JESUS TAUGHT US: TO PRAY, EXPECT, ENABLE

Transcription

1 JESUS TAUGHT US: TO PRAY, EXPECT, ENABLE CONNECT A possible song is Here as in Heaven by Revelation Worship. OPENING GOD S WORD Getting Focussed What has been your highest expectation of God? In the Bible the Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven) refers to God s sovereign rule and influence, seen perfectly in heaven. It is always good, loving, grace-filled, merciful, just, holy and truthful. It is always other focussed, never selfish. It is unlimited in breadth and depth. It is eternal and unchanged by the passing of time. When Jesus came from heaven to earth He brought this Kingdom influence with Him. Read: Matthew 4:17 & 12:28 Luke 12:30-32 Romans 14:17 1. What do these passages tell us about Jesus and His role in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to earth? 2. What do you think Jesus expected to happen wherever He went? 3. What does the Kingdom of Heaven look like when it comes to earth through Jesus? Read: Matthew 6:9-10 Luke 9:1-2 Matthew 16:19 4. What do these passages say about our role in manifesting the Kingdom of Heaven on earth? 5. What should we begin to expect as followers of Jesus? 6. What might the Kingdom of Heaven look like as it comes to earth through you? Taking a Next Step / Growing your Influence 7. What is one thing you can do this week that could enable the Kingdom of Heaven to be manifest on earth? IN IT TOGETHER Pray for the Kingdom to come through each other this week. Pray for Kingdom to come to others beyond your group. Looking Ahead Who can you invite next time? Is there any planning for your groups missional activity?

2 KINGDOM COME: A LIFE TO BE LIVED Leaders, from week to week you are free pick parts of the study to go deeper with rather than use the whole study or give equal weight to the whole study. You know your group trust your instincts. CONNECT Please read the Lord s A possible song is What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship. OPENING GOD S WORD Getting Focussed - Read the following 2 passages. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 & 1 Corinthians 15:58 The first is by King Solomon at the end of his life. Politically and economically he led Israel to its pinnacle as a nation. Ever since, even today, Israel has not known such peace, political power or economic wealth. Solomon personally amassed great wealth. The second is by Paul who faced countless trials during his ministry life and died destitute as a religious and political prisoner. Solomon realised that much of the effort of his life was a chasing after the wind. None of it was going to the grave with him. Paul saw an enduring fruit that was not measured by human wealth or titles or limited by the passing of time. What makes something a person does produce enduring fruit and what makes something a person does a chasing after the wind? Using this stanza of the Lord s Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven ask group members to write out an extended version in a prayerful form. E.g.: Lord may your influence be extended in my family this week. May I have a clear vision of your will and live it out this week Then ask members to share their prayer. The Lord s is not just a prayer to pray but a life to live. Stu Cameron Read: John 15:1-8 & From these verses what do we learn that Jesus did for us? Why do you think he did what he did for us? List some of the fruit we could expect from our lives if we stay in tune with Jesus? Will you always see the fruit yourself? How does this fruit display God s Kingdom here on earth? With what intent can we pray and what should we pray for if this is what Jesus wants to happen because of us? Read: Ephesians 1:17-20 & Romans 15:18=19 What do these verses suggest about the resources we have to draw on so we can live this fruitful life? Taking a Next Step / Growing your Influence You do not need to be in a ministry role or a designated ministry moment to live a life that brings the Kingdom of Heaven to earth and bears enduring fruit. What can you do, continue doing or do better so that weekly routine life is a Kingdom bringing one that bears enduring fruit which lasts beyond a moment, a week, a year? IN IT TOGETHER Pray for each other that you might have a Kingdom impact this. Looking Ahead Any planning or reminders for your group?

