Small Group Discussion Week of January 10, 2010

The Big Decision: Living Strong in Christ

Opener

1. Go around the group and share one of your earlier memories of water – it could be fun, scary, or something else. (As usual, if you don’t wish to share, just say, “Pass.”)

Hearing God’s Word

2. Choose someone to read Mark 1:9-15 to the group.

Mark 1:9-15 (New Revised Standard Version)

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 12 And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him. 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

3. Take about a minute of silence to reflect on what you’ve heard.

Discussion and Application to Our Lives

4. Jesus baptism marks the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Without it, we’d be left guessing what the Old Testament means. And those of us who aren’t Jewish, would be left out of God’s promise. Jesus’ baptism was the beginning of the work of salvation that Jesus completed at the cross. But Jesus’ baptism wasn’t the first time God brought salvation to the people through water. Here are some examples (you don’t need to look them up now, but you can at home):

Genesis 7:6-10 – Noah’s flood – God brings Noah and his family through the flood
Exodus 14:10-28 – God delivers the Israelites from the power of the Egyptian army by parting the Red Sea for them to cross.
Joshua 3:14-17 – God again parts the water and brings the people of Israel across the flooding, rushing Jordan River into the Promised Land

These were times of anxiety, fear, and waiting. Are there places in your life where you feel pinned between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea? Or needing to cross a river that’s impossibly wide and fast-flowing? If you feel comfortable, share a few words about it.

5. Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River was a beautiful event! (Mark 1:10-11) God spoke and the Spirit descended. Jesus must have felt so good! But then “immediately,” the Holy Spirit drove him out into the wilderness. (Mark 1:12). Read 1:13 aloud. Wild animals and Satan! How does that sound? Would you like to be in Jesus’ sandals?

6. So often, after a big blessing or at a moment of decision to live for Jesus Christ in some area of our lives, we Christians find ourselves in a time of testing. Have you ever experienced a time of testing? If you wish, share an example. (When you’re discussing these, be sure to leave time for the Good News ahead!)

7. Jesus made it through his time of testing to begin his ministry (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus’ secret was depending on God to sustain him. He did not go into the wilderness alone. He had the Holy Spirit to guide him, and God provided for his needs (“and the angels waited on him” verse 13).

Do you believe that God can rescue from the armies, floods, and rushing rivers that may between you and where you need to be? Is God still doing that kind of work? Can God sustain you through a time of temptation and hunger? (Discuss for a bit.)

8. Because of what Jesus did, we have extra help! Jesus himself has promised to be with us through the Holy Spirit. That brings us into the promise God gave the people if Israel back in the time of the Exodus: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

One or two people in the group may want to share a story of how God brought them through a time of trial. How did you hand it over to God? How was God glorified in it? Could you tell that God was with you at the time or did it become clear afterwards?

Prayer and Blessing

9. Pray for each other! Choose someone to open and close your prayer time. Pray silently for the person sitting to your right. (So that you may target your prayers, if you have time, you may want to share a single sentence about where the “wilderness experience,” wild animals, temptation, flood, army, or rushing river may be in your life right now.

10. Go in peace and know that you do not go alone! As God told Moses, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14) Then listen for your marching orders from God!

NEXT WEEK: We’ll be starting our “Boot Camp: Basic Training for Christians” with a goal of helping us to open ourselves to the blessings that God wants to pour out on us. We’ll start with “Practicing Prayer” - Don’t miss it!

HOMEWORK: Review at some of the stories of God saving the people. Remind yourself that “God can handle this” whenever you start to feel overwhelmed.

