flowmaster – Page 17 – Mariners Church Flow Questions

INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES

What would a perfect picnic look like to you?

Leader note: Some people in your group may not like picnics. That’s ok, ask them if they could “move” the picnic inside, where would they take it.

Commentary: You may like the planning and execution of a great picnic. Preparing the food as well as all of the accompaniments is fun for some, or maybe it’s the thought of being outside somewhere – maybe the beach, or a green park, or in the mountains. It could be the company at the picnic that makes it perfect.

OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES

Read Matthew 14:13-21. How did Jesus show he cared about the people? What was the response of the disciples?

Leader note: Make sure you put this passage in context. Remind your group that Jesus would have just found out about his cousin, John the Baptist, being beheaded in jail. He would have been in a state of grief. If you want you can read the passage (verses 1-12) to your group first and then proceed into the story for the study this week.

Commentary:

Even though Jesus would have been tired and in a state of grief he looked at the crowd and took compassion on them.
He healed the sick.
He gave them his attention.
Jesus wanted to serve them, make sure they were taken care of, fed.
Before giving the bread and fish to the disciples he looked up to heaven, and he blessed the food.

The response of the disciples was one of selfishness – send them away…gave reasons they couldn’t serve – there’s not enough.

Look at the passage again, but this time imagine yourself being one of the disciples. What would you be thinking? Then imagine yourself as someone in the crowd. What would you be thinking?

Leader note: As you go through the passage, take each verse and consider it from the viewpoint of the disciple and then as part of the crowd. Notice who Jesus told to “feed them”.

Commentary:

First consider the context of the passage – immediately follows Jesus and the disciples learning of John the Baptists death. The disciples even had the task of coming for the body and burying it. Then they were to Jesus to break the news. Consider their mood, their disposition as they faced the crowd.

As you look at the passage from the disciple’s point of view, take note that it was the disciples that fed the crowd. What would they have been feeling as they were being handed bread by Jesus? They had one basket each and most likely 20,000+ people looking forward to being served. What would they be thinking as they handed each family their share of food and then thinking they would be out of food turned to the next family sitting on the grass, and there in their basket was enough for that family. Again and again they found exactly what they needed to serve each family that waited for them. And what did they have at the end of their serving? Exactly what they had when they started! There was 12 baskets left over, one for each disciple. The served and served and yet they ended up with exactly the same as they had when they started. Notice where the miracle happened – it was with the disciples as they were feeding the crowd, not back with Jesus. They got to be part of the miracle. They got to witness the life change – possibly from doubt to faith, from skepticism to trust. Their faith most likely grew. They would have joy, perhaps even energy they were lacking when they started.

Next consider what it would have been like to be in the crowd. Think of being one of the first served, then how would it have been to be one of the last? Would you believe there was going to be enough for you? Would you start thinking that Jesus cared for those at the beginning, but maybe there wasn’t enough to go around? What would you feel like once you received your fill? What if you were a seeker? What if you were a cynic? What if you were starving, needy or sick?

UNDERSTANDING – 20 MINUTES

Think of our weekends at church, what are all of the places you see volunteers showing people they care, before they even get to the service?

Leader note: Consider all of the volunteers you see each weekend you come to church. Think of it from the perspective of a first-time visitor. Who do they see showing them that they care they have come to our church.

Commentary: Church really begins as you pull onto the property. From those directing traffic, to those guiding you into a parking spot, those driving shuttles, the people that welcome you to Port Mariners and those who check in your kids, those who work with and love the kids, those who hand you bulletins on your way in, the people who work the patio tables. All of them show people that they care by their service.

APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES

Where do you want to serve and why?

Leader note: Consider again all of the volunteer opportunities you see on the weekends, but also consider other volunteer positions within the church ministries. Let your group explore various areas that interest them, ask them what difference their service would make to those that would be impacted by their commitment. Talk about how their lives would change if they got in the game. As you talk about it, consider the parallels to the disciples’ experience.

Pray: Ask God to bless those that serve so faithfully at church to make it the experience that it is for each person that attends. Pray that the Holy Spirit will prompt each member of your small group to see the crowds around them with compassion. Pray for a relaxing and refreshing summer and that each person will find the place to serve that best meets the need of the crowd and provides life change for both the servant and those who will be served.