3 ACHING VISIONARIES This week s Life Groups study is going to centre around discussion of statements made on Sunday. Please take time to read the statements and then discuss with your group. These statements can be viewed through your perspective on life, through the lens of the roles that you carry in life and where you see God displaying His vision. CONNECT A possible song is What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship. DISCUSS THE STATEMENTS Vision is the dimension through which we get from here to a preferred future. Our world is constantly being transformed by Godly visionaries who get a glimpse of heaven, one moment to the next, one life change after another, one new initiative at a time. An aching visionary is different to an anxious visionary it s all about partnership. Leave the worry to God and let a divine burden inspire you. When God gives you that kind of vision it will produce an ache in your soul that you cannot medicate away. A significant vision from God will only come along every so often. To do something that is compelling, gripping, consuming, and maybe troublesome and that may affect your popularity stakes takes courage and an assurance from heaven. Aching visionaries champion the potential in people When it comes to living out God s vision for your life focus on your potential and not just performance. Performance is only just one measure of potential The conversion of Saul to Paul shows this in Acts 9:1-15. Verse 15 Performance - Read Phil 3:4-6 Potential - Read Phil 3:12-15 If your vision is for comfort in this life don t follow Jesus

4 SPIRITUALLY POOR SPIRITUALLY RICH In this study there is a section for use with children. If you have children in your group you can use these questions in the section with them. (As always you ae free to adapt them to suit your group). You can have a separate time with the kids led in another room by one of the adults or teenager or engage the children with the adults. BACKGROUND NOTES This week s study is based on Matthew 5:3. God s favour is with those who understand their true condition and true need as they live in a world affected human sin. It in the acknowledgement of our true state and need that we open the door to God being able to work graciously and powerfully in our life for our good and the benefit of others. CREATE COMMUNITY What is a significant point of thanks giving for you and a significant need for you at present? Share them and then pray these things in a group prayer of thanks and intercession. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed How easy or hard is it for you to tell someone else or God about a need you have? Explain why? Being honest about our shortcomings, our needs, our longings that are as yet are unfulfilled is not s sign of weakness, failure or a seeking of pity. According to many verses in the Bible is seen as a virtue and a place in which one will find God s blessing and favour. Read: Psalm 37:1-11, Psalm 51:17, Isaiah 57:15, Isaiah 66:2, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 5:3 1. Ask different members to read one passage each quietly and then ponder: What posture toward God does this suggest? and What is this teaching me?. Then ask each to read their passage aloud and share their thoughts with the group. (Generate or allow discussion in response to what each person shares before the next group member reads and shares) 2. Gary Martin made these points in a sermon he shared at Hope Valley Uniting Church: Being a Matthew 5:3 person means having a Kingdom of Heaven orientation. That means: Putting God first. Knowing you need saving (Rom 3:22-24) Knowing the power of surrender (Matthew 18:1-4). Knowing that when you submit yourself to God the impossible becomes possible. Doing what you see the King doing (that is Jesus) Which one of these statements catches your attention and why?

5 Next steps that will grow you and your influence What is one thing that you can acknowledge, pray for or submit to God, that will help you live out Matthew 5:3? KINGDOM KIDS Matthew 5:3 Blessed by God are those who know their need of God in their life for they will inherit the Kingdom of God (Paraphrase) Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God; you will not reject a humble and repentant heart. (Good News Bible) Explain the Kingdom of Heaven is any place or time on earth or in heaven where Jesus is allowed to be the king or ruler of a person s life. When they let Jesus be the king or ruler of their life he is able to share all the good things he has with them. Possible Questions: 1. What are some of the good things Jesus has to share with people? 2. In what ways do children (or you) need God s help? 3. Is it OK to ask for God s help? How can you ask God to help you? 4. What do you think being humble means? What does a humble person look like? 5. How can you be humble? KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for each other s next step. Encourage them in some way if you can. Pray for any shared needs. Planning Together Do you need to catch up on any planning ahead?

