Think Bigger Flipbook

THINK

bigger Pastor Will Stoll

Northwest Church •Fresno, California

Copyright © 2015 by Northwest Church ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Published by Northwest Church, Fresno, CA No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotes are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN: 978-0-9915559-4-9 Printed in the United States of America

table of contents CONTENTS

Using This Workbook (Read This First) Outline for Each Session

Sessions

Session One: Look for Big Problems Session Two: What is in Your Hand?

Session Three: What is Your Kryptonite?

Session Four: Pray for Your Miracle Session Five: Who is the Hero?

Session Six: Take Time to Rest

Appendix

Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Small Group Calendar Spiritual Partners Memory Verse Small Group Roster

Small Group Leaders

6 8 10 28 45 58 73 87 102 105 106 107 108 109

Hosting an Open House 112 Leading for the First Time 114 Leadership 101 116 Notes 118

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Series introduction Over the next six weeks we’re going to try to answer the question, “What is God’s Will for my life?” We’re going to look at six different people in the Bible who had no idea what God wanted them to do, until God told them. You might be at a point in your life where you’re asking that same question. Maybe it’s a time of transition.

Maybe it’s a time when a season of your life has ended and something new needs to begin. Maybe you’re at a fork in the road and you need to make a decision. That’s what this series is about. Helping you determine what God wants you to do.

By doing this study, you’ll be learning with a large group in church, a small group in a living room, and alone with God on your own. We’re excited about what God has in store for you and your group over the next six weeks, and we’re praying that you would experience God in a fresh way as a result of this study.

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Using This Workbook Tools to Help You Have a Great Small Group Experience!

1. Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1)

Sessions; (2) Appendix; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the resources found in the Appendix. They will be used throughout the sessions.

2. If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the

section Small Group Leaders will give you some hard-learned experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

3. Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group

responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

4. Enjoy your small group experience and have fun together.

5. Pray before each session—for your group members, for your time together, or wisdom and insights.

6. Read the Outline for Each Session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

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Outline of Each Session A typical group session for the Think Bigger study will include the following sections.

Read through this to get a clear idea of how each group meeting will be structured.

Weekly Memory Verses. Each session opens with a memory verse that

emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s Will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our six sessions are also listed in the appendix.

Introduction. Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session. You may want to have the group read them aloud.

Share Your Story. The foundation for spiritual growth is an intimate connection with God and His family. You build that connection by sharing your story with a few people who really know you and who earn your trust. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members or your spiritual partner(s) for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey.

Watch DVD/Hear God’s Story. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, you’ll pop in the DVD and watch a short teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information, but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from Scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ should be your greatest aim.

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Study Notes. This brief section provides additional commentary, background or

insights on the passage you’ll study in the Hear God’s Story section.

Create a New Story. God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to know Him personally, carry out His commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living.

This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshiping God. Digging Deeper. If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions, which you can use either during the meeting, or as homework. Your group may choose to read and prepare before each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. Or, group members can use the additional study section during the week after the meeting. If you prefer not to do study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group.

Daily Devotions. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide Scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions—a month’s worth of reflections to keep God’s Word near your heart. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of Scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it.

You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

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Session

1

Look for Bigger Problems W

hat problem do you see God calling you to tackle? What problem has been burdening you, your family, or your community?

Maybe you have felt powerless to do anything about it. But, that can change. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

If you feel too weak to confront a massive problem, then you are probably God’s choice.

Gideon was definitely an unlikely choice, but he was God’s choice.

“Please, Lord, how can I save Israel?”

And the Lord said to him, “I will be with you…”

Judges 6:15,-16

Share Your Story Each of us has a story. The events of our lives—good, bad, wonderful or challenging—have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and He intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to Him. When we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work.

We also realize we are not alone—that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else. And telling it can lead to a path of freedom for you and for those you share it with.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to give you insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant.

Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 109, a sheet of paper, or your Study Guide opened to the Small Group Roster. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

Then, begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking.

1.

What brought you here? What do you hope to get out of this group?

What’s your usual approach to meeting new people?

A. To be honest, it’s pretty scary for me.

B. I’m cautious at first, but when I feel comfortable I open up.

C. I’ve never really met a stranger—what do you want to know?

2.

Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 105 is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups.

We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

If your group is new, have nametags for your first meeting. Introduce everyone and welcome newcomers.

We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment.

Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside Him (Mark 6:30-44).

Look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group.

The Small Group Calendar on page 106 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group.

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Watch the DVD Use the Notes space to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video for Session 1, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Hear God’s Story Some people think “emotion will sustain devotion” and Christianity is a matter of moving from one spiritual high to the next, and that if you can sustain these feelings it will be easy to follow Christ.

Unfortunately, life is sometimes hard, and it’s unrealistic to expect your emotions to drive your spiritual life. Instead, you need to be grounded in God’s Word, in daily communication with Him in prayer, and in connection to other believers who can strengthen your faith. Life is full of mountains and valleys, but God designed us to travel the path together.

Read Gideon’s story in Judges 6:11-40.

1. God did not throw Gideon into the battle with the Midianites right away.

How did God prepare Gideon before the battle?

2. Gideon wasn’t very sure about God’s assignment. He performed his first task in secret. When have you been given a scary assignment? How did you feel about it at first?

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empower them to fulfill an assignment. Gideon was one of those people.

Right after he received the Spirit, what did Gideon do (Judges 6:34-40)?

4. Even clothed in the Spirit of God, Gideon had doubts about God’s message

to him and about whether he was the right man for the job. What kinds of doubts do you experience when you consider doing an assignment for God?

5. Despite his doubts and relying on God’s presence with him through the

Spirit, Gideon stepped out in faith, raised an army and approached the Midianites. The same Spirit that was in Gideon—God’s presence—is in every person who follows Jesus. How does knowing that God’s presence is in you boost your courage to accept your assignment from God?