LIVE IT OUT

How would we affect our community if we moved toward volunteering in this way?

Series: Dear God
Message: Daily Bread
Passage: Exodus John 6

INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES

What food could you eat as part of your diet, every day for a year?

Leader note: This is just a fun question to consider before you read about the Israelites eating the same bread, every day for 40 years.

OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES

Read Exodus 16 and John 6:25-69. From the passages, what do you learn about “bread”?

Leader note: Ask the question, and then read the passages so your group can focus on what God is saying in Exodus, and then what Jesus is saying in John.

Commentary (some of the answers your group should find)

From Exodus

Bread came from heaven
God provided what they needed
Shelf life of his provision was one day – except for on the 6^th day when it lasted two days so they didn’t have to gather on the Sabbath
Hoarding led to spoiled bread with maggots
They were to preserve some bread to “remember” how God provided for them
God provided every day for the entire 40 years they were in the wilderness
Reminded them God set them free from slavery in Egypt – remember…

From John

Bread for the Israelites in Exodus would sustain them for one day
Jesus is the bread of life – eternal sustenance
Eaten to remember Him and His provision
Reminder we are free from death, separation from God – remember…
Came from heaven

What are the similarities of “bread” in the two passages? And what are the differences?

Commentary:

Similarities
Came from heaven
Provided sustenance
A way to “remember”

Differences
Daily vs. eternal
One was literally eaten, the other is figuratively

UNDERSTANDING – 20 MINUTES

What are ways we ask for bread today? How do people misunderstand “daily bread”?

Leader note: Turn this into a discussion where everyone participates – not one on one with you. You can say, “Let’s open this up for discussion. When people ask God for ‘daily bread’, what are they usually asking for? What do they want from Him?”

Commentary: Two meanings may come up in the discussion – first, that we should pray for daily provision to meet our needs, and second, that Jesus would be enough to sustain us through any need. Encourage discussion around these two ideas.

Commentary: So often people use this part of the Lord’s Prayer to make a laundry list of things they want from God. “Rain down your blessings on me Lord!” They forget the first few lines of the prayer and jump right to this part where they use God as a supernatural vending machine. This doesn’t show dependence, it really reveals their desire to control. It could also reveal selfishness and greed, when God provides in abundance, they may hoard or store up their provision, which could show a lack of trust, trusting in the provision and not the Provider.

APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES

How have you been praying for “bread”?

In light of the first part of the Lord’s Prayer, and your understanding of “bread” now, how will you pray?

Leader note: Recap the first parts of the prayer:

Our Father

In Heaven

Hallowed Be Your Name

Your Kingdom Come

Commentary: When we recognize who God is, His place in our lives, and our relationship to Him, our prayers for provision, and the fact that His ultimate provision is enough, changes the way we pray, and the way we expect His answer.

What are ways you can remember God’s provision?

LIVE IT OUT

Where can we bring the promise of “bread of life” to those seeking daily bread?

PRAY

Pray through the Lord’s Prayer, contemplate and possibly verbalize the meaning behind each statement. As you pray for today’s daily bread, pray with your new understanding of the bread of life, and God’s provision.

INTRODUCTION

If you were King of the World, what would your world look like?

Leader note: Have fun with this. What would you change about the existing world? Try to steer away from politics.

OBSERVATION

Read Matthew 4:17, 10:7, 11:2-5, 12:28, 2 Corinthians 5:18-6:2. What do you learn about the Kingdom?

Leader note: This topic is abstract; there is no single passage that gives a complete description of the Kingdom of God, its timing, the responsibilities of those under the reign of the King, etc. Therefore we are using several passages which incorporate the Kingdom language, the fact that it is near (at hand) which explains the “now” and “not yet” aspects of the Kingdom. It was ushered in by Jesus, but the world has divided it’s loyalty between God (light) and Satan (darkness) and both reign on the earth. At some point, of God’s choosing, Satan will be completely thrown out, and the Kingdom of God will reign, solely for all of eternity. Until that time, we live in the tension of experiencing some of the Kingdom in the midst of this world, but struggle with sin and a world dealing with the consequences of sin.

