The Nine | One: The Reformer
Big Idea:
You aren’t perfect, but you’re perfectly loved.
Note to the Leader:
This is a help for you to engage and steer the conversation with you group.
Do your best to make this story come to life by asking questions that will spur your group into seeing this play out in real time.
You do not have to read every question; they are just there if you need them to move the main idea forward.
Getting Started:
The Enneagram is an interesting tool to gauge what makes us tick the way we do
· What are some other personality tests you’re familiar with?
· What do you like and dislike about personality tests?
· What number did you receive when you took the enneagram test and did you agree with your results?
This is a great opportunity to invite your group to take the test if they haven’t already. Just download EnneaApp and click “Find your results”.
Digging In
The reason we chose the Enneagram over many other tests is because there are so many versatile features within it. In a lot of personality tests they tell you exactly what you are, with enneagram there are strengths and weaknesses that also correlate to other “numbers” on the enneagram chart. Even though this isn’t built around the bible, it does open our eyes to ways God uniquely designed each of us.
· So, what makes your personality unique?
· Why do you think God created you that way?
Read Romans 12:4-5
Being different just means we’re all fulfilling different parts of the same equation.
· This week specifically we focus on the 1: Reformer, are there any “1s” in the group?
· Why would it be important to learn about all 9 numbers instead of just your own?
· What are the strengths of the One:Reformer?
Read Luke 15:25-27
· Are you familiar with the Prodigal Son story? If not, have someone briefly explain.
· Someone in this story is the One: Reformer, who is it?
· What makes that person this personality type?
o (They’re doing what they’re supposed to, following the rules)
Read Luke 15:28-30
· The One Reformer brings up a valid argument about the calf. How is this wrong though?
· The Brother did not like seeing someone receive a gift that they didn’t deserve. Think and discuss a time where someone or yourself deserved something good they did not deserve?
· Is it wrong to be frustrated that bad people receive good things?
· How do we love beyond our frustration?
Pastor said “The relationship is more important than the rules”
· How do we shift our focus away from rules and towards relationship?
· How do we love someone who is too focused on the rules and not the relationship?
On the cross, Jesus extended mercy to one of the prisoners being executed. Even though he never followed the rules, never went to church, never prayed, he received mercy at the last moment.
· How is that fair?
· Would anything disqualify someone from receiving that same mercy?
Next Step:
Pastor said “Make allowance for everyones faults, even your own.”
We have to learn to forgive. Even if a rule is broken, even if trust is misused, even if you don’t want to. We have to forgive as Jesus commanded. Friends, Family, Spouses, Coworkers, and ourselves.
You are not perfect, but you are perfectly loved.
Closing Prayer
Each week there is a specific prayer geared for the number we are looking at. Here is the prayer for the One: Reformer.
God, I pray we’ll all find grace. Right now, the One Reformers are spinning with criticism for themselves. Reassure them they’re the best among us, the most moral, the most right. But they’re still sinners who need you. They need grace, they need your mercy, just like all of us. Help them find mercy at the cross. In Jesus' name, amen.
