God Uses Ordinary People Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Margaret Ashley shares her experiences from the Center for Change in the Philippines, a ministry that transforms the lives of children in crisis. She emphasizes that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. Margaret explains that when we surrender our lives to God, He can work through us to make an eternal difference. The sermon highlights that true transformation only comes through Jesus, and that our purpose on earth is to glorify God and participate in His kingdom work.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your work through ordinary people, we ask that You open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us today. Help us to see ourselves as You see us - not as ordinary, but as Your extraordinary workmanship. Guide our conversation, challenge our thinking, and inspire us to surrender more fully to Your purposes. May we leave this discussion with a renewed sense of Your calling on our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have dinner with any ordinary person from history who did extraordinary things for God, who would it be and why?
Key Verses
1 Corinthians 15:10
Matthew 28:19–20
Ephesians 2:10
Matthew 6:20
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Questions
Pastor Margaret said, 'If your life has not changed, I doubt you know God.' Do you agree with this statement? How has your life changed since coming to know Jesus?
The sermon emphasized that God uses ordinary people so that He gets the glory. Can you share a time when God used you despite your feelings of inadequacy?
How do you respond to the idea that we are 'storing up treasures in heaven' through our service to God? Does this motivate you?
The poem 'Only One Life' states 'Only what's done for Christ will last.' What activities or priorities in your life do you believe will have eternal significance?
Pastor Margaret shared the story of the slave girl who was purchased and set free. How does this story parallel your own experience with Christ?
The sermon mentioned that many people today seem to just 'add Jesus to their life.' What's the difference between adding Jesus to your life versus surrendering your life to Him?
Ephesians 2:10 says we are 'created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.' What do you think God has prepared for you to do?
What is one area of your life where you need to move from feeling 'ordinary' to embracing God's extraordinary purpose for you?
Life Application
This week, take time to pray specifically about how God wants to use your 'ordinary' life for His kingdom purposes. Identify one area where you've been hesitant to fully surrender to God, and take a step toward obedience in that area. It might be sharing your faith with someone, serving in a ministry, or using your talents in a new way. Remember that God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Write down what God shows you and be prepared to share with the group next time how taking this step of faith impacted you and others.
Key Takeaways
God chooses to use ordinary people so that He gets the glory - our weakness showcases His strength.
True transformation only comes through Jesus - loving and caring for others is important, but people need to experience Jesus for real change.
When we understand we are bought with the price of Jesus' blood, serving Him becomes a privilege, not a burden.
God has prepared good works in advance for each believer to accomplish - we are His workmanship created for a purpose.
What we do on earth for Christ has eternal significance - only what's done for Christ will last.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing to use ordinary people like us to accomplish Your extraordinary purposes. We are humbled that You see value in us and have prepared good works for us to do. Forgive us for the times we've held back, thinking we weren't qualified or worthy to be used by You. Help us to remember that You don't call us because we're capable, but Your power is made perfect in our weakness. This week, give us courage to surrender fully to Your plans, to step out in faith when You call, and to trust that You will equip us for whatever You ask us to do. May our lives bring glory to Your name and may we store up treasures in heaven as we serve You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' name, amen.