Why in the World? - Week 3
Why In the World
Week 3: Like Father Like Son
INTRODUCTION
If there is a God, we all want to know what he’s like. We’re curious. Our tendency is to look in nature, outer space, or within ourselves to find clues about him. But that only provides us with an incomplete picture. Jesus made a radical claim. He said if you want to know about God, look no further than him. If you’ve seen the Son, you’ve seen the Father.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. When was a time when you overcame adversity, large or small?
What did you learn from that experience?
2. During the message, Pastor used an example of the Pharisees allowing their theology to become an obstacle to mercy for a man cured of blindness.
What are some modern examples of people mistreating others because of what they believe?
Read John 9:1–2
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3. Do you ever wonder if your suffering is your fault?
If so, how has that shaped your view of God?
Read John 9:3
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
4. During the message, the pastor said, “God sometimes chooses to display his power through our pain.”
How does this statement make you feel?
How does it bother you?
In what ways is it comforting?
5. Do you find it difficult to believe that God takes an interest in you individually? Why or why not?
6. Last week, Pastor asked you to read one of the Gospels with this question in mind: “What do I learn about the Father from the Son?”
What is one insight you gained about God as you read?
MOVING FORWARD
Jesus didn’t claim to have the best explanation of God. He claimed to be the best explanation of God.
That’s an insane thing for anyone to claim . . . unless it’s true.
If you didn’t start your homework last week, then pick a gospel and begin reading with this question in
mind: “What do I learn about the Father from the Son?”
CHANGING YOUR MIND
He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” - John 9:2
Why in the World? - Week 2
Why in The World
Week 2: Classless
INTRODUCTION
We’ve all been picked on for something we had no control over. It’s dehumanizing. In all likelihood, you’ve also picked on others. It’s such a strange thing. It’s such a human thing. The easiest way to feel superior is to find a person or group we feel is inferior and power up. And we’ve probably all been guilty of that outwardly or inwardly.
One of the reasons Jesus came into the world was to change all that.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What group of people did you hang out with in high school?
How did it benefit you?
How did it influence the way you treated others?
2. In what ways do adults label people?
How does this impulse to attach labels to other human beings shape our culture?
During the message, the pastor said, “The Christian community should be the most non-discriminatory, it-doesn’t-matter-to-us-who-you-are group of people on the planet.”
3. What are some of the obstacles to the church living up to that calling?
What is the cost of not living up to that calling?
Read Romans 5:7–8
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
4. How does this passage change the way you view your value as a human being?
How does it challenge the way you view others?
5. What person or group of people do you power up around, look down on, treat as less than, or maintain a bad attitude toward?
What causes you to respond to that person or group the way you do?
6. What is one thing you can do this week to begin to treat that person or group with dignity?
How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
At the cross, you lost your right to discriminate against others. Everybody is somebody. Everybody is somebody God loves. Everybody is somebody for whom our Savior died. As a result, everybody has dignity and deserves to be treated with respect.
This week, read one of the Gospels and ask yourself this question: “Where do I catch Jesus elevating the dignity of individuals?”
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Why in the World? - Week 1
Why in the World
Week 1: To Communicate and Demonstrate
INTRODUCTION
One of the unique things Christians believe is that God became one of us. For thirty years he lived undercover as a carpenter, surfaced as a miracle worker and rabbi for three years, and allowed himself to die in the most degrading way imaginable. He came as one of us but was treated as less than one of us. Why in the world would God do that?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What, if anything, do you to feel close to God?
What is it about that habit, practice, or approach that makes you feel God’s presence?
2. In what ways have you seen people look in the wrong places to discover what God is like?
How did it shape the ways they view God?
Read John 1:14.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
3. What do you think it means that Jesus is “the Word”?
What does this tell us about Jesus’ connection to God?
4. During the message, the pastor said, “Jesus didn’t claim to have the best explanation of God. He claimed to be the best explanation of God.”
Do you find that statement challenging, disturbing, or offensive?
5. Other than Jesus, what are some of the places you’ve looked to find out what God is like? - religious traditions, your circumstances, nature, within yourself
What limitations did you discover in these attempts to find God?
6. At the end of message, the pastor challenged you to read the four Gospels with this question in mind: “What do we learn about the Father from the Son?”
Which gospel will you begin with?
What can this group do to help you follow through on this homework?
