Living as End-Times People (in a World That Can’t Tell Time)(1 Peter 4.1-7)

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INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Pastor Rich opened this message by encouraging struggling believers that history has at its center the story of Jesus through whom God is redeeming the whole universe from evil. And He is renewing it in glory. The whole world is encompassed in God’s loving purpose. In Jesus’ death God has identified with all of humanity in our wickedness and our evil, in our suffering and in our death. In Jesus’ resurrection the new creation has begun in one human being – the man, Christ Jesus. And in Jesus’ future coming God is going to take all of creation beyond all evil and all death into the glory of his presence.
In response to whatever struggle we’re encountering, 1 Peter encourages its listeners to “think through the meaning of suffering” (v. 1). Pastor Rich shared a helpful formula in which to understand how our beliefs affect our behaviors. A-B-C = Activating Event read through our Belief Structure(s) results in Consequences. The way we think about our experiences - the grid through which we read life - affects how we react to it. Next, we’re to think about the meaning of “Christ’s suffering”. One important B, of the A-B-C, is that “suffering does not mean that I am abandoned”. Another is that “suffering does not mean that I have failed”. Suffering also doesn’t mean that “this is the end of the story” but it does mean “an end to sin” (v. 1).
The text moves on and Peter encourages early Christians to think through not only the meaning of suffering, but also the meaning of “time” (v. 2). Time in the present: life in the flesh v. life in the Spirit. Epithumia – means “over-desire’” of the flesh. The problem of over-desire, the great temptation in taking the wrong path in life, is that you over-desire good things. The wrong path for our lives is not just that we desire wrong things; it is that we over-desire good things. Instead of always choosing the path of least resistance, always giving in to your over-desires, you can allow yourself to be controlled by what God wants – to walk the hard path, the narrow way, the more challenging route, allowing God and God’s Spirit to control your thinking and to control your emotions. The question was posed, which way are you growing - toward Christ or away?
The final thing to think about is the “meaning of the end” (v. 7). We believe in a happy ending that comes from God in Jesus. In Jesus’ death on the cross, God paid for our sins. And in Jesus’ resurrection God began the new creation. Right now, God, by his Spirit, has sent the church out into the world with a mission of communicating to people the good news of God’s love and the hope of God’s coming. One day there is going to be an end to the story. God is going to come back to this world in Jesus. And he is going to redeem his children and the rest of creation beyond evil and beyond death into the glory of his own presence.


In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Leader – this might be a good opportunity to share a bit from your own journey with Christ. What has God done in your life – where have you learned to not walk in “the flesh” but in God’s Spirit? What have you been learning about walking in the Spirit lately?
•In what ways does the Church and your small group support and encourage your life in the Spirit?


SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Galatians 5: 16-26:
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

• V. 16 Paul tells us to “walk in the spirit.” Looking at verse 16 Why does he tell us to do this? What happens as a result of us walking in the Spirit? Think back to Rich’s sermon. What about living as an end-times person coincides with walking in the spirit?
• V. 17 What ways are the sinful nature and the Holy Spirit in conflict with one another? What are some battles you experience between the Holy Spirit and your flesh? What does it feel like to be led by the Holy Spirit? Can you think of some times in your life when you were ruled by the flesh? What did it take to overcome those times?
• Why does Paul use the metaphor “walk in the Spirit?” Why does he not say “run” or “sprint” in the spirit? What do you think is the significance of this?
• Much of the sermon this weekend about being an end-times person focused on our thinking? How we think about life… How we think about time… How we think about our suffering… our present, our past. Does this transformation happen quickly or does it take time? When you find yourself wanting to change the way you think or change a sin of the flesh do you find that you approach it more like a sprint or more like a walk?
• What are some practices that can help us to more sustainably allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into end-times people? What are some practices that can help us to see more of the fruits of the spirit in our lives? Give some examples of your own experiences with this…
• How will more of the Holy Spirit’s fruit in your life transform your outlook on trials and sin struggles?
• Read v. 24 and Romans 6: 1-4. Compare these two verses. What does it mean to belong to Christ? What comes to mind when you hear the phrase crucified the sinful nature or that we are baptized into Christ’s death? In light of this, how can we be more encouraged when we are in times of trial or struggling to overcome sin?


MINISTRY APPLICATION

Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.

