Mark 5:1-20 // Riskology: Epic Wk 7

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s a great risk you’ve taken?

Sample answers may include…

  • Relocating to a new place, not knowing any one
  • A business investment
  • Leaving a career to pursue a dream

 

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Mark 5:1-20

What do you observe about the man with impure spirits?

What do you learn about Jesus from his interaction with him?

 
The Man
  • Lived in isolation, despised and marginalized
  • Tormented by demonic spirits
  • Unnatural strength
  • He knew he Jesus was, the messiah
  • He knew Jesus’ power
  • His identity was completely taken over by the demonic spirit… Legion
  • Once the impure spirits left him his sanity is restored
  • He wanted to be around Jesus, recongnized what he did for me
  • He was obedient to Jesus, began telling everyone about Jesus and what he did for him
  • His life served as a testimony of Jesus healing power for others
 
Jesus
  • He notices the man a long way off
  • He immediately recognizes that the man has an impure spirit
  • He speaks with authority over the spirits, commands them to leave
  • He speaks directly to the spirit, not the man
  • Jesus doesn’t allow the man to just stay with him, he sends him out to tell others 
 

Look Out // 20 minutes

Where have you seen a persons life transformed by Jesus?

Leader Note: Invite stories here from where people have witnessed or been involved in seeing people come to faith in Christ. What were the circumstances, what prompted the change and how has the persons life been impacted?

 

Look In // 15 minutes

How do you feel about telling your story of faith to others, what holds you back?

Leader Note: This is a great week to refer your group back to Wk 9 of Rooted, Why and How Should I Tell Others? Remind them of the importance in engaging in their story of faith, the before and after pieces of how their life has been impacted by Jesus. You may want to spend time asking each person if they can clearly communicate their “before” and “after” sections. Use some of questions below from Wk 9 of Rooted to help guide the conversation.

Your Story Before…

  • What was your lifestyle like?
  • What were your emotions in your day-today life?
  • How did you deal with challenges, setbacks and crises?
  • What did you feel was lacking in your life?
  • What were your hopes and dreams?
  • What did your relationships look like?

 

Your Story After…

  • How has Christ made a difference in your life?
  • How has forgiveness impacted you?
  • How have your thoughts, attitudes, and emotions changed?
  • What has changed in your relationship with others?
  • How does your faith in Jesus affect your hopes and dreams? 

 

Live It Out // 10 minutes

Who can you share your story of faith with this week?

Leader Note: One of the main components of Life Groups at Mariners is that they would continue to live out the rhythms of Rooted; service, prayer (including breaking strongholds and taking communion) and sharing our faith. Encourage your group to ask the Holy Spirit to increase our awareness of where he leads us to share with others. 

Key Verse: “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” Mark 5:19a

Key Thought: Jesus transforms our lives to free us and use us to tell others about Him!

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Judges 11 // Let’s Make A Deal: Epic Wk 6

Lean In // 5 minutes

Who have been some “unknown” heroes in your life?

Leader note: We all have people that have positively impacted our lives but are mostly “unknown” to the outside world.  Listed below are some suggestions but be ready to jump in and lead the Lean In question with examples of your own.  This opening question is designed to engage the whole group and create energy.

Sample answers may include…

  • Teacher
  • Coach
  • Mentor
  • Co-worker
  • Neighbor
  • Youth Worker

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Judges 11:1-8; 29-35 

What do you learn about Jephthah and the elders of Gilead?

Sample answers may include…

Jephthah

  • He is a mighty warrior (v. 1) and a leader (v. 3)
  • Born into brokenness: His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute (v. 1)
  • Rejected: …they drove Jephthah away…because [he] was the son of another woman. (v. 2)
  • God is with him (v. 29)
  • Jephthah attempts to secure victory through a rash vow (vv. 30-31)

Elders of Gilead

  • They are in trouble and need a commander to lead the fight (v. 6-7)
  • The elders represent the people that rejected Jephthah (v. 7)
  • In desperation, they turn to Jephthah to lead them (v. 8)