Commentary: In the passages you will see Jesus talk about the Kingdom coming “near” and the ministry done in the Kingdom of God – there is a responsibility for those ruled by the Lord – a responsibility of reconciliation, healing, proclamation of the gospel, to be coworkers of God, receive and give God’s grace, salvation is now.

Leader note: Include the words and works of Jesus in your observations, as well as the responsibilities for those who follow Him.

Commentary: (some of the answers your group should find)

The Kingdom is “of God” – ruled by God
The Kingdom of God is upon us (Jesus was healing in the Spirit of the Lord…)
There is healing
There is restoration of sight
The good news goes to the poor
Those in the Kingdom are to be reconcilers
Those in the Kingdom are to be God’s co-workers – we would work within His desires – His reign

UNDERSTANDING

What evidence do you see that the Kingdom of God is upon us (now)?

What evidence do you see that the Kingdom of God is not yet complete?

Leader note: There is evidence all around us of both a kingdom of light – reconciliation, serving, evangelizing, healing, restored lives, restored marriages etc., and then the repercussions of sin and immorality are pervasive as well. Have your group talk about both, think of specific things that affect your home, your family, your community and the world.

APPLICATION

Where are you living as if you are part of ushering in the Kingdom of God?

Where are you struggling with the “not yet”?

LIVE IT OUT

How can our group usher in the Kingdom of God in our community?

You may have some in your group who just revealed areas they are struggling with, where they are wavering. Pray for victory over these areas, pray specifically for them. Lay hands on them if you are comfortable doing that. Thank God for the victories you have seen and for those areas in your life and community where you have seen evidence of the Kingdom and that God reigns in your life. Pray for the Kingdom come, now and completely.

Flow Questions for July 20 & 21, 2012

In this series we are taking a close look at the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus modeled for us how we should pray. As you start each week, say the prayer together. It will be encouraging to see how much more meaningful the prayer is as you progress through your study of each phrase, understanding the history and intention behind each one. This will take the place of your introduction question and will focus everyone on the study before them.

Matthew 6:9-13

⁹“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
¹⁰your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
¹¹Give us today our daily bread.
¹²And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
¹³And lead us not into temptation,^[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’

Leader Tip: Have someone in the group read through the Lord’s prayer. Note that the bolded print is the area of focus. Treating God’s name in a holy manner.

hal·lowed /ˈhæloʊd; in liturgical use often ˈhæloʊɪd/ Show Spelled[hal-ohd; in liturgical use often hal-oh-id] Show IPA adjective regarded as holy; venerated; sacred: Hallowed be Thy name; the hallowed saints; our hallowed political institutions.

Exodus 20:7

⁷“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Leader Tip: Notice the third commandment; do not misuse the name of the Lord. This week’s topic is using the name of the Lord in a holy manner.

Do you have a nickname? What is the story behind your name or nickname?

Leader Tip: This should be an easy question for your group to answer. Your group can talk about how their parents chose their first name, or how they received their nickname.

Read the following passages: We will be studying how the people were misusing the temple of God as a way for their own interests, over God’s interest.

Mark 11:15-17

¹⁵On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, ¹⁶and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. ¹⁷And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’^[c]? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’^[d]”

John 2:12-16

¹²After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.¹³When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. ¹⁵So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”

What were the people in the Temple doing and what was Jesus’ response?

COMMENTARY:

The people: They were buying and selling animals (cattle, sheep, and doves). They were buying and selling the animals for sacrifices. There were money changers and dealers exchanging foreign currency. They were using the Temple as a marketplace

Jesus’ response: He was angry. He made a whip with rope. He drove out the people. He stopped everyone from using the temple marketplace. He chased the dealers out. He knocked over the tables of money changers. He drove out the livestock. He told the people selling the doves to get out of there. He scattered the money all over the floor. He quoted Scripture saying, “My temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” He reminded everyone this was the Father’s house and was to be kept holy and used only for those things of God—not making money.

