Getting Started

Main Idea:
How are you influencing the next generation?

Discussion Starter:
Who was (or is) the most influential person in your life?

Introduction:
God wants us building each other up as temples for His Holy Spirit. He wants parents preparing their children to live in victory, power, and freedom as a result of knowing Jesus. Families, consider where you are leading your children. All family members should be encouraged and lifted up. What young people need to understand and believe is that they are not responsible for their parents’ sins. Adults in a family need to understand they are responsible for the direction in which they point the children. Adults influence children, teens, and young adults as teachers, coaches, church workers, and neighbors. Be sure you point those looking up to you in God’s direction.

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Encounter God

Primary Scriptures:  Hebrews 12:1-2, Genesis 25:29-33, Psalm 78:5-8

Discussion Questions:

Read Hebrews 12:1-2

1. According to verse 2 Jesus endured the cross for something he looked forward to. What was Jesus anticipating?

Read Genesis 25:29-33

2. Jacob quickly used this situation to his advantage. How did he trick Esau? How did Jacob’s parents influence his behavior in this situation?

3. Why was Esau willing to sell his birthright? Share a time when you gave up something in the future for something you wanted right now. How can we use our experiences to lead our children (or those we influence) to make better choices?

Read Psalm 78:5-8

4. How did God make sure all generations would know Israel’s laws? How do we point future generations to God?

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Genesis 25:19-34 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

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Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.

How can we help members of our group to set good examples for the children and teens we influence?

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Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: As you engage in your area of ministry, become aware of how many youth you influence.

Engaging in Community: Consider becoming a mentor or a Big Brother/Sister for a child/teen in your neighborhood.

Engaging the World: Pray for Faith Promise missionaries, especially those leading children and youth.

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Expand God’s Kingdom

Plan to talk with someone specific about that person’s relationship with Jesus.

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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.