Commentary: In Judges 10, we learn of the context for Israel’s situation and the need for Jephthah.  Israel had rejected The Lord and began serving other gods (Judges 10:6).  As a result, they were crushed and oppressed by their enemies.  Out of desperation, the Israelites cry out to the Lord, looking for a deliverer.  Help your group to see how the story of Jephthah is an embodiment of Israel’s story.  Israel rejected God but then turn to Him out of desperation, just like they did with Jephthah.  If you have time, it may be helpful to read Judges 10:6-17 along with Judges 11:1-8 to see the parallels.  Also, in Judges 11:29-35, we learn about a vow that Jephthah makes with The Lord in an attempt to secure the victory.  It is not clear if the vow meant that he would sacrifice his daughter or dedicate her for a life of service.  The thing that becomes clear is the incredible cost of Jephthah’s decision. 

Look Out // 10 minutes

When do people turn to God?

What are some of the “deals” people attempt to make with God?

Sample answers may include…

  • If God bless me financially, then I’ll…
  • If God takes care of this problem, then I’ll…  
  • If God brings me a spouse, then I’ll…
  • If God fixes this relationship, then I’ll…

Look In // 20 minutes

Where are you attempting to negotiate a deal with God?

What might it look like to simply turn to Him with no strings attached?

Leader note: We are often unaware of the expectations we bring into a relationship with God.  And, although it is very human to do so, they can potentially become damaging when or if the “deal” or expectation goes unmet.  As your group wades into the question, help them to identify some of these possible “deals” or expectations and invite them to imagine what it might look like to simply trust God regardless of the outcome.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we let go of the conditions and simply received God’s gift of relationship?  What will it speak to those around us?

Leader Note: Listed below is a Key Verse and Key Thought that is designed to help your group have one simple takeaway from the discussion.  Encourage the group to possibly memorize the verse and discuss how it impacted them at the next life group gathering.  Also, discuss with your group a possible action item to do or experience, in the week ahead, that might help reinforce what you have learned.

Key Verse: “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now…” –Judges 11:8a

Key Thought: Victory is given, not negotiated

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Psalms 103

Note that the questions for this week do not correspond to the weekend message. The passage has been selected from last week’s Daily Message reading plan.

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something you dreamed about having growing up that you eventually received?

 

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Psalms 103 (message translation)

What do you learn about being thankful from the passage?

Leader Note: Psalm 103 reads like a laundry list of things for which we would be thankful. Have someone read the passage and ask the rest of your group to record that list.

Here are some of the observations your group should find in the passage:

  • The psalmist says we should praise the Lord with our whole heart
  • We should praise his holy name
  • Praise with all that I am
  • Never forget – remember the good things He’s done
  • He forgives all
  • He heals all
  • He redeems us from death
  • We are crowned with mercy and love
  • He fills my life with good things
  • He renews our youth
  • He gives righteousness and justice to those treated unfairly
  • He has revealed his character and his deeds
  • He is compassionate and merciful
  • Patient and filled with unfailing love (grace)
  • He will not accuse or remain angry
  • He does not deal harshly and punish us as we deserve
  • He doesn’t jus forgive our sins he removes them as far as the east is from the west
  • He is tender and compassionate like a father to his children
  • His love remains forever
  • His salvation extends to generations
  • Praise him for everything he has created, everything in His Kingdom

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do you see people living thankful lives? Where don’t you? What are the results of each type of living?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

Where in your life do you express thankfulness? Where don’t you?

Leader Note: Encourage each person to address both sides of this question. In the areas where they find it difficult to be thankful ask them to identify why they think that is and what they need in order to grow in that area.

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in you and in the lives of others if you expressed thankfulness in every area of your life?

 

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model. 

Matthew 14:22-33 // Man Overboard: Epic Wk4

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some things you are hoping to accomplish “someday”?

Leader note: This question is intended to be light-hearted to get the group talking and create energy.  As a leader, jump in and guide the direction and tone of the discussion.

Sample answers may include…

  • Get married
  • Have kids
  • Travel
  • Go back to school
  • Buy a boat
  • Retiring
  • Learn a skill

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Matthew 14:22-33

What do you observe about Jesus and the disciples?

