker: Rhordan Wicks
INTRODUCTION
As we round up this series skilfully, we look at the last phrase of Psalm 78:72 “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them.”
In this world, there seems to be a trade-off between excelling in your craft and maintaining a purity of heart. We admire Steve Jobs’ creativity and are willing to overlook his controlling management style. We brush off our impatience in pursuit of efficiency. We try to make up for our failings with “I’m sorry, I will try harder”; “I’m sorry, I will pray harder”; “I’m sorry, I will be better”.
But is this all God had in mind for us?
DISCUSS
a. In 1 Sam 16:17-18a, we learn that David had spent time practising the lyre – such that he was recognised as a skilled musician. As a result, he was given the opportunity to serve King Saul in his court, bringing him into a position of influence for God. Everything in our lives is spiritual – even our seemingly unspiritual talents and skills. What skills or talents have you been cultivating over time that God has used to further His kingdom?
b. As you cultivate skills in line with God’s calling on your life, how can you avoid the pitfall of seeking perfection?
a. We often think only of ‘spiritual gifts’ to be used in church (1 Corinthians 12). The truth is, God our creator created every part of us. Every skill we have is a spiritual gift. So, what do we do with the gifts we have been given? Consider the repeated sentence structure of Romans 12:7 – “ if you have [gift], then [do it/do it well]”. How are you putting your gifts into practice?
b. Share the gift(s) that you believe you have been given. Encourage one another in your group to affirm their gifting and identify gifts they may not realise they have.
a. Read Galatians 6:14 and Jeremiah 9:23-24. What does it mean to boast only in Christ? Does it mean we should not use our gifts?
b. Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. If we rely only on our own effort without Christ, we are short-changing ourselves and the people we serve. If we acknowledge that God can do our tasks better than us, what does it mean to be a co-worker with God in your life?
c. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Asking connotes a posture of humility. Read and discuss what the Bible says to ask for in Psalms 119:34, Proverbs 2:3-5. In what area of your life do you need to ask for wisdom?
WHAT WILL YOU DO
Aim for it: Develop skills in line with your calling. This is not for our glory but to do it well for God’s glory.
Ask for it: “God, anoint me for _______” God is the giver of all good gifts. Exodus 35:30-35 tells us about the practical skills God gave to people to empower them as they served Him.
Acquire it
Apply it: If you don’t use the skill, you won’t be skilled.
This week, consider an area of your calling that you want to develop, and deliberately ask, acquire and apply to your life. This is not a one-off process, but the goal is to bring intentional focus towards serving God with skill.
MEMORY VERSE
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7 (NIV)
AN E1R1 REFLECTION
Matthew 21:1-11 tells us the story of Palm Sunday, when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. The disciples were given a bizarre task – to go into the city and find a donkey to bring for Jesus to ride. They may not have understood the significance of the task, or even the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 they were helping to fulfil. Yet they were obedient and retrieved the donkey for Jesus. What is Jesus asking you to do to prepare the way for His arrival? How are you facilitating His introduction into the lives of those around you? There may be tasks that seem mundane or insignificant but that He calls you to do as part of His larger plan. In obedience, you will find great joy as you see salvation come!