Getting Started

Main Idea: 
No matter who we are, our outlook on life colors our perception of the objective facts. We will either use the Bible as our “lens” to view reality or we will use something else.

Discussion Starter:
If you remember the eclipse from a few years ago, you probably remember that you had to have a filter (or special sunglasses) to look at the eclipse. You couldn’t see the moon slowly moving in front of the sun without them; it was too bright to look at until the moon completely eclipsed the sun. Is there any other thing you can think of where you have to have special equipment to see it? Or something that you can’t see without help?

Introduction: 
Do you view the world the same way now as you did when you are half the age you are now? Or does everything look different to you, at least a little? You probably don’t see politics or money the same way, right? And it wasn’t that the things out there in the world changed…it’s that you have more experience and realize that things were not quite what you originally thought. The change didn’t happen out there but in your own mind. The way we sort through information and the way we think always colors our perception of the facts, whether for good or for bad.

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Encounter God

Primary Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 11:3, Genesis 3:1-6, Matthew 6:22-23

Discussion Questions:

1. In 2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul warns the church at Corinth that he’s worried that the believers at Corinth might get tricked in the same way that Eve was tricked in the garden. So exactly how was Eve tricked into eating the forbidden fruit? (Genesis 3:1-6.) 
2. How was Eve looking at the world in that same passage? Pay special attention to the distracting question that Satan asks Eve in Genesis 3:1. Is your mind primarily on pleasure or comfort, like Eve’s was? Eve had no forewarning about Satan’s activity, but we do. How different do you think things would have been if Eve had had a warning about him, specifically?
3. In Matthew 6:22-23, Jesus makes the point that the way you look at the world colors your perception of the world. If you have a cynical, dark outlook, then it’s going to be pretty bleak on the inside of your mind. On the other hand, if you are aware that this world is a brief, temporary, broken creation from which God has offered to save you, you should be filled with hope and joy. So the question is, when you interact with the world, what are you using as your “lens”? For instance, are you being slowly nudged to disrespect your family members by the way you see people on TV shows interact? Are you seeing violence displayed as an option to resolve conflict? Do you believe the things you see can influence you? 
4. When you see people acting in very unloving ways, what might it mean to look through the Bible as a “lens” to color your perception of the people involved? 

Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Genesis 3:1-6 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.

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Embrace Others

Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Is there a part of your life that you can see clearly enough to see that it needs to change? Or is there a part may need to be removed entirely? Is there anything that you are doing that might color someone’s perception of Christ in a way that you wish it wouldn’t? 

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Engage the World Around Us

Engaging at Faith Promise: It’s back to school time, which in 2020 means many different things. Some people will be starting virtual school, while others will simply attempt to return to normal. Some people will wish they could do things but may need help. Talk within your small group about what your plans are, and if you might be able to help each other.

Engaging in Community and the World:  Homelessness is still prevalent in Knoxville and the surrounding counties. We as a church can help people in need through prayer and service. Consider ways that your small group might be able to minister to those in need. It can be as easy as serving at a local KARM store.  Volunteer by clicking here: https://karm.org/volunteer-2/?ct=t(Volunteers_7_2020_COPY_01)

or email [email protected].

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Expand God’s Kingdom

COVID-19 has presented a good opportunity to talk to people about the future. They can either be thinking negatively, without hope of what could be ahead. Or we can help lead them to think about what happens next – a hope and promise that with Jesus, life on earth is not the end. Who can you pray for? Who needs to hear the good news and hope of the gospel?

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Leader’s Notes

1. Answers may vary
2. In Genesis 3:1 Satan does not say, “Did God say you can’t eat from that one forbidden tree?” Instead, he has her look at all the other trees. He has her look at all the other things she can do, and with pleasure.
3. Remember to keep the group a safe space. Realizing that we may be looking through the wrong “lens” is the first step to correcting the problem. Blame and shame will not encourage growth.
4. Answers may vary

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.