6. God didn’t expect Gideon to do the assignment all by himself. Besides the

army he raised, God allowed Gideon to have a companion. Read Judges 7:910.

7. Who do you have in your life that will join you in the assignment God has for you?

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Study Notes God gave His Spirit to ordinary people of the Old Testament for a specific purpose for a specific time. Here are just a few: n The craftsmen who constructed the Tabernacle with Moses: Exodus 31:1-6 and Exodus 35:30-36:2 n The 70 elders of Israel who helped Moses lead the people: Numbers 11:16-17 n Moses’ young protégé who succeeded Moses in leading the Israelites: Numbers 27:15-23 n David, an ordinary shepherd, who led Israel as their king: 1 Samuel 16:10-13 The same Spirit is now given to every person who claims Jesus as their Lord and Savior. The big difference is that the Spirit will never leave. So when ordinary people—including you and me—take on God’s assignments, we are always accompanied by God’s presence through the Holy Spirit who is in us (John 14:15-17).

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Create a New Story God wants you to be part of His kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By starting with small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way—giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

Discuss these questions together to help one another begin to discover what God wants each of you to do for His Kingdom.

1. When you look at the entire landscape of your life, what major problems are burdening your community, your family or you?

2. Is there a problem on your heart that you feel God is calling you to tackle?

3. What situation have you (or your community) been bandaging that really needs to be attacked?

Continue to think about these questions throughout the week. As we continue through this study series, we’ll talk about what God wants you to do for Him. One thing we know God wants all of us to do is to tell people about Jesus (Acts 1:8). Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram and write the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them. Perhaps they would be open to joining the group? Share your lists with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

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FAMILY

(immediate or extended)

FAMILIAR

FRIENDS

(neighbors, kidsʼ sports teams, school, and so forth)

FUN

(gym, hobbies, hangouts)

FIRM (work)

Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

This week how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word? You can use the Daily Devotions section to guide you. Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges.

Close your meeting with prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 108.

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Digging Deeper If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time before the next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own and jot your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. A great way to gain insight on a passage is to read it in several different translations.

You may want to use a Bible app or website to compare translations.

We’ve been reading and talking about ordinary people who God calls to take on an assignment. There’s no doubt that Gideon felt inadequate for the job. In fact, many people who we consider biblical heroes felt unqualified for the assignment that God had given to them. If you feel the same way, you’re in good company.

Get to know some of these people this week and realize that they were regular people—just like you, who answered an extraordinary call—just like you can.

Gideon—Judges 6:11-7:25. Review the portion of Gideon’s story that you read in your small group (Judges 6:11-40). God slowly worked with Gideon to get him ready for his assignment. Continue in the story by reading Judges 7:1-25.

1. When has God called you to do a really tough assignment?

2. What steps did God use to equip you for the task?

3. While God was equipping you, did you realize that you were doing assignments for Him along the way? What were they?

Moses had a really hard time coming to grips with what God asked him to do. As you read a small part of Moses’ story, keep track of how many excuses Moses gives God about why he can’t do the assignment. Also note how God responds to each one.

Read Exodus 3:1 through Exodus 4:16.

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1. List Moses’ excuses and God’s responses here.

2. What have been some of your excuses to God?

3. How did He respond to them for you?

God called David when he was a young shepherd. Throughout his life following God, David wasn’t always perfect. Sometimes he was downright rebellious. But in every instance, he returned to God, repented of his sins and asked for forgiveness.

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-29.

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1. In this exchange between David and God, how does David feel about his worthiness to serve God?

2. Perhaps you think your past disqualifies you from serving God; it doesn’t.

Read Psalm 51 which David wrote after he committed a sin against God. David went on to lead Israel, worship God and serve Him until his last breath. Was David disqualified from serving God after he admitted his sin?

3. How does David’s story assure you that God seeks servants with contrite hearts to do His assignments; He doesn’t seek perfect people.

We can learn so much about our relationship with God through David’s story.

If you want to read David’s whole story, you would start at 1 Samuel 16 and read through 1 Kings 2:11.

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God uses all sorts of people. We’ve read about a few men who publicly carried out God’s assignments.

But there are plenty of assignments for those who serve in a more quiet fashion.

Read Acts 9:36-42.

1. What quiet assignments have you done for God? 2. Who do you know who works quietly for God? In what way will you encourage them?

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Daily Devotions Use these short Scripture passages to ponder throughout your day, then journal your response.

Day 1: Read Matthew 20:25-28.

Respond:

Day 2: Read Galatians 5:13-14.

Respond:

Day 3: Read Matthew 25:40.

Respond:

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Day 4: Read James 2:14-16.

Respond:

Day 5: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Respond:

Day 6: Journal your summary response for week’s devotions.

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Session

2

what is in your hand

M

any times we feel powerless. We don’t think that we can accomplish the things that we need to do or God wants us to do. God will use what is already in our hands to accomplish what He wants to do through our lives. We have gifts, talents and abilities that might need to be discovered so that we can accomplish His Will in our lives.

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth?

Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go!

I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.”

Exodus 4:11-12

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Share Your Story As we said last week, when we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work. Your story is being shaped, even in this moment, by being part of this group. In fact, few things can shape us more than community.

When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn. We experience the presence of God, as He helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Begin your time together by using the following questions to get people talking:

1. What is your favorite pastime?

2. What is something you’ve always wanted to learn to do?

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Watch the DVD Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Hear God’s Story How can we become part of God’s story? By aligning our stories with His and understanding what it means to follow Him. Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced, and the Bible passage below.

Moses had spent 40 years as a shepherd for his father-in-law’s flock. His shepherd’s staff brought Moses comfort and confidence. With it he could gather his sheep, protect them from wild animals, and he could rescue them from danger. So when God used His shepherd’s staff as symbol of His power, Moses drew additional comfort from his familiar staff.

Read Exodus 4:1-5.

1. How was Moses’ shepherd’s staff going to become a symbol of power and authority for the Hebrew people?

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2. Take turns reading through the following verses and record how Moses’ and Aaron’s staffs were used to show the power of God to the Egyptians: A. B. C. D. E. F. G.

