REMINDER: Communion is next week, so that means INVITE NIGHT for rGroups Dec 1st-6th. Group leaders, check your inbox for an email from your pastor about rGroups for next week.
Summary: Friendship not only helps us show people what Jesus was like, but it also helps us get other people to Him. There are 4 things that we can learn from the friendship of David and Jonathan that illustrate what a godly friendship looks like today.
Godly friends...
1. Are Willing to Sacrifice for Others.
Read 1 Samuel 18:1-4. How did Jonathan sacrifice for David? What was so significant about the items that Jonathan gave?
-In your friendships, do you give your best to others, or do you just give the leftovers? Do you sacrifice for your friends, or are you the only person that you sacrifice for?
-Read Philippians 2:4. What are tangible ways that you can look out for the interests of your friends?
-How does "sacrifice for others" gel with our cultures mindset of "looking out for yourself"? How could an attitude of sacrifice open up doors to tell others about Jesus?
2. Come to the Defense of Others.
Read 1 Samuel 19:1-5. Instead of making himself look good and setting his own life up for success, what did Jonathan do for David? When is the last time you've set your own agenda and priorities and desires aside for the sake of someone else?
-Read Proverbs 18:24. Do you have friends in your life that are more like close brothers and sisters? What did they do to obtain that level of deep friendship?
3. Encourage Others
Read 1 Samuel 23:15-18. Why is it a game changer in your life when a friend comes along and encourages you during a hard time?
-Read Romans 15:2. Spiritually, why is encouragement from close friends so important in your walk with Jesus? How many times would you have given up or turned around if it weren't for a close godly friend spurring you on?
-What were some difficult times in your life that were made easier by an encouraging friend? Dealing with death and loss, a set back, bad report, hardship at work or in relationships, etc.
4. Are Faithful
Read Romans 12:15. A true, faithful friend is there for you during the ups and downs, highs and lows, good and bad. Are you a faithful friend?
-Read Proverbs 20:6. How many "friends" do you have in your life? Now, how many "true" friends do you have? The ones you can call on for help, encourage you, are always there for you, would give you anything you need? These verses say your friends may be many, but the true friends are a lot more scarce.
-Read Proverbs 19:22a and 1 Corinthians 13:7. Simple, basic love isn't enough for a true friendship. What are the words used to describe a close, godly friendship in these verses?
So why is being a godly, true friend an important thing for you to do?
a. It shows the world what Jesus was really like.
b. It helps get other people into a relationship with Him when they realize what a great friend Jesus is for them.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Love Handles: Biblical Friendship
Summary:
True friendship is evidenced when we love our friends enough to have hard conversations with
them about each other's sins, with the goal of helping one another look more like Jesus each
day.
Questions:
• Describe a time in your life when a friend has had to have a hard conversation with you about
sin. What was good or bad about that conversation? What happened in your life as a result of
this conversation? (Or maybe you can share what it looked like for you to have this kind of
conversation with somebody else.)
Read 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
• In this passage Paul is talking about how a Christian is supposed to interact with other
Christians vs. people who are not Christians. Paul tells us that it is our place as Christians to
judge and confront other Christians who are in sin, but we don't act in the same way towards
people who aren't really followers of Jesus. Why shouldn't we hold non-Christians to the same
standards that we hold Christians to? What should it look like to lovingly address sin in the
lives of our friends who are not Christians?
Read James 5:16
• A lot of times we need friends to call us out on our sin, because we might not even know it is
there. However, many of us have an intimate knowledge of the sin in our lives. This passage is
talking about confessing our sins in the context of healing, but how is confessing our sins to
our friends, who want to help us look more like Jesus, helpful to us?
• How can we cultivate a culture in our rGroup of being able to lovingly point out sin in the lives
of our friends, as well as being able to confess our sins to each other?
True friendship is evidenced when we love our friends enough to have hard conversations with
them about each other's sins, with the goal of helping one another look more like Jesus each
day.
Questions:
• Describe a time in your life when a friend has had to have a hard conversation with you about
sin. What was good or bad about that conversation? What happened in your life as a result of
this conversation? (Or maybe you can share what it looked like for you to have this kind of
conversation with somebody else.)
Read 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
• In this passage Paul is talking about how a Christian is supposed to interact with other
Christians vs. people who are not Christians. Paul tells us that it is our place as Christians to
judge and confront other Christians who are in sin, but we don't act in the same way towards
people who aren't really followers of Jesus. Why shouldn't we hold non-Christians to the same
standards that we hold Christians to? What should it look like to lovingly address sin in the
lives of our friends who are not Christians?
