Truth & Dare | Yes, I Don't (Discussion Guide)

This Guide is available for download here.

Life Group Discussion Guide :: Sunday, February 10, 2013 (JXG) 

Sandy Lake Wesleyan :: Pastor Shawn

Truth & Dare | Yes, I Don’t (Week 2)

Remember, this Guide is not intended as an exhaustive list of what can be discussed, but is best used as a guide to help your Group process what God is teaching them. Read through the discussion points below and prayerfully consider what the Holy Spirit would have you work through.

------------------------------------------------------

 Be sure to pray for, encourage each other, 

and share the victories God is giving your Group.

From Last Week (Truth & Dare, week 1):

Read Psalm 119:10-16

:: How can we tell if we have assumed the teachable posture of the psalmist?

:: What are symptoms that we do not have this level openness/teachability when it comes to the Word? What are the dangers of doing so?

:: What does it look like to position ourselves to be receptive to the Word? What part does obedience play in this?

“It ain’t those parts of the Bible I don’t understand that bother me. It’s the parts I do understand.” ~ Mark Twain

:: How can you relate to this?

:: What ‘part you do understand’ bothers you? How can you process this to understand God’s heart?

:: What does it look like to align our lives/hearts with the parts we understand and don’t like?

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12

:: How does this change the way we read and understand Scripture?

:: Why should this make us desire even more to read the Scriptures?

:: Have you ever thought of the Word as being ‘living and active?’ What does this mean? What are the ramifications for us?

Read James 1:22-27

:: What does it look like to listen to the Word...and deceive ourselves? Have you ever seen this happen in your own life? What are ways we avoid doing this?

::We sometimes forget that the Word is “the perfect law that gives freedom;” what are some of the [false] ways we can view the Word? How do these false perceptions cause difficulty for us?

:: What contingency for blessing is seen here? What do you think this blessing is (hint: it’s probably not a material blessing)?

This Week:

TRUTH: Followers of Jesus reflect His character.

DARE: Reconcile  | Reject (the temptation to trade the truth for a lie) | Repeat

“Although the Bible answers life’s problems, ignoring it creates them.”

:: How have you seen this in your life, positively or negatively?

:: Why do you suppose it seems easier to ignore Scripture than to proactively seek its truth & wisdom?

:: Have you ever experienced a time when you needed simple instructions...even when you thought you didn’t?

Read Matthew 5:33-37 

:: How is this an issue of character?

:: What is the danger of seeing this passage simply as a matter of behavior modification?

:: In what ways do you see living according to this brings great freedom?

:: How does this show us our role in either closing the door to dysfunction or inviting greater dysfunction?

:: How does this effect every relationship we’re part of?

Jesus makes it clear that the evil one doesn’t want our ‘yes’ to be ‘yes’ and our ‘no’ to be ‘no.’

:: In what ways have you seen Satan use a disconnect between our ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to create division or confusion?

This is a great example of how the power of truth can immobilize the enemy. What are ways to gently speak the truth in love and preserve relationship?

Read Galatians 3:9-10

:: What are some of the ways we’re tempted to lie to each other?

:: How is lying within the Body of Christ a sign of much deeper dysfunction than simple word choice?

:: How can we convince ourselves this is a suggestion for interaction more than a command for living?

Some statistics:

:: The average person begins to tell lies between ages 2-3

:: When meeting new people, the average person will like 2-3 times in 1o mins

:: Most people lie about 4 times a day = 1,460 lies/yr

:: Average # of lies/day: Men = 6, Women = 3

:: Most common lie told by both: “Nothing’s wrong. I’m fine.”

What do Jesus’ words have to do with even the little, seemingly positive lies? How can we break the cycle of lies in our lives and around us?

The three most common reasons people lie:

:: To make ourselves look good.

:: To get out of trouble.

:: To avoid hurting someone else’s feelings.

What is one thing you can do this week to be a person of deeper character? Spend time to pray with your Group that the Holy Spirit would reveal a clear next step for them in this. Invite your members to share with one another (be sure to share yourself!) and check-in on each other during your next meeting to see how their ‘one thing’ has been going.

Truth & Dare | The Word (Discussion Guide)

This Guide is also available as a .pdf here.

Life Group Discussion Guide :: Sunday, February 3, 2013 (JXG) 

Sandy Lake Wesleyan :: Pastor Shawn

Truth & Dare | The Word (Week 1)

Remember, this Guide is not intended as an exhaustive list of what can be discussed, but is best used as a guide to help your Group process what God is teaching them. Read through the discussion points below and prayerfully consider what the Holy Spirit would have you work through.

------------------------------------------------------

 Be sure to pray for, encourage each other, 

and share the victories God is giving your Group.

From Last Week (Live SENT, week 2):

Read Ephesians 4:11-12

:: Why do we so often assume that ‘official’ church personnel are to do rather than equip for ministry?