Cultural and Historical:

The Jewish Temple was a magnificent structure. It soared some fifteen stories above the Kidron Valley floor to the east. It was nearly 500 yards long and 400 yards wide. The outer court of the Temple compound was nearly the size of fifteen football fields.

The purpose of the businesses within the temple grounds was legitimate and legal and offered a needed service. Faithful Jews were expected to offer animal sacrifices and financial gifts at the Temple. Oftentimes pilgrims who had traveled from afar found it more convenient to buy their animals in Jerusalem rather than transport them across the country.

Jesus entered the temple grounds on the Monday of the last week of His life on earth. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem had taken place three days earlier, and he knew his betrayal, trial and death were eminent.

When Jesus entered the temple grounds pens of sheep, goats, doves, and other sacrificial animals were everywhere. Moneychangers operated other tables. The priests and/or other local politicians maintained strict control over the franchises for these temple businesses, often demanding a kickback. Once a limited number of merchants had a corner on the market, they were free to conduct business as they pleased. The moneychangers would charge exorbitant fees. Similarly, the animal sellers would mark up their prices.

The priests had a system to take care of any competing markets that might crop up outside the temple grounds. Before an animal could be sacrificed it had to pass a temple inspection. The priests who were getting a kickback would simply reject any animal that didn’t come from their licensed merchants. The whole system was filled with greed and corruption.

How do you see people do things in the “name of God,” yet what they are doing is not motivated by God?

Leader Tip: Have your group consider people they know who go to church with motives other than worshiping or growing their faith. There are those who go to network and to put on appearances. There are those who serve only to be seen serving or only for something nice to be put on a resume.

What are reasons that people use or leverage the name of God?

Leader Tip: There would be a lot or reasons for people to use the name of God in their work endeavors—first of all, the name of God carries a lot of weight in most circles. Motives seem pure and noble when associated with the name of God. Sometimes people use the name of God to set a tone for what they are seeking. Most often, when people use the name of God for personal gain, their motivation is complete selfishness

What can people do to bring their actions more in alignment with what God really wants and make it less about what they want?

Leader Tip: The first thing people need to do is recognize that what they are doing is not right; then they can begin to address their actions and tweak them to be more in line with God’s will. For instance, if someone is doing service work for the mere benefit of what it will do for a college application, they can step back from that particular activity and consider what they really want the end result to be. If they are passionate about the cause, they simply have to focus more on the cause and less on their personal gain. But there are other more serious situations that go deeper than just a change in focus—a change of heart is really what is needed.

Where in the past have you done something in the name of God, yet it had nothing to do with God? How did it make you feel?

Leader Tip: As a leader you may want to be the first to answer this question, as it can be a bit painful to answer. There may be guilty feelings or regret as people share, so be prepared for an emotional response. Have your group consider even the most subtle personal gain they got from doing something for the church, such as wehen they were in youth group to meet that cute boy or girl, or when they went on a missions trip because it was somewhere they always wanted to see, or going to the men’s breakfast to be with that business contact they haven’t been able to get time with. May you got free registration for your kids if you volunteered for VBS and you chose the position with the least time and effort. In this situation, the focus was not on helping the ministry, but rather the free admission. How do you feel at the end of the day? Most likely it was an empty feeling at best. The difference between doing something for the Lord and say you’re doing something for the Lord is huge, and the results are evident in how you feel when it’s over.

Where in your life are you (even in the most subtle way) using God’s name for personal gain instead of God’s glory?

Leader Tip: Sometimes it feels like you’re doing the right thing, but if you look at your motivation you see that the opportunity to profit personally, relationally, and financially far outweighs the possibly of profiting spiritually. Consider your church activities, your charitable works, your service opportunities, your business ventures, and your leisure activities. How many have the name of God associated with them? How many are really about furthering his kingdom, growing your relationship with him, or bringing glory to him?

What would it look like for your motivation to be to honor God instead of yourself?

Leader Tip: The goal? That feeling of fulfillment, that God is pleased with you and that you have done the right thing for the right reason, is one that you can claim every day.

What are ways that you feel like you authentically honor the name of God?

Leader Tip: So often we can tend to be hard on ourselves, only focusing on the ways we are not doing what God has called us to do, or not being the way God wants us to be. Use this question as a way to let people share how they are honoring God in their life. Also, this is a great time for other members to affirm what they see in each other, a great affirmation time.