6 HERE ON EARTH: GET SMALL Each study is provided as a resource. Use and adapt it to suit your group that week. Some weeks you may go heavy on sharing while others you may give more time to the word or prayer. In this study is a section for use with children. If you have children in your group you can use these questions in the section with them. (As always you are free to adapt them to suit your group). You can have a separate time with the kids in another room led by one of the adults or teenagers, or engage the children with the adults. BACKGROUND NOTES This week s study is based on Matthew 5:5. Those who live meekly will be blessed by God. Jesus said they will also inherit the earth which in the idiom of ancient Hebrew thought which is equated with inheriting the Kingdom of God. It also suggests that it would gain you godly influence in the world in their day. To be meek for the follower of Jesus is to live in right reference to God. God is God and you are not. Jesus is Lord and you are His disciple. Being meek means understanding your significance to God and because of God. The meek may know they are small in comparison to God but are significant to God. Being meek is not being weak or without resources or strengths. CREATE COMMUNITY Possible song is Good Good Father Give thanks in prayer for the ways God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit has engaged with you in your life. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed What is one thing you have learned about God recently that helps you trust him? And/or what is one thing you have learned about yourself recently and how has that impacted you? Read: Genesis 1:26-31, Psalm 139:1-18, John 10:7-16, 1 Corinthians 12:8-13, Psalm 100:5 (choose one passage each to read and reflect on the questions below and then share your reflections with the group). What do these passages suggest about God / Jesus / the Holy Spirit and how you are different to them? What does that mean for how you live in a relationship with God / Jesus / the Holy Spirit? Read: Matthew 5:5, Psalm 37:4-11, Genesis 1:27 & 31, Ephesians 2:10 & 3:20, John 14:1-3 & 12-14, Acts 1:8, Romans 12:3-8. (choose one passage each to read and reflect on the questions below and then share your reflections with the group). What do these passages teach you about your significance and purpose? What does that mean for how you live in relationship with God / Jesus / the Holy Spirit and also with other people?

7 Next steps that will grow you and your influence Living meekly involves living with a right posture towards God and yourself. Take a moment to rate yourself from 1 to 5 (1 = poorly. 5 = doing really well) on each of the following 5 facets from the posture of meekness. Then consider what you can do to improve the facet you scored lowest. Share with the group as appropriate. I will let God be God and stop trying to play god yourself. I will let God s word in the Bible shape me. I will humbly but confidently serve others by being me. (I will not try to be somebody I am not) I will do all things in partnership with God, expecting God to do more than I can imagine or dare ask. I will always give God the glory. KINGDOM KIDS Read Matthew 5:5 and explain from the notes above what being meek means in a way that is helpful to the children. Explain this means trusting God to help you and relying on God to do things only he can do and you can t. Discuss with the children things they can trust God to do that they can t? (This could lead to points of prayer that the children could pray for). Read Ephesians 2:10 and explain to the children God has made them good at certain things so they can use those strengths to love, help, serve others? Discuss with the children things they are capable of doing well to love, help or serve others? (Encourage them God will be pleased and will help them). Lastly encourage the children that God has promised to give them all the resources of his Kingdom to bless them and help them be a blessing. Discuss with the children the resources from God they would like to use in their life as they serve others? KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for each other s next steps and things shared from within the group. Planning Together Any planning you need to do as a group?

8 HERE ON EARTH: CRAVING GOD S FUTURE Please use this study as a guide. It seeks to cover all the aspects of a healthy Life Group but feel free to adapt it to best suit your group. Always be intentional about encouraging each other to apply what you are learning, or what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. BACKGROUND NOTES This week s study is based on Matthew 5:6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. The word blessed in the ancient Greek is Makarios which means: being a partaker of God, experiencing God s presence. Therefore it is okay to seek blessing from God because what you get is God. When God blesses us He is giving Himself to us, His kingdom to us, His heart and nature to us. These are the best gifts anyone can receive. CREATE COMMUNITY A possible song is Great are you Lord Share any progress or next steps that have been made from decisions made at the last meeting. Share any answered prayers that have happened for you/the group. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed What is one thing you long for and why? Read: Psalm 103:1-5 and Proverbs 16:1-4 What do these verses suggest about God s heart for you? What do they encourage you to hunger for? Pain and suffering is a reality in our world. For some people their pain and suffering becomes the defining moment or dynamic in their life. Jeremiah who wrote Lamentations and Paul who wrote 2 Corinthians didn t allow their pain and suffering to define their present or their future. They saw God had a bigger and long term future for them. Read: Lamentations 3:19-24 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 How do these verses help your perspective when going through difficult times? Looking forward, how would this perspective make a difference to how you navigate yourself through difficult times?

