Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

Inevitably, whenever a church begins a small group ministry, someone will object to its biblical validity. Since small groups go against traditions that we have established (Sunday evening services, for instance), we assume it is unscriptural.

Whenever I start a church endeavor, the first thing I do is look for the biblical validity for the effort. If I cannot find it, I move on to other things. However, I appreciate Bill Hybels’ sentiment, ”If it is in the word it should be in the world.” God’s ways are far superior to ours. What is the biblical foundation for establishing a ministry of Small Groups within a congregation? Consider the following biblical examples for Small Group Ministry.

• Small Groups are a way to nurture and care for each other. (Acts 2:44-46; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12; 1 Peter 5:1-5)
• Small Groups were Jesus’ primary means of training his 12 disciples. (Matthew 17:1; Mark 3:13-14)
• Small Groups were part of the first century church. (Acts 2:42-47; 5:42; 20:20)
• Small Groups provide an effective environment for instruction, encouragement, prayer support, and accountability. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; 1 Corinthians 12:24-26; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 10:24- 25; James 5:16)
• Small Groups promote spiritual multiplication (2 Timothy 2:2; Exodus 18:13-27)

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

OpenPlease share your answer to one of the following:

• What are some family rituals from your youth that you still observe today?
• Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Study

Read Galatians 3.1-9 and discuss the following:

• What is the point Paul is making about receiving the Spirit and observing the Law? Why do you think this is a big deal to him?
• What do you think the relationship of their “suffering” (3.4) and Christ’s death (2.21) is in regard to this matter?
• How does Paul use Abraham to support his point?
• How do gentiles (non-Jews) become children of Abraham? Why is this important?
• Where does human effort come into the salvation story?

Apply

• What is the tension between faith and works? Why do you think it is hard NOT to try to work for salvation?
• In what ways would you say faith requires effort for you?
• How is faith different from earning salvation or favor with God?
• It has been said that if we are “good,” God won’t love us any more; and if we are “bad,” God will not love us any less. How is this an encouragement to you? How can it be abused?

OpenPlease discuss your response to one of the following:

• What is one thing that really bugs you?
• What book (other than the Bible) has impacted your life?

Study

Read Galatians 2:15-21 and discuss the following with your Group:

• How have you heard the word, “justified” used outside of church? How do you think Paul is using it?
• Compare Paul’s words here with Acts 13:38-39. What is Paul’s main point? Why do you think it is so important to him?
• How would you explain being “justified by faith” to someone who was searching for God?
• What do you think is the difference between “rule-keeping” and obedient actions? (See also James 2:24).
• What are the dangers of trying to be justified by “rule-keeping”? What are the dangers of “faith only”?
• How might we abuse God’s grace?

Apply

• How do you feel knowing that you can never do enough good things to earn God’s favor?
• How do you feel knowing that God loves you enough to “pay your way” by his grace?
• What “additions” (traditions) to the gospel might people want? How can we keep our focus on Jesus and off of ourselves in these?
• In what ways does a proper view of grace motivate you to act?

OpenShare your response to one of the following with the group:

• If you had to pick one year of your childhood to live over, which year would you choose and why?
• . If you could choose to live the title of one of the following books which one would it be and why?
  •  Unveiled (Francine Rivers)
  •  Be a People Person (John Maxwell)
  •  Fresh Power (Jim Cymbala)
  •  Servant Warfare (Steve Sjogren)
  •  Recovering Pharisee (John Fischer)

Study

Read Galatians 1.11-17 and discuss the following with the group:

• Why do you think Paul was so adamant about how he received the gospel?
• What do you think is significant about the message of Christ being revealed to Paul by Jesus himself?
• Why do you think Paul went to the desert place of Arabia? How is that similar to Israel’s exodus wanderings? What do you think they learned in the desert? What do you think Paul learned?
• Why do you think Paul did not consult anyone before he committed to following Christ?
• What do you think was Paul’s primary concern in jis relationship to God? How was he able to give up his traditions to follow Jesus?

Apply

• What does it mean for us when we know that we are reading a message that is a revelation from Jesus Christ?
• How did believing that the gospel message was from God impact your conversion process?
• How does the inspiration of the scriptures affect your daily walk with Jesus?
• For what do you think God has set you apart? How does this shape your daily walk? How much effort do you put into this goal?

OpenPlease share your response to one of the following with your group:

• What causes you to lose your cool most often?
• In your life, who do you see as an authority in the “gray areas”?

Study

Read Galatians 1.3-7 and discuss the following:

• In what ways does the gospel seem “too good to be true”?
• What do you think is the difference between gospel and tradition?
• How can traditions be good? Bad?
• What additions to the gospel have you seen, heard of, or experienced?
• Why do we have trouble taking the bible as it is and then making our own applications?
• Why are we hesitant to allow others this freedom? (Sunday School vs. Non-Sunday School, etc.)
• In what ways is the gospel NOT a “do your own thing” faith?

Apply

• What is one way that the gospel has changed your life? How does this prove the reality of the gospel to you?
• When have you felt angry/distressed because the truth of the gospel had been distorted? Why did this matter to you? What did you do?
• How do you think we can be disciples of Jesus without being written off as intolerant fanatics?

Open

Please share your response to one of the following:

• What is the greatest regret of your life?
• If you could not fail, what would you like to do?