MOVING FORWARD
Like any father, our heavenly Father wants to be known. While it is true that Jesus came to die for our sins, he lived his life to explain the Father. Look past Jesus and you will miss the Father. Look in another direction and you will miss the Father.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
Life With | Week 5
Session 5 Life With God
The Big Picture of a Personal God.
Introduction: The Bible is a big picture of a personal God.
What would say is your favorite book in the Bible? Why?
If you were asked “what is the Bible about,” how would you explain it?
Read Exodus 3:4-5 & 14
When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.
14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
1. What do these verses tell about who God is?
2. What is one bible story that you can recall that showed God’s power?
Read Exodus 32:7-8a & 35
The LORD told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live!
35 And the Lord struck the people with a plague because of what they did with the calf Aaron had made.
3. What strikes you about God in these verses?
4. How is God being a “God of love” just as important as him being a “God of justice”?
Read Exodus 6:6-8
“Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. 8I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the Lord!’”
5. Has there ever been a time where God seemed very personal towards you?
6. How does Jesus reflect the same attributes of God?
Read John 10:18
No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again.
Read 1 Peter 3:18
Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God.
7. How do these verses reflect Jesus’ power and his love for you?
8. What is the BIG PICTURE you see from the Bible?
Romans 5:8
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
LIFE WITH | WEEK 4
Life Group Discussion
Rest, Revive, and Remember
Introduction:
Believers have different Ideas when it comes to the idea of the Sabbath. This week we will discuss and discover why the Sabbath day is supposed to be set apart.
How would you describe your dream life?
Are you living it now?
And if not why not?
2. Pastor said, “We are doing a lot but are we really accomplishing anything?”
What do you believe he meant by this?
If you are honest with yourself how much of the chaos and busyness in your life is created by you?
3. When you hear the word Sabbath what comes to mind?
What were you taught about the Sabbath growing up?
Read Exodus 20:8
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
4. Of 613 laws in the Old Testament, why do you believe that the Sabbath made the top Ten law list?
From what you were taught or understood, was the Sabbath a blessing to you or a burden?
Read Mark 3:1-6
Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.
5. Who were they and why were they watching Jesus closely?
Read Mark 3:3-6
Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.
Why were the Pharisees so upset with Jesus?
Was the Sabbath in Jesus’ time a blessing or a burden? Why?
Read Mark 2:27-28
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!”
6. What do you believe Jesus is saying in this passage?
7. What activities do you need to best rest, revive and remember?
What is undermining your ability to keep the Sabbath in this way?
Are these ways excuses for not making the sabbath a priority?
8. How did Jesus dying death and resurrection change the Sabbath for us?
Read Exodus 20:8 Again
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9. God wants us to rest as he did and relax, to refresh our minds and bodies and minds, and to remember we are free because of what Jesus did for us. So that we can have life with God.
How can this group help you make the Sabbath a priority?
How can this group pray for you to find rest, be revived, and remember?
LIFE WITH | WEEK 3
Week 3: Communication with God
Prayer is our personal conversation with God that allows us to stay connected.
What is the most awkward miscommunication you have had with someone?
What do you find annoying when trying to have a conversation?
What makes for good conversation?
What is the difference between casual and formal conversation?
When or if you pray, is it a conversation?
Is it a casual or formal conversation?
Read Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
5. When was the last time you asked God’s opinion or advice about a circumstance or situation in your life?
Did you do what he told or led you to do?
How did it work out?
6. The Pastor said, ‘Valuable relationships make communication a priority”.
Do you agree or disagree and why?
7. There are ACTS to every healthy relationship.
Adoration: We want them to know how and why we value them.
Confession: Honesty with our struggle and when we need forgiveness.
Thanksgiving: Gratitude for the value they have added to our lives.
Supplication: Honesty in what we need from the relationship or in general.
How can these same ACTS be a formula for prayer?
Read Luke 11:1
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray,
8. All of the disciples were Jews and had grown up memorizing prayers.
Why would they ask Jesus to teach them to pray?
Read Matthew 6:6-8
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9. How would you describe this approach to prayer?
Read Luke 11:2-4
2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:[a]
Father,
Reveal who you are. (To me)
Set the world right. (By first setting me right)
Keep us alive with three square meals. (By your grace provide what we need) Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. (In the same exact way, we forgive others forgive us)
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” (Keep us from the distractions so easily allow that take our focus off you and lead to bad choices.)
