Family-ish Week 6 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: If we want to see God as our father, it helps to see God through our fathers.
Introduction: Most of us desire a happy home, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a “holy” home. Think about the way your father (or father figure) or the lack of a father has influenced your faith. A common faith dimmer is seeing others living in hypocrisy, and when we see others practicing something other than what they preach, we lose interest in their message. The reason so many children don’t know their heavenly Father is because their natural father never set the example.
Discussion Starter: What influences did you have growing up in your household? Were you spiritually fed? Or were you unknowingly led further from Christ due to ignorance or hypocrisy?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Romans 8:16-17, Psalm 112:2, Psalm 90:17, Joshua 24:14-15
Discussion Questions:
- Read Romans 8:16-17. Paul tells us that we will suffer for Christ’s sake. Part of this suffering includes the trials that will come when representing our heavenly Father in our homes. Are God’s plan for us and His influence more important than the voice of the world? Take a moment to discuss the influences you grew up around, and what impact they now have on your life as an adult. Do you see why it’s so important for us to represent Jesus in a manner worthy of which we’ve been called? Especially in our homes?
- Ultimately, it is our decision who and what we serve. Those things are what our friends and families will see in our lives. Read Joshua 24:14-15. Would you rather spread your love for Jesus and the freedom He has to offer? Or your love for the things of this world?
- Most of us have, at some point, fallen victim to the thought that we “have to” go to church rather than we “get to!” If we make going to church sound like a chore, can we really expect others to want to join us in that “chore”? Take a moment and discuss how you can influence others to be a part of an amazing family that cares for them and WILL represent Jesus. Just remember that at the end of the day, our actions will be noticed by others. If we represent Jesus, the herd will eventually be found by the shepherd.
Discovery Bible Method: For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read either Romans 8:16-17 or Joshua 24:14-15. and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Discuss ways we can represent Jesus in our homes and in our workplaces. Specifically, think about the different tools we have available to us in this modern era that could help us learn to do so.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Think about something your group can do together, outside of this study, to bond. Maybe an evening around a campfire or go have a group dinner together! Remember that iron sharpens iron, and we are here to build each other up!
Engaging in Our Community and the World: Think of an activity that you could do in your community similar to the one above, but one that allows you to represent Jesus in your community. Take a moment and think about ten people in your life that need an encounter with God. Write their names down and pray for them earnestly and God can use you.
Expand God’s Kingdom
There are many missionaries that Faith Promise sponsors. If you aren’t able to go yourself, it’s a longstanding tradition for believers to send out missionaries. Talk to the staff, and see if there’s a missionary you resonate with, and consider sponsoring them. Email [email protected] for more information.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through the development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
