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Are You Leaving a Legacy or a Vacancy?

The Church was God’s idea

Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. MATTHEW 16:18 NLT

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ACTS 1:8 NLT

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. ACTS 2:42-47 NLT

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. EPHESIANS 4:11-12 NLT

The Church has a sickness

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, “I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!” And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. REVELATION 3:15-17 NLT

We’ve become comfortable consumers instead of compelled contributors

So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. JOHN 13:4-5 NLT

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. JOHN 13:12-15 NLT

…Love each other the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you what I command. JOHN 15:12b-14 NLT

I am a part of the solution

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. I PETER 4:10 NLT

We are not asking you to help; we are empowering you to serve

…And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. HEBREWS 12:1b NLT

Are you going to leave a legacy or a vacancy?

Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done. PSALM 22:30-31 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Get away to a quiet place, free from distractions. Take a few minutes to relax and quiet your thoughts and feelings. If anything is troubling you, cast this burden on the Lord. When you are ready, begin a conversation with God about your serving. Ask Him if there are any areas of apathy toward the church that you need to repent from. Then, ask God to reveal to what degree you are a consumer or contributor regarding your service. If you are already serving on a team, ask God if you need to make any changes in your attitude, approach, or the ministry you’re serving with. Close your time by thanking Him for allowing you to participate in His ministry to build His Church. If God has impressed upon you any changes He wants you to make in your serving, attitude, or practice, make one of those changes this week.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do you think God cares for and loves the church so much?
  2. Our culture encourages a consumer mentality. How is that fostering lethargy and apathy amongst us?
  3. Consider a line with “comfort” on one end and “contributor” on the other. Where would you place yourself on that continuum and why?
  4. If those closest to you were asked what you love and are devoted to, what would they say?
  5. God has given you gifts of many kinds. How do you and God plan on using your gifts for a godly legacy?
  6. Next Steps: Sometimes, we need the help of others to show us our areas of gifting. If you are struggling to find your gifts and how they can help serve the church, ask the members of your group to speak into this. Then, visit sandalschurch.com/realteam to explore areas where you can serve.