Reading is from John 6:1-13, and John 6:23-35

1. What is the importance of bread in our lives?
2. Jesus didn’t say, “I am the bread of life” out of the blue, its context starts in John 6:1-13, a familiar story. Review that story, then go to John 6:23-26. Note Jesus’ remark in verse 26. What was He saying about how much His followers value bread in light of what had happened the day before in verses 1-13?
3. In verse 27, Jesus starts a whole different discussion about bread. I can’t help but think of the people who hold up cardboard “Will work for food” signs when I read Jesus’ words in verse 27. He starts off with, “Do not work for the food…” – what is the rest of the verse?
4. Read verse 28. It indicates they heard there was something they needed to do in order to “work the works of God.” Jesus’ answer is in verse 29. What is the “work of God”? Who is “Him whom He has sent”?
5. According to verses 30 and 31, His followers understood what Jesus just said about His identity in verse 29. What did they request of Him (v. 30)? What did they feel the need to remind Him of (v.31)?
6. In verse 32, Jesus answers them about Moses and bread out of heaven, then transitions the conversation again and continues into verse 33. What truths does He tell them in these two verses?
7. Verse 34 tells their response to the truth Jesus revealed in verse 33. What do they want?
8. And here is our key study statement in verse 35 – in its context, what does Jesus tell us about Himself in this verse?
9. The conversation with Jesus in verses 26-35 switched from actual, physical bread to “bread out of heaven.” Why do you think Jesus used the term “Bread of Life” to describe Himself?

1.If you checked out your Sword of the Spirit, in what condition did you find it? Share any action you may have decided to take once you determined its condition.

2.“Prayer holds it all together.” We often think of prayer as concentrated time on our knees, and if we don’t do that, anything else doesn’t count. Look at:

Ephesians 6:18
1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Timothy 2:8
Philippians 4:6-7

What do these verses say about the time to pray and the place to pray?

3.Prayer can be a complex topic – sometimes when we pray, an answer comes quickly; sometimes not until later; sometimes – it looks like not at all. For as elated as we can become for those wonderful times when a clear answer has come on time, there are also times of deep discouragement when we wonder if God even hears us. I’ve heard it said that God has one of three answers to our prayers: Yes, no, and wait. We wonder if there’s a formula, a “right” way to pray, and if a particular method of praying particularly moves God’s heart. Discuss struggles you’ve had in your prayer life.

4.David has some incredibly honest conversations with God in the Psalms. They run from high to low, from rock-solid certainty about God’s nature to utter desperation that God cannot hear him. In many instances he pulls himself together by calling to mind the attributes He knows about God. (Psalm 13, Psalm 31:9-22). How is this practice of David’s a good model for us in our desperate times? What does praising God as part of our prayer do for our state of mind?

5.Psalm 139 is eloquent in David’s understanding of God’s unceasing care over him, as well as an understanding of the word of God. Deborah said today that prayer, combined with knowledge of scripture, gives God a way to speak to us in language we can understand. In putting on the whole armor of God, contemplating the significance of each piece and how to use it in battle, then adding talking to God and letting His word speak to us – what does this do for our confidence in calling upon Him throughout our day in all circumstances?

6.Nothing is too big or too small to talk over with God. Having those conversations with Him is something Jesus not only encouraged, but modeled. “The Lord’s Prayer” runs the gamut of all things, great and small, that can be brought before God. Go over this prayer and list them out.

7.Review the whole armor of God, each piece, what it does, and as you put it on, what your part is in using it. Have you been putting your armor on?

1. I don’t know about you, but last week I took note of what goes on in my head, and expended a lot of effort “casting down imaginations” and other “high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.” I needed a butterfly net to bring every thought captive, not to mention raising my shield of faith by calling to mind what I believe. Did you think about what you think about, and if so, what did you notice? Did you consciously take action against marauding thoughts trying to steal your peace?

2. Being conscious of our thought lives highlights how fierce the battle is for our minds. We were reminded of that again this Sunday when the Helmet of Salvation was explained to us. The more we study the armor of God, the more we understand the importance of knowing what we believe and the scriptures that back up our faith. That’s a brain function; hence, a helmet is an integral part of protection. Recap your understanding of the role of the Helmet of Salvation.

3. The “Salvation” part of our helmet is so good, it deserves reinforcement. Review these verses and pick out the components of salvation:
Ephesians 1:4-7
Ephesians 2:5-6
Ephesians 2:8
Ephesians 3:12
1 John 5:11-13

4. If we possess these truths given to us concretely in God’s word, how do we use them when the enemy sows temptation, discouragement and doubt?

5. Share a time when your peace was restored because you used scripture to combat oppressive thoughts. If we know this tactic but rarely use it, what happens?

6. We’ve all had times when circumstances are overwhelming. At those times, the last thing we feel like doing is fighting. If someone asks me, “Do you have your armor on,” my answer is often “no.” There’s knowing about it, and there’s the choice of putting it on. We’re more inclined to put it on if we understand its function and value. How important is it to understand about each piece of armor, and how important is it to be fully dressed for battle?

