No Filter: See The Real You – Week 3

Opener:
With whatever supplies you have available, draw a self portrait. Be graceful with yourself, no judgment, just draw from the heart however you see yourself. Share with the group, if you are comfortable.

Opening Prayer: 
God, you created us. We are your accomplishment. We trust that you also used your power to create this unique group of individuals. Be with us this week as we learn and grow together through the study of how we are your handiwork. Amen

Overview: 
Paul says that we are like God’s artwork. What are the implications of that? We are purposeful, we are gifted, and we are useful. God has created us intentionally to be the way we are - you aren’t an accident. God has given us certain gifts that are unique to us. Because of all of this, we have work that is especially suited for us to do. In this message, we will talk about the idea that all of us are created and called by God for a purpose in the world.

Scripture Reading:
Ephesians 2:10
Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives.

1 Peter 4:10-11
And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts. Whoever speaks should do so as those who speak God’s word. Whoever serves should do so from the strength that God furnishes. Do this so that in everything God may be honored through Jesus Christ. To him be honor and power forever and always. Amen.

Engaging Scripture: 
Let’s pause before we think about how these passages make us feel or how it applies to our context. This section can help ground your group in talking about what is written and consider its impact on the original audience.  

1. The verse from Ephesians this week might leave us with some tricky questions. Like, if we are God's accomplishment, then why this or why that about ourselves?  Well,  maybe backing up a few verses could help expand on the author's thoughts. (In this case, the author is the Apostle Paul).  Starting at verse 8, Paul wrote:
   
   "You are saved by God’s grace because of your faith. This salvation is God’s gift. It’s not something you possess. It’s not something you did that you can be proud of. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives."
   
   So, put another way, we are complete as God's accomplishment and we are saved by His grace through faith. How might this help with those tricky questions?
   
   
2. It is so important to remember that we all have unique gifts and that we can use those unique gifts for good purposes.  Reflect on that for a moment.  What are some of your unique gifts?  How can you use them for good?
   
   

Application Questions:

1. Matt said this week “ the mission can only be successful when each person, using each unique gift, comes together to use it.” The mission here is our CoreGroup's impact on each member and on the community.
   
   Name one gift you see in yourself that you can offer our CoreGroup.
   
   Now, name a gift you see in another member of your CoreGroup.
   
   
2. You weren't an accident, no part of your personality is an accident. We all have strengths and weaknesses.
   
   What is one aspect of your personality that has been seen as a weakness (by yourself, others, or society)?
   
   How have you used that “weakness” for good or turned it into a strength?
   
   
3. 1 Peter says, “And serve each other according to the gift each person has received.”  As a group, brainstorm how you can come together over the spring and summer to use your gifts to benefit the community.
   
   What is one act of service you could complete?

 
 
Closing Prayer:  
Holy Spirit, you created us as unique and complete individuals. You brought us together as a group to grow and impact each other and beyond. Be with us this week as we go into our lives. Guide is to remember that we are beautiful, valuable, purposeful, and useful. In your name we pray, Amen

Taking it Further:

1. Continue to learn about The Enneagram, specifically your type. Be prepared to bring to CoreGroup next week a couple of insights you’re having about yourself as a result of exploring your type.
   
   
2. Find an old childhood photo of yourself. Spend some time reflecting on that photo. Describe the child you see.

• What do they like? What are they good at? What are they scared of? Who do they want to be when they grow up?
• How closely do you identify with that child now? What about you remains the same? What has been lost?
• What can you do to get reacquainted yourself?
• Bring your photo to CoreGroup next week