No Excuses Week 1 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
We are His witnesses. Proximity to Jesus demands proximity to the lost.
Discussion Starter:
What’s your excuse for not sharing the real love of Jesus with anyone and everyone?
Introduction:
When reflecting on this question, it can be easy to begin creating our short list of reasons why we aren’t telling them of Him. We can convince ourselves that it is not our calling, we don’t know any lost people, or that we don’t know how to begin. However, God’s Word repeatedly shows us that our most important mission is to win the lost at any cost and make disciples who make disciples.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Romans 1:16
Discussion Questions:
- Do you remember when you first met Jesus? Do you remember the joy and purpose you felt? Has that changed any, and if so, how?
- Our greatest mission is to tell others of Him. What are some barriers in your life that are preventing you from telling others about the real love of Jesus?
- Do you remember your own journey to meeting Jesus? Was there a specific person, place, or event that led you to bow your knee to Him?
- Is there someone in your life who needs to know about the real love of Jesus?
- How can you step out of your comfort zone in order to sit with the lost and take back ground for the Kingdom?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Acts 1:8 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. God’s Word is clear that we are His witnesses. His Word speaks directly to the importance of going into all parts of the world and telling others of His real love. Discuss ways that you can hold each other accountable for stepping out and sitting with the lost.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Ask God to show you one person at FP this week that He wants you to walk with as you both continue being disciples who make disciples.
Engaging in Community and the World: Are you stuck in a comfort zone? We have immediate access to the community and world around us through our family, friends, jobs, and social media. How can you use your access and influence to tell others about the real love of Jesus?
Expand God’s Kingdom
Read Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. It is time to move from addition to multiplication. How can you continue to expand God’s Kingdom? Pray, asking God to line up a real opportunity and give you real boldness where you live, work, study, and play. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you undeniable clarity as you listen for direction.
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 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.