INTRODUCTION – 5 MINUTES

(Optional)

If you prefer you can use the following introduction question with your group.

What has been the favorite place you’ve lived?

OBSERVATION – 20 MINUTES

Read 1 Kings 8:3-12. What do you learn about God’s dwelling place?

Leader note: You will be looking at several passages in chunks. Answer the question after each passage, just as they are divided in these questions.

Leader note: Don’t read the answers to your group. Let them discover through observation the answers to these questions. The commentary and leader notes are for your (the leader) reference only, in case you get stuck, or need to prompt your group.

Commentary:

The glory of the Lord filled the Most Holy Place in the inner sanctuary of the temple

Read 1 Kings 8:27:30. What do you learn about God’s dwelling place?

Commentary:

The heavens can’t contain Him – He is more than there
Heaven is a dwelling place for God.
The temple is a dwelling place for “My Name” (a way to refer to YHWH – LORD, God)
God hears us from His dwelling place

Read Jeremiah 23:23-24, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and Philippians 3:20. What do you learn about God’s dwelling place?

Commentary:

He is both nearby and far away
He fills both the heaven and the earth
We can’t hide from Him (He is everywhere)
He dwells in us (we are His temple)”
God is in our midst
Jesus is in Heaven and will come to us from there
We are also citizens of heaven

UNDERSTANDING – 20 MINUTES

What does it mean that God is far and set apart from earth and “the world”?

Leader note: Have your group consider what it means to have a Most Holy God – one who is apart from anything in this world. How is he revered? How is He worshiped? What attributes would He possess and what power does that make possible?

What does it mean that God is near and in us and with us?

Leader note: Have your group consider what it means that God is an intimate, close God. One Who will be involved, walk with, care about our daily happenings.

APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES

How will your prayers change knowing God is far and set apart?

Leader note: Consider the answers from the previous questions. Have you been including thoughts and words in your prayers that capture who God is in His “faraway-ness” or preeminence? What does a new prayer that does take that into account look like, or sound like to you?

How will they change knowing God is near and in you and with you?

Leader note: Now think about your prayer life. Have you included language that captures the fact that God is immanent – here with you – dwelling in your midst, even within you?

Pray

Your group will have just expressed personal implications of the truths of this study. Pray their prayer of God’s farness and closeness out loud. If they are comfortable with the idea, have them pray their own prayer out loud. Go around the group until everyone has had a chance to embrace God’s holiness and apartness, and His immanence and closeness in their life.

(Optional)

At the end of 1 Kings 8, Solomon blesses the Israelites with this blessing. This may be a great way to end your time together. Read this aloud and bless your group.

“May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is no other. And may your hearts be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.”

Live it out

Where are you acting far when God would have you be near?

Introduction – 5 MINUTES

Who is a TV or Movie father you would like to meet? Why?

Leader note: This should be an easy question for you to answer. Try to avoid tangents of people who had a bad father – keep the discussion away from personal experience and steer to a safer dialog of TV or movies. It could be a funny dad, a loving dad, or other attributes that attract you to him.

Observation – 10 MINUTES

Read Romans 8:14-17. What do you learn about a relationship with God?

Commentary:

“those who are led by the Spirit” – this particular passage is directed at Christians
We are His children
By the Spirit we are adopted – it is not a relationship of slavery
By the Spirit we can call God “our Father” Abba (personal and intimate relationship – like calling Him daddy
The Spirit testifies with our Spirit, by the Spirit we are claimed as a child
Through this relationship we are co-heirs with Jesus
We will share in Christ’s sufferings as well as His glory

Understanding – 20 MINUTES

Look at each statement from the passage. What is reassuring or challenging about each promise?

Leader note: As you look through each of the promises, have your group share what is something they looks forward to or take comfort in and what, on the other hand seems challenging.

Leader note: Try to keep these answers in the third person as you will be personalizing them in the next question.

Commentary:

Calling God “Abba” or daddy seems like such a personal and intimate relationship, one that makes God seem more accessible and concerned for our well-being.