:: What’s the difference?

:: How can we tell if we’re in a process of being equipped for ministry or

  if we’re simply observing others do ministry?

Read John 9:1-4

:: What ‘Live SENT’ opportunities are here?

:: In what ways do we see things around us and revert to ‘living’ or focusing on discussion? 

:: Why is it so tempting to talk theology more than actively living God’s Word? 

:: What are ways that we are able to display the work of God in the lives of others as He works through us? How can we be more intentional in engaging as those doing the work of Jesus?

:: Why is Jesus’ ‘sent-ness’ key to what happens here? How is it significant that he sends us out with the same ‘sent-ness?’

Read 1 Peter 3:15

Why is Peter’s background/history/story significant in what the Holy Spirit inspired him to write here?

How do we see that this a directive, not an option? What does this mean for our ‘next steps’ with this?

How can we possibly be ‘ready...always!’? How does an awareness of our call to ‘facilitate something else’ help us prepare for readiness at all times? 

How does this move us to a place where we recognize and live out the reality that ‘hope involves expectation?’

“Living SENT is looking at the world around you with a willing expectancy and consistently choosing to be ‘Jesus with skin on.’

How can we be more aware of the ‘Live SENT’ opportunities around us? What are the opportunities we’re presented with every day to let others ‘Finish First.’ What are more unique opportunities (those that don’t come every day, but are special opportunities) we should be aware of? How do we prepare for those?

This Week:

Read Psalm 119:10-16

:: How can we tell if we have assumed the teachable posture of the psalmist?

:: What are symptoms that we do not have this level openness/teachability when it comes to the Word? What are the dangers of doing so?

:: What does it look like to position ourselves to be receptive to the Word? What part does obedience play in this?

“It ain’t those parts of the Bible I don’t understand that bother me. It’s the parts I do understand.” ~ Mark Twain

:: How can you relate to this?

:: What ‘part you do understand’ bothers you? How can you process this to understand God’s heart?

:: What does it look like to align our lives/hearts with the parts we understand and don’t like?

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12

:: How does this change the way we read and understand Scripture?

:: Why should this make us desire even more to read the Scriptures?

:: Have you ever thought of the Word as being ‘living and active?’ What does this mean? What are the ramifications for us?

Read James 1:22-27

:: What does it look like to listen to the Word...and deceive ourselves? Have you ever seen this happen in your own life? What are ways we avoid doing this?

::We sometimes forget that the Word is “the perfect law that gives freedom;” what are some of the [false] ways we can view the Word? How do these false perceptions cause difficulty for us?

:: What contingency for blessing is seen here? What do you think this blessing is (hint: it’s probably not a material blessing)?

Read Joshua 1:7-9

:: We again see a blessing contingent on following God’s Word. Why is this significant?

:: Why is this vital for Joshua/us to understand true success?

:: How is prosperity in God’s eyes different than prosperity in our own eyes?

:: What are ways we can errantly define a ‘win’ in our lives if we’re not regularly engaging with Scripture?

We were asked, “how long can you go without reading Scripture before you feel compelled to?” How did your answer reveal the level of priority God’s Word has in your life?

We were dared to pray Scripture (Psalm 119:10-16), read Scripture daily through this series, and do what it says. Lead your Group in discussion about what it looks like to accept this dare. Hold each other accountable to this and process what God is teaching you as you engage in this way.

.

Live Sent | Week 2 (Discussion Guide)

Download a pdf of this Guide here.

Life Group Discussion Guide :: Sunday, January 27, 2013 (JXG) 

Sandy Lake Wesleyan :: Pastor Shawn

Live SENT | Week 2

Remember, this Guide is not intended as an exhaustive list of what can be discussed, but is best used as a guide to help your Group process what God is teaching them. Read through the discussion points below and prayerfully consider what the Holy Spirit would have you work through.

------------------------------------------------------

 Be sure to pray for, encourage each other, 

and share the victories God is giving your Group.

From Last Week:

Read Mark 10:17-22

Why is it significant that “Jesus looked at [the man] and loved him?” How does this change the way we read and internalize this passage?

:: What is the significance of him pursuing “Eternal Life” -- something of personal benefit -- and Jesus’ call to follow Him?

:: What caused the man to go away sad?

:: What are ways Jesus does the same with us? Have you ever experienced a time when what you were seeking was adjusted as you encountered Jesus and an eternal focus?

Pastor Shawn shared CS Lewis’s “three alternatives” in life:

To be God. | To be like God & share his goodness… | To be miserable.

:: How have you seen this these ‘alternatives’ play out around you?

:: What are symptoms that we’re trying to live as God?

:: What are some examples of what it looks like to ‘be like God & share His goodness…?’

:: Have you ever experienced miserable Christianity? What brought you to that place? How did God call you out of it?

