MAIN POINT:

We must fully surrender our lives, dreams, and money to spread the gospel and win souls.

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ICEBREAKER:

Close your eyes. Now, think of Tennessee. What is the first thing that comes to your mind? Share a little about what your first thought of Tennessee was.

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INTRODUCTION:

Serving our own interest makes it easier to fight God than to surrender to him. We know that surrendering is the best idea, but it is still hard to give up our own dreams to follow God’s vision. We have to learn to trust God more than ourselves. We must learn to put God’s interest above our own. The Word promises that our surrender is always rewarded, but it also comes with persecution. Still, we must surrender if we desire to see the Tennessee that God sees.

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ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

1. During the sermon Pastor Chris said “We don’t surrender to receive the American Dream, but to advance the Kingdom of God.” Consider 1 Corinthians 6:20, and Philippians 4:16-17. How do these scriptures reflect the quote above?

Read Mark 8:31-38.

2. Why did Jesus call Peter Satan?

3. Can you think of a time when you have put your own interest ahead of God’s? Would you like to share?

Read Matthew 16:24-25.

4. What does it mean in our day to day lives to deny ourselves? To take up our cross?

5. What does the Bible say will happen if you do put God first? How have you experienced this?

6. Pastor Chris quoted Rick Warren when he said, “Instead of trying harder, you trust more.” Give an example from scripture or someone in your life who has done this.

Read 2 Kings 5:1-4.

7. The slave girl refused to surrender to her circumstances.
A) If you were kidnapped as a teenager what would your attitude be toward the person who enslaved you?
B) Knowing this example, can you think of a way that you can overcome a circumstance you are in?

8. Still thinking of the slave girl, she also gave us a great example of leading from where you are. Can you think of a way you can lead (make an impact or make a difference) in your daily life?

Read 2 Kings 5:9-14.

9. Naaman almost missed his miracle. How can we avoid making the same mistake and missing God’s miracles?

10. Pastor Chris quoted Hellen Keller: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” Can you think of a way that your small group can work together to see the vision that God wants for you as individuals, as a small group, and as the congregation of Faith Promise?

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LEADER NOTES:

2. Peter was disagreeing with Jesus. He was putting his own interest (in having Jesus alive) ahead of the interest of God.
3. Group discussion (Not tithing, skipping church for sports, not making time for others, sticking to my dreams, willful sins, etc.)
4. Jesus is talking about surrender. In a spiritual sense he is saying to give up your interest and your dreams to follow his interest. It is best to serve the Kingdom of God first. In other cases it can be also interpreted literally as some are killed for being believers.
5. See Matthew 16:25 and also Matthew 6:33.
6. See the story of Martha and Mary. Martha made herself busy with work. Mary found herself at the feet of Jesus. Luke 10:38-42. Read and discuss other examples from the group.
9. Surrender yourself and obey God’s will.
10. Here are some ideas: serve together, set a group goal for Heart for the Harvest, encourage each other, pray for God’s will for each other, pray for congregation of Faith Promise, and for the world. Ask God how to best support his vision for Faith Promise and His church globally.