God’s the Glue – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: Moms bring everyone together and hold everything together in the home. Mom’s secret weapon is that she is an image bearer of Christ. Jesus belongs in the center of your life. When Jesus is the center, He brings everyone together and holds everything together.
Introduction: We all share one thing in common: none of us would be here if not for our moms. Many of our moms not only gave birth to us, but they organized and kept our homes and lives together. Many moms have been the glue. When mothers demonstrate these qualities, they are mirroring the image of Christ. Usually when our lives begin to spin out of control, the main reason is Christ is not the center of our lives. We cannot be the center of the universe; Jesus must take that spot. When Jesus is at the center of our lives, He holds everything together, bringing order out of chaos.
Discussion Starter: An old episode of the 1970’s sitcom, “The Brady Bunch,” depicts the kids disobeying the “no playing in the house” rule, and as a result they break their mom’s vase. They think they have the perfect solution by gluing the pieces of the broken vase back together. No one will ever know. Everything is fine until the maid places water and flowers in the vase just before family dinner. While the family is eating, the vase springs multiple leaks and their secret is discovered. Share a comical experience you have had with glue, such as fingers stuck together or an item falling to pieces after you attempted to glue it back together.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Colossians 1:15-20 and Proverbs 31:26-31
Discussion Questions:
- Proverbs 31 is usually referred to as the chapter describing a virtuous woman or wife. Read verses 26-31. Several attributes are discussed; how do these reflect how she is an image bearer of God? In what ways do her actions mirror Christ?
- For many, the quarantine has made us feel as if we are under house arrest. Paul was literally in prison as he wrote to the church at Colossae. Read Colossians 1:15-20 as background for the next few questions. Pastor pointed out the original Greek word used for framed is “synistemi”, which means permanently “framed” or “held together.” We derive our English word for “system” from it. Discuss how Jesus is the system or framework that holds everything together.
- Pastor continued his mini Greek lesson as we looked at the phrase, “first place in everything” found in verse 18. The original word was “proteuo,” which translates to “place first” or “the chief thing.” We discussed how Jesus frames everything and thus holds everything together. Discuss how placing Him first above everything else makes a difference.
- Consider one more Greek word used in Hebrews 1:3, “phero.” Typically translated in our Bibles as “uphold” or “sustain;” it means “to bear.” In this scripture we read that Jesus is so powerful that He literally holds everything up and together. Think about two questions. How does this make Him the center of everything? And, how is this a complete game-changer for us?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Colossians 1:15-20 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
As we continue to meet virtually, it might be easiest pick a partner again this week. Working together, determine ways to not only place Jesus at the center of your life, but also how to demonstrate that to others. How can each of us express a life framed by Jesus?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Have you been attending the Saturday morning prayer meetings online? This is an amazing way to support our community, by listening to the word, seeing where people need prayer, and praying together. Tune in on Facebook Live Saturdays at 9 AM.
Engaging in Community and the World: Although contact with our community is currently limited, it is not impossible. If you know of anyone who seems to have trouble coping with the stress of social distancing and self-isolation, advise them that Faith Promise has counselors available by appointment or direct them to the link for online communication card that offers prayer or help. We must not allow others to struggle alone.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Most of us are spending much more time online these days and that includes social media. So often, social media networking gets a bad rap. This week, make strides to use these platforms in a positive way. Find ways to share how placing Christ at the center of your life has made a difference in how you have handled the adjustments to a new normal. A short tweet, simple message on your Instagram, or addition to your Facebook story might make all the difference to someone having a difficult day.
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 development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