Read John 20:21b

How does this show us that “following Jesus is not just about living, but Living SENT?”

How do we see God’s empowerment to live a SENT life in this passage?

This passage indicates a reality that a Christ follower will Live SENT; it isn’t something to strive for, but something that is. How does this help us understand the danger in focusing on LIVING rather than Living SENT?

What does this show us about how, in Jesus, we move from having a life to being alive. 

:: What are some ways that Living SENT gives us a sense of being alive?

:: What examples of adventure, purpose, and dynamic living have you

    experienced as you seek to know Jesus and Live SENT in Him?
  if we’re simply observing others do ministry?

We were asked, “What is one way you can more clearly focus your spiritual life on God and not yourself?” Discuss this as a Group and share what God has revealed to you. Pray for one another and, again, capitalize on this opportunity to call each other to more’ as you journey through this together.

Read Ephesians 4:11-12

:: Why do we so often assume that ‘official’ church personnel are to do rather than equip for ministry?

:: What’s the difference?

:: How can we tell if we’re in a process of being equipped for ministry or

Read John 4:27-38

:: What ‘Live SENT’ opportunities confronted the Disciples? Why is it significant that their response was so different?

:: How do we get distracted and think the wrong things are the ‘most important’ things?

:: Why is the context of these verses (talking to a Samaritan woman) so important?

Read John 9:1-4

:: What ‘Live SENT’ opportunities are here?

:: In what ways do we see things around us and revert to ‘living’ or focusing on discussion? 

:: Why is it so tempting to talk theology more than actively living God’s Word? 

:: What are ways that we are able to display the work of God in the lives of others as He works through us? How can we be more intentional in engaging as those doing the work of Jesus?

:: Why is Jesus’ ‘sent-ness’ key to what happens here? How is it significant that he sends us out with the same ‘sent-ness?’

Read 1 Peter 3:15

Why is Peter’s background/history/story significant in what the Holy Spirit inspired him to write here?

How do we see that this a directive, not an option? What does this mean for our ‘next steps’ with this?

How can we possibly be ‘ready...always!’? How does an awareness of our call to ‘facilitate something else’ help us prepare for readiness at all times? 

How does this move us to a place where we recognize and live out the reality that ‘hope involves expectation?’

“Living SENT is looking at the world around you with a willing expectancy and consistently choosing to be ‘Jesus with skin on.’

How can we be more aware of the ‘Live SENT’ opportunities around us? What are the opportunities we’re presented with every day to let others ‘Finish First.’ What are more unique opportunities (those that don’t come every day, but are special opportunities) we should be aware of? How do we prepare for those?

Pray for one another (and follow-up with one another), asking God to call you to new levels of obedience in this. Ask him to give you and your Group an awareness of what he desires to do through you, to give you an expectancy and willingness.

Live SENT | Week 1 (Discussion Guide)

Note: this Guide is available for download here.

Life Group Discussion Guide :: Sunday, January 20, 2013 (JXG) 

Sandy Lake Wesleyan :: Pastor Shawn

Live SENT | Week 1

Remember, this Guide is not intended as an exhaustive list of what can be discussed, but is best used as a guide to help your Group process what God is teaching them. Read through the discussion points below and prayerfully consider what the Holy Spirit would have you work through.

------------------------------------------------------

 Be sure to pray for, encourage each other, 

and share the victories God is giving your Group.

From the “Clean Slate” Series:

Read Is 53:6

How does the fact that Jesus has ‘done the work’ help us as we step into forgiveness, freedom, and holiness?

Even though God has ‘done the work’ how does living a clean-slate reality require action on our part?

Read Psalm 51

What is the difference between wanting to be forgiven vs. the desire to be clean?

How is the desire to be clean seen in David’s prayer?

David recognizes being made clean must be something God does, and his desire is for open relationship with God. What are symptoms that we’re seeking forgiveness without restoration?

In what ways have you seen/experienced that a ‘clean slate is an empty slate...incomplete and unused?’ What do we see about a properly filled slate?

Pastor Shawn shared that our ‘clean slate’ journey includes 

calling & confessing  --> letting go & letting God --> remaining & receiving

What are ways that we stop at each step along the way? 

What are symptoms that we may have stalled in this journey?

How have you experienced the ‘filled slate’ of ‘remaining & receiving’ in your life?

Last week, we were called to engage in the journey (calling & confessing, letting go & letting God; remaining & receiving). Pray with your group that the Holy Spirit would show you individually and collectively where you are in this journey and what He is calling you to next. Share the answer(s) you receive over the next several weeks and invite Him to lead you into your next steps. Leaders, help your Groups ‘call each other to more’ (for more on this, check out the video at this link).

Read Mark 10:17-22

Why is it significant that “Jesus looked at [the man] and loved him?” How does this change the way we read and internalize this passage?