Exodus 7:9-12 Exodus 7:17-20 Exodus 8:1-6 Exodus 8:16-17 Exodus 9:22-26 Exodus 10:12-15 Summarize how Moses’ shepherd’s staff was used as a symbol of power and authority during the plagues in Egypt.

3. What is a tool or object that you’re comfortable with or a task you’re

comfortable doing that can be used to show Jesus to the world around you?

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Study Notes The Holy Spirit comes into you and guides and helps you in every aspect of your life. Along with the presence of the Spirit come spiritual gifts. These gifts are given for two very specific reasons: “to equip the saints for the work of ministry and for the building up of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). God expects us to discover, develop and deploy our spiritual gifts as we do our assignments for Him. You can read about some of the spiritual gifts in four passages of the New Testament. As you read, note what gifts are mentioned:

1. Romans 12:1-21 2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-31 3. Ephesians 4:11-16 4. 1 Peter 4:10-11 Two important aspects of spiritual gifts are: • Not everyone has the same spiritual gifts.

• All spiritual gifts are important and necessary for the whole Church.

5. So, what are your gifts? You may already have an idea of what your spiritual gifts are. Perhaps you’ve taken a Spiritual Gifts Inventory and know your spiritual gifts.

Certainly the best way to begin to discover what your particular spiritual gifts are is to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you, talk with a close friend, or take a Spiritual Gifts Inventory. There are many free online versions available.

The results of a Spiritual Gifts Inventory reveal your top-scoring gifts. Once you have your results, explore what each of your top three gifts entail.

• As you read your Bible, pay particular attention to biblical stories that highlight your top gifts.

• Experiment with volunteer assignments that would use one of your top three gifts.

Discovering your spiritual gifts is not an exact science. Be guided by the Spirit and He will direct you in the best way to discover, develop and deploy your gifts so you can use them to equip the saints and to build up the body of Christ.

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Create a New Story In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned.

Take a couple of minutes to have each member of your small group answer the following questions. Then ask everyone to share their responses, one section at a time. As you work through the responses, members can encourage one another by suggesting how some gifts, abilities and talents can be used in the body of Christ. Sometimes a suggestion made during this discussion will launch a whole new avenue of ministry.

To figure out where each member of your small group S.H.I.N.E.s talk through these questions:

1. What have you Spiritually received?

A. What are your top three Spiritual Gifts?

B. How have you developed one of those three gifts?

C. How have you deployed that gift?

2. What have you Heard from people?

A. What do people say you’re good at?

B. What is one thing that people encourage you to do more of?

C. What is a skill or an ability that you’ve worked hard to develop?

3. What have you Innately done?

A. What is something that you can do without thinking about how you do it?

B. What is something that you seem to be “a natural” at?

4. What have you Needed to do?

A. What is something that you feel compelled to do?

B. How does it make you feel to ignore that compulsion?

5. What have you Experienced?

A. How have your past experiences—good or bad—prepared you to serve God? B. How can you use your past experience to minister to someone else?

Close your meeting in prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 108.

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Digging Deeper If you feel God is nudging you to go deeper, take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. Want to go deeper? Select a few verses and try paraphrasing them, writing them in your own words. If you like, share them with the group the next time you meet.

God assigned Moses to rescue the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. No small assignment! Read through how God used Moses to achieve this amazing deliverance. Summarize each step in God’s deliverance, especially how God used Moses to get the job done. Spread out this reading over 2 or 3 days:

Day 1: Exodus 4:27-31, Exodus 5, Exodus 6, Exodus 7 Day 2:: Exodus 8, Exodus 9, Exodus 10 Day 3: Exodus 11, Exodus 12 After the tenth plague was finished, God told Moses to lead the Hebrew people out of Egypt.

Read Exodus 13:1-14:31.

Summarize how Moses’ staff was used to deliver the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery.

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Throughout the Bible, God used this episode—delivering His people out of Egypt—as a reminder of His power and faithfulness. Watch for it as you read your Bible. Keep track of how God delivers you from bondage.

1. What is one Red Sea moment in your life—when God delivered you from something?

2. What does God use to remind you about your “Red Sea” moment(s)?

Just like the Hebrews with Moses, we need to recall the miracles that God has done in our lives. Journaling is an excellent way to watch God’s work unfold in your life. Any sort of journal will do. Write down the date, and then go through yesterday’s events. Ask God to show you where He was in your day. Write down what He brings to your mind. Over the weeks and months ahead, read over your journal and watch for a pattern of what God is doing in and through you. Your faith will be strengthened by this exercise. And, when you find yourself in a shadowed valley, this faith will rise to the occasion and help you see that you are not alone. God is right there with you.

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Daily Devotions Realizing our true identity—how God sees us—builds our confidence to serve Him with enthusiasm. The following Scripture passages are just a few that identify particular traits that God sees in us:

Day 1: I am Handcrafted. Read Psalm 139:13-15.

Respond:

Day 2: Read Galatians 5:13-14.

Respond:

Day 3: I am Powerful. Read Ephesians 1:19-23.

Respond:

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Day 4: I am Indestructible. Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.

Respond:

Day 5: I am Fearless. Read Romans 8:15-16.

Respond:

Day 6: I am Victorious. Read Romans 8:31-39.

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“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to mankind. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.�

1 Corinthians 10:13

Session

3

What is your krypTonite?

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verybody knows Superman is the most powerful of all the superheroes. However, he has one weakness: kryptonite. Samson was also a powerful man. He could pick up city gates, kill lions, and defeat hundreds of men by himself. However, he had one weakness, too, and it cost him his life and leadership. You need to know what your kryptonite is. What is your greatest vulnerability to finding and accomplishing God’s Will for your life? Today we are going to talk about how you can guard yourself against your kryptonite.

Share Your Story Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

Sharing personal stories builds deeper connections among group members.