9 Read: Matthew 5:6 The Kingdom of God here on earth is God s perfection being reflected in our lives through His undeserved love for us. Even though we are not perfect we reflect the Kingdom of God to Christians but also, and more importantly, to those who have not yet become Christians. This is done by the way we act, support, speak to and pray for them. What aspect of God s kingdom are you hungering for? How is that shaping how you live, act, speak, pray? Do you trust God to satisfy your hunger? How do you think He will do this? Next steps that will grow you and your influence What of God s kingdom can be the focus of your prayer for this next season? KINGDOM KIDS Read: Matthew 5:6 Explain the verse in a way that is relevant for the children. (See the notes at the beginning) Encourage the children that God wants them to desire the same things He desires and to seek to live that way and pray for those things. What are some of the things God wants to do in the world? What would they like God to do in the world for other people? What would they like to see God do in their life? Encourage the children to pray for these things. KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for those things that you or the group hunger for or want to grow in. Pray for each other s next steps and any needs shared from within the group. Planning Together Any planning you need to do as a group?

10 HERE ON EARTH: MERCY ME In our sermon based life group studies we deliberately pose discussion questions in the discovery question mould. We want people to engage with the Bible - asking what is this saying to me and how do I live it? As you facilitate the discussion in your group remember: You don t have to have the answers. Help people let the Bible speak to them. Make sure the discussion gets to the what will I do to live this out in my life? moment. BACKGROUND NOTES This week s study is based on Matthew 5:7. Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. What is mercy? Mercy is not something you feel. People feel pity. Mercy is something you do for another. It is described by some Bible scholars as showing undeserved loving kindness to another. Another dictionary describes it as compassion or forgiveness shown in tangible ways towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. It is something freely given; never deserved. CREATE COMMUNITY A possible song is Cory Asbury Reckless Love: Share how you have gone living out your next step from last time. Thank God for His mercy in your own life. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed Has anyone ever shown you mercy? If so, share briefly about that moment. Read: Daniel 9:9 and Psalm 103:8-12 and Lamentations 3:19-24 God is often depicted by some as a merciless judge. But what do these passages tell us about God? What has been your personal experience of mercy from God? How important is it to experience God s mercy yourself? Read: Micah 6:8 and Hosea 6:6 and Luke 6:32-36 Why is it hard to show mercy? Who do you resemble when you are showing mercy to another?

11 What is the value and impact of showing mercy to others? What things can change when someone is given mercy? Read: Matthew 5:7 Jesus makes a great promise but there is a requirement. How does this work in practice? After reflecting on this for a while share your thoughts. Next steps that will grow you and your influence Which of these three do you need to ask God about? Mercy for yourself. Is there someone God s wants you to show mercy to this week? God s help to continue to live showing mercy. KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for people in need as a way of being merciful. Pray for each other s next steps and things shared from within the group. Planning Together Any planning you need to do as a group? KINGDOM KIDS Read: Daniel 9:9 and Psalm 103:8-10 and Lamentations 3:21-23 (especially the bit about mercy being new every morning. Explain the verses in a way relevant for the children. (See the notes at the beginning) Discuss with the children this question: If God is like that to you what are things God might then do for you or in your life? Read: Luke 6:36 Discuss with the children: What are some things they could do to show mercy others, even people who don t deserve it? Read: Matthew 5:7 Encourage the children with Jesus promise. Possibly close by getting the children to pray for people in need as way of being merciful.