Sample answers may include…

Jesus

  • After feeding the five thousand (Matt. 14:13-21), Jesus gets alone to pray (v. 23)
  • It is Jesus who comes to the disciples (v. 25)
  • Jesus shows up in the storm, walking on water (vv. 24-25)
  • Jesus reveals his identity and calms the disciple’s fear (v. 27)
  • After rescuing Peter, Jesus handles the doubts of the disciples (v. 31)
  • Jesus calms the storm (v. 32)

The disciples

  • The disciples battle a storm for most of the night (vv. 24-25)
  • They are afraid when Jesus comes walking toward them (v. 26)
  • Wanting Jesus to verify his identity, Peter asks if he can walk on the water too (v. 28)
  • Peter is the only disciple to get out of the boat and walk on the stormy water (v. 29)
  • After Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, the disciples confess him as the Son of God (v. 33)

Commentary: When Jesus sends the disciples away by boat, they traveled about a mile or two off shore but were caught up in an intense wind and storm.  Also, it was just before dawn before Jesus came to the disciples, which meant they had been battling the wind and storm for a large part of the night.  Although they were exhausted, cold, and wet, Matthew focuses on their fear when they see something walking on the water and toward them.  Jesus’ walking on water is suggestive of his mastery over the chaos of the storm and the disciple’s fear.  Help your group to see that not only can Jesus walk on the stormy waters of life but he also invites us to do the same.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen people take risks to start something new?

What are the barriers of launching into something new?

Sample answers may include…

  • Quitting a job to follow a passion
  • Adopting kids when the house is full
  • Moving to a lower income neighborhood because you feel called to it
  • Giving generously when faced with hardship
  • Getting out of an unhealthy relationship without knowing what’s next

Look In // 20 minutes

Where in your life is God inviting you to get out of the boat?

What is holding you back?

What’s a truth from the passage that could help you take a step?

Leader note: It is important to help your group understand that just because you take a risk, it doesn’t always mean success.  God doesn’t promise success, in the way that we might understand it, but he does promise the power of his presence.  When Jesus showed up in the midst of the stormy water, he didn’t immediately calm the storm and fix the situation.  However, he did provide his presence and an invitation to step out into the impossible in the midst of the unthinkable.  As we take a step of faith, help your group see that we don’t have to be afraid because God is already there.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we responded to God’s invitation and took “that” step out of the boat?  How will it strengthen our faith and also inspire the faith of those around us?

Leader Note: As you finish the discussion and enter into a time of prayer, help your group to imagine what it could look like to step out.  As a leader, it is difficult to take people to places that you haven’t been.  Before leading the group, take some time to consider this question for yourself.  What would it look like for you to take a step of faith in a specific area?  Find some time this week to pray about where God may be leading you as well as your group.

Key Thought: God invites us into the impossible in the midst of the unthinkable.

Key Verse: But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage!  It is I.  Don’t be afraid.” – Matthew 14:27

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Listen to or download this message here

Judges 4:1-15 // Extraordinary Leaders: Epic Wk3

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some of your favorite “underdog” movies and why?

Sample answers may include…

  • Rudy
  • Rocky
  • Remember The Titans
  • Hoosiers
  • Seabiscut

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Judges 4:1-15

What do you observe about Deborah? What do you observe about Barak?

Sample answers may include…

Deborah

  • Woman – cultural prejudice to overcome
  • Respected leader
  • Hears God’s voice
  • People went to her for help
  • Courageous
  • Inspiring, knows hot to motivate others
  • Backs up what she says… (I’ll go with you)

Barak

  • Fearful
  • Indecisive
  • Hesitant but willing

 

Look Out // 15 minutes

What does it look like when people lead with courage? What does it look like when they lead out of fear? Where have you seen each?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

When was a time you stepped out when God asked you to do something?

When was a time you didn’t respond to something God asked you to do?

What caused you to step out and what caused you to hold back? How can you move the things that hold you back?

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How would your life and the lives of others be impacted if you lead like Deborah?