Knowing the suffering Christ endured makes it difficult to consider that we could share in that kind of suffering – or any kind of suffering. So often people represent being a Christian as someone who no longer has challenges, but life will all of a sudden be easy.

Application – 20 MINUTES

Which of these promises are reassuring to you? Which are challenging? Why?

Leader note: As your group answers, stop them and ask specifically why the promise is challenging or why it is reassuring. What about the statement resonates? This is the appropriate place for people to talk about their relationship with their father, or their relationship with a child.

Live it Out

Who in our community would benefit from knowing God as their Abba Father?

Pray: As you end your time together take time to thank the Spirit for what He promises to do for you. Acknowledge the work He does within you and for your relationship with God the Father. Pray for each person for what was challenging to them and also praise God for those promises that are reassuring and what we have to look forward to in the future, as well as what we have now.

Introduction – 10 MINUTES

Do you prefer individual or team sports?

Leader Note: This should be a fun and easy question for your group to answer. You may want to start out telling about your favorite type of sport and why you like either the individual aspects or team dynamics.

Observation – 15 MINUTES

Read Acts 2:42-47. How did the early church live in community?

Commentary from the passage:

They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching – studying Scripture
They devoted themselves to fellowship – and sharing meals (including communion)
They were devoted to prayer
They were in a deep sense of awe and they performed miracles and wonders
They met together, they shared everything they had
They were generous
They worshiped together at the Temple
They met in homes
They shared their meals with great joy and generosity
They praised God and enjoyed the goodwill of all the people
Each day the Lord added new believers to their fellowship

What did participating in those activities look like in their lives?

Leader Tip: Look at each activity and ask “What do you think it meant to devote themselves to studying Scripture?”

Leader note: It will be interesting to hear your group members answer what these activities would have meant to the early believers as it will reveal what they want from a life group. They will most likely talk about the activities that are important to them.

Understanding – 20 MINUTES

How does your group resemble this type of community? What is lacking that you would like to add to your group?

Leader note: Go through the list that you made in 2a of the early believers activities. As you go through them have your group highlight those that your group has experienced together. As they answer ask them what it has meant in their lives to experience those things. Make a special note of those things your group says they haven’t experienced as a group. As a leader you may want to see how you can work those activities into your group plan for the next year.

APPLICATION – 20 MINUTES

What about this type of community are you looking forward to? Why?

Live it out

What will be different in our world if we were this community?

Pray

End your group time together thanking God for bringing you all together to form a group as described in Scripture. Pray specifically for those areas your group highlighted that they wish were better within the group, and for opportunities to make the group stronger and to live out all aspects of Acts 2:42-47.

5 MINUTES

Introduction

When have you gotten lost? Where were you and how did you find your way?

Leader note: This should just be a fun and easy question. If you have a couples group it may be fun to play off the stereotype of guys not stopping to ask directions and gals that do – how that has played out in their family vacations, etc.

15 MINUTES

Observation

Read Matthew 3:16-4:11
What do you learn about Jesus in the wilderness?

Leader note: This is a long passage, so allow enough time to read the whole passage and to answer the questions.

Commentary:

He went to the wilderness right after He was baptized, the Spirit descended upon Him, God called him Son, and said He loved and was pleased with Him (wasn’t punishment)

Jesus talks about his temptation (at least to Matthew who wrote this, possibly all the disciples)
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness TO BE tempted (Jesus was obedient)
He REALLY was tempted (human side)

He was tempted by the devil, the devil is real

There was a real battle between the kingdom of darkness (the devil) and the Kingdom of God (Jesus)

Jesus had fasted 40 days and 40 nights
Jesus quotes Scripture – in its complete form
The devil also quotes Scripture, but in incomplete form, thereby twisting its meaning completely

Jesus was tempted with what would be very compelling

He was hungry – temps Him to turn stones into food (self-reliance vs. dependence)

He may have seemed “alone” – Satan tempts Him to make God prove Himself (Control vs. surrender)

Knew pain and suffering was in his future – Satan tempts Him to compromise and receive his kingdom, instead of the Kingdom of God. (humility vs. compromising)

Leader note: Before you move on to the next question be sure you have observed most of the points above, it will help your discussion.