Read James 5:16
• A lot of times we need friends to call us out on our sin, because we might not even know it is
there. However, many of us have an intimate knowledge of the sin in our lives. This passage is
talking about confessing our sins in the context of healing, but how is confessing our sins to
our friends, who want to help us look more like Jesus, helpful to us?
• How can we cultivate a culture in our rGroup of being able to lovingly point out sin in the lives
of our friends, as well as being able to confess our sins to each other?
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Love Handles: Man-Eater vs. Man-Maker
Summary:
We typically attract the caliber person we are. Stop worrying about Mr. or Mrs. right and start focusing on Mr. or Mrs. you.
Questions:
-Read 1 Peter 3:3-4
This text calls women to be more concerned with who they are than what they look like. What does it look like for a woman to cultivate her soul rather than having an inordinate focus on externals?
-Read Genesis 1:27
What does it mean to be made in God's image and how should this shape an individuals identity and activity?
**Group Leader Aid: Being made in God's image means that humans are unique and set apart from the rest of creation. We bear God's image primarily in our person-hood: intellect, emotion, and will. There is a value placed upon us that is not ascribed to any other created being. Being this valued should cause us to act valuable.
-Read Acts 18:24-26
This text shows a man "competent" in the Scriptures being sharpened further by two women who were theologically astute (they read the Bible more than Buzzfeed). Ladies- Are you biblically literate enough to help sharpen others? Dudes- Would dating or marrying a spiritual beast of a woman intimidate you or help keep you in pursuit of Jesus?
-Read Proverbs 31:17
This woman is described as having dressed herself with strength. A logical question may be: "How are you working to strengthen yourself," but that is actually a lame question. Note that her strength was not developed in some kind of training...it was developed by her living! It is living obediently now that will strengthen you for later. Are you walking in obedience to Jesus at work, at school, in dating, in marriage, in finances? If not you are only getting weak.
We typically attract the caliber person we are. Stop worrying about Mr. or Mrs. right and start focusing on Mr. or Mrs. you.
Questions:
-Read 1 Peter 3:3-4
This text calls women to be more concerned with who they are than what they look like. What does it look like for a woman to cultivate her soul rather than having an inordinate focus on externals?
-Read Genesis 1:27
What does it mean to be made in God's image and how should this shape an individuals identity and activity?
**Group Leader Aid: Being made in God's image means that humans are unique and set apart from the rest of creation. We bear God's image primarily in our person-hood: intellect, emotion, and will. There is a value placed upon us that is not ascribed to any other created being. Being this valued should cause us to act valuable.
-Read Acts 18:24-26
This text shows a man "competent" in the Scriptures being sharpened further by two women who were theologically astute (they read the Bible more than Buzzfeed). Ladies- Are you biblically literate enough to help sharpen others? Dudes- Would dating or marrying a spiritual beast of a woman intimidate you or help keep you in pursuit of Jesus?
-Read Proverbs 31:17
This woman is described as having dressed herself with strength. A logical question may be: "How are you working to strengthen yourself," but that is actually a lame question. Note that her strength was not developed in some kind of training...it was developed by her living! It is living obediently now that will strengthen you for later. Are you walking in obedience to Jesus at work, at school, in dating, in marriage, in finances? If not you are only getting weak.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Love Handles: King of the Castle
Summary: There are 4 responsibilities that we see from Ephesians 5 that men should be doing in their relationships: Accept responsibility, sacrifice, protect, and rely on God. These are 4 things men should be striving for in relationships, and 4 things that women should be looking for in a man. If you're married, these will be a good evaluation for your relationships to determine if you're on the right track.
Texts: Proverbs 16:9, 18:21, and 28:26. Ephesians 5:22-30
Texts: Proverbs 16:9, 18:21, and 28:26. Ephesians 5:22-30
1. Every Great King Accepts Responsibility for everything in His Kingdom. (Eph 5:22-24)
a. What did Jesus take responsibility for? Was it his fault?
b. What does the example of Jesus tells us about what we should do in our relationships?
c. What does in communicate about a man that isn't willing to accept responsibility for things in his life?
2. Every great king sacrifices for his kingdom (Eph 5:25-26)
a. How did Jesus sacrifice for his kingdom?
b. What ways do we sacrifice in our relationships? What does our "sacrifice" communicate to the other people in our relationships?
3. Every great king leads the fight to protect his kingdom (Eph 5:28-29)
a. How do you protect your kingdom with your time? With your words? With your influence?
4. Every great king teaches his people that he relies solely on God. (Prov 28:26)
a. How did Jesus rely on God? (Read Matthew 26:36-46)
b. How can you communicate your reliance on God in your relationships?
c. In what areas of your life and relationships do you tend to rely on your own wisdom the most? What areas are easier for you to rely on God?