7. Review whose strength we’re wearing when we put on our armor (this should make us all more courageous!)

8. This week, be conscious about protecting your head with God’s solid promises about salvation, and put on your helmet! Let the reality of salvation sink in deeply, and apply those truths to challenges you encounter.

1. If you tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s activity around you last week, what did you notice?

2. This week Pastor Steve not only described, but showed us a picture of what a shield looks like in Roman battle armor. It covers from head to toe. Although it is a defensive piece designed to “quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one,” our use of it is not to passively hide behind it and wait for incoming artillery to stop. The NASB version of Ephesians 6:16 says, “…taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one.” What are some ways we would take up our shield of faith?

3. We’ve talked about our belt of truth, our breastplate of righteousness, and our good news shoes, plus the power of the Holy Spirit. In taking up our shield of faith, what strengths do our belt, breastplate, shoes and Holy Spirit bring to our ability to take up our shield of faith?

4. Our minds are the enemy’s primary battleground. We want to be in control, but we rarely are, and our imaginations create negative scenarios that discourage us or fill us with fear. I sometimes think the enemy knows what to whisper into my ear to set my imagination off on a tangent of distress. A powerful passage to commit to memory is 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 for those times when our minds are racing faster than we can remember to say “WHOA!” Look up those verses. How do they fit in with taking up our shield of faith?

5. There’s ability to take up our shields; and then there’s willingness to take it up. What’s a good strategy if our willingness has been pummeled by battle fatigue?

6. As we raise our shield of faith, are we demonstrating we have faith in faith, or faith in “the One who”? What’s the difference between the two?

7. As we raise our shield of faith, we create a dwelling place. Review the incredible promises in Psalm 91.

8. My favorite version of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 is, “For the weapons of our warfare are not made of flesh; but they are mighty in God’s power to the tearing down of strongholds – casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” This week, as we take up our shield of faith, let’s consciously cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Catch ourselves imagining; and catch the enemy exalting his lies against the knowledge of God. Shields up!

1. Did the enemy accuse you last week? How did the “breastplate of righteousness” protect you / deflect the accusations?

2. This week we look at the footwear of the whole armor of God. Pastor Steve cited two versions of the scripture about our footwear. Both translations are correct. The New Revised Standard Version says, “As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.” This version mentions that we have a part in being ready, the result being that peace goes out to others from us as we share our good news (the gospel). The New International Version says, “and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” This is good news that has already brought peace to us and, and that peace keeps us in a state of readiness to share our good news with others.

It’s a subtle difference in translation, but both versions get us to the same place – ready. Discuss the subtle differences in translations and how thoroughly God has seen fit to cover us.

3. What difference does peace make in our individual lives? In our family life? At work? In our city? In our nation? In our world?

4. Right now, in May of 2009, would you say peace is common, or a scarce commodity?

5. Who do these scriptures identify as the source of our peace?
Micah 5:2-5
Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2:13, 14
John 14:27

6. If we believe that peace is a precious gift (our “good news”), and it could make all the difference in the lives of people who are in turmoil, how willing are we to share it?

7. See 2 Peter 1:2-8 – how do these verses apply to, “As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim…”?

8. Look at our key verse in the Amplified version of the Bible: “And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.” In Sunday’s Bible reading, the word “stand” appears 3 times. The Amplified version exhorts us to have firm-footed stability. Sturdy footwear is mandated for firm-footed stability, yet “peace” is often viewed as something only the timid value, those who wish to evade conflict. What are the characteristics of true peace that brings strength and protection vs. avoidant “peace” that merely appeases? Is it possible to confront evil from a stance of peace? How so?

9. This week, notice if you are (a) standing firmly grounded in the peace that is yours by virtue of the good news you have received of Christ; and (b) if you are ready and willing to extend that same peace to others in the form of the good news of the gospel. Review Isaiah 52:7, and be encouraged that the sound of your footsteps might be the most welcome sound in someone’s life this week.

1.Share how you did last week with living out of your core of God’s truth and strength (the belt of truth). How did applying that strength impact you?