10. Why didn’t Jesus say amen?
How can us not saying amen keep us connected moment by moment with God?
11. Every healthy valuable relationship is only as good as its communication
Prayer is our personal communication with God.
To do life with God we must talk with and Listen to God.
What is one way you can make Prayer/ communication with God more practical in your life?
How can this Group pray for you?
LIFE WITH | WEEK 2
Life With : Trying vs Trust
Introduction:
According to Psychology Today, every Human desires 4 things from any relationship.
Attention, Acceptance, Appreciation, and Affection.
Do you agree with their findings?
If yes, how does this play out in your relationship with others?
If no, what do you believe is the most needed attribute in a relationship?
2. When we don’t get what we want out of a relationship, what do we do?
3. When we seek a relationship of Life with God, what are the two paths we talked about Sunday?
Trying Harder vs Trusting More
How does trying harder lead us to focus on sinning less?
Read Luke 18:10-14
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
2. What stands out to you in these verses?
3. How can trying harder by focusing on sinning less lead us to compare ourselves to others and create a sin list?
Trusting More
The pastor said about the path of trusting more, “You’re living in his love rather than walking in your guilt.”
What does that mean to you?
Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
... Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
2. According to this scripture, what are we to be trusting in?
Read Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
3. What stands out to you about this scripture?
4. Grace is our starting point in our relationship of Life with God.
What is some area of your life you need to stop trying and start trusting in?
How can this Group pray for you?
You Have One Job Abide.
Read John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
LIFE WITH | WEEK 1
Life With - Week 1 - You Have One Job
Life Group Discussion
Introduction:
What is one idea or principle you hope to learn throughout this series of Life With?
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
Read John 1:38
Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
2. The pastor said that Jesus asked this question because “We are what we want”.
What makes this statement true?
How is this statement also true in how we approach our relationship with God?
Read Proverbs 4:23
Above all else guard your heart. For everything you do flows from it.
3. How do you picture God in your mind?
How did you arrive at this perception?
How does this perception of God affect how you approach Him?
4. We talked about 4 approaches to God...
1st Life From God: God is the cosmic vending machine just there to give us what we want.
Is asking God for something wrong?
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person was just looking to get something from you?
Was it a healthy relationship?
2nd Life Over God: You control God. Because you have him all figured out, and you believe everyone should relate to God as you do and vice versa.
When was the last time God did something unexpected in your life?
What makes our relationship with our heavenly Father unique?
3rd Life Under God: You try to earn God’s love by doing all the things you believe he wants you to do.
What is one thing you can do to make God love you more?
How can legalistically following the rule keep you from a real relationship with God?
Read Matthew 11:28-30
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
What do these verses tell us about the problem of legalism and the freedom Jesus offers?
4th Life With God: Simply being with your heavenly Father.
Read John 15:5a
I am the vine. You are the branches. Abide in me, and I in you.
How would you define abide?
According to this verse what is our one job as followers of Jesus?
Read John 14:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
How do we sometimes over complicate the relationship of following Jesus?
What is one thing you can do this week to adjust your approach and just abide with God?
How can this group pray for you?
BAD BLOOD | WEEK 4
Shaking the Dust Off
INTRODUCTION
The first step to finding peace in a relationship is to repent if you’ve done wrong or to forgive if you’ve been wronged. But no matter how badly you want peace, there are some relationships that may never be fully restored. What do you do to find peace about a relationship when you can’t find peace in the relationship?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Has there ever been a time when you learned a valuable lesson because of negative consequences?
What might your life look like now if someone had helped you avoid those consequences?
Do you find it more challenging to give help to others or to receive help from others?
How do you think that tendency has affected your relationships?
Read Galatians 6:1–5.
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer[a] is overcome by some sin, you who are godly[b] should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Has there ever been a time when someone helped you carry a burden?
How did that experience affect your relationship with that person?
How did it affect your relationship with God?
During the message, the Pastor asked, “When does my continual extension of assistance become irresponsible?”
Have you ever had to wrestle with this question in a relationship?
If so, what happened?
Is there an area of your life in which you are asking someone to help you carry your burden even though you aren’t carrying your own load?
If so, what do you need to do to begin to carry your own load?
Is there a “bad blood” relationship in your life in which reconciliation seems impossible?
If so, what can you do to begin to set healthy boundaries in that relationship?