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Listen to or download this message here

2 Kings 5:1-27 // Gracefully Clean: Epic Wk2

Lean In // 5 minutes

When was a time you buried yourself in a lie and had to come clean?

Leader Note: The question will naturally lead to a story.  So, as you pose the question, make sure everyone has an opportunity to share while also being mindful of time.

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read 2 Kings 5:1-27

What do you learn about the characters in the story—particularly Naaman and Gehazi?

Sample answers may include…

Naaman

  • Military leader- “Commander…of the army of Aram” (v. 1)
  • Highly respected- “Great man…and highly regarded” (v. 1)
  • Warrior/Hero- “Valiant soldier” (v. 1)
  • Very Wealthy- “Naaman took…silver…gold…clothing…” (v. 5)
  • Highly influential- “…the letter he took to the king of Israel…” (v. 6)
  • Major flaw- “…but he had leprosy.” (v. 1)

Gehazi

  • Pastor/Prophet-in-training- “…the servant of Elisha the man of God…” (v. 20)
  • Prejudiced- “[He] was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean…” (v. 20)
  • Greedy- “I will run after him and get something from him.” (v. 20)
  • Liar- “My master sent me to say…” (v. 22) // “Your servant didn’t go anywhere…” (v. 25)

Other characters

  • Elisha—Uses Naaman’s request for healing to point him to God (v. 8) and communicates God’s judgment to Gehazi (v. 27)
  • Israelite servant girl—Taken captive but points Naaman to God and healing (vv. 2-3)
  • Naaman’s servants— Talk Naaman into listening to Elisha’s instruction (v. 13)

Commentary: There are quite a few characters in the story but the author directs the reader’s attention to Naaman and Gehazi and also uses the irony in their stories to communicate a powerful truth.  The story begins with a leprous Naaman and his attempt to cover it up.  It’s not until he uncovers his leprosy that he finds healing.  However, Gehazi begins his story without leprosy but attempts to cover up his brokenness to Elisha and ends up with leprosy.  As you lead your group, help them to see how each character dealt with their brokenness.

Look Out // 10 minutes

What is some of the armor people use to protect or cover-up their flaws and brokenness?

Sample answers may include…

  • Gaining knowledge to appear smarter than others
  • Making it look “good” outwardly
  • Only showing strengths; never weakness
  • Associating with the “right” people
  • Buying stuff (cars, clothes, toys, etc.)

Look In // 20 minutes

Where are some areas that you have attempted to camouflage brokenness in your life?

Where are places that you have received God’s grace?

Leader Note: Naaman’s story is not too different than our own.  We all have flaws and a tendency to cover-up those flaws.  However, the way to fix a flaw is to come clean and receive God’s grace.  Naaman couldn’t earn it or buy it and neither can we.  Gently help your group identify potential areas where they have attempted to cover-up or fix a flaw.  Also, help them to see places where they have received God’s grace in their life (Example- Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace).

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if we didn’t try to cover-up our flaws and brokenness with “armor” but rather came clean before God and one another?  Imagine the depth of relationship it would create and the impact on our world to see us living in God’s grace?

Leader Note: As you finish the discussion, it could be a great time for confession.  This can be accomplished through a general prayer over the group or by splitting up into smaller units (men with men; women with women) for a time of confession and prayer. 

Scriptures:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. -1 John 1:9

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. –James 5:16

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Listen to or download this message here

Judges 15:9-20 // Everyone Needs A Hero: Epic Wk1

Lean In // 5 minutes

If you could have one super power what would it be and why?

Leader Note: Keep in mind the importance of having everyone play here. The more people talk upfront the more likely it becomes that they will share later.

 

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Judges 15:9-20

What are the strengths of Sampson? What are his weaknesses?

Sample answers may include…

Strengths

  • Physical strength
  • Quick, stealthy (killed 1,000 men)
  • Resourceful (used a donkey’s jawbone!)
  • Determined
  • Calculated, he had a plan, became his own Trojan horse!
  • He knew what he could handle, knew his own strength
  • Bold, no fear!
  • Leadership, lead the people of Israel as Judge for 20 years

Weaknesses

  • Self absorbed, no concern for others
  • Takes credit, arrogance
  • Irreverence for life
  • Takes revenge into his own hands
  • Anger
  • Passes blame on to others, “I’m doing what you did to us!”