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Baptism: We Call It A Party for a Reason
Summary: 9 people from both the Downtown and the North campuses went public in their relationship with Jesus through baptism on Sunday. YES! We answered 3 questions: why should Christians get baptized, what does baptism symbolize, and why should we celebrate baptisms?
Text: Matthew 28:18-19, Romans 6:3-6, and Luke 15
1. Why should Christians get baptized?
a. Read Matthew 28:18. What is Jesus saying about himself? Who gave him this "authority"? What does this statement mean for people that claim to be Christians?
b. Read Matthew 28:19. "Therefore" means that if you believe what Jesus said about himself in vs 18, then you'll follow through with his commands in vs. 19. Here is what Jesus commanded us to do:
-Go: What does "go" look like for you? Where are some places that you have "gone" with the Gospel message? It could be across the street or across the world. How are you being obedient to his first command?
-Make Disciples: Are you helping other people follow Jesus? Are you introducing others to Jesus? Are you sharing your story of life change? How are you being obedient to his second command?
-Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: If you are a follower of Jesus, have you been baptized? If not, then what are your hesitations? What is keeping you from being obedient to his third command? If you have been baptized, then take a minute and share your story with others.
So why should Christians get baptized? Because Jesus said so. It's an act of obedience to him.
2. What does baptism symbolize?
Read Romans 6:3-6. This is a great picture of the Gospel message. List out the similarities to the Gospel message in these verses and the act of baptism by immersion. (death, buried, raised from the dead, newness of life, united in resurrection).
-What part of the story of Jesus is told when the person goes under the water?
-What part of the story of Jesus is told when the person come up out of the water?
What is baptism designed to remind us of?
-The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-How Jesus changed your life.
-How Jesus is still in the business of changing lives today.
3. Why should we celebrate baptisms?
Read Luke 19. There are 3 different stories recorded here.
a. In all 3 stories, what is the reaction when the lost item is found? (vs 6. Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost, vs 9, Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost, vs 20, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him).
b. The lost item symbolizes someone that doesn't know Jesus. The item being found symbolizes someone that begins a relationship with Jesus. So, list out some words that describe how we should respond when someone becomes a follower of Jesus.
One version of the Bible (The Message) paints a vivid picture of what it's like when someone that is "lost" is then "found."
Luke 15:9-10: "And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin.' Count on it- that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one soul turns to God."
Challenge: Who are some people in your life that you would like to see become a follower of Jesus? Would you as a group commit to pray for these people by name each week? Would you pray that God would change their heart? Would you pray that one day they will be a follower of Jesus and we'll get to see them be baptized as they go public in their relationship with Jesus?
Text: Matthew 28:18-19, Romans 6:3-6, and Luke 15
1. Why should Christians get baptized?
a. Read Matthew 28:18. What is Jesus saying about himself? Who gave him this "authority"? What does this statement mean for people that claim to be Christians?
b. Read Matthew 28:19. "Therefore" means that if you believe what Jesus said about himself in vs 18, then you'll follow through with his commands in vs. 19. Here is what Jesus commanded us to do:
-Go: What does "go" look like for you? Where are some places that you have "gone" with the Gospel message? It could be across the street or across the world. How are you being obedient to his first command?
-Make Disciples: Are you helping other people follow Jesus? Are you introducing others to Jesus? Are you sharing your story of life change? How are you being obedient to his second command?
-Baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: If you are a follower of Jesus, have you been baptized? If not, then what are your hesitations? What is keeping you from being obedient to his third command? If you have been baptized, then take a minute and share your story with others.
So why should Christians get baptized? Because Jesus said so. It's an act of obedience to him.
2. What does baptism symbolize?
Read Romans 6:3-6. This is a great picture of the Gospel message. List out the similarities to the Gospel message in these verses and the act of baptism by immersion. (death, buried, raised from the dead, newness of life, united in resurrection).
-What part of the story of Jesus is told when the person goes under the water?
-What part of the story of Jesus is told when the person come up out of the water?
What is baptism designed to remind us of?
-The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
-How Jesus changed your life.
-How Jesus is still in the business of changing lives today.
3. Why should we celebrate baptisms?
Read Luke 19. There are 3 different stories recorded here.
a. In all 3 stories, what is the reaction when the lost item is found? (vs 6. Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost, vs 9, Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost, vs 20, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him).
b. The lost item symbolizes someone that doesn't know Jesus. The item being found symbolizes someone that begins a relationship with Jesus. So, list out some words that describe how we should respond when someone becomes a follower of Jesus.