How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
God holds us responsible for helping to carry others’ burdens. He doesn’t hold us responsible for carrying others’ loads. When we carry another person’s load, we rob that person of experiencing the outcomes of his or her decisions. Set boundaries in your relationships. Be accountable to someone.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
BAD BLOOD | WEEK 3
A Confrontation Or A Conversation
INTRODUCTION
When there’s bad blood in a relationship, the easiest thing to do is to let resentment and bitterness
grow without addressing the issue. That’s the path of least resistance. It doesn’t make the conflict go
away, but it avoids the relational mess of having to deal with the other person.
Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard. He says that if we have a problem with another person,
we should go and have a conversation with him or her. But why should you go, when should you go,
and how should you go?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
On a scale of 1–10, with 1 being “extremely uncomfortable” and 10 being “extremely comfortable,” how do you feel about confronting someone who has wronged you?
How do you think that tendency has affected the quality of your relationships?
What are some reasons people avoid confrontation?
Are most of those reasons motivated by self-interest or genuine concern for the other person?
Read Matthew 5:23–24.
23 “So if you are presenting a sacrifice[a] at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
Has your bad blood with another person ever affected the quality of your relationship with God?
When you think about following Jesus’ advice in this verse, what is your gut reaction?
What do you find challenging about what Jesus says?
Is there someone to whom you need to repent because of the hurt you’ve caused him or her?
If so, how can you begin this week to take full responsibility, make no excuses, and lay out a plan for personal change.
Is there someone with whom you need to have a conversation? What steps can you take this week toward having that conversation?
How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
If you have bad blood, don’t wait another minute. Don’t fool yourself into thinking that God is okay
with your bad blood. He wants you to do all you can do to bring peace. Before making things right
with God, make things right with others. Making peace with others clears the path to making peace
with God. Imagine how God feels about that.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens
and confesses it, you have won that person back.” Matthew 18:15 (NLT)
BAD BLOOD | WEEK 2
Holding On
INTRODUCTION
What do you do when you have bad blood with someone who owes you something? Bad blood is
costly and complicated. It costs you peace and complicates your other relationships. If you don’t find
peace in that “bad blood” relationship, your other relationships will suffer. The good news is that you
can have peace about the relationship even without peace in the relationship.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
When someone wrongs you, do you tend to try to brush it off or to get even?
How do you think that tendency affects your relationships?
Has your relationship with someone ever been affected by their bad blood with someone else?
If so, what happened?
During the message, Clay said, “When you choose not to take revenge, you’re inviting God into the relationship.”
Is that difficult for you to believe? Why or why not?
Read Romans 12:17–19.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord.
What obstacles stand in the way of you “leaving room for God’s wrath” in the “bad blood” relationships in your life?
What do you worry that trusting God will cost you?
Is there someone you need to forgive . . . even if that person isn’t seeking your forgiveness?
How might forgiving that person have a positive effect on your other relationships?
If there’s someone you need to forgive, what is one thing you can do this week to take a step toward forgiveness?
How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to set free from his or her debt to you? Who are you
asking to pay a ransom for what someone else took from you? You can let go or you can let it hold
you. Let God hold what’s holding you. Stop trying to make others pay what they owe you. Work to
forgive.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to
avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:19
BAD BLOOD | WEEK 1
The Empathy Lens
INTRODUCTION
Bad blood can infect any relationship. And the quality of our lives is only as good as the quality of our relationships. Lack of peace about a relationship robs you of peace in your own life. But you can have peace about a relationship even without peace in the relationship. Happiness comes from peace with God, peace with yourself, and peace with others.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Talk about a relationship that makes your life better.
What are some things about that relationship that you value and appreciate?
When has one of your relationships gone from good to bad in the blink of an eye?
How did you respond?
During the message, Pastor defined empathy as “feeling what the other person feels.”
What are some obstacles we face to being empathetic toward others?
Why do we resist that level of connection?
Read Romans 12:17–19.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[a] says the Lord.
What are some of the negatives you contribute to difficult relationships in your life?
What do you need to do to live at peace with others?
Is it difficult for you to believe that when it comes to bad blood your life will be better if you follow Jesus by taking the long walk of empathy?
Why or why not?
Think about a difficult relationship in your life.
What can you do this week to view the problem from the other person’s perspective and take a step toward him or her?