Begin your time together by using the following activity to get people talking.

In the comic strip Cathy, Cathy loves candy. In one story line, Cathy tries to avoid the temptation of eating candy: Cathy goes for a drive to get her mind off the temptation of eating candy.

She thinks, “I’ll go for a drive, but I won’t stop at the grocery store.

Next frame, “I’ll drive past, but I won’t stop.”

Next frame, “I’ll stop, but I won’t go inside.”

Then, “I’ll go inside, but I won’t go down the candy aisle.”

“I’ll go down the candy aisle, but I’ll just look. I won’t pick up any candy.”

“I’ll pick up the candy, but I won’t buy it.”

“I’ll buy it but I won’t open it.”

“I’ll open it, but I won’t smell it.”

“I’ll smell it but not taste it.”

“I’ll taste it but not eat it.”

Then in the last frame “EAT EAT EAT EAT” So much for avoiding temptation.

It is a silly scenario to consider, but a great way to illustrate our everyday struggles. How is your avenue of temptation the same or different from Cathy’s experience?

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Watch the DVD Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Hear God’s Story Samson’s story teaches us about the downward spiral of succumbing to temptation and hitting rock bottom.

1. Read Judges 16:1-21.

Samson thought he had enough moral strength to say no to Delilah but he was wrong; she wore him down. Give an example of when have you been wrong about your ability to withstand temptation?

2. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Paul trained like an athlete to make sure his lifestyle was in line with his preaching.

How does this concept correlate to being a Christian among non-Christians?

3. Review Judges 16:21.

Samson must have felt like he lost everything: power, eyesight, liberty. He was left working at a grinding mill in prison. Where do you think he began to go wrong?

4. Read James 1:13-15 which shows us the progression of temptation into sin.

A. How can we use this progression pattern to our advantage?

B. What are the warning signs that a temptation has taken root and lured a person?

C. How fast can a temptation turn into full-fledged sin?

D. How can temptation be stopped at its start?

5. Read James 5:19-20.

How would you speak to a Christian friend who appears to be playing with the temptation to commit a sin?

6. Read Matthew 18:15-19.

What should you do if he or she will not listen to you?

Redemption is always available to a person who loves Jesus. No matter how far we fall, when we sincerely cry out to Him, He will hear us and guide us back.

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Study Notes Nazarite Vow

Samson was a Nazarite before he was born (Judges 13:7). Let’s explore what being a Nazarite entails.

A Nazarite was a person under a Nazarite vow. A baby could be declared to be a Nazarite by God or by a parent, or an adult person could choose to take a Nazarite vow for a period of time. There were three provisions for the Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:1-8): • Abstain from wine and strong drink • Refrain from cutting hair off the head for duration of vow • Avoid contact with the dead If an unborn baby was declared by God or a parent to be a Nazarite, this vow was meant to be in place throughout the life of the person. For an adult choosing to participate in a Nazarite vow, he or she was free to choose the duration.

At the end of a temporary Nazarite vow a person would go to the temple with a variety of offerings. Then the priest would cut his or her hair and throw the hair into the fire as an additional offering. The hair was an outward symbol of the vow; the hair itself held no particular power or significance (Numbers 6:13-18).

Three people in Scripture were Nazarites for life: • Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11) • John the Baptist (Luke 1:15) • Samson (Judges 13:7) The Apostle Paul placed himself under a Nazarite vow at least once (Acts 18:18).

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Create a New Story God wants you to be part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way, by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

We all fall into the grip of temptation to one kind of sin or another. Not everyone is tempted by the same things. But we all fall into it. We can minimize temptation’s hold on us through some intentional steps.

You may not feel comfortable talking about your own particular temptations.

That’s okay; you can use generalizations. Talk through each of these steps about how to G.U.A.R.D. yourself against succumbing to temptation.

1. How could each of these steps play out in real life?

G. Grace. Understand forgiveness and rid yourself of guilt.

U. Understand attacks. Know what situations are dangerous for you.

A. Accountability. Get help from a few trusted friends.

R. Restrict access. Set up boundaries.

D. Don’t make exceptions. Don’t ever let the guard down.

2. What will be your first step into G.U.A.R.D.ing yourself against what tempts you?

Close your meeting with prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 108.

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Digging Deeper Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word.

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

We can agree with the general statement that temptation affects everyone. But it’s helpful to have some examples about people we’re familiar with. Two spiritual “heavyweights” struggled with temptation: Joseph in the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament.

1. Read Genesis 39:1-12.

How did Joseph deal with the temptation presented by his master’s wife?

2. Read Romans 7:18-19.

A. Put Paul’s frustration in your own words.

B. When have you felt this way regarding succumbing to temptation?

3. Even Jesus Christ had to deal with temptation: Read Matthew 4:1-11.

A. What did Jesus use as a defense against temptation?

B. How can you use Scripture as a defense against temptation?

4. Think about your biggest temptation(s).

What are some feelings that can lead you to succumb to your temptation(s)?

5. Think about how you can keep your mind focused on Jesus in the face of

that temptation. Use this exercise to practice focusing on Jesus.

Example: I wanted to eat another cookie, but Jesus would not want me to overeat because He loves me and wants me to be healthy so I went for a walk instead.

Fill in the blanks with your own temptation: I wanted to _______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ But Jesus would ___________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Because___________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________.

So I _____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________.

6. Read Proverbs 4:23-27.

This Bible verse gives us clues about keeping our hearts pure. Which one is the most difficult for you?

• Avoid saying coarse or crude words.

• Stay away from people who use corrupt speech in their everyday speech.

• Keep your focus straight ahead on the future that God has planned for you.

• Make a plan to fulfill your Big Dreams, and stick to that plan.

• Don’t let something that might be a temptation derail your plan.

We’re all susceptible to temptations.

7. Who are the people in your life that can help you resist the temptations that attempt to control your life?

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Daily Devotions Read Ephesians 6:10-18. Each day this week, consider how you can use the pieces of the armor of God to design a strategy to withstand what tempts you.