Study

Read Galatians 1:10-24 and discuss the following:

• What is the origin of Paul’s message? Why do you think he emphasizes it? How do you think it impacted his actions?
• What would you say is Paul’s primary point in this reading?
• Why do you think Paul did not consult anyone after his encounter with Jesus?
• What was the value of solitude (i.e., the desert) to Paul? How does his story reflect his Hebrew roots?
• How do you think Paul benefited by being with Peter and James in Jerusalem? What are some of James’ observations about faith and action?

Apply

• Since our strongest beliefs determine our actions, what would you say your actions indicate about your beliefs?
• How is faith revealed in actions? What are some examples?
• How do you guard against showing “favoritism” in your life?
• How have you experienced the desert in your life? How has it been of benefit to you?
• Who has been your Peter or James? How have they helped you?

  Open

• What is a lesson on money that you learned from your parents?
• Tell of a time when you received a generous gift. How did you feel?
• Tell of a time when you gave a generous gift. How did you feel?

Study

Read 2 Corinthians 9.10-15 and discuss the following:

• As you read the text, why do you think Paul reminds them of that God gives our necessities?
• Why does he mention the multiplication factor for their resources?
• How do you think that generous giving is an acknowledgement of the gospel?
• To certain Jews, “righteousness” involved giving to those in need. Jesus said that our righteousness was to exceed theirs (Matthew 5.20). In what ways do you think our righteousness is generous? Where are we lacking?
• What are the real motivations for giving generously to those in need?

Apply

• When have you received something by being generous?
• How does God’s promise in verse 8 help your giving?

When my daughter was young we often flew back from Texas to visit her grandparents in Tennessee and Kentucky.  On one flight, when the flight attendant gave her mandatory instructions, my daughter became upset. You see, the attendant told us that if we had need for oxygen masks, to put ours on first and then help our children.  In my daughter’s mind, she should be taken care of first.  In reality, if the adults take care of themselves first, they are more capable of taking care of their children.

That principle holds true in many situations.  Elders; Deacons; Teachers; HOME Group Leaders (etc.) need to take this to heart. As they lead groups, teach lessons, shepherd, and serve, they must not neglect themselves.  One of the best things church leaders can do for the church is to maintain a strong relationship with God.  The stronger they are, the more able they will be to lead and help others, especially in times of need.

Church Leaders, regardless of your capacity, let me encourage you to take the time to study God’s word – just for you.  Take the time to pray, not only for your others’ needs, but for yours as well.  Take time to practice spiritual disciplines.  Take the time to worship in spirit and truth.  You will be glad you did and so will your Church Family!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Open

Share your responses to one of the following:

• Tell of a time you experienced a meaningful worship service. What made it that way?
•  Special effects
•  A change from the norm
•  My situation
•  Other

• The last time you were called into the “Boss’ Office,” how did you feel? What happened?

Study

• Read Isaiah 6:1-8 and discuss the following:
• What picture of God do you get from this passage?
• Why do you think Isaiah mentions the death of Uzziah?
  
• It was a time reference
• Uzziah was god-like to the nation
• Uzziah was a powerful political leader
• Other

• How do you think Isaiah first saw himself in this experience? At the end? Why the change?
• What was Isaiah willing to do for God? Why?

Apply

• What experiences have you had where you could say, “My eyes have seen the king!”?

• A near-death experience
• A dream
• When I was in trouble
•  In a worship service
• In a personal “Quiet Time”
•  In a class
• Other:

• Which of the following is most difficult for you to say, “Here am I send me!”?

• To tell others about Jesus
• Lead a HOME Group
• Teach Children
• Teach Adults
• Visit Prisons/Jails
• Visit Hospitals/Nursing Homes
• Making ethical decisions at work
• Doing benevolence
• Open your home to others
• Befriend a lonely person/new member
• Foreign Missions
• Other

• Which of the following would help you most in your worship experiences

• A daily “Quiet Time” with God
• Purchasing worship CDs or DVDs
• Memorize Songs
• Memorize scripture
• Focus on one attribute of God each week (Holiness/Grace/ etc.)
• Ask God to search your heart
• Be a TRUE disciple by obediently say “Yes” to God in every area of your life

Open

Please discuss one of the following with the Group:

• Tell about a time that you realized you are not totally independent.
• Barnabas (Acts 9.26-27) seems to be a “trusting” person; Thomas (John 20.24-28) seems to be more cautious. With whom do you identify more? Why?

Study

Please read 1 Corinthians 12:21-26 and discuss the following:

• In light of the “Tongues Speakers vs. Prophets” controversy, why do you think Paul chooses eyes, hands, feet, and head to illustrate his point?
• How do you think Paul deals with the issues of Pride and low self-esteem here?
• Why do you think:

          The weaker are indispensable?

          The less honorable receive special honor?

          The unpresentable are treated with special modesty?

          The presentable are not given special treatment?

• When the church body functions properly, how can we feel good when others are honored? How can we feel bad when others hurt?

Apply

• When do you struggle with:

          Jealousy of other Christians?

          Condescending to others?

          Ignoring others in their successes or pain?

• What do you need to improve your outlook?
• How can you “celebrate the weaknesses” of others? YOUR weaknesses?
• Where do you think YOU fit in the body of Christ? How can you help others to fit in?