Series Overview
Getting started can sometimes seem like the hardest part of meeting a need. But it actually starts before then. First we have to see the needs around us. Initiative isn’t just some practical principle; it’s really a spiritual principle that starts with God. God took initiative on our behalf by seeing that our relationship was broken and needed to be fixed. So God sent Jesus to make it right. And because we are made in God’s image, we are wired to be able to take initiative and get things done too.
Memory Verse
“None of you should look out just for your own good. Each of you should also look out for the good of others.” – Philippians 2:4, NIRV
Week One (May 4)
God So Loved The World
Bible Story: John 3:16-17
Bottom Line: God took care of our greatest need
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
We start the month in John 3:16-17 where John writes about the greatest love of all. God loved us so much, that God sent Jesus to take our place because of our sin. God took the initiative by making a move to restore our broken relationship, allowing us to one day live with God forever.
Love is a pretty powerful thing. God knew we could never fix sin on our own and needed a Savior, so God sent Jesus to rescue us out of love for us. God didn’t just see a need but chose to do something about it, and when we put our trust in Jesus we can live with God forever.
Week Two (May 11)
Miriam Takes Initiative
Bible Story: Exodus 2:1-10
Bottom Line: Look for ways to help the people you love
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
In Week 2, we head to Exodus 2:1-10 where we find the Israelites facing tragedy. They had begun to grow so large as a nation that the pharaoh of that time grew scared and ordered all the newborn baby boys to die. Miriam and her mother took matters into their own hand, saving Moses, which eventually led to the saving of the rest of God’s people too.
Have you ever done something good for someone close to you without being asked? How did they react? Sometimes, we shouldn’t wait for an invitation or an ask to meet a
need. When we allow God’s Spirit to move in us, we can look around us and make the first move to help those we care about.
Week Three (May 18)
Parable of the Talents
Bible Story: Matthew 25:14-30
Bottom Line: Look for ways to use what you’ve been given
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
In Week 3, we head to Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus told His disciples a story about a rich man who left for a long journey and entrusted his servants with some of his money. Each one received a different amount, but at the end of the journey, the man was proud of his servants for using what they were given to double the investment. All except for one…
We’ve all been given something. Whether that’s knowledge and a big brain, money, skills, or something else! God has entrusted each of us with a gift and talent to use in various ways to make an impact. Some ways may not be as noticeable, but we can ask God for help as we figure out what God has in store for us and use what we’ve been given.
Week Four (May 25)
John’s Disciples Follow Jesus
Bible Story: John 1:35-45
Bottom Line: Look for ways to tell others about Jesus
Virtue: Initiative – Seeing what needs to be done + doing it
In Week 4, we head to John 1:35-42 where we meet Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. One day as John was with his disciples, they saw Jesus walking by. Jesus was the
very same man John had been preparing his disciples for! So when the time came, John’s disciples left to go follow Jesus, and that decision led to more disciples following Jesus as they began to tell one another about Him.
When you hear good news do you typically keep it to yourself? Probably not! You want to share it with everyone around you no matter how that happens: notes, video, facetime, email, etc. Good news is worth sharing, and Jesus is the best news of all. So what can you do to share Jesus with others?