Day 1: The belt of truth. How can you use God’s truth about the Holy Spirit’s power and about who you are to help you to combat your temptations?

Response: Day 2: The body armor of God’s righteousness. How can you wear God’s righteousness in a way that thwarts the attacks of Satan?

Response: Day 3: The shoes of peace. God’s peace is beyond our understanding. Often our temptations are strongest when we’re in turmoil. How can resting in God’s peace help you reduce the noise in your mind?

Response: Day 4: The shield of faith. The book of James tells us that enduring trials, such as withstanding temptations, will grow our faith so that our faith will help us endure (James 1:2-4). How can you allow your trials to strengthen you so that your faith will support you in times of trial?

Response:

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Day 5: The helmet of salvation. Jesus Christ paid a steep price for your salvation. How can Jesus’ high payment for your sins help you think twice about succumbing to temptations that lead to sin?

Response: Day 6: The sword of the Spirit. The Word of God, the Bible, is the Sword of the Spirit. How can the Bible keep your eyes focused on the Lord rather than on what this world offers you? How can keeping your eyes on Jesus help you resist temptation?

Response: Day 7: The prayers in the Spirit. Prayer, conversing with God, will help to quiet the temptation(s). God knows you are susceptible to your particular temptations. Ask Him to show you how to avoid them, how to resist them when they are within sight.

Response:

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Session

4

Pray for your miracle

W

hile God has given you many abilities that will help you accomplish His will, there are some things you won’t be able to do on your own. There are some things that other people won’t even be able to help you with. As you go about the job of accomplishing God’s Will, you will find that you are not enough.

There are times that you need God to do what only He can do… a miracle.

And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.�

Matthew 11:4-5

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Share Your Story Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. Listening to other stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions to get people talking.

1. When have you been a member of a team?

2. What was your position?

3. How was your position within that team important to the success of the whole team?

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Watch the DVD Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Hear God’s Story Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching from the video and the Bible passage below.

Read 2 Kings 6:1-7.

Elisha’s students had outgrown the home they shared with Elisha. So they decided to build a new, bigger home near the Jordan River. With everyone chipping in to help with the building, the new home would be done in no time. While they were chopping down logs one of the students lost his tool in the river.

1. Elisha’s student lost his ability to continue working when he lost the tool he was using.

A. What power, talent, or ability do you have that enables you to do the service of God? B. How would it feel to lose that power, talent or ability?

2 The student lost his power while he was actually using it.

A. When have you been busy doing God’s work only to be sidelined by loss of a tool, a facility, a partner, resources, etc.?

B. How did you get back to work?

3. The student asked his Master (Elisha) for help and Elisha restored the

student’s tool miraculously.

A. When have you gotten off-track in your work because you failed to ask for God’s help, and went on in your own way, in your own wisdom, and strength?

B. How did you realize that you left God behind?

C. How did you get yourself back on the right track?

4. The student was sent back to work through a miracle.

A. Why do you think God gives us impossible assignments?

B. If you’re trying to do the impossible, who are you going to need to make it happen?

C. What makes you think God will make your impossible assignment possible?

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Study Notes Elisha’s ministry was not only to the lost people of Israel, his ministry was also to the other prophets and their families. His God-given, miraculous powers helped him to be an excellent “master” in these crisis situations.

• 2 Kings 4:1–7: Who did Elisha multiply the oil for?

• 2 Kings 4:38–41: In this “kitchen disaster” who did Elisha fix the stew for?

• 2 Kings 4:42–44: Who were the people that Elisha fed?

Elisha was a wonderful master, but God gave us this story as a foreshadowing of our perfect Master, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ miracles provide for our care and provision: • Matthew 17:24-27: Jesus gives Peter money for their taxes.

• Luke 22:19-20: Bread and wine symbolize Jesus’ sacrifice.

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Create a New Story God wants you to be part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way, by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us, but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

Miracles grow in the soil of F.A.I.T.H. Talk through these elements of F.A.I.T.H. Forgetting about feelings: Feelings can oppose faith.

Acting in Obedience: Faith is acting on God’s words.

Imagining new outcomes: Faith believes God can change status quo.

Trying new things for God: Elisha (no one) did not float an axe head before.

Helping other people: All this can't be to benefit ourselves.

1. How can the elements of F.A.I.T.H. apply to your service to God? 2. How do the elements of F.A.I.T.H. make room for God to work a miracle in your service?

3. Share about a miracle you’ve witnessed in the course of serving God. 4. Think of a service you perform for God, what miracle needs to happen there?

5. How are you going to use F.A.I.T.H. to open the way for God to give that miracle?

Close your meeting with prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 108.

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Digging Deeper Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word.

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Elisha enjoyed his partnership with God. Through his openness to surrender his own agenda for God’s, Elisha was able to participate in more than a dozen miracles. Learn about Elisha this week and gain inspiration from some of the miracles in his story.

For each of these miracles, record:

1. The miracle.

2. The sphere of life the miracle affected: food/water, health, protection, resurrection.

Story

Scripture passage Description of Miracle

Purifying water of Jericho

2 Kings 2:19-22

Shunammite Woman

2 Kings 4:8-17

2 Kings 4:18-37

Naaman

2 Kings 5:1-16

Syrian Army

2 Kings 6:8-12

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2 Kings 6:13-17

2 Kings 6:18-23

3. How Elisha acknowledged God in the miracle.

There’s even a story about a man being restored to life after touching Elisha’s dead bones (2 Kings 13:20-21).

1.

Describe Elisha’s relationship with God based on what you know about him and his work.

2. How can you build your relationship with God to more closely achieve the same intensity that Elisha had with Him?

Sphere of life:

food/water, health, protection, resurrection

How does Elisha

acknowledge God in the miracle?

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Daily Devotions Spend a few minutes each day reading about some New Testament miracles:

Day 1: Read Luke 10:1-9.

Respond:

Day 2: Read Acts 3:1-10.