2.This week we look at the Breastplate of Righteousness, another piece of the “whole armor of God” we are admonished to wear. Paul just says to put it on, but he doesn’t make any comments about it. He must have assumed the Jewish Christians to whom he was writing were familiar with what he was talking about. Read Isaiah 59:1-15 and note:

a.The condition of the people at the time Isaiah is writing;
b.Any similarities to the conditions that surround us right now in May of 2009
c.Continue reading Isaiah 59, 15-17. In the second half of verse 15, there is a turn of events. What is it?
d.There is a rescue – who is this prophecy about?
e.What is He wearing?

3.Isaiah 59:16 says, “…His righteousness upheld Him.” There is no other righteousness that upholds God besides His own righteousness!

a.The “Breastplate of Righteousness” in Ephesians 6:14 is cross-referenced to this passage in Isaiah. It is an integral piece of the whole armor of God that we are to put on. If in the Old Testament, Isaiah wrote that God was upheld by His own righteousness, what does that say about the strength of that very same righteousness – His righteousness – that we New Testament Christians are told to put on as part of the whole armor of God?
b.How does His righteousness – our assurance of right standing with God – protect us as we go about our day?

4.How do we take hold of His righteousness?

5.This week, consciously wear your breastplate of righteousness, and when the enemy accuses you, remind him of Whose righteousness you are wearing.

1.Share how you did last week with reminding yourself (a) to put on the armor of God; and (b) that your battle is not against flesh and blood. If you remembered to do those two things, in what way(s) did it make a difference in your interactions with people?

2.Pastor Steve explained on Sunday morning that “the belt” of armor isn’t like our belts that hold up pants or accessorize what we’re wearing. In battle armor, it was a leather “apron” that hung down to the warriors’ thighs to protect them from arrow pierces. It also pressed their abdominal and lower back muscles into a strong, solid “core”. Core strength in our physical bodies is key to keeping us steady, balanced, and agile. How would this translate into the spiritual realm with the belt of truth buckled around our waists?

3.If it’s God’s truth that’s buckled around our waists, and His truth is the source of our strength, do we take any part in understanding His truth?

4.What is our part?

5.Review Ephesians 6:10. There’s a clarion call to readiness in this verse – notice it doesn’t say, “Get strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” What does it say? What’s the difference in readiness between “get” and “be”?

6.Compare this to 2 Timothy 4:2 – is this “get ready”, or “be ready”?

7.On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 1 being lowest), how do you rate your current state of readiness? Your current core strength?

8.Pastor Steve encouraged us to speak the truth in love, live the truth, and allow truth to protect us. During this week, note if consciously living out of your core of God’s truth and strength impacts your reaction to circumstances, and/or the actual circumstances.

1.With the downturn of the global economy, controversy in the political scene, a swine flu outbreak, and all the news that seems to be only bad news – what are you doing to take a break from the tensions that surround you?

2.Have you noticed if people seem less patient with each other? Give an example.

3.In the challenges of everyday life, Paul admonishes us to “…be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10). Then he tells us the first step, “Get dressed,” (Eph. 6:11) so that we’ll be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Take a look at other “get dressed” verses:
Romans 13:12
Romans 13:14
Galatians 3:27

In all the verses, what is the similar element of the clothing we are admonished to put on?

4.We consciously clothe our physical bodies each morning to get ready for the day. We dress appropriately for whatever it is we’re going to do.
If we consciously clothe our spiritual selves each morning, would it make a difference in our readiness to handle whatever crosses our path during the day? How so?

5.Ephesians 6:11 and 12 tell us to put on the whole armor of God because we face a struggle. How would being aware that our struggle isn’t against people, but against spiritual forces, change the way you react to those who provoke you?

6.What will you do this week to remind yourself (a) to put on the armor of God; and (b) that your battle is not against flesh and blood?

Gossip is a serious issue, especially in the body of Christ because it affects the ability to accept and love one another. And Love is the bond that holds together the body of Christ.

http://www.wordscanheal.org

I found this website today as I was looking for a way out of imagining what others might think. It showed me the affects of careless words and challenged me to make a pledge against them.

Judgement may be the root. If I can give over the power of judgement to our Savior, than the a burden is lifted…

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-5 (New International Version)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Bless you Brothers and Sisters,
Ali David

-Pastor Steve