One version of the Bible (The Message) paints a vivid picture of what it's like when someone that is "lost" is then "found."
Luke 15:9-10: "And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin.' Count on it- that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one soul turns to God."
Challenge: Who are some people in your life that you would like to see become a follower of Jesus? Would you as a group commit to pray for these people by name each week? Would you pray that God would change their heart? Would you pray that one day they will be a follower of Jesus and we'll get to see them be baptized as they go public in their relationship with Jesus?
Saturday, October 18, 2014
PG Week 3
Summary: The #1 responsibility that a parent has is to lead and teach their kids. Scripture makes it clear that parents are to be teachers, leaders, and models for their kids spiritually.
Text:
-Proverbs 1:8; 2:1-2; 3:1; 4:1-2; 5:1; 6:20; 10:1; 15:20.
-2 Timothy 3:15-17
-Psalm 145:4
-Deuteronomy 6:7
-1 Timothy 4:8
1. Reread the verses from Proverbs chapters 1-6. The repetition shows the significance of the task that Solomon is undertaking. List out the top 5 responsibilities that you think a parent has/should have. Where does "spiritual leader/teacher" fall on your list?
2. Read Proverbs 10:1 and 15:20. Why should a parent be focused on passing down wisdom to their kids? What results will be produced in YOUR life if your kids grasp Godly wisdom? Do you have any stories in your family or maybe of families that you know where the parents are living a difficult life because of the folly, lack of discernment, and bad decision making by their kids?
3. Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and answer the following questions:
a. When were the people taught about the Bible?
b. What were the kids given when their parents teach them the Bible?
c. What does Paul say that the Bible is good for?
d. What does God use the teaching of the bible by the parent to do in the life of the child?
4. Read Psalm 145:4. Whose responsibility is it to tell the next generation about God? What are some of the things that we try to push this responsibility off on? (church, pastor, relatives, school, friends, let them find their own way).
5. Deuteronomy 6:7 is a great example of how you can lead and teach your kids in a simple and effective way. What are ways that your parents taught you? What really worked and had an impact on you? What are the ways that you are trying to lead and teach your kids spiritually?
6. Read Luke 11:2-4. Look at the list of phrases below and talk about why each one is important. How can you use this model to help teach your kids about Jesus.
a. Father (God's relationship with you)
b. Hallowed be your name (you are worthy of my praise and honor and worship)
c. Your kingdom come (whatever you want with me and with this day God, then so be it!)
d. Give us each day our daily bread (provide for my needs)
e. forgive us our sins (forgiveness and repentance)
f. help us to forgive others (showing forgiveness to others)
g. lead us not into temptation (help show us the right path and protect us)
Text:
-Proverbs 1:8; 2:1-2; 3:1; 4:1-2; 5:1; 6:20; 10:1; 15:20.
-2 Timothy 3:15-17
-Psalm 145:4
-Deuteronomy 6:7
-1 Timothy 4:8
1. Reread the verses from Proverbs chapters 1-6. The repetition shows the significance of the task that Solomon is undertaking. List out the top 5 responsibilities that you think a parent has/should have. Where does "spiritual leader/teacher" fall on your list?
2. Read Proverbs 10:1 and 15:20. Why should a parent be focused on passing down wisdom to their kids? What results will be produced in YOUR life if your kids grasp Godly wisdom? Do you have any stories in your family or maybe of families that you know where the parents are living a difficult life because of the folly, lack of discernment, and bad decision making by their kids?
3. Read 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and answer the following questions:
a. When were the people taught about the Bible?
b. What were the kids given when their parents teach them the Bible?
c. What does Paul say that the Bible is good for?
d. What does God use the teaching of the bible by the parent to do in the life of the child?
4. Read Psalm 145:4. Whose responsibility is it to tell the next generation about God? What are some of the things that we try to push this responsibility off on? (church, pastor, relatives, school, friends, let them find their own way).
5. Deuteronomy 6:7 is a great example of how you can lead and teach your kids in a simple and effective way. What are ways that your parents taught you? What really worked and had an impact on you? What are the ways that you are trying to lead and teach your kids spiritually?
6. Read Luke 11:2-4. Look at the list of phrases below and talk about why each one is important. How can you use this model to help teach your kids about Jesus.
a. Father (God's relationship with you)
b. Hallowed be your name (you are worthy of my praise and honor and worship)
c. Your kingdom come (whatever you want with me and with this day God, then so be it!)
d. Give us each day our daily bread (provide for my needs)
e. forgive us our sins (forgiveness and repentance)
f. help us to forgive others (showing forgiveness to others)
g. lead us not into temptation (help show us the right path and protect us)
Monday, October 13, 2014
PG, Week 2
Summary: Last week we talked about engaging in your child's life. Now, how do you do that exactly? Scripture teaches us 2 basic truths to help parents engage in the life of their children: training your child and doing everything for your child in love.