Respond:

Day 3: Read Acts 8:4-8.

Respond:

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Day 4: Read Acts 20:7-12.

Respond:

Day 5: Read Luke 24:1-7.

Respond:

Day 6: Summary response for week’s devotions:

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And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.�

1 Samuel 17:37

Session

5

D

who is the hero

avid was an excellent marksman; he had killed a lion and a bear with rocks. At 17 years old, he had shown more courage than most men in the military. So when he saw a Philistine defying God and His armies, David was enraged. He demanded the opportunity to fight Goliath. Just like he knew that God had allowed him to kill the bear and the lion his confidence was in God for this too, and he was careful to give God all of the glory. Today were going to talk about how to look past yourself and your talent to trust in the power of God.

Share Your Story Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. Listening to other stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following question to get people talking.

When have you done something that required you to fully trust in God for the outcome?

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Watch the DVD Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Hear God’s Story Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching from the video and the Bible passage.

1. Read 1 Samuel 17:8-9.

A. Describe the battle plan that Goliath proposed.

B. What are the pros and cons of this battle strategy?

C. If you were the General, how would you choose which of your men you would send forward?

D. We’re in a battle—to fight against darkness. God chose you as His champion. What kind of champion are you?

2. Read 1 Samuel 17:26, then skip down and read 1 Samuel 17:38-47.

A. David knew something that neither Goliath nor the Israelite army knew, what was it?

B. When have you brought everything you had, knew it wasn’t enough but still stepped forward in faith that God would fight for you?

3. Read 1 Samuel 17:48-51.

A. Unlike the rest of the Israelite army who depended on their swords and shields, David ran toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. David was an expert marksman (see 1 Samuel 17:34-36), but his ability and talent could only get him so far. How did David give control of the situation over to God?

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Study Notes Who are the Philistines?

The Philistines were an aggressive tribe that lived along the western coast of Palestine on the Mediterranean Sea. We first meet the Philistines in Genesis chapters 20 and 26 during an encounter between Philistine king, Gerar and Abraham. By the time of the Hebrew exodus out of Egypt under Moses, the Philistines had grown into a powerful nation. God avoided sending the newly freed Hebrew slaves through violent Philistine territory (Exodus 13:17). Much later, during the time of Samson (beginning in Judges 14) the Philistines took center stage as an enemy of Israel.

Warfare between the Philistines and the Israelites began in earnest during the time of the judge, Samuel (1 Samuel 4). During the battle at Ebenezer, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant from the Israelites. They returned it just a few months later because God sent plagues upon the Philistines.

The greatest amount of activity between the Philistines and Israel occurred when Saul was King of Israel (beginning in 1 Samuel 10). The hostilities between the two nations would not cease until the reign of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:8) when they were entirely subdued. They still, occupied their territory, and always showed their old hatred to Israel (Ezekiel 25:15–17). They were finally conquered by the Romans.

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Create a New Story David was able to look past his own talents and skills and keep his G.A.Z.E. on God. Go through the elements of G.A.Z.E-ing on God together and give examples of how you will incorporate these elements into your life. n Glorify God with your past accomplishments. n Ask for help. n Zealously proclaim God’s name. n Exercise your God-given ability.

1. Name a past accomplishment that God deserves the glory for.

2. When have you asked for help from God in your assignment?

3. When have you zealously proclaimed God’s name?

4. How do you exercise your God-given ability?

5. Which of these elements is the most difficult for you to do? Why? 6. How can you grow in confidence to G.A.Z.E. upon God in every avenue of your life?

Close your meeting with prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 108.

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Digging Deeper Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages.

God said this of David: “a man after my heart, who will do all my will” (Acts 13:22).

This week discover the depth of David’s devotion to God.

1. Read 1 Samuel 13:13-14.

David’s devotion to God was complete before God anointed him to be King of Israel. Your devotion journey is unique to yourself.

A. Did you build your devotion for God before He called you into an assignment or during your assignment?

B. What were the milestones in your building up of your devotion for God?

2. Read 2 Samuel 6:5-19.

David was exuberant in his public display of devotion to God. He was thrilled that the Ark of the Covenant was coming back to Jerusalem at last!

A. When have you been so excited about something that you made a public display of your excitement?

B. Are you public in your devotion to God? How so?

In one of the verses you just read, 2 Samuel 6:7, a man died because he reached out and touched the Ark of the Covenant to keep it from falling over. His concern for the Ark is noted; however there was a deeper issue at play. There was the proper way to transport the Ark of the Covenant. As devoted as David was, he didn’t know how to properly carry the Ark.

3. Read Exodus 25:14 which talks about the rings and poles to carry the Ark. 4. Read Numbers 4:4 and 4:15 which talks about touching sacred objects (including the Ark) while they’re being transported.

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5. In your own words, how should David have transported the Ark into Jerusalem?

6. How DID he start out transporting the Ark (2 Samuel 6:1-4)?

David’s devotion to God forced him to stop until he knew what was wrong.

Then when they started out again, correctly this time, the celebration continued.

7. Read 1 Chronicles 29:10-19

A. List the items that David is grateful for.

B. What would you list if you were praying David’s prayer?

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Daily Devotions David wrote many of the Psalms.

Spend your week together enjoying some of them.

Day 1: Read Psalm 27:7-14.

Respond:

Day 2: Read Psalm 31.

Respond:

Day 3: Read Psalm 62.

Respond:

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Day 4: Read Psalm 86.

Respond:

Day 5: Read Psalm 110.

Respond:

Day 6: Read Psalm 144.

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So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.

Genesis 2:3

Session

6

I

take time to rest

n the course of working for God we get tired.

There comes a time that we all need to rest. Elijah was one of the greatest prophets that ever lived.

He challenged 450 prophets of the Canaanite god (Ba’al) to a showdown on Mount Carmel, testing their god against Elijah’s God. Of course God was victorious, but Elijah was exhausted. And when Queen Jezebel vowed to kill him, Elijah ran. In his exhaustion he fell into fear and into self-pity. We are all subject to exhaustion, and if we don’t deal with exhaustion properly, it can cause us to lose all of the ground that we have gained. So today we’re going to talk about how we can rest.