How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Empathy is first aid for bad blood. In difficult relationships, empathy can be the key to beginning a
conversation that leads to health and peace. When you empathize with someone, you see things you
wouldn’t have seen. Your anger turns to compassion. Your hurt begins to heal. You live out the kind of
radical love to which Jesus called us.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18
NOT IN IT TO WIN IT | WEEK 2
Week 2: Shine
Disagreement is unavoidable, but division is a choice. We can disagree politically and love unconditionally.
Discussion Questions:
On a scale from 1–10, answer these two questions:
When you're playing some sort of game, how much do you care about winning?
When it comes to engaging in politics, how passionate are you?
What do you think causes you to be whatever numbers you picked?
Your temperament?
Your loved ones?
Your situation?
Something else?
Do you find yourself trying to avoid people who feel differently than you politically?
If so, why? If not, talk about some ways you've learned to move toward people who think differently than you.
Read John 13:34–35,
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
What stands out to you?
If you lived this out, how could it affect your immediate circle of influence?
Do you have someone in mind to whom you hope to be a shining light?
Who? What is it about that situation that you see as an opportunity?
Read Galatians 3:28,
There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
What stands out to you about this passage?
Deep down, do you feel people who align with you politically are morally superior to those who don't?
What makes you say that?
When the next election cycle approaches, do you plan to do anything differently in terms of how you express your opinion?
If we're really "not in it to win it," what are some practical tips in terms of making people feel more important than their political beliefs?
NOT IN IT TO WIN IT | WEEK 1
Week One: One Nation Under God
When it comes to potentially polarizing topics, our posture, tone, and approach will tell others all they need to know about what’s most important to us.
Discussion Questions:
If someone reviewed your social media, texts, and conversations over the past couple of years, would they say your opinions were polarizing?
Would they say you tried to understand the other side?
Would they say you spoke kindly about people who didn't share your opinion? Explain.
In the midst of the pandemic, our church was presented with a challenge: "When 2020 is nothing but a story you tell, what story do you want to tell?"
What's something about your story over the last couple of years that you’re proud of?
Is there an area of life you improved in or perhaps an opportunity to give or serve that you took advantage of?
Is there part of your story you'd do differently if a similar season were to come in the future?
What did you learn?
Read this quote by pastor Tim Keller.
When the church as a whole is no longer seen as speaking to questions that transcend politics, and when it is no longer united by a common faith that transcends politics, then the world sees strong evidence that Nietzsche, Freud, and Marx were right—that religion is really just a cover for people wanting to get their way in the world.
—Tim Keller
What stands out to you? What do you agree with and why?
Anything you'd push back on?
Read Philippians 2:14–15,
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky
How is this counter to the culture we live in?
What areas or situations tempt you to grumble and complain?
What are some ways you could shine more?
Read 1 Corinthians 9:19–21,
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.
What is Paul’s approach to help others come to Jesus?
How does Paul approach help us to help others find their way to Jesus?
What are some ways we can do this in our current culture?
How could you do this better?
Who do you know that does this well?
THE SUM OF IT ALL | WEEK 5
Week 5: Filled Full
Devote yourself to more than yourself so you will have more than yourself to show for yourself.
Discussion Questions:
Has this series changed any of your perspectives about how you use your wealth and possessions?
What, if any, new ideas or challenges have been introduced to you in this series?
What was the newest or most impactful idea?
What were the challenges?
Have you made any significant changes or set any goals for your financial future?
Often when presented with challenges our first reaction is to ask “What should I do about me?”
Why is “What breaks Your Heart” a better question?
The Speaker made two statements. There is not enough of you to fill you. And Being consumed with you will ultimately consume you.
What do you think these statements mean?
What’s your initial response to this statement? Following Jesus is characterized by self-denial, not self-improvement.
The fullest people are those who empty themselves for the sake of others.
Do you find this to be true?
Who do you know that personifies that?
What’s your take on the relationship between purpose and happiness? Are the two connected?
Read Mark 8:34
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
What is the first requirement to be a Jesus follower?
According to the message, How does taking up your cross become forfeiting your independence?
Read Mark 8:35
For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.
What stands out to you? What do you think Jesus meant by these phrases?
Whoever wants to save their life
Will lose it
Whoever loses
How does this all translate into living a generous life?
According to Jesus...
Filling is achieved through emptying.
Gaining is achieved through giving.
Winning is achieved through losing.
