Download Life Together Small Group Study

 Introduction Have you ever wondered why social media is so insanely popular? This online phenomenon is no longer a niche market for the young trendsetters but now almost everyone has a social media platform of preference: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr (and some I have never heard of I’m sure!). We could easily discuss the negative impacts of social media on society, but it’s hard to disagree that social media has “scratched an itch.” What is so appealing about these online interactions? I think this “itch” is the universal human desire to connect with other people, to share the news of our lives, and to know and be known. This desire for community is hardwired into us by our Creator, and it has been God’s plan from the very beginning to create a worshipping community to enjoy Him and each other. The goal of this study is to better understand how to live in biblical community. This study is designed to supplement the 5-­‐week sermon series Life Together from January 11 -­‐ February 8. This study guide will help you dig deeper into the important themes discussed in the sermons, and help you practice in the context of a community. This study could be used with any type of small group, your family, or even a casual friend group. Why are we calling this series Life Together? Paul wrote to one of the early churches he helped to start, saying: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (I Thess. 2:8). As followers of Jesus, we are part of a community that is designed to share not only ministry inside the walls of the church building, but all of our lives. In this series we will study the basic building blocks of this ‘life together’ experience and seek ways to put them into practice. If you have any questions about this study, small groups in general, or if I can help in any way, please contact me. I look forward to hearing stories about how God’s plan for life together is transforming you spiritually and helping you become an agent of God’s transforming work in the world. In Christ, Aaron Elmore Pastor of Adult Discipleship The Kirk: One church, two locations [email protected] (918) 494-­‐7088 Session 1 -­‐ Study Week of January 11-­‐17 Psalm 119:1-­‐16 It’s helpful to understand the tone and goal of this psalm. The psalmist is not so much preaching as he is praying.1 That does not mean it is inappropriate to preach the psalm, but rather it places the emphasis on experiencing the words and phrases and not just analyzing them. The psalmist is trying to help us get swept up into joyous praise and love for God’s Word and not just an analytical exercise. Biblical poetry should engage and challenge our heart, mind, and actions! It is worth noting that almost every single verse of Psalm 119 contains a reference to the Word of God using various terms: words, statutes, precepts, commandments, ordinances, decrees and laws. These terms collectively help us understand that the subject of the psalm is the whole counsel of God’s Word, the Bible. Take a few minutes to read Psalm 119:1-­‐16 individually. Then have a group member read the psalm for the group so that you can experience the text in a different way. You may notice different words or phrases hearing it than you did reading it yourself. You may even want to close your eyes to help you focus on the words and experience the text. What are the action verbs that describe our response to God’s Word in verses 1-­‐3, and 6-­‐8? What do these have in common? Integrate these action words into a 1-­‐2 sentence summary statement (in your own words) of the proper response to God’s Word: What does focusing on the Word help prevent (see vv. 9-­‐11)? Why? The focus of Psalm 119 is living according to the Bible, but we cannot live according to the Bible if we do not know it (see especially vv. 7, 11, 16). Psalm 1:2 challenges us to meditate on God’s law day and night. What are some practices that you currently do or have done in the past that help you meditate on Scripture and keep God’s Word central in your life? (Be sure to listen to how others respond as you may want to ‘steal’ some of their good ideas -­‐ f.y.i. stealing is allowed in this instance.) The psalmist expresses his own inability to keep the law (vv. 5-­‐6) and difficulty in remaining pure (v. 9). The biblical remedy for this cycle of sin is a constant flow of confession and repentance.2 We are instructed to confess our sins to God (1 John 1:9) and also each other (James 5:16). By confessing our sin, we bring it into the light of God’s good news that in Christ all our sins are forgiven, helping us to turn from our sin and back to Christ. Are there any sins in your life that you would be willing to confess to the group so they can pray for you and remind you of God’s truth of forgiveness and restoration? vv. 13-­‐16 offer four different practices for celebrating God’s word and putting it into practice3: 1. Recount the law (v. 13) – reviewing Scriptures personally or teaching what you have learned to others. 2. Rejoice in following his statutes (v. 14) – singing biblically based songs/hymns or through prayers of gratitude 3. Meditate on his precepts (v. 15) – remembering what you have learned from God’s Word and turning it over and over in our minds in a concentrated time or throughout the day. 4. Delight in his decrees (v. 16) – different form rejoicing (v. 14), delight is a more steady, less exuberant pleasure Pick one of these to practice as a group and pick one to practice on your own this week. Session 2 -­‐ Pray Week of January 18-­‐24 Read Ephesians 6:18-­‐20 & 1 Thessalonians 5:16-­‐18 There are a number of different chapters and verses in the Bible we could study on the topic of prayer, but Ephesians chapter 6 is somewhat unique in that it talks about prayer in the context of spiritual warfare. We are engaged in a spiritual battle in which we are instructed to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph. 6:11) The armor represent tools we have in Christ to defend against the lies and attacks of Satan. It is in this same thought that Paul exhorts the church to engage in ‘battle prayer’ that is Spirit-­‐