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Share Your Story Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion.

As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. Listening to other stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions to get people talking.

1. What is your favorite way to recharge after a hard week?

2. For you, how long does a vacation need to be in order for you to become fully recharged?

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Watch the DVD Use the Notes space to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video for Session 6, have someone read the discussion questions in the Hear God’s Story section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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Hear God’s Story Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching from the video and the Bible passage.

1.

Read 1 Kings 19:1-8 A. Queen Jezebel had threatened Elijah before, why would Elijah be so affected by her threat this time especially after an overwhelming victory against her false prophets?

B. Have you ever had a low feeling even after succeeding on a big assignment? What happened?

C. How did God provide for Elijah during his exhaustion?

D. How did Elijah get to Mount Sinai (Mount Horeb)?

E. As spiritually exhausted as he was, Elijah still followed God’s instructions. How can you benefit from Elijah’s example?

2.

Read about what happened at Mount Sinai in 1 Kings 19:9-14.

A. What emotions do you hear in Elijah’s response to God’s simple question, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

B. God knew Elijah needed more than to hear His voice; Elijah needed to be with God. Elijah needed to be heard by God. How did God make that possible?

C. How does God make it possible for you to be with Him? Read John 14:16-21.

D. If you’re a Christ follower, God’s Holy Spirit is in you. How can you make yourself heard by God even when you don’t know what to say?

Read Romans 8:26.

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Study Notes Elijah, whose name means God is Jehovah, was an ordinary man from an unremarkable place. But that’s where Elijah’s ordinariness ends. He battled wits with the reigning king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Ahab. Ahab was not a good king. Between Ahab’s weakness and his wife, Jezebel’s, boldness, they had just about destroyed the faith of the people they were supposed to care for.

God chose Elijah to set Ahab straight. Elijah went through some amazing events in full obedience to God. Elijah’s story begins in 1 Kings, Chapter 17.

The thing most people know about Elijah is that he didn’t die, not in the traditional sense. Rather, he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:1-14). A classic cliffhanger! For centuries afterward, the Jewish people fully expected Elijah to come walking in the door at any moment. In fact, they even set a place for Elijah at their Passover meal.

In the New Testament, there were still whispers about Elijah. Some people wondered if John the Baptist was Elijah who had come back. Others wondered if Jesus was the returning Elijah.

In an event called the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus brought Peter, James and John up onto a high mountain and there Jesus’ appearance changed. Also, Moses and Elijah both appeared talking with Jesus. The apostles were amazed and fell on their faces, terrified—especially when they heard God’s voice from heaven.

Then Jesus touched them, told them to get up; Jesus was alone again. In the conversation that followed, Jesus revealed that John the Baptist was indeed Elijah who had returned to prepare the way for Jesus’ arrival (Matthew 17:10-13).

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Create a New Story God wants you to be part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way, by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us, but those far from God. In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session.

Sabbath is the Hebrew word for rest; it means to cease, to stop, to pause. Sabbath isn’t about removing activity or chores. Sabbath is about adding peace, tranquility and solitude. It’s about replenishing and infilling what gets drained out during the week. Sabbath is an adding; work is the subtracting. Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for us (Mark 2:27).

1. What is your plan for taking a Sabbath rest every week?

2. What day of the week is best for you?

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3. The length of time you spend on that day may start out small (even 15

minutes) but you’ll probably find that you increase it over time as you enjoy your rest in God’s company. How long of a Sabbath will you start with?

4. What will you do during your Sabbath?

5. What is going to be the hardest thing for you about having a Sabbath?

6. How are you going to overcome that obstacle?

God gave us the Sabbath. He knew what He was doing. He knew we were going to need to plug into our Power source and recharge our batteries. We’d never be able to do any God-sized assignments without His Power.

Close your meeting with prayer. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?”

Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 108.

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Digging Deeper Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages.

1. Read Genesis 2:2-3. Even God had a Sabbath rest. Why do you think He rested?

God knows that we require regular periods of rest. He spoke about the Sabbath over 100 times in the Bible. He even put it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8). Let’s take a look at the Sabbath this week.

2. Read Exodus 16:1-27.

A. Just a few days prior to God giving the Hebrew people the manna to eat; they had been slaves in Egypt. The men made bricks to be used to build storage cities in Egypt. What do you think their daily lives were like?

What about the women?

B. How many days off do you think they got?

C. God knew that they had a bondage mentality. He knew that even though they were physically free, their minds would take a while to catch up to their new reality. God taught His beloved people how to worship Him, how to eat, how to live in free community and how to take care of one another. He also taught them how to rest.

D. How much rest, besides sleeping, do you get during the week?

3. We know that God gave us a Sabbath. He also gave the land a Sabbath. Read

Leviticus 25:1-7.

A. What current agricultural principle did God give to us?

B. Why is crop rotation important?

C. If we need to give even the sturdy land a rest to recharge and rejuvenate, why do we think we don’t need the same rest for our less sturdy bodies and minds?

By the time of Jesus, the gift of Sabbath rest that God had given to us had been turned into something completely different. In an effort to follow God’s laws to the letter, the learned Pharisees developed an exhaustive (and exhausting) definition of all of God’s laws, including the Sabbath law. No longer were the people enjoying their rest in God’s company, instead they were doing mental gymnastics to figure out if they were allowed to take a few steps out their door,

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or put water on the stove for a refreshing cup of tea. Jesus had plenty to say about what became of the gift of the Sabbath.

4. Read Mark 2:23 through Mark 3:6.

A. What man-made Sabbath laws was Jesus breaking?

B. How did He feel about breaking the Pharisees’ Sabbath laws?

C. In Mark 2:27, what did Jesus say about the Sabbath?

D. When you consider having a Sabbath, how legalistic must you be?

E. Does it matter what day you have your Sabbath? What time?

The only thing that matters is that you use the gift God gave you, your Sabbath rest.