What is one action you can do this week to begin this transformation into becoming more like Jesus?
THE SUM OF IT ALL | WEEK 4
Week 4 : The Sum of Us
Introduction:
“Why should I give money to the church?” has long been a controversial question. Is it the Old Testament Law? As New Testament followers of Jesus are we still obligated under the old law to tithe? Only when we understand the value of the church and the work, we do together can you truly answer this question.
What arguments have you heard about the tithe, either for or against?
Why is this a controversial issue?
Read Genesis 14:19-20 and
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.Read Genesis 28:10-15
10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. 12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it[a] stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring.[b] 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
In both of these cases what was the motivation for them to give a tithe?
In Leviticus 27:30 the tithe was introduced as law.
Why was the tithe important to the ministry of the temple?
Read Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Read Matthew 10:8
Give as freely as you have received.
In these 2 passages what can we understand about Jesus’ idea of tithing and giving?
Read Acts 2:42-45
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
How did being filled with the Holy Spirit affect believers’ idea of their wealth?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:26
... for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
How does this differ from the Old Testament idea of God owning 10% of what we have?
Read 2 Corinthians 9:7-8
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
How does your gratefulness for the church add to the motivation to give to the church?
Pastor said, “You shouldn’t give because you have to but because you get to.” How does the following verse reflect that?
How does the following verse reflect that?
Given the Old Testament history of the tithe and Jesus’ heart of giving make tithing the most practical way to accomplish the mission of the church?
When your “not much” and my “not much” come together, it becomes much more.
Each of us has been blessed because someone gave to the church.
Were you taught to tithe as a child?
Do you have a better understanding of the tithe?
Read Malachi 3:10
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
What are some obstacles for you to commit to the tithe?
Does the 90-day giving challenge provide you a way to begin to tithe?
To make a true impact the sum of us giving together can change the lives of many.
THE SUM OF IT ALL | WEEK 3
Week 3: Live Generous
Introduction:
To be generous is different than to live generous. To be generous can be sporadic, random, or regulated by our cash flow. We become confused that the amount determines the value of our generosity. However, to live generously requires that we adjust our financial philosophy in order to put others first not only in the moment by every moment of every day. With every purchase. With all our financial planning.
Why is it easy to confuse generosity with random acts of kindness?
Would you consider yourself generous? Why? Why not?
What are some of the myths the pastor mentioned in the message?
Read Luke 21:1-4
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Why is percentage a better measurement of generosity than amount?
Why is having a plan to live generous so important?
Do you budget now?
https://www.iwasbrokenowimnot.com/tools provides you with free resources to help you budget.
It does require your name and email address, but it is worth a few emails to live generous.
In the message the Five Things we do with Money from Ron Blue’s book Master Your Money was discussed.
Spend it
Repay Debt
Pay Taxes
Save It
Give It
How does this financial practice make it difficult to be a true follower of Jesus?
Why?
To Live generous was defined as ...
The premeditated, calculated designated emancipation of financial assets.
Discuss each word of the definition and How it is vital to Live Generously.
How does a grateful heart or a broken heart help us determine where to be generous?
What are you grateful for?
Are you generous towards it?
What breaks your heart?
How can you be generous towards it?
How can living generously prepare you to say yes to what’s important to you?
How can saying yes to something make it easier to say no to something else?
How is organizing your finances in the order of Give, Save Live simply your life?
What are some practical ways for you to work towards this idea?
How can this group help?
THE SUM OF IT ALL | WEEK 2
Week 2: Money is how you see it.
Introduction:
Our perception of money is given to us by the culture we live in. But once we see money from God’s perspective, we understand its true value.
How do most people form their opinions or perspectives?
Has there ever been a time when you changed your perspective on something?
What was it?
What made you change?
Read Luke 16: 1-8
Jesus told this story to his disciples: “There was a certain rich man who had a manager handling his affairs. One day a report came that the manager was wasting his employer’s money. 2 So the employer called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Get your report in order, because you are going to be fired.’ 3 “The manager thought to himself, ‘Now what? My boss has fired me. I don’t have the strength to dig ditches, and I’m too proud to beg. 4 Ah, I know how to ensure that I’ll have plenty of friends who will give me a home when I am fired.’5 “So he invited each person who owed money to his employer to come and discuss the situation. He asked the first one, ‘How much do you owe him?’ 6 The man replied, ‘I owe him 800 gallons of olive oil.’ So the manager told him, ‘Take the bill and quickly change it to 400 gallons.[a]’7 “‘And how much do you owe my employer?’ he asked the next man. ‘I owe him 1,000 bushels of wheat,’ was the reply. ‘Here,’ the manager said, ‘take the bill and change it to 800 bushels.’8 “The rich man had to admire the dishonest rascal for being so shrewd. And it is true that the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with the world around them than are the children of the light
How did the crooked manager use his little bit of time and little opportunity to his benefit?