12 HERE ON EARTH: True Grit Please help your group members to actively engage with the Bible and the issues raised in order to discern God s ways and what this means for life in terms of beliefs, values and action. Remember that the purpose of study and discussion is to discover and implement changes that the gospel imperatives beckon us to embrace. BACKGROUND NOTES This week s study is based on Matthew 5: CREATE COMMUNITY Welcome Introductions Catch Up Share experiences of God s goodness since you met. Take time to praise and thank God. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed When have you experienced a time of emotional pain or something akin to persecution? What happened and how did you deal with it? What was the outcome? How did the experience change or grow you? Read: Read: Read: Read: Matthew 5: 10-12, 2 Timothy 3: 12. The first seven of the beatitudes emphasise the inner life of a growing disciple while the eighth beatitude suggests the outcome of obeying the seven! What is your response to this observation? 2 Corinthians 1: 8-9. In what way has trouble or persecution prompted you to rely more upon God? Hebrews 12: 1, Matthew 26: 36-38, 2 Corinthians 7: 5-7. Jesus had three close disciples. The Apostle Paul found comfort in Titus. Who are the few close friends you have who are there for you in time of need (your pain partners)? In what way have they helped you? What were the circumstances? Quietly reflect about whom you are a pain partner for. How has it helped that person? Hebrews 12: 10-11, James 1: 2-4. How do difficulties we face actually strengthen us and prepare us for even greater influence and gospel impact? What is your experience regarding this? In what way have you grown in faith and/or character through persevering through struggle? Next steps that will grow you and your influence Take time as a group to read and reflect on the nine manifestos below: THE NINE MANIFESTOS WE CAN EMBRACE by John S. Dickerson from the book Hope of Nations: Standing Strong in a Post- Truth, Post-Christian World (Zondervan, 2018) pages I: WE WILL REMAIN ROOTED TO THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES. In a world where truth is feelings-based, we will remain rooted to the Christian Scriptures and their life-giving direction. II: WE WILL TRAIN OUR YOUNG. In a society of educated ignorance and blindness, we will train our young in the freedom, knowledge and power of Christian truth.

13 III: WE WILL BE KNOWN FOR DOING GOOD. In a world where Christians are labelled as bigots or backward, we will be known for doing good, serving the least of these and loving our neighbours. IV: WE WILL DIGNIFY ALL PEOPLE AS IMAGE BEARERS OF GOD. In a world where people are treated as commodities or as opponents, we will dignify all people as image bearers of God. V: WE WILL BE AMBASSADORS. In a post-christian world, we will be ambassadors to foreign tribes, behaving diplomatically toward neighbours who have been told the worst about Christianity. VI: WE WILL LOVE OUR PERSECUTORS. In a world where opponents are vilified and crucified, we will love our persecutors. VII: WE WILL REMAIN CALM. In a world competing for limited resources, driven by fear, unrest, and scarcity, we will remain calm, confident that our Father provides our daily bread. VIII: WE WILL BE INVINCIBLE. In a world where we are discriminated against, prejudged, and even persecuted, we will be invincible as we serve God s purposes for which we are placed here, now. IX: WE WILL BE FEARLESS. In a world divided by violence, terrorism, and war, we will be fearless. Which of the nine are you able to embrace most easily? Why? Which of them do you find the most challenging? Why and in what way? Which of the nine do you desire to work on in your own life? What vision would you have for the world if all people were to live by these manifestos? KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for each other in the group. Also pray for persecuted Christians across the world. Pray for each other s next steps and anything God revealed to you during the meeting. Planning Together Any planning you need to do as a group? KINGDOM KIDS Read: Matthew 5: Discuss with the children how following Jesus brings great joy and freedom but also can attract opposition and hurtful comments. Ask them to share about any experience they have had where it was hard to be a Christian or they felt alone in their faith. It could be comments made in online media or hard times at school, etc. This is a delicate matter and requires careful and wise leadership. Read: Matthew 5: Discuss with the children how this expands what Jesus taught in the verses above. What can they do to love and forgive even those who hurt them? Remind them that Jesus forgave the people who crucified him! Encourage the children to know that God is with them in times of sadness, when they feel alone, or are hurt by being overlooked or someone speaks unkindly to them or about them.