• Ask Jesus to show you the way to freedom from sinful gratification. Pray for grace, that this would be an unyielding liberation. Ask the Lord to show you one thing that he desires to put to death in your life. Ask Him again to lead you in how to take practical steps to do this.
• Which fruit of the Spirit is most lacking in your life? Pray for more of the Spirits fruit in your life
• Reread versus 22&23. Try to commit them to memory this week. Pray that the fruits of the Holy Spirit would be more on your mind each day.

Living as Witnesses (in a World Dominated by Self-Interest) (1 Peter 3.1-7; 13-17)

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
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INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Peter urges early Christians to live differently than the whole world. He said: we are resident aliens; we are to live a different life. Peter encourages Christians throughout the book and in the text to hold their rights and their interests with a loose hand, to not believe that their world is over because they have been slighted, or someone took something from them, or their rights have been stepped on. Peter encourages early Christians to view themselves as having a higher calling. And in 1 Peter 3, the higher calling was to live as witnesses to truth and witnesses to Christ.
The first context Peter addresses is bearing witness in marriage (vv. 1-3). Pastor Rich said we can’t fail to read the passage in its cultural context. There were 1st century Greco-Roman assumptions about roles and rights in marriage into which Peter was saying “wives, as much as you can, lower the temperature in your home. As much as you can, where you will not be doing what God has forbidden, or failing to do what God has commanded, go along with your husband and your culture”. The second way we misread these verses is without an “evangelistic” context (“so that” – Tit 2:4-5, 7-8, 9-10). The advice goes, “Live in a way that lowers the tension in your home. And live in a way that lowers the tension with the community that you find yourself in.” We’re challenged to make Jesus the issue – and not secondary things.
When dealing with unsaved spouses, neighbors, co-workers – don’t just “tell” them the Gospel, “demonstrate” the Gospel. Bill Hybels said, “Before we become highly contagious Christians we must first live in a way that convinces people around us that we actually have the disease ourselves. To quote an old Proverb: Your spouse probably doesn’t need a definition of Christianity as much as he or she needs a demonstration of Christianity.” And don’t forget that God is the main actor in people’s lives, not us. There is a difference between being responsible to and being responsible for. We’re responsible to love another person, to be generous, to be forgiving, but not responsible for another human being’s bad or unfaithful choices.
The sermon closed with a hard look at v. 15. Pastor Rich said Jesus has three accusations leveled against him by non-Christians that Followers of Jesus play a part in defending. The first, is the question of Love – we have the power to demonstrate how Jesus loves to people around us. The second challenge is of Relevance – we need to show our kids, our spouses and those around us that it matters that Jesus in number one in our lives. It matters that He’s at the center of our universe. The final challenge is one of truth. There are real questions people have and not only do we want to answer well, but we want to answer in a “manner” that truly reveals Christ and his heart. Our witness to Christ is not just in our words, but in our whole life.

In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Does the point Pastor Rich made about bearing witness with “manner of Christ” resonate with you? Why? Have you seen God use you to bear witness to Christ in any surprising ways? Please share briefly.
•Are there any hard questions you’ve been asked by non-believers (kids, family members, co-workers), or “challenges” you’ve encountered to Christ that cause you to doubt or feel threatened in your faith? Consider sharing briefly and perhaps others in the group have encountered or experienced similar things. (No immediate answers are necessary, but it can be helpful to verbalize what people are dealing with – consider following up after the group or sometime during the week)

SCRIPTURE STUDY
Acts 17:22-34:
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Context: (particularly read 17:1-21) Paul parted ways with Barnabas at the end of Acts 15. Then Paul took Silas and went north through Syria and into Turkey (15:40-16:8). We also read about the Holy Spirit directing their steps (16:7). In a dream, Paul is “called” to go to Macedonia, which includes the northern territory above modern day Greece. They first visit Thessalonica and meet resistance. Then they leave town and go to Berea, but again have trouble and Paul is whisked away on a boat down to Athens. At this point Paul is probably wondering why in the world he ever came to Macedonia…what was the Holy Spirit up to? It is certainly was not clear based on Luke’s narrative that Paul intended to go there…

Have you ever had a situation where you were certain God wanted you to do something, or speak to someone, or go somewhere and it seemed pretty obvious that after doing it that you must have gotten it wrong? Please share briefly.

vv. 16-17 Paul finds himself waiting around in Athens (not a place he “planned” to be). What do you know of Ancient Greeks (v.21)? What does he see in Athens? How does Paul feel, and why? What does he do? What’s Paul’s deeper motivation?