Read Luke 16:9
Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home
How is our money a tool?
Pastor said “We ask what will we have to show for it? Jesus asks the better question, Who will you have to show for it?”
How is that a different perspective than what we normally have?
Read Luke 16:10-12
10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. 11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? 12 And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?
What is the difference between worldly wealth and true riches mentioned?
Pastor said, “How we manage what we assume is ours reflects our devotion to the one to whom it actually belongs.”
How does this explain the idea from these scriptures that God sees our money as a test?
How is God testing our manager skills with the little bit he has given us?
Read Luke16:13
13 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Pastor said, ” What you do with what you have signifies whose you are.”
How does that quote explain the idea of this verse?
How does this identify our money as a trademark?
We have been given a little bit of time and a little opportunity.
Reflecting on our money and possessions, how are you using them as a tool?
Are you passing the test?
Is the trademark of ownership of whose you are reflected in your finances?
What are some perspectives and opinions, if any need to be adjusted to line up with your Heavenly Father's perspectives about what you perceive to be yours?
Read Luke 16:9
Here’s the lesson: Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home
THE SUM OF IT ALL | WEEK 1
The Sum of Meaning
In all its subtle forms, greed has the potential to rob your life. But the secret to living a meaning-filled life is found across the border from what’s in it for me.
Discussion Questions:
Jesus instructed us to be on guard against “all kinds of greed.
How would you describe a greedy person?
Would you consider yourself greedy at times?
Greed manifests itself in time, money & hospitality.
Which of these areas does greed manifest in your life?
Purpose is defined as “the reason for which something was created and exists.”
Remember the Pastor used the example of the shovel and its purpose of digging holes.
The shovel like us was created to be the means to an end, not the end itself.
Likewise, we are created to be a means to an end and we are not the end ourselves.
How does that thought strike you?
When was the last time you experienced joy as a result of serving as a means to an end?
Are you currently giving a portion of life to something beyond you that doesn’t benefit you? If so, how? If not, why not?
Read Luke 12:13–21
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
14 Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
16 And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. 19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Throughout this series, we will ask the question, What breaks your heart? Do you have a clear answer to that question?
If so, what is it?
If not, why do you think that is and what can you do about it?
Remember:
The Sum of it all is to live a meaning-filled life that is found across the border from what’s in it for me.
FOLLOW | WEEK 8
Follow: Unfollowers
INTRODUCTION
Jesus invites everyone to follow him. Being a sinner is a prerequisite. Having doubts is a prerequisite.
That’s because we’re all sinners, and we all have doubts.
Following Jesus results in overwhelming faith, but at times, it can also be inconvenient, costly, and even embarrassing. It can cause us to miss opportunities, lose business, or stand out in the crowd when we’d rather fit in. Even Jesus’ earliest followers wrestled with this tension. But one of his disciples asked a question that put everything in perspective: “To whom shall I go?”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Do you embarrass easily? What kinds of things embarrass you?
Talk about a time when you were embarrassed by a friend or family member. How did you respond?
Read John 6:56–61.
56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. 57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” 61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you?
Are there things Jesus said or did that offend you or that used to offend you?
Explain.
In the message, Pastor said, “Questions tend to complicate things. Considering the options simplifies them.”
Do you agree? Why or why not?
When has following Jesus been inconvenient, embarrassing, or costly for you?
What did you do?
Is transition, trouble, or temptation currently getting in the way of your ability to follow Jesus?
What can this group do to support you?
MOVING FORWARD
When transition, trouble, or temptation cause you to question your faith, consider the options. When you do, the fog will begin to lift. You will find the courage and strength to believe. And on the other side of your doubt, you will experience the faithfulness of God. When you doubt, you’ve got to ask, “If not Jesus, who? If not Christianity, what?”
CHANGING YOUR MIND
“We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:69