What do you observe about the relationship between strengths and weaknesses in this story?

Commentary: We see here and in other points in Sampson life that his strengths quickly turn to weaknesses; there’s a direct correlation between the two. For example physical power is strength but also a weakness in that it lead him to arrogance.  

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen a strength turned into a weakness?

Sample answers may include…

  • The Wizard of OZ: Powerful voice of authority yet isolated, not known
  • Batman: Rich, strong, deliver of justice yet hides in the shadows alone
  • The kid who excels in sports at an early age: No one wants to play with him/her in fear of being beaten.
  • Good Looks: People can assume something to be not true of you based on your looks, i.e. a lack of intellectually depth.

 

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you seen your strengths work against you? How were you and those around you impacted?

Where have you seen God work through your weakness?

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How would those around you be impacted if you were to rely on God’s strength and not your own?

 

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Listen to or download this message here

 

Matthew 7:13-29 // Good Fruit, Bad Heart: What If Wk10

Lean In // 5 minutes

How do you know when someone is passionate about something?

Sample answers may include…

  • They talk about the topic a lot
  • They get others excited about it
  • It consumes their life, takes up their time and energy

Leader Note: Transition your group to the text by highlighting Jesus’ use of “Lord, Lord” in verse 21. This double literary technique is used throughout the scriptures to indicate intensity or passionate speech. Jesus is very passionate about the things He lays out in this passage.

 

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Matthew 7:13-29

Leader Note: We are jumping outside of Luke for this passage as the parallel passage in Matthew offers more content for group discussion.

What are all the contrasts Jesus uses in this Passage?

Sample answers may include…

  • The narrow and wide gate/road
  • Destruction and life
  • Good tree, bad tree
  • Good fruit, bad fruit
  • Those that think they are in and how Jesus actually see’s them
  • The wise builder, foolish builder

What do you learn from those contrasts?

Sample answers may include

  • For every choice there is an opposite choice
  • Choices have related consequences
  • It’s easy to be deceived into thinking your choice is the right one
  • People often base their choices on convenience and lack of risk
  • Jesus says there’s a difference between true and false disciples

Leader Note: Your group may gravitate to a discussion on “good” vs. “bad.” They may say that a Christ follower looks like someone who does “good” things and someone who isn’t a follower does “bad” things. Lead them to see that there’s much more to following Christ than the works we produce.

While right living is part of what it means to follow Jesus it is not the starting place or the way by which we become accepted followers. This passage tells us that a follower is primarily someone who builds their foundation on the rock that is the work of Jesus Christ.

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where in life do you see “broad roads” lead to destruction?

Where in life do you see “narrow roads” lead to freedom?

Sample answers may include…

Broad Destructive Roads

  • Eating whatever you want
  • Concealing the truth
  • Credit and free spending
  • Dating freely, multiple relationships

Narrow Freedom Roads

  • Diet and discipline
  • Telling the truth
  • Stewardship and saving
  • Commitment, marriage

What are all the types of foundations people build their lives on?

Sample answers may include…

  • Wealth
  • Security
  • Fame
  • Power and Success
  • Control

What does it look like when those foundations collapse?

 

Look In // 20 minutes

When was time you had a foundation fail you?  What was the effect on your life, on the lives of others?

What would it look like for you to rebuild those things on the foundation of Christ alone?

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would it look like for you to build your entire life on the foundation of Jesus?  How would your life be changed how would others be impacted?

 

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Listen to or download this message here

Luke 6:37-42 // Golden Eye: What If Wk 9

Lean In // 5 minutes

When was a time you mistakenly blamed someone for something they didn’t do?

Leader Note: Do your best to keep this question on the lighter side as to engage everyone in the group. Some possible examples could be when a spouse or roommate left the house a mess, or threw out some of your favorite clothes or leftovers. Set the tone to this question by answering first if possible.