empowered, consistent and comprehensive, and zealously pursued for both self and others (Eph. 6:18-­‐19). It is easy to think of prayer as a causal, almost passive activity, but Paul reminds us that prayer is part of spiritual battle. What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit?”(v. 18) This phrase has been interpreted in many ways, including declaring this as a formula for praying in tongues or unknown languages. However, nothing in the language or context suggests such a specific application. This phrase simply means praying according to the Spirit, which means being led in prayer by the Spirit and praying according to the truth of God’s Word that is revealed by the Spirit. What are some ways you can practice being led by the Spirit in prayer and pray according to the truth revealed by the Spirit? Verse 18 reminds us to pray on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. It seems at times that we get stuck praying only for a narrow range of requests, at a certain time of day, or certain kinds of prayers. How would you describe your current practice of prayer? (individually and/or with others) (Maybe you don’t pray much at all right now, just be honest with where you are currently) Much has been written on the topic of prayer, with all kinds of practical tools to help guide prayer and keep it fresh. One popular acronym many Christians use to pray is A.C.T.S. A = Adoration – praising and glorifying God for who He is C = Confession – confessing sins to God T = Thanksgiving – thanking God for His good gifts and what He has done S = Supplication – presents requests to God for self and others Do you have any tools or guides for prayer that you have found helpful? Are there areas of your prayer life that are weaker or stronger? How would you like your prayer life to look different in the coming year? The second half of verse 18 says, “…be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” This is a good reminder that we are called to not only pray for our own needs but also the needs of others. Are there people that you have been praying for recently? How have you seen God work in their lives? Who are the people in your life that you are not praying for that might need your prayers? Pray and ask God to reveal these people. Then write them here as a reminder: Session 3 -­‐ Care Week of January 25-­‐31 Read Romans 12:9-­‐13 Verse 10 says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” The early Christians applied this concept of brotherly love to their community in ways that went beyond other religious group at this time.4 They saw themselves as brothers and sisters, with the same level of commitment and affection of a biological family. Paul talks about the idea of being adopted into the family of God numerous times throughout his letters (Rom. 8:14-­‐17, 23; Gal 3:26-­‐4:7; Eph. 1:5, 2:19). Yet, it is easy to miss how profound this concept really is. This not only describes the nature of our relationship with God, but it also describes how we should relate to other Christians. Families are designed to be supportive, faithful and loving. Unfortunately, this is not always the case because we live in an imperfect world of sin. But however broken or dysfunctional families may be, this does not change God’s design for the family unit as a source of faith, love, and stability in our lives. This is why Paul encouraged the believers in Rome to be devoted to one another as though they were family. In a large church, it can sometimes be difficult to establish connections with other believers that feel like family. A small group offers a great environment for this to take place. The more a group feels like family, the more they will be willing to be honest and authentic. As members become devoted to one another, the group will become a source of support and strength during difficult times. These could be the people with whom you celebrate successes or call in the middle of the night during a crisis. What attributes describe a healthy family that you want your small group to also have? What are some things you can do to strengthen this sense of family within your small group? The second half of verse 10 says, “Honor one another above yourselves.” Paul expressed a similar instruction when he wrote to the Philippian church, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) This is the kind of love that will strengthen a family (biological or spiritual). This love that is not self-­‐seeking, but seeks to serve, protect and encourage (1 Cor. 13). What are some ways you can honor other members of your family or small group above your own self-­‐interests? Read Acts 2:44-­‐45 & Acts 4:32-­‐36 The early Christians set a great example of caring for one another. They considered their resources from a communal perspective and gave to others, as there was need. This was not communism, but rather a voluntary (although often sacrificial) sharing of resources that was motivated by their commitment to one another as family. Are there any existing needs within your group that could be met? (keep in mind they may be financial/material, but also emotional, relational, or spiritual) Are there any needs within the church or local community that you are aware of that your group might have the resources to address? Following the example of Acts 4:36-­‐37, pray and ask God to reveal anything you need to give up in order to help meet the needs of others. Session 4 -­‐ Carry Week of February 1-­‐7 Read Galatians 6:1-­‐5 Verse 1 teaches that if someone is caught in sin, those who are spiritually mature should seek to restore that person with gentleness and humility. Let’s just be honest…no one wants to confront sin and deal with it -­‐ not in our own lives and not with others! But the Bible clearly tells us that we are called to help our brothers and sisters when they are in sin, with the goal of spiritual restoration. However, it is difficult to strike the right balance of gentleness and truth. Some of us have no problem telling the truth, we just don’t do it with any love. Others have no problem being gentle; they just don’t want to have to confront