We know we are supposed to serve the church, but are often unsure what that should look like.

KEY VERSES

Romans 8:28 (NASB)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Genesis 32:24-32 (NASB)

24 Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was dislocated while he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have contended with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 And Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” 31 Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his hip. 32 Therefore, to this day the sons of Israel do not eat the tendon of the hip which is on the socket of the hip, because he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the tendon of the hip.

UNDERSTANDING

• Which of the following would you say best describes you: you know where God has led you to serve at Low Country, you’re uncertain about where God would have you serve at Low Country, or you have no idea how God could possibly use you to serve at Low Country? Explain.

• Personality, spiritual gifts, abilities, passions and experiences all help play a role in helping you find your PLACE of service. In volunteerism, which of those five areas do you rely on the most?

• Why might many believers neglect or dismiss their personal experiences as a tool God wants to use for His good purposes?

• Put this verse (Romans 8:28) in your own words. What is the main message?

• What has God caused to work together for good in your life? What good did He work?

• This verse is often used to help people face difficult circumstances, and it certainly is a good encouragement. How does it also relate to finding your PLACE of service?

• What are some reasons why believers hesitate or resist allowing God to use their experiences as a way to serve others (i.e. they don’t want people to know the mistakes they’ve made, they don’t think the “good” God brings has anything to do with other people, etc.)?

• Who is doing all the work in this verse? Why is this important to understand as it relates to finding our PLACE of service as believers?

• Read Galatians 1:6. Why is it critical to know that your calling is a gift of God’s grace? What is the danger in thinking that you—because of your winsome personality, intellect, giftedness, or experiences—have something to do with your calling?

• Why did God engage Jacob in a wrestling match at this particular juncture in Jacob’s life? Why did God injure Jacob? Considering God is all powerful, why do you think God allowed the wrestling match to go on so long?

• God asked Jacob for his name. What might be significant about this question? What was God really asking Jacob?

• How did Jacob respond to God’s question (v. 27)? How was this answer different from how Jacob had previously answered that question (Genesis 27:18-19)? Why did Jacob answer differently this time?

• How did Jacob’s new name (v. 28) reflect both who Jacob was and who he would be in the future?

• How did facing the truth about himself bring healing in Jacob’s life? How might facing the truth about yourself bring healing to your life and to others?
  

APPLICATION

• How has God allowed you to be broken or wounded in order to strengthen your faith?

• How is the current state of your relationship with God impacting your relationship with others? What will you do this week to grow in both areas?

• Why is it imperative that we experience transformation from the Lord in order to find our PLACE and be salt and light in our circle of influence?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.