Read 4:12-24
What did Jesus’ time in the wilderness prepare him for? How did it prepare Him?

Commentary: In the 12 verses that capture the time following the wilderness, Jesus began his ministry: preaching the Kingdom of God is near, recruiting his first disciples, and healing the sick.

Commentary: Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights – he would have learned complete surrender and dependence on God during this time. He learned surrender, dependence; He was led by the Holy Spirit so we know He was in tune with Him, He would have been strengthened each time He withstood the temptation, His resolute grew, He would have heard God clearly and known His call on His life as evidence from what He did next.

20 MINUTES

Understanding

How do people feel about “wilderness” times today?

Leader note: People look at times of solitude or times of faith testing as punishment, as opposed to disciplining, drawing near to God, times of dependence and preparing you for the work God has for you in His Kingdom. But that’s not the case according to this Scripture, God had just said, “This is my Son who I love and am well pleased” then sent Him to a time of fasting for 40 days and nights and the a time of temptation.

20 MINUTES

Application

Where in your life is the Spirit leading you into the wilderness? What would it mean to be obedient to His leading? What might God be calling and preparing you for?

Leader note: Remember that solitude is not bad, the wilderness experience is a place where God has led us to strengthen and empower us for whatever He has planned for us. To be in solitude is not to be without, it is to be with God, depending on God. That doesn’t mean it is easy, fasting for 40 days and nights would certainly have been uncomfortable and challenging at times, and temptations were allowed during this time. But resolve is strengthened, surrender is usually made complete, and dependence is the result.

Live it out

What would it look like to help non-believers in their wilderness experiences? How can we use this time to direct them to God to find strength and resolve?

Leader note: And interesting discussion point would be to look at how a non-believers wilderness time may look different than yours. Consider why that is.

Pray

Pray for those experience a time of wilderness, testing and preparation. Pray to remember the goodness of solitude, express gratefulness for God’s presence and the Spirit’s leading and guiding. Take comfort in the knowledge that in obedience to follow the Spirit’s leading God will also strengthen and empower for what lies ahead, no one is alone in their solitude.

Introduction – 5 MINUTES

There’s something very satisfying about winning against overwhelming odds. Describe a time when you experienced this in life or when someone you know had this kind of experience.

Leader note: Everyone loves a story of an underdog winning, a “Cinderella story” of sorts. It could be a come from behind win in sports, or other types of competition.

Observation – 15 MINUTES

Read 1 Samuel 17:23-51. What did Goliath, the Israelites and David bring to the battle?

Commentary:

Goliath brought his reputation of being a Philistine champion
and of being a warrior since his youth
he had his shield bearer in front of him
he sneered contempt and shouted at David trying to intimidate him
Sword, spear and javelin

The Israelites were intimidated by Goliath, because of his stature and reputation. The Israelite army ran away in fright
Saul, the king and leader of the Israelite army had his own armor.

David brought with him his faith that the Lord would rescue him as he had before
and the weapons he was used to, his shepherd’s staff, his sling and 5 smooth stones
Most importantly, David says “today the Lord will conquer you”
and then used Goliath’s own sword to kill him.
David recognized what no one else did, this wasn’t a battle of army vs. army, it was God vs. the ungodly, and the outcome was inevitable.

Understanding – 20 MINUTES

What giants do you see people battling today? Where do you see them winning the battle? Where do you see them losing?

Leader note: You want your group to talk about several situations where people are facing challenges, it is in those discussions that they will see the parallel to their own lives even though at this point you should still be talking in generalizations and not personalizing.

Leader note: People in the world today are faced by so many giants, those that are intimidating because of their size and those that because of their reputation (never being defeated before) can seem overwhelming. Some giants that people are battling are those of a physical nature – illnesses and handicaps. Some are of an emotional nature – loneliness and depression. Some giants look more like a behavioral battle – addictions, habits. Others could be in one’s lifestyle and insecurities – huge debt, job loss or job stress, or relationship giants like marital problems. There are great examples of people winning as well as losing these battles – consider those battling cancer and coming out on the winning side after treatment – and those that succumb to the illness. There are examples of marriages that triumph after hardships, and those that fail. There are examples of people prevailing against addictions to drugs and alcohol and those that don’t.