 

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 6:37-42

What do you learn about loving people?

Sample answers may include…

  • Loving people don’t judge or condemn others
  • Loving people forgive others
  • Loving people give to others
  • Loving people receive more based on how they express love to others, there’s a cause and effect
  • The loving thing to do is to first look at your own life before looking at others
  • Loving people want to help others, not judge them
  • Loving people want to help others because they have experienced freedom.
  • Loving people are motived by compassion, not judgment

Who are the blind in this passage and what do you learn about them?

Sample answers may include…

  • They focus on the faults of others
  • They are blind to their own failings
  • They judge and condemn to get the focus off themselves, not to help others
  • As the blind judge others the reveal something broken about themselves

Commentary: Draw your group’s attention to the correlation between the log and the speck. The sawdust in one person’s eye is directly related to the log in the other person’s eye. The log creates the sawdust just as our own faults or insecurities are often projected on others. The plank in our own eyes creates damage in others and causes us to have a skewed perspective on them.

 

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does it look like when people are self-aware? Where have you seen it?

What does it look like when people are not self-aware? Where have you see it?

Leader Note: Use care when asking and responding to this question. Don’t allow your group to turn to judgment of others. Consider setting the tone by telling a lighter story of where you’ve seen someone not self-aware, i.e. someone walking and texting at the same time, or driving while eating on talking on the phone or eating.

 

Look In // 20 minutes

What are your potential spiritual “blind spots” and how can you overcome them?

Leader Note: This question will take honesty and self-awareness. Again, as a leader set the tone by answering this question authentically and with humility. Another way to ask this question may by what logs do you need to remove from your own eye?

Commentary: Remind your group that the ability to overcome these things is not found in ourselves but in who Jesus is. In Jesus we are able to choose to live out generosity, grace and freedom. Staying connected to Him and others in community to hold us accountable is of great importance!

How would your life be different if you lived this way?

Leader Note: Another way to ask this question may be “how would your life be different if you were able to identify and overcome your spiritual blind-spots?”

 

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How would others be impacted if you lived this way?

Commentary: When we are able to deal with our areas of sin and pain we grow in compassion for those we called to encourage in their struggles. The promise of grace and freedom become our motivation, not judgment and condemnation.

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Luke 6:27-36 // Golden Rule Sunglasses: What If Wk 8

Lean In // 5 minutes

What is one attribute of a friend that you most prize?

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 6:27-36

What do you learn about loving our enemies?

Sample answers include…

  • We’re called to good to people who hate us
  • Bless, wish well on, people who curse you
  • Pray for people who hurt you
  • Let your enemies see the best of you, not the worst
  • Go overboard in showing them grace and love
  • Don’t seek out revenge
  • Give people what you would want given to you
  • Give without expecting a return
  • Treat others as God treated you, with compassion

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen someone live this way?

Where have you seen people not live this way?

Leaner Note: Remember that in this question we want to encourage the group to take the principle of the passage and ask them where they see it on display in the world and in this case where don’t they see it.

Look In // 20 minutes

When was a time you were able to live this way? What did it cost you?

When was a time you failed to live this way? What did it cost you?

In what relationships do you need to live this out ,what obstacles would you need to overcome?

Commentary: Both sets of living have costs associated with them. When you don’t love your enemies you can grow in anger, bitterness and pride. When you do love your enemies you’re sacrificing your “rights” to all those things in order to display Christ. Take time think about where you’ve gotten this right and where you’ve gotten this wrong.

Leader Note: Some may respond that it would take a miracle to live like this everyday! The good news is that is exactly what we have in our relationship with our Father. Through Jesus we get to live in our God created identity. That identity is one of generosity and grace that gives without condition.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if you could live like this? What would be different about you, about others?

Prayer: Prayer for an awakening in each person to see the grandness of the way our Father forgives, restores and heals us. Pray that out of that understanding comes an increased readiness to love others the way we’ve been loved. Pray for a spirit of forgiveness for those that have been mistreated and not shown this type of love by others.

Get The Most Out Of Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.