Getting Started

Main Idea:
Satan calls us by our sin, but the Lord calls us by name. A good name is more precious than silver or gold.

Discussion Starter:
Do you know anyone famous for their name or reputation? Have you been known by a name you disliked, or perhaps felt that you could not measure up to a name or label given to you?

What points about creating the value in your name did Pastor Chris make this weekend that stood out to you?

Introduction:
Last week we discussed removing labels others have given us so that we could step into the name that God is giving us. This week we will discuss our names in more depth. In the Bible, we see God rename people based on who they are becoming or who they have become. Can you think of people in both the Old Testament and New whose names were changed? What about Christ followers? What names are we given?

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Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 Peter 2:9, 2 Timothy 1:7

Discussion Questions:
1. In verse 16, Peter is actually quoting Leviticus 11:44, “Be Holy, for I am Holy.” He also explains that you don’t achieve holiness by keeping law, but by the grace bestowed by Jesus in verse 13. Knowing this, what bearing does your old name have on you after you accept Christ? What does obedience have to do with the name God calls you?

2. We discussed some people in the Bible whose names God changed and some general names that we see Christ followers called. Who does Peter tell us in chapter 2 that we are?

3. We all have free will. We can choose to follow Christ or to not believe. We can choose to listen to the direction He provides or we can disobey. We can step into the name He calls us or not. When there is fear or anxiety that comes with stepping out in faith to follow the calling that God puts in our heart, without a doubt, we know it is Satan. What does 2 Timothy tell us about who we are?

4. Have you talked to God about who you would like to be and listened, really listened, to see if you could hear who you are to Him? What does God call you to do? Where are you naturally drawn and feel like you are doing something right…feeling God’s pat on your back? What name does the Lord call you—Rachel the Prayer, Beth the Teacher, Deborah the Prophetess, Sam the faithful servant, David the Healer, Charles the giver?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 1 Peter 1:13-16 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the new name that God gives us when we accept Christ.

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Embrace Others

Getting to know you:
After you have had a few moments to think about what/where you feel like you are called by God, pair up in groups of two or three with someone who feels like they have the same or similar calling. Tell your partners about your calling. If you are unsure about your calling, ask how they see God calling you.

Getting to know them:
Switch your partners around and see how God might be moving in others within your group. Learn where they feel they are being called and what that looks like.

Getting to know Him:
Commit to praying for your small group and Faith Promise as a whole. Pray that we will bravely step into who we are being called to be and grow stronger in our mission to plant seeds for God to harvest.

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Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise:
Do we have any local missions or areas that you might be able to serve in which will help you better define who you are being called to become in Christ?

Engaging in Community:
This week as you pray each morning ask God to help you walk in the path He has created for you and take advantage of the opportunities that you see God putting in your life to stretch your comfort zone. This will help you grow in your new identity. Maybe it is opening up about God. Perhaps it is finding a chance at work to pray for a coworker or help financially with a friend who is a little tight on money.

Engaging the World:
Learn about people with similar names or callings as you in the world. If you feel like maybe you should teach, go to YouTube and watch some Christian leaders. Email people who you want to learn from, and explore what you feel you are being called to do. How did others get to where they are?

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Expand God’s Kingdom

When you are at work or school, do you stand out from others? Do people see God in you? How can stepping into your calling and bearing your new name draw others to Christ?

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Leader’s Notes

Some examples of people whose names God changed (literally and figuratively):
Abram and Sarai became Abraham and Sarah.
Rahab the prostitute became an ancestor of Christ.
Saul became Paul.

Some names we are given as Christ followers:
Holy (1 Peter 1:14-16)
Powerful (2 Timothy 1:7)
Forgiven (Colossians 2:14)
Bold/Confident (2 Corinthians 3:12)

E-Groups
– Encounter Groups: the primary focus of Encounter Groups is the deeper study and application of God’s Word.

– Embrace Groups: the primary focus of Embrace Groups is making friends and being friends on a deeper level.

– Engage Groups: the primary focus of Engage Groups is serving the people of our area through our local partners and through God-directed opportunities.

– Expand Groups: the primary focus of Expand Groups is the development and multiplication of disciple-makers to lead more groups at Faith Promise.