“FITLY FRAMED”

Session #1What’s That?

This series was written by the

General Home Missions Director, Rev. Carlton L. Coon, Sr.

FOUR OBJECTIVES OF THIS LESSON

1. Identify the goal of the “Fitly Framed” series.

2. Identify the processes that will be used in “Fitly Framed.”

3. Provide you with two reasons why you should serve.

4. Describe how we should serve.

BIBLE PERSPECTIVE“Now therefore ye are no more

strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; {20} And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; {21} In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: {22} In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19‑22

THE GOAL OF “FITLY FRAMED”

Help saints to bear fruit and be fulfilled in a meaningful place of service.

Scriptural Insight “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13) 

The word serve is a command.

SERVE WHERE DOING WHAT??Many of us are just not sure how we can serve in a way that will make us fruitful and fulfilled.

We can be very active, but not be very effective. We can be busy, but without progress. (drained feeling)

Some people’s concept of serving results in a lot of Motion without Movement.

MAKING AN IMPACT

When one finds their place of service, they become an impact person. This is when we serve according to our passions, personality gifts, and temperament.

When we are doing the things that fit these three items, there are several results:

1. Our efforts energize us rather than tire us.

MAKING AN IMPACT

2. What we do makes a recognizable difference in the church.

3. We have more enthusiasm for the responsibility. The word “enthusiasm” is rooted in the Greek words ‘en theos’ that means “God within.”

4. We receive a greater sense of meaning from our service to God

“FITLY FRAMED” WILL HELP YOU:

1. Understand who God has made you to be.

2. Understand how making your special contribution in a meaningful role of service will make a Kingdom difference.

This church needs you. Not because it needs people to fill positions within the organization, but because you are an important part of the body of Christ.

“FITLY FRAMED’S” PROCESSStep One: Discovery - You learn more about your how God made you. When you identify your God-given shape and identity, then you are better able to find the place where you fit in.

Step Two: Counsel - Our Church Personnel Director assists you in finding a meaningful place of service. This is where you FIT in the ministry.

“FITLY FRAMED’S” PROCESS

Step Three: Service - Our goal is not discovery or consultation, it is service.

So what we are trying to do is “serve one another with love,” (Galatians 5:13).

“Fitly Framed” is the process whereby we reach that place of service.

WHY WE MUST SERVE

The purpose for serving in the church is two-fold:

1. Glorify God2. Edify (Build Up) Others

TWO KEY TEXTS ABOUT SERVING

The first is the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1‑17)

The first four commandments describe how we are to love God.

The remaining six commandments describe how we are to love one another.

These two principles are never far from the front of all else in scripture.

TWO KEY TEXTS ABOUT SERVINGThe Second Passage that shows the importance of service is the Great Commandment. (Matthew 22:37‑40 KJV)

Notice the emphasis Jesus gives - Love the Lord! and Love Your Neighbor!

In both passages there is an emphasis on glorifying God and edifying people.

GLORIFYING AND EDIFYING

How does service glorify God?Service is worship and worship glorifies God (1 Peter 4:11)

How does serving edify others?

Serving builds up (edifies) the church (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Glorifying God and edifying each other is the major test of service.

HOW ARE WE TO SERVE

Sometimes we understand why before understanding how.

Why we are to serve can be clearer than how we are to serve!

How we should serve is based on three things: our passion, our personality gifts, and our personality/temperament.

PASSIONPassion is the God-given desire that compels us to make a difference in a particular ministry.

Your passion indicates where you are best suited to serve. When you serve in your area of passion you will be more motivated.

There is no right or wrong passion.

PERSONALITY GIFTS

God gives personality gifts to every believer:

Personality gifts indicate what you will do when you serve.

Again, there are no right or wrong personality gifts.

TEMPERAMENT

Your temperament reflects how you prefer to relate to others and the world around you.

Temperament indicates how you will serve.

There is no right or wrong temperament.

SUMMARY“Fitly Framed” goal – helping you to be

fruitful and fulfilled in a meaningful role of service

“Fitly Framed” process that will help us reach that goal – discovery, counsel, and service

Why we are to serve – to glorify God and edify others

And finally how we are to serve – according to our passion, personality gifts, and temperament.