Application – 20 MINUTES

What is a giant in your life? Look at the things David used to defeat Goliath, what will you use to defeat your giant?

Commentary: Goliath taunted the Israelites and David by reminding them of his victories and their defeats. He tried to shout them down and for 40 days intimidated them. To battle the Goliaths in our lives we need to remember our victories. We need to remember that God is with us in our battles and he is faithful to see us through.

Pray

Leave plenty of time at the end of your discussion to pray for each other and the fight against the giants in their life. Pray through the spiritual armor that is available to us (in Ephesians 6) and if appropriate, lay hands on group members and anoint them with oil. Pray for bold engagement in the battle, with God’s presence and power on their side they can claim victory. Pray for God’s guiding and leading as they move forward in faith.

Live it out

People all around us are fighting Goliaths, how can we come alongside and bring our God into their battle? Use this as an evangelism opportunity.

Date: June 9-10, 2012
Series: You are Here
Message: Lament
Passage: Various

NOTE: This week you will be guided through an experience of a lamenting prayer. There will be discussion questions provided, however they are designed to set up an experience so this will be different than your usual weekly flow question curriculum. You will want to complete your discussion time with at least 20-30 minutes of group time left for the experience.

Discussion

Were any of you among those who were prayed over for healing this weekend?

Did you pray for others?

What was your experience?

For those who didn’t, what were your feelings as you stood in the crowd?

Observation

Read Mark 10:46-51 and Mark 14:32-39. What do you learn about lamenting prayers?

Commentary:

They are brought to God in surrender
They are offered in desperation
The release is in the surrender, not in God’s answer
They are not in vain
God’s plan is bigger than the request (Jesus wasn’t relieved of the pain and suffering ahead – but the world’s salvation was made possible because of it)

Understanding

When have you been a part of the “crowd”? When have you been like Bartimaeus? What keeps you from crying out for mercy?

For those who were prayed over for healing this weekend, how did your lamenting prayers look like those from the Mark passages?

Application

Read Psalm 3. Write a prayer of lamentation using the psalm as your guide (a format is provided below – however feel free to do this on your own).

Leader note: If you are not in a place of lamenting, pray as an intercessor for someone in your life who is. As you do, ask the Holy Spirit to give you empathy so you can actually feel the pain and desperation as you pray. Experience the pain and then experience the release in the surrender.

After you complete the experience, come back together and debrief. What was your prayer? What did you experience as you prayed?

Thoughts on a lamenting prayer

In a classic lament there are three parts:

1. The lament — the honest complaint or cry of your sorrowing fearful heart

2. Remembering God’s goodness in the past. The Spirit brings remembrance God’s faithfulness. He also brings to his remembrance God’s character. The Spirit does not explain the why of the circumstances, but only the heart of God.

3. The prayer, based now on faith in God, or the resolve, based on faith in God.

Experience

Find these three parts in Psalm 3. Which verses are for each?
Pour out your sorrowing or fearful heart. Do it for God — if writing it down won’t change your cry, then write it here. If you are not in a time of pain, pray for those who are.
Warm your heart at the fire of God’s love by meditating on remembers things about God. If one of the verses sparks something in you, then God has spoken to you — and stay there, meditating. You can reread those verses in psalm 3 if that is helpful, especially if praying for others.
Write your request, or resolve.

Sample Prayer

(Again, if you are not in a time of pain, pray for those who are).

Lord Christ, you know our suffering deeper than we know it. You rose from the dead, but you still carried your wounds. Will you teach us how to bear our wounds to you? We do not want our pain to close us off from you or from others any longer. Heal us oh Lord.

Your presence is all that sustains us, and so allow us to experience your presence in our pain. Your strength was shown in weakness, and so we come to you, surrendered in our weakness. And so our weeping lingers for right now, but may relief and even joy come in the morning. Death and destruction come for us all, we cannot deny them or the wounds they have left. But they will not have the last word, because you did not let them have the last word. We surrender all to you Lord, and we cling to the promise of glory with you in eternity.