Main Scripture Reference - John 6:5-13

Other Scripture References: Jeremiah 29:11; Philippians 4:19

INTRO–‘Are You Making A Difference?’

Have you ever asked the question, ‘Am I really making a difference in this world’ or ‘Is my life counting for something?’ Those are very common questions among most people because everyone ultimately wants to find meaning and significance in life. In order to live significantly however, you must understand the things that are holding you back, and they usually begin with the word ‘but.’ I would step out but…, I would serve but…, I would give but…, and you can fill in the ‘but’ statements. If you truly want to make a difference in this world or the community around you, you must do a little ‘but’ kicking.

• Have you ever asked the question, ‘How can I make my life count?’ What was your answer?


• Is your life currently making a difference in the world? Explain.


• Name one or two “buts” that often hold you back. What ‘but’ needs to go so that you can be more available to God?

STEP #1–‘Grasp God’s Abundance’Read John 6:5-13 & Jeremiah 29:11

In the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, we see two disciples with distinctly different understandings of Jesus and Jesus’ power when he tells them to feed the huge crowd. The first is Philip who is working on a limitation understanding of God in that he believes that God can only work in the normal or usual ways. The other is Andrew who doesn’t know what Jesus will do but brings the boy’s five loaves and two fish to Jesus. Andrew had hung around Jesus long enough to know that if he gave it to Jesus that miracles happened. For Jesus to use you in miraculous ways you too will have to begin living in this abundance understanding of Christ, trusting that whatever you give to him, he can multiply in incredible ways.

• Which best describes your thoughts and actions concerning your assets, a limitation theology or an abundance theology? Explain.


• Do you typically limit God more in your expectation of what God can do or more in following your own plans and time line? Why?

STEP #2–‘Get Off Your Assets’Read Philippians 4:19

Philippians says that every resource you need in order to accomplish the incredible mission that God has in mind for you is already available to you. And when you begin expecting miracles, Jesus will do some amazing things through your life. However, Jesus didn’t feed the five thousand out of thin air. It took some resources and assets given to him so that he could accomplish the miracle. The same applies to you. God will work mightily through you but you have got to begin giving God your assets and then watch God work.

• Make an asset list writing down 3-5 things you have in your life right now. What surprised you the most when you filled out this “faithful miracle inventory”?


• Think through your assets. Is there one you believe God could most use and multiply at this time?

STEP #3–‘Live Without Limits’Re-read John 6:12-13

Now that you know your asset list you just can’t sit on them, you must live without limits. Letting go of your assets can be scary and dangerous but if you become willing to give Jesus the little you have, it can change the world. And don’t be surprised if given the chance God will prove right in this and bring an abundance that overflows back into your life above and beyond your greatest expectation and imagination.

• Describe a time God unexpectedly used your assets to do something “miraculous” in someone else’s life.


• What asset – something you perhaps had not previously thought of - will you give so that Jesus can use for “change the world” results?