“Going” Somewhere   Planning With Purpose

Introduction:

This is the year where we must pick up our spirits, believe in God’s plan, and move on to hope & a positive spirit. 2 Tim. 1:6-9 Look at Paul’s axioms about progress in Phil. 3:12-15. We must forget some things in the past to be able to press on to the successes of the future. Let’s look ahead, ponder the problems and possible solutions, and plan our work. A church must “go” somewhere. It needs a sense of momentum. It needs focus & purpose; members need to have a common vision that excites them in their work.

I.  Making plans; having a vision is ____________________.

A.     Pro. 16:1-3 – planning is a statement or _________________ of our faith.

B.     Paul had a plan for his life & preaching. His work in God’s kingdom.

C.    Paul had a picture of where he was going, _____ to meet, all with God’s help.

D.    Making plans isn’t a lack of faith – it is a __________________ of faith!

1.      Goals/planning are absolutely vital & help build our faith!

2.      Planning helps supply ______________ to our work!

II. Remember…You’re on the team!

A.     Teamwork as illustrated in scripture:

1.      1 Sam. – David’s ______ _______; Numbers 13 – 12 ________

2.      Lk. 10 – 70 _____________ sent out 2x2.

3.      Gospels – 12 apostles’ w/3 years/training w/Jesus.

B.     These individuals were commissioned with a task and became partners with a _____________ ____________________.

III. Teamwork requires ________________ participation.

A.     Biblically, teamwork is defined by _______________________.

1.      Broad definitions:  partnership; communion; contribution;  companionship; sharing; partakers.  Acts 2:42

2.      Thayer: association; __________________; joint participation.

B.     What share do I have in this congregation?

C.    Am I a spectator or a participant?

IV. Even with the best laid plans – wrinkles will come.

A.     Conflict will come. Not that we go out looking for it – but its part of life & work.

1.      Conflict is not necessarily a ____________________.

2.      If handled right, conflict can be turned into an ___________________.

B.     1 Cor. Is a conflict resolution letter.  10:31-11:1

1.      In every conflict, God gives us an opportunity to ___________ Him.

C.    Conflict must be managed in a __________________ way.

D.    Unhealthy conflict has ruled in many congregations.

1.      When going gets tough, teammates don’t jump out of the plane.

E.     1 Cor. 12:28-31 – God has _______________ the church to work together.

V.  Let’s step out in _______________.

A.     God gives us tasks we “___________________” do.

B.     God is still giving out God-sized tasks! 1. Let’s act on our faith!

Conclusion:

A.     God is inviting us to action.  To what may seem impossible.

B.     Let’s have an active, get up & do obedience.