Discussion Guide | Feb. 9, 2025

February 10th, 2025

Introduction

"Living on the Edge" - Sermon Summary

This week's sermon focuses on discovering and living out God's calling in our lives. Before we're called to do something, we're first called to someone - God. Using the story from 2 Kings 6:1-7 about a lost axe head that miraculously floated, Pastor Bill draws parallels between losing one's 'cutting edge' in faith and the importance of reclaiming our effectiveness for God's kingdom. The message encourages believers to expand their vision, maintain their spiritual effectiveness, and live intentionally for eternal purposes rather than just temporal ones.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand Your calling for our lives. Help us to be honest about where we've lost our effectiveness and give us the courage to mark those spots for Your miraculous intervention. Guide our discussion and help us to encourage one another in pursuing Your purposes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What was your dream job when you were a child, and how does that compare to what you're doing now?

Main Study

Key Verses

Jeremiah 29:11
Colossians 3:17
2 Timothy 1:6
1 Peter 4:10-11
2 Kings 6:1-7

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned that we spend 60% of our lives working. How can we ensure our work aligns with God's calling?
What are some 'inhibitors' that might be keeping you from pursuing God's eternal purposes in your life?
Have you ever experienced a time when you felt you lost your 'cutting edge' in your faith? What happened?
The sermon mentions that loss is not the last word. How have you seen God restore something you thought was lost?
What does it mean to you personally to 'mark the spot for a miracle' in your life?
How can we distinguish between having a job and having a calling?
What practical steps can we take to 'fan into flame' the gift of God in our lives?
Pastor Bill emphasized expanding beyond what feels too small. In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel called to expand?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you feel you've lost your 'cutting edge' or effectiveness for God's kingdom. Mark that specific spot through prayer, and take one practical step toward reclaiming that area for God's purposes. This might mean rekindling your prayer life, reconnecting with your church community, or stepping out in faith to serve others.

CapitalLife.org/serve

Closing

Key Takeaways

Our primary calling is to God Himself, not to a specific job or title
God wants to reveal His plans for our lives and help us be effective for His kingdom
We must identify and overcome the 'inhibitors' that keep us focused on temporal rather than eternal matters
Lost effectiveness can be restored through God's miraculous intervention
We should constantly seek to expand our vision and impact for God's kingdom

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your faithfulness in restoring what seems lost. Help us to be bold in marking the spots where we need Your miraculous intervention, and give us the courage to step into the calling You have for each of us. Restore our cutting edge where it's been lost, and help us to live lives that demonstrate Your greatness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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