How God Speaks Through Our S.H.A.P.E.

13 Some people brought children to Jesus so that he would place his hands on them and pray. But the disciples scolded them. 14 “Allow the children to come to me,” Jesus said. “Don’t forbid them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people like these children.” 15 Then he blessed the children and went away from there.

Matt 19

And you said I think God is leading to work with teenagers - worthy calling

Does it agree with the bible?

That seems obvious

What does the church say?

Do others agree that you would be someone good with teenagers?

Does it make me more like Christ?

Jesus said don’t forbid them

Does it match my S.H.A.P.E.

This is critical

So let’s take a quick look at these areas of shape

Spiritual Gifts

Romans 12:6 NIV

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

1 Corinthians 12:6 NIV

6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now there is a long list of spiritual gifts.

I’ve given them to you in the notes

I learned that discovering your spiritual gift is a process.

Take encouragement for example

Romans 12:8 NIV

8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

How do you know if you have this gift? - I can tell you know you don’t - Amen

Would the gift of encouragement be useful in leading teenagers?

Probably needs to be in the top two.

God speaking to you about something?

Does it match your gift?

Heart

What are you passionate about?

What makes you smile?

What gets the heart racing?

The bible says a lot about the heart

Here’s one of my favorites

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

prov

Wow how about that.

Underline that - The course of your life!!!

Do you have a passion for teenagers

Or what is your passion?______________________________________

Abilities

Exodus 31:3 CSB

3 I have filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft

ex 31

It has been given by the Lord.

We should use it for his purpose.

One of the most common excuses people give for not getting involved in ministry is, "I just don't have any abilities to offer."

People aren't born with skills. All skills must be learned by experience.

That’s lie

All of us are good at something.

You just don’t think you are.

Personality

Personality is one of the sources to church conflict.

We are not all the same - and thank goodness

If better understood ourselves and each other

Let’s dive in and name them

Underline the that applies to you.

Extroverted or Introverted

Imagine working teenagers

Thinker or Feeler

How do you make decisions

Do you need all the data?

Do you just roll with your gut?

Why are both important? Thinker never gets anything done Feeler jumps in head first

Self-Controlled or Self-Expressive

anything done

Expressive - I am the way I am take or leave it

Controlled - They want to control the situation in control of their emotions

Cooperative or Competitive

I double dog dare ya

I just want to go along to get along.

Experiences

God never wastes hurt.

2 cor

2 Corinthians 1:3–4 The Living Bible

3 What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.

I am the pastor I am today because of the experiences I’ve had.

You are the way are.

We can become bitter or better

This is hard for me.

However, I’ve helped others.

How has God S.H.A.P.E. YOU?

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