Texts: 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 and 16:14; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Proverbs 22:6; 13:24; 3:11-12; 4:10; 19:18.
Training As Discipline:
Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:25.
1. When we hear the word "discipline" we usually associated it with something negative. Yet in Scripture, Paul describes athletes and soldiers as people with great discipline in that they have habits, routines, and positive aspects of their life that they practice and do daily in order to achieve a goal.
a. In parenting, what are the things you are training and disciplining your children to do?
If you're not a parent, what are the things you are training and disciplining yourself to do right now in various aspects of life?
(examples: finances, school, job, relationships, health, other goals you are working towards).
b. In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions that all of the things listed above are great to do. But what about spiritually? What are you doing in your life to train spiritually?
(examples: Bible reading, evangelism, discipleship, finances, church involvement, serving).
c. What are the big things that you are passing (or would want to pass) on to your kids? How do you plan on teaching them these things?
d. 1 Corinthians 9:25 mentions that many people train for something that is perishable and doesn't last long. How is spiritual training more important? Why should you be interested in your spiritual health even more than your financial/physical/professional health? Why is there such an urgency about our kid's health and academics and success in life, but generally a lack of urgency and intentionality with spiritual things?
2. As parents (and with other relationship in our lives as well), our motto should be to do all things in love.
a. What does Proverbs 13:24 and 3:11-12 say about loving your kids? What should you do for them and in their lives? (reproof, discipline, training, equipping, encouraging). What does Scripture say you are doing to them if you don't do these things? (hating them, causing their life to be harder and shorter)
b. Oftentimes, kids struggle with discipline because they don't see the love and purpose behind it. Read Proverbs 19:18, Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:21. What are practical ways that you can show love to your kids, even during discipline? If you dont' have kids, what are ways that you can show love even during a difficult conversation at work, during a conflict, or when dealing with a difficult person?
Read Luke 22:42. Did you know that even though we sinned against God, that Jesus took our punishment, the wrath of God? John 3:16 explains that he did that because God loves us. When it comes to sin in our lives, what does this story say about you? What does this story say about God? Now, how should you respond to this incredible gift?
Texts: 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 9:25 and 16:14; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21; Proverbs 22:6; 13:24; 3:11-12; 4:10; 19:18.
Training As Discipline:
Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:25.
1. When we hear the word "discipline" we usually associated it with something negative. Yet in Scripture, Paul describes athletes and soldiers as people with great discipline in that they have habits, routines, and positive aspects of their life that they practice and do daily in order to achieve a goal.
a. In parenting, what are the things you are training and disciplining your children to do?
If you're not a parent, what are the things you are training and disciplining yourself to do right now in various aspects of life?
(examples: finances, school, job, relationships, health, other goals you are working towards).
b. In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions that all of the things listed above are great to do. But what about spiritually? What are you doing in your life to train spiritually?
(examples: Bible reading, evangelism, discipleship, finances, church involvement, serving).
c. What are the big things that you are passing (or would want to pass) on to your kids? How do you plan on teaching them these things?
d. 1 Corinthians 9:25 mentions that many people train for something that is perishable and doesn't last long. How is spiritual training more important? Why should you be interested in your spiritual health even more than your financial/physical/professional health? Why is there such an urgency about our kid's health and academics and success in life, but generally a lack of urgency and intentionality with spiritual things?
2. As parents (and with other relationship in our lives as well), our motto should be to do all things in love.
a. What does Proverbs 13:24 and 3:11-12 say about loving your kids? What should you do for them and in their lives? (reproof, discipline, training, equipping, encouraging). What does Scripture say you are doing to them if you don't do these things? (hating them, causing their life to be harder and shorter)
b. Oftentimes, kids struggle with discipline because they don't see the love and purpose behind it. Read Proverbs 19:18, Ephesians 6:4, and Colossians 3:21. What are practical ways that you can show love to your kids, even during discipline? If you dont' have kids, what are ways that you can show love even during a difficult conversation at work, during a conflict, or when dealing with a difficult person?
Read Luke 22:42. Did you know that even though we sinned against God, that Jesus took our punishment, the wrath of God? John 3:16 explains that he did that because God loves us. When it comes to sin in our lives, what does this story say about you? What does this story say about God? Now, how should you respond to this incredible gift?
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