someone. Have you ever confronted someone about their sin or has anyone ever confronted you? Describe the experience. Was the situation handled with gentleness and humility? Was there restoration or did it “go bad”? Why? One of the key verbs in this passage is carry. Verse 2 says that we should “carry each other’s burdens,” while verse 5 says, “…each one should carry his own load.” How can they both be true? Thomas Schreiner explains, “Paul emphasizes in this paragraph that believers are to support and help one another with the burdens and cares of life. At the same time they must recognize that they will stand alone before God on the day of judgment.”5 The fact that we are called to help carry each other’s burdens is not a license to become lazy, rather we do our part with greater confidence knowing that we are not alone. While verse 1 suggests sin as one of the burdens we should help one another carry, these burdens might also be financial difficulties, sickness, stress, or even persecution. Share about a time in your life that you had a burden others helped you carry. What did they do or say that was helpful or unhelpful? Do you have any burdens right now that you are willing to share that your small group might be able to help you carry? Read James 5:16 It seems many Evangelical Christians have lost touch with the practice of confession. Perhaps this is one area where we could learn from our Catholic brothers and sisters. While we may disagree with the need for a priest or mediator to confess to, recognizing Christ as the only necessary mediator (1 Tim. 2:5, Hebrews 9:15), the Bible, nonetheless, exhorts us to confess our sins to other Christians (James 5:16). The result of confessing our sins and praying with other believers is spiritual healing. Why do you think we need to confess our sins to others and not just to God? Do you have or have you ever had anyone in your life that you can confess sins to and pray with? If not, begin praying that God would bring that person into your life or show you who it might be. Read Proverbs 27:17 What are some examples of other ways we can sharpen one another? Session 5 -­‐ Share Week of February 8-­‐14 Read Acts 11:19-­‐30 This is a very important passage in the book of Acts because it is the first detailed account of evangelism by “ordinary” believers.6 Previous evangelistic efforts that are recorded in Acts always included an apostle or key leader.7 But the planting of a new church in Antioch came as a result of Jewish-­‐Christians being scattered from Jerusalem who then began telling the good news to many Greeks. They were successful because “the Lord’s hand was with them,” (v. 21) and many people turned to the Lord as a result of their sharing. While some Christians may have a special gift in evangelism (Eph. 4:11), God’s design is for all believers to share the good news (Matt. 28:19) with the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower us (Acts 1:8). One of the key marks of a healthy small group or any biblical community is sharing, which takes many forms. This could mean inviting new people to join the group so that they can experience life together with other believers. Or it could involve helping someone get connected with another small group, or helping a new group get started by providing leadership and direction. Who do you know that is not in a small group that you could invite? Most importantly, this passage reminds us of our mission to share the gospel with others through our words and actions. These disciples at Antioch were sharing the good news of forgiveness through faith in Jesus and also stepped up to meet practical needs as an expression of gospel-­‐transformed living. When they heard the prophecy about a famine, they took up a collection to help the church in the areas that would be hit the hardest (Acts 11:27-­‐30). Share with your words In order to share the gospel, you must understand it yourself and be able to communicate it clearly and concisely. Write out a summary of the gospel message from memory. (There is room on the next page.) Try to avoid “churchy” language that may be confusing to someone with little or no background knowledge. The gospel: Share your gospel summary with another member of your group and ask if there are any gaps or confusing parts of your explanation. This is not a contest to see who gets it right, but practice to improve your ability to share with others. Share with your actions Read 1 Peter 4:10-­‐11 Our serving is often more effective when it matches or gifts and strengths. We all have gifts from God, but sometimes our own gifts are not even evident to us. Offer the opportunity for group members to share and affirm gifts and strengths they have observed in others. What are some gifts/strengths you have that could be used to serve others? (Feel free to add any here that others mention you may have.) Are there any common strengths among multiple group members that might provide direction for how you could serve most effectively as a group? Discuss your plans to serve as a group this year. Try to balance serving both inside and outside the “walls of the church” -­‐ both are important! The goal of our serving is to bring God glory (1 Peter. 4:11). Spend some time praying that God will use your small group this year to serve Him and bring Him glory! Notes: 1
Derek Kidner, Psalms 73-­‐150 [Tyndale Old Testament Commentary] (Downers Grove: IVP Academic: 2008), p. 459. 2
See Matt Chandler, Recovering Redemption (Nashville: B&H: 2014), esp. chapter 4. 3
Adapted from James M. Boice, Psalms: Volume 3 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998), p. 981. 4
Leon Morris, The Epistle to the Romans [Pillar New Testament Commentary] (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988), p. 444. 5
Thomas Schreiner, Galatians [Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament] (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010), p. 362. 6
David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles [Pillar New Testament Commentary] (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009), p. 351. 7
Ibid. Written by Aaron Elmore ©2015