Getting Started

Main Idea:
Before we set the table, we must first CLEAR the table. Then we can reset it so that we can leave a Spirit-filled legacy for our family.

Discussion Starter:
What is the worst (so bad it was funny) dinner experience you have had at either a holiday time or a large family gathering? Have you ever seen anyone “clear” the table with a swipe or a tablecloth pull?

Introduction:
Before we can set the table for our families, we need to be real. We need to be honest. Every family can be messy. What does your family table look like? Messy until it’s time for people to come over? So cluttered that it’s hard to even SET the table for a meal? We can choose to keep living in our mess, or we can live differently, not trying to cover up the mess, but intentionally confronting our mess. We must clear the table so that we can start over and set the table correctly. We should set the table in a manner that can sustain the family’s spiritual legacy.

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Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: Genesis 12:5-7, Genesis 35:1-5, Joshua 24:14-15

Discussion Questions:

• 1. Read Genesis 35:1-5. Even Jacob’s table was a mess—he had a house full of idols! Does anyone have a messy dinner table? Is your life as messy and cluttered as the table? Do you feel you’re barely getting by? Pastor Chris says one of our problems is that we place EVERYTHING on our table. What can you take off the table in order to lessen the clutter?
  2. We live with a lot of distraction, especially at the family table. It can cause quite a disconnect. If the family table does not have discussion, then there can be no arguments. Therefore, we think we are “okay.” However, a lack of argument does not mean that problems and issues do not exist. What can we do to reset the table for our family? How can we lessen the distractions and confront any messes early before they become larger messes?
  3. Read Genesis 12:1-7. God promises more for our families. He does not promise jobs, a good house, money, or happiness. Abram did not have any of those things. What did Abram have? What do you have that God has given you or promised you?
  4. Pastor Chris shared four ways to set the table for a Spirit-filled family:
     -Set a place of prayer together
     -Set a place to read God’s Word together
     -Set a place to go to church together
     -Set a place for accountability to one another
     As a group, make a plan for each family. Talk about any difficulties you face with these four values.

  Discovery Bible Method:
  For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Joshua 24:14-15 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.

  Getting to know you:  What is your mess that you try to cover up? What can you be more transparent about so that the group can help you clear the table?

  Getting to know them:  Hold each other accountable this week. Talk about your messy table and how we can each help one another clear it.

  Getting to know Him:  We must set a table for a Spirit-filled family. Read Joshua 24:14-15 and decide if you’ll commit your family and your table to worship the world or God. Memorize Joshua 24:15 this week.

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  Engage the World Around Us

  Engaging at Faith Promise:  Faith Promise values are posted in our lobbies and on our website:

  • We serve others.
  • We grow together.
  • We give generously.
  • We put God first.
  • We tell them of Him.
  • We elevate those around us.
• Promisers – are you incorporating these values in your life, your ministry, your group, and your family? How can you engage those around you at church and in your ministry?

 

• Engaging in Community:  Time to clean out your closets! Did you know that you can take all donations to KARM, get a tax donation for your records, AND have your donation attached to Faith Promise? Every donation made and every hour of service volunteering at KARM helps Faith Promisers who are in need. Faith Promise Church supports KARM in many ways, but KARM supports us too. So take your household and closet donations to KARM today.

 

• Engaging the World:  Clear your table this week. Wipe clean any preconceived notions, and engage with someone that you assume is different from you. Learn about one of the countries served by Faith Promise missionaries.
  

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  Expand God’s Kingdom

  As we set the table for a Spirit-filled life, we must first make sure we are nourished. Studying God’s word and meditating upon it will help write God’s message on our hearts. Strengthening our relationship with God will help us to nourish others. Don’t be afraid to share with others what God has done and is doing for you. Let them know His love is available to them as well.

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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.