What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Have you ever been a square peg, trying to fit yourself into a round hole? How would knowing this have helped you: “God has gifted you for the race you are called to run”?
2. Our giftings are investments, not just gifts. Read Matthew 25:14-18. In this Parable, Jesus is creating an analogy for the spiritual facts of our lives. Who is the Master and why did he give his servants gifts or talents? Why were there different amounts? How does seeing your gifts/ talents as God's investment in you, change how you see them?
3. Stay faithful in the little things. Explain the various actions the servants took in the verses above. Can you understand/relate to each type of action? Which comes more naturally to you? Now, read Matthew 25:21 and 23. What is the result of staying faithful in whatever areas you are gifted?
4. Focus on what God has gifted you with, not what He hasn’t. Read Matthew 25:24-27. If we understand the master to be the Lord, what can you discern from the servant’s characterization of him? Do you think it was fair or an excuse? Imagine some of his thoughts and fears when he hid his talent. Do you think the servant was surprised at the judgement he received? What is a gift you've been given that you've learned to invest / appreciate?
5. Final Thoughts: Do you understand how God has gifted you personally? Write them down and keep by your bed. Daily ask yourself if you have used God’s gift for His kingdom or your own kingdom? What ways can you be faithful in the little ways at work, at home, at your university, in your community?
Deeper
This weekend’s message referred to King David as an example of someone who used every skill and ability he was given by God to its fullest, to fulfill God’s purposes in his life. Check it out!
6. Read 1 Samuel 16:6-13. What was Samuel told about the first two sons by God? What is the one thing that God requires most of all? When we meet David, what gifts does he already have? What immediate gift was he given at his anointing?
7. After David was anointed but before he became king, he was still in the fields. Read 1 Samuel 17:12-20. David was the youngest of how many sons? How many went to battle? What do you think the others were doing? In any event, what other duties fell to David?