:: What is the significance of him pursuing “Eternal Life” -- something of personal benefit -- and Jesus’ call to follow Him?

:: What caused the man to go away sad?

:: How can we miss the ‘treasure of heaven’ because we’re focused on temporal things?

:: What are ways Jesus does the same with us? Have you ever experienced a time when what you were seeking was adjusted as you encountered Jesus and an eternal focus?

Pastor Shawn shared CS Lewis’s “three alternatives” in life:

To be God. | To be like God & share his goodness… | To be miserable.

:: How have you seen this these ‘alternatives’ play out around you?

:: What are symptoms that we’re trying to live as God?

:: What are some examples of what it looks like to ‘be like God & share His goodness…?’

:: Have you ever experienced miserable Christianity? What brought you to that place? How did God call you out of it?

Read Luke 11:23

What is your reaction as you read these words of Jesus? 

Throughout the morning, we were asked to reflect on the question, Is your spiritual life a way to improve yourself or to experience God?

:: What are symptoms we’re pursuing spirituality for self-improvement?

:: What are evidences that we are seeking God and His Kingdom rather than our own comfort, wealth, improvement, or design?

Read John 20:21b

How does this show us that “following Jesus is not just about living, but Living SENT?”

How do we see God’s empowerment to live a SENT life in this passage?

This passage indicates a reality that a Christ follower will Live SENT; it isn’t something to strive for, but something that is. How does this help us understand the danger in focusing on LIVING rather than Living SENT?

What does this show us about how, in Jesus, we move from having a life to being alive. 

:: What are some ways that Living SENT gives us a sense of being alive?

:: What examples of adventure, purpose, and dynamic living have you

    experienced as you seek to know Jesus and Live SENT in Him?

We were asked, “What is one way you can more clearly focus your spiritual life on God and not yourself?” Discuss this as a Group and share what God has revealed to you. Pray for one another and, again, capitalize on this opportunity to call each other to more’ as you journey through this together.

Clean Slate | Week 3 (Discussion Guide)

Note: this Guide is available for download as a .pdf here.

Life Group Discussion Guide :: Sunday, January 6, 2013 (JXG) 

Sandy Lake Wesleyan :: Pastor Shawn

Clean Slate | Week 3

Remember, this Guide is not intended as an exhaustive list of what can be discussed, but is best used as a guide to help your Group process what God is teaching them. Read through the discussion points below and prayerfully consider what the Holy Spirit would have you work through.

------------------------------------------------------

 Be sure to pray for, encourage each other, 

and share the victories God is giving your Group.

Read Isaiah 43:18-19

What are ways we can be tempted to dwell in the past? What are symptoms of doing this??

How can we be blind to the what God is causing to spring up...the new thing(s) he is doing?

What are ways that we can position ourselves to be aware and receptive to the new thing(s) God is seeking to bring about in our lives?

What are some reasons that new life, new opportunities, and ‘clean slate’ moments seem short-lived? 

Have you ever experienced a ‘new start,’ only to find that it seems the ‘old junk’ pulls us back into what was?

How is living in the reality of a ‘clean slate’ more of a journey than a singular decision?

Read Is 53:6

How does the fact that Jesus has ‘done the work’ help us as we step into forgiveness, freedom, and holiness?

Even though God has ‘done the work’ how does living a clean-slate reality require action on our part?

Read Psalm 51

What is the difference between wanting to be forgiven vs. the desire to be clean?

How is the desire to be clean seen in David’s prayer?

David recognizes being made clean must be something God does, and his desire is for open relationship with God. What are symptoms that we’re seeking forgiveness without restoration?

What is significant in this Psalm about what happens AFTER David experienced forgiveness/being cleaned--what does this mean for us?

How do we see in this that a ‘clean slate is an empty slate...incomplete and unused? What do we see about a properly filled slate.

Pastor Shawn shared that our ‘clean slate’ journey includes 

calling & confessing --> 

letting go & letting God -->

remaining & receiving

What are ways that we stop at each step along the way? 

What are symptoms that we may have stalled in this journey?

How have you experienced the ‘filled slate’ of ‘remaining & receiving’ in your life?

Last week, we were asked to reflect on this question:

What’s keeping you from experiencing freedom and a clean slate?

Spend time as a group praying through this with and for each other. Be sure to pray for each other during the weeks ahead, that the Holy Spirit would clearly show you if you’re not experiencing freedom...and the thing(s) holding you back.

How can you journey with each other through these things? What are ways you can live a clean slate reality as a group?

This week, we were called to engage in the journey (calling & confessing, letting go & letting God; remaining & receiving). Pray with your group that the Holy Spirit would show you individually and collectively where you are in this journey and what He is calling you to next. Share the answer(s) you receive over the next several weeks and invite Him to lead you into your next steps. Leaders, help your Groups ‘call each other to more’ (for more on this, check out the video at this link).