Clay's follow-up to the BoB on 2_5_25

Band of Brothers February 5, 2025

We live in a world that wants to beat men up….

We want to build men up… to bless women and children.

1st Corinthians 16:13-14, Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.

Let all that you do be done in love.

Rule to live by: Remember that before she was your wife / fiancée’ / girlfriend….

She was / is His daughter…. Joint heir in the Kingdom of God.

Sunday:

Big Idea:

Do not be short-sighted or impatient…

Be faithful and see God work generationally.

Past: Be grateful to those who came before us.

Future: Invest in those who will come after us.

Present: What are we doing now?

1st Corinthians 3:10-17, According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Are we continuing the hard work of building?

(That doesn’t sound like a very good tagline…. Come here and work hard.)

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

Are we giving God our very best or expecting Him to be satisfied with left-overs?

(Time / talent / tithe.)

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.

If we are busy with the hard work of building…. Continuing….

There will be little time / energy for squabbling. (Destroying God’s temple.)

Next Step:

Do something to show gratitude.

(Ask questions / tell stories / say thanks…)

Do something to equip the next generation.

(Pray by name / learn passions / encourage…)

Do something to make a contribution.

(Unique… Time / talent / tithe…)

Why are most men reluctant to get involved in ministry?

Maybe we fail to see that God has created us for His purpose….

When we compare to others….
We miss our God-given SHAPE.

S Spiritual gifts…. How has God equipped you after salvation?

(Teaching / leadership / hospitality / service / mercy…. )

H Heart…. What are you most passionate about?

(Activities / causes that resonate with you…. Make your heart beat faster)

A Abilities…. What are you good at that can be a help to others?

(Natural talents / skills you’re born with or develop over time)

P Personality…. Are you more outgoing / reserved? (No apologies)

(Helps to understand your temperament / preferences / communication styles)

E Experiences…. What life experiences do you have? (Good / Bad)

(Draw from personal / professional to help others going through similar things)

No one else…. In the whole world…. Is SHAPEd quite like you….

Lesson:

Embrace your God-given SHAPE and discover your unique contribution.

Questions:

What’s a good next step for you to contribute to ministry?

How can we pray for you tonight?

Who do you know that needs this group?