Are You Useful or Useless?
What in the World Am I Doing?
Noah McCormick
January 18, 2026
Are you useful or useless?
2 Timothy 2:20-21
Every person has , but not everyone is
God and
2 Timothy 2:22-23
You can’t and at the same time
Spiritual maturity is , not
2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NLT)
God is just as concerned with as
God refuses to use people whose character contradicts the message.
James 4:8 (NLT)
Am I useful to God?
Discussion Questions:
1. When you hear the question “Are you useful or useless to God?”, what emotions or thoughts surface first—and why? How do we distinguish usefulness from busyness or talent?
2. 2 Timothy 2:20–21 says usefulness is connected to being prepared, not just having potential. What does “preparation” look like spiritually in everyday life?
3. The sermon states, “God uses the ready and calls the running.” In what areas of life are we tempted to wait until we feel “ready” instead of obeying now?
4. “You can’t flee and flirt at the same time” (2 Timothy 2:22–23). What are some subtle ways believers may try to flee sin while still flirting with it?
5. Spiritual maturity is directional, not accidental. What intentional habits or decisions help determine the direction of your spiritual growth?
6. According to 2 Timothy 2:24–26, God cares about how we speak truth, not just what truth we speak. Why is tone, posture, and patience so critical in spiritual conversations?
7. The sermon says, “God refuses to use people whose character contradicts the message.” How can character inconsistencies weaken our witness—even when our theology is correct?
8. James 4:8 calls us to draw near to God. What practical steps help you draw closer to God when you feel distant or distracted?
9. If you honestly asked, “Am I useful to God right now?” what evidence would support your answer? What is one change you believe God is prompting you to make?