14 HERE ON EARTH: THE ROAD TO PEACE This based on Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God. There are no questions for the kids this week, but feel free to adapt some of this study if you have any kids in your group. BACKGROUND NOTES The Bible begins in Genesis depicting the beauty of a newly created world, God s most precious creations were Adam and Eve whom he created to be together. They lived in harmony with God, they were naked before the Lord and not ashamed. This was God s intended plan for all humanity, to live openly before the Lord in a loving, face to face relationship with Him. To live in a world that provided with ease everything they needed. A world full of peace. Then something happened CREATE COMMUNITY A possible song Share how you have gone living out your next step from last time. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed Read Genesis 3. This is when Adam and Eve made that fateful choice to listen to the serpent; to doubt God s goodness to them; to be discontented with who they were created to be; desiring to be like God. They then directly disobeyed God by eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Even before God said a word they were already suffering the consequences of their decision. How did this affect them initially? Genesis 3:7-8 Take a minute to consider what God was thinking/feeling as he called out to Adam and Eve Where are you? in Genesis 3:9. Share your thoughts with the group. Throughout history there has been a deep yearning for spiritual connection in all people, and in this a yearning for inner peace. This was God s design for us from the beginning, but our own free will messed that up, and continues to do so. Read: James 4:1-3 Luke 19:42 Has anything changed since these verses were written? Since God called out Where are you? in the Garden of Eden? What are the effects of living in a world without peace? Discuss as a group Jesus is the turning point in which peace comes as a free gift through repentance and forgiveness, but how does this make us peace makers?

15 Read: Phil 4:4-9 In verse 9 it tells us to put into practice whatever you have learned or received. Consider what some of these things may be. Read: Romans 12:18 Under what circumstances do you have influence to be a peacemaker? Kynan mentioned two words that could make all the difference if everyone spoke it and meant it, the words are: I m sorry. The giving of an apology and the acceptance of the apology is all part of giving and receiving forgiveness. This is peace making. Discuss in the group a time where you had to make an apology, or to forgive someone. What were your feelings before and after these events? Why is apologising and forgiving so hard? What does the devil whisper to us at these times? Next steps that will grow you and your influence fully consider if there is something in your own life that requires you to apologise or forgive someone. Consider what your next step may be and share if you feel comfortable. Remember that we model to our children, family, friends and workmates what it is like to be in the Kingdom of God. Kynan said Peace makers make peace makers. KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for those things that people shared in response to the last question. Planning Together Any planning you need to do as a group?

16 HERE ON EARTH: MAKE SOMETHING HAPPEN There is no Kingdom Kid s section this week but feel free to develop your own questions. BACKGROUND NOTES This week s study is the last in the series of Here on Earth. As a group you may want to take time to reflect on the whole series and the things God has done amongst you over the journey as part of your time together this week. CREATE COMMUNITY What can you celebrate this week together? Share one thing that has been consistently good in your life of late and give thanks to God for it. OPEN TO GOD s WORD Getting Focussed Create a list of some of the things you know or believe God is consistent at doing. Read: Matthew 5:13-16 What do you think it means to be salt in the world in the way Jesus intends? You do not turn on a light to look at the light. So what does it mean to be light in the world in the way Jesus intended? What would it take to be consistent in being salt and light throughout the ups and downs of life? What are your biggest obstacles to being salt and light as Jesus intended? What benefit is there for you if you live consistently as salt and light as Jesus intended? Next steps that will grow you and your influence This is not just a message for Sunday. Consider what this means for you as you interact with people throughout your week, at work, at home, at uni, at school. KINGDOM ENCOURAGEMENT Pray for those things that people shared in response to the last question. Planning Together Any planning you need to do as a group?