This series is meant to do a few things, and one of those is give LifeGroups a chance to have some catalyzing conversations, take some faith-advancing steps, and enjoy a greater level of Christlikeness. But that doesn't jut happen for wanting and waiting. It must be pursued with at least the same mental energy one uses to join a gym to change into the likeness of their physical trainer.
Do not settle for a discussion about change. Find ways to create a physical and intellectual and spiritual environment where change, in however small a measure, can be realized. May God conform us all to the image of Christ!
Thaw
- What is an event from your past that had a major effect on who you are today?
Leader note: This is a great chance to get to know people in the group, so take time to let everyone answer this. They may need time to answer, so let them have it. Additionally, note whether or not all the stories swing positive in the end. You may notice that tragedy and pain are referred to as catalysts for positive change. Once everyone has finished, if this pattern has been established, you may want to point out that in hindsight, even terrible circumstances have been used by God (not caused, necessarily, but He still uses them) to shape our souls and deepen who we all are.
- What most struck you from the message Sunday?
- What thought has stayed with you?
Read
- Romans chapter 12
- Thoughts?
- What kinds of character traits does transformation by way of mind renewal (v2) create in people, according to Paul?
- WHat part of this is most appealing to you?
Leader note: You may want to capture people's answer to this on paper, because this may be an insight to a core area of development. This will help you lead in the weeks and months to come.
- As Paul talks about changes, he lists obstacles in the way of that change. How would you summarize the obstacle, and the overarching goal?
- Respond as a group to this quote:
You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments that stand out, the moments when you have really lived, are the moments when you have done things in a spirit of love... The test of a man then is not, 'How have I believed?' but 'How have I loved?' The test of religion, the final test of religion, is not religiousness, but love. Not what I have done, not what I have believed, not what I have achieved, but how I have discharged the common charities of life. --Henry Drummond
Read
- Matthew 22:34-40
- Thoughts?
- Jesus says the foundation for all of scripture, the summary of all God wants from and for people, is the genuine love of God and the love of others as self. How do you see this being transformative as it is better understood and practiced?
Leader note: You may want to add Matthew 7:12, as it's another way Jesus said the same thing and hung all of scripture on it. Interestingly, all major religions have this,the law of reciprocity. We all know, intrinsically, that this is the better way to live. Jesus, interestingly, is the only one to live it out...and even die it out.
Apply
- What are some of the things you are hung up on that you know aren't like Christ?
Leader note: Yeah....it's deep. Be confident.
- Spend a few moments thinking on these issues and see if you can identify ways that they are evidence of too much self-love, or self-prioritization.
- Displays of anger/rage
- Gossip
- Social fear
- Addiction
- Over-competitiveness
- Racism
- Sexism
- Greed
- Sarcasm
- Over-concern with appearance
- Unforgiven hurts
- Judgmental attitudes
- What does love of others have to do with this, and how can "turning the arrows away from self" speak to these obstacles?
- How does an awareness that all people live with a self-prioritizing paradigm help you love them?
- How does understanding that your own mind operates on self-prioritization help you more effectively love others?
- How can this group be helpful to you?
- What's one thing you can do this week to begin submitting the way you think to Christ, and therefore be transformed by the renewing of your mind?
- Next week, be prepared to report on how offering your mind to Christ by way of giving the love you typically reserve for your self, led to some measure of change.
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