Gifted

If you want your life to matter—both today and for eternity—you must use it wisely. That means making the most of your time, your talents, your giftedness. We’ll study the Parable of the Talents and the life of King David to see how to do exactly that!

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.

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”? 

Leader’s Note: This could be in the wrong sport, wrong spot on the team, or wrong spot in the organization. It could be about trying to fit into a clique that was just not “you.” God wants us to be ourselves and who we were created to be!

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?  

Leader’s Note: Yes, God does gift us, but they have a purpose. It is an investment in our ministries and not just for our pleasure or ease. The master gave them responsibility to increase his estate. God doesn’t give us talents because He wants something from us, but for the good of / to increase the Kingdom. He also gives gifts to help us become all He intended us to be and to fulfill the purpose of our lives. Verse 15 clearly says that the master gave a variety of sized gifts, depending on their ability. 

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?  

Leader’s Note: Some of us are naturally entrepreneurs. Others are just naturally risk adverse. Both of the “faithful servants” were praised, even though they did not have the exact same “return on investments.” They did great with the master’s investment in them. At the very least, they did SOMETHING with what was given them! Notice that both were given what the master considered “a little” and promoted to more responsibility. The master owns much more, beyond comprehension. God owns it all, but He wants to include us in multiplying the kingdom.  

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?  

Leader’s Note: The servant did not know who the master truly was. He had no relationship with him nor respect for him. He did not understand the master’s trust and hope for what his servant would do with the investment. His fear was unfounded and unproductive. His actions were more likely based on laziness. He may have been offended at the smaller amount he was given and been pouting. We must beware of operating out of envy, disappointment, fear, or laziness. We must also be aware that one day we will have to give an account for all that we have been given. Do not miss your assignment! Do not waste God’s (or others’) investment in you! 

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? 
Leader’s Note: Be faithful with the few gifts you have identified. Show up early at work and go the extra mile. At home, stay faithful to caring for your family, pouring into them with the Gospel, learning to lead them before you lead others. Don’t focus on what you cannot control. Don’t focus on others’ successes or social media posts. Remember, it is not about the result. It is about the process. Be faithful in the small things and you will be a pleasing, useful servant.

Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.  
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?

Leader’s Note: God told Samuel to quit looking at the exterior, their height, age, birth order, or appearance. God looks at the heart that is seeking after Him! David is somewhat good-looking, though young. He is at once gifted at his anointing with the Spirit of God being poured out on him. In those days, the Spirit did not indwell every God-follower. This was a special gifting by God to empower David.  

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?
Leader’s Note: He is the youngest of eight. Only three were in the battle. There were many brothers still at the house, and David was relegated to the fields and the sheep while others probably had more responsibility around Jesse’s holding. Then David was instructed to run back and forth, checking on his brothers, and taking them supplies.  

8. Read 1 Samuel 17:20-37. What do you see immediately in verse 20? Why was his brother angry at him? How did David respond? Was he boastful? How would you describe his responses to the King?

Leader’s Note: David obeyed, took care of his responsibility at once, and got a replacement shepherd. He took off right away to obey his father’s instructions. David took in the situation with God’s perspective, and it upset his fearful brother. Eliab assumes the worst: that David has abandoned his sheep and that he is there for curiosity. He was very offended at his presumptuous, boastful attitude. But they were not bragging, boastful remarks. David was confident that God was with him and had prepared him. He listed his victories, which he attributed to God.

9. Read 1 Samuel 17:38-51. Why is it so critical that David was offered armor, but rejected it? What did Goliath see that made him laugh and curse at this adversary? What does David tell Goliath is his sole defense? Did David take up a defensive or offensive position? Whose sword was used in this battle?

Leader’s Note: David rejected the amor (gifts) offered him by King Saul and went in his own talents and ability, trusting God. Goliath saw only a young, handsome kid. He laughed, then was offended and began to curse. David explains that he doesn’t have a sword, spear, or javelin, but he comes in the Name of the Lord! He runs toward Goliath and after he has felled him, he used Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head.