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Daily Devotions Enjoy some Psalms you can read on your Sabbath rest.

Day 1: Read Psalm 92 – Song for the Sabbath.

Respond:

Day 2: Read Psalm 23 – Not just for funerals!

Respond:

Day 3: Read Psalm 100 – Joyous Thanksgiving.

Respond:

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Day 4: Read Psalm 116 – Gratitude for my salvation.

Respond:

Day 5: Read Psalm 127:1-2 – Importance of rest.

Respond:

Day 6: Summary response for week’s devotions.

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Appendix

Resources to make your small group experience even better!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What do we do on the first night of our group?

Like all fun things in life—have a party!

A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Group Agreement (page 105) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins.

Where do we find new members for our group?

This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way. We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, and so forth.

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Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list.

No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group.

All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth—and if

the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting down. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way.

The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know!

the movies or having a quiet dinner) and then walking through this study.

Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20).

How long will this group meet?

You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this 6-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before this six-week series is complete. God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in your life, too!

We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month.

At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study.

Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping-stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey.

Can we do this study on our own?

Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps going to

What if this group is not working for us?

Who is the leader?

Most groups have an official leader.

But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings.

We have discovered that healthy groups

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SMALL GROUP LEADERS rotate hosts/leaders and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way.

How do we handle the childcare needs in our group?

Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or

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two) who can watch the kids in a different part of the house. This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility of providing a lesson or care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. This can be an incredible blessing for kids. Finally, the most common solution is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually or as a couple and to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about a solution.

SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT OUR PURPOSE

To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VALUES

Group Attendance

To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page 106 will minimize this issue.)

Safe Environment

To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.) Respect differences to be gentle and gracious to people with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or “imperfections� in fellow group members. We are all works in progress.

Confidentiality

To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group.

Encouragement for Growth To be not just takers, but givers of life. We want to spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts.

Shared Ownership

To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attendee will share a small team role or responsibility over time.

Rotating Hosts/ Leaders and Homes

To encourage different people to host the group in their homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on page 106.)

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OUR EXPECTATIONS Refreshments/mealtimes ______________________________________ Childcare _______________________________________________ When we will meet (day of week) __________________________________ Where we will meet (place) _____________________________________ We will begin at (time) ______________ and end at ___________________ We will do our best to have some or all of us attend a worship service together. Our primary worship service time will be _____________________________________ Date of this agreement _______________________________________ Date we will review this agreement again _____________________________ Who (other than the leader) will review this agreement at the end of this study _________ _____________________________________________________ GROUP CALENDAR Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Be sure to include a regular rotation of host homes and leaders, and don’t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects.

Date Lesson Ex. Monday, Jan. 11

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1

Host Home Dessert/Meal Leader Steve and Laura’s

Joe

Bill

SPIRITUAL PARTNERS’ CHECK-IN Briefly check in each week and write down your personal plans and progress targets for the next week (or even for the next few weeks). This could be done before or after the meeting, on the phone, through an e-mail, or even in person from time to time.

Our Plans for Spiritual Growth My Name: Spiritual Partner’s Name: Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Our Progress:

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Memory Verse SESSION ONE

“Please, Lord, how can I save Israel?”

And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you…” Judges 6:15-16

SESSION TWO

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12

SESSION THREE

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

SESSION FOUR

And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.” Matthew 11:4-5

SESSION FIVE

And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37

SESSION SIX

So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation. Genesis 2:3

PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT

Session One

Session Two

Session Three

Prayer Requests Praise Reports

Session Four Session Five Session Six Prayer Requests Praise Report

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NAME

PHONE #

ADDRESS

EMAIL

Small Group Roster

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small group leaders Key resources to help your leadership experience be the best it can be.

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hosting an open house

If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other.

A simple meal or good desserts always make a kick-off meeting more fun.

After people introduce themselves and share how they ended up being at the meeting, have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions: A. What is your favorite family vacation?

B. What is one thing you love about your church/our community?

C. What are three things about your life growing up that most people here don’t know?

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Next, ask everyone to tell what he or she hopes to get out of the study.

You might want to review the Small Group Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities.

Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about inviting someone to join the group over the next few weeks. Hand out postcards and have everyone write an invitation or two.

Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session.

You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way.

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LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME Sweaty palms are a healthy sign.

Ask for feedback so you can grow.

Seek support. Ask your leader, coleader, or close friend to pray for you and prepare with you before the session. Walking through the study will help you anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics.

Prayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to

The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through.

ring your uniqueness to the study.

Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely lead the study.

Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go

through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Leadership Lifter. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.

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Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on.

Don’t get defensive. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow.

happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to take place over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday.

Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is

searching for those whose hearts are fully His. Share your trials and victories.

We promise that people will relate.

Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. It’s only fair. God is ready for the

next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

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LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101 Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock.

There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads.

Remember that you are not alone.

God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy were all reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve.

Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right

now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a coleader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll probably be surprised at the response.

Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; 116 |

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do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake.

Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night!

Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the

leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion. These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll know how it works.

Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study.

Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session,

go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely. Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way.

If you listen, God will surely lead!

When you ask a question, be patient.

Someone will eventually respond.

Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone

else. After someone responds, affirm the response with a simple “thanks” or “good job.” Then ask, “How about somebody else?” or “Would someone who hasn’t shared like to add anything?”

Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time.

Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the

discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud.

Break up into small groups each week or they won’t stay. If your

group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Hear God’s Story or Create a New Story sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle. Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed

to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray.

When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests.

Rotate facilitators weekly. At the

end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week.

Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Small Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer.

One final challenge (for new or first time leaders). Before your first

opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help you develop a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting.

A. Matthew 9:36 B. 1 Peter 5:2-4 C. Psalm 23 D. Ezekiel 34:11-16 E. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, 11-12

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NOTES

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