Is there anything that “distresses” you - is there anything that you can’t help but be moved into action like Paul (i.e. injustice, the poor, development issues, healthy marriages, etc)? What is it, and share briefly why you care so much about it.

vv. 18-21 Who are the Epicureans and Stoics (Epicureans believe the Gods and the world were separate and distant, with little or no communication, the goal on earth was to maximize pleasure while not disturbing others too much. Stoics believed divinity rested within every human and effort was made to get in touch with that divinity and discover that inner divine rationality). While in the market place does Paul encounter any resistance? If so, what kind? (answer - both mocking and ridicule, and also a challenge to speak openly and be judged by the court of Aeropagus – the threat of “advocating foreign gods” was the same threat leveled against Socrates who was condemned to die) What door opens up for Paul? It was an opportunity, but also a great risk.

Have you encountered a situation where you were standing up for the gospel to an audience that could possibly harm you in some way – perhaps at work, or at school, or in your family? What happened? How did God use you and your witness to Him in that situation? Was it worth it?

v. 22 What does Paul do with this opportunity/risk? He “stood up”. This is a very brave action and Luke, the writer of Acts gives much attention to this scene (12 long verses). Paul could have been judged harshly for his words in this Greek court, but he proceeds rather boldly. What verses or scripture might have passed through his mind as he was waiting to speak? What truths do you rely on when you’re facing something particularly threatening? Where does your strength come from?


After reading over his “speech” (vv 22-31) – what attitude(s) does Paul display, and not display in talking with these unbelievers? How does Paul’s approach, his manner, challenge you?

V. 23 What does Paul assume about his audience (answer - they might actually be looking for this unknown god, though they’re ignorant of him)? How does it change your approach with people if you believe they’re really looking for God? Do you have something that people really wany?

How sure are you that your “philosophy” for life is the right one? Do you wrestle at all with doubt? And what do you do with your doubts?

Paul is so clever – he uses a cultural signpost (a compass) that is relevant to the Athenians (an idol to an unknown God) to bridge the world and message of the Gospel into their lives. Have you ever discovered a personal “compass” in someone’s life that helped connect the gospel message is a real and powerful way? Please share briefly.

Vv. 24-31 How does Paul address the distance between man and God felt by the Epicureans (v.27)? How does Paul address the in-distinction between Divine God and mankind for the Stoics (vv. 24-26)?

Paul actually tries to answer questions people have. This is an important step, because he’s obviously taken the time to understand their point of view and their beliefs. In a profoundly eloquent way, Paul introduces the Gospel to people so that they can, at the very least, have a chance to comprehend it. And some do (vv. 32-34). That is what God asks us to do with our friends, family, and co-workers.

(You could spend much more time analyzing Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, but time constraints don’t allow it.)

MINISTRY APPLICATION

Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.

What has challenged you from the weekend’s message, or this teaching from Acts 17? How might God be asking you to change your attitude or demeanor so as to bear greater witness to Him? How might God be asking you to “stand up” and bear witness even in a challenging, or threatening, circumstance? Pray with another brother or sister for God to change your heart and prepare you.

Are you wrestling with any doubts? Has your faith eroded in any way because of serious questions you or others close to you have? Share that with one or two others and take that burden and doubt before God? Consider new ways God might open for you to address those doubts and concerns. Ask God for more of his assuring presence.

Living as Suffering People

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, the Resident Alien series was continued by Corey Garris, who spoke about the topic of engaging suffering in a world that avoids it at all cost. Corey reminded us that Jesus is our greatest example of how to live well and honor God in all aspects of our lives, but especially in the case of suffering. Jesus was our model for how to engage suffering and to that model, Christians are called to follow. So how did Jesus suffer here on Earth? He served us, by carrying our sorrow and pain. He surrendered his life when he willingly gave up his spirit on the cross, and he submitted his life, knowing that it was what the Father had called him to do, and that ultimately the Father would take care of the Son. Corey finally reminded us that not only is Jesus our model but he is our savior. Jesus takes our sin and replaces it with his righteousness. He leads us through our suffering, never leaving us alone.

In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•Have you ever been changed or inspired by the way someone you know endured through a season of suffering? What about it had an impact on you?
•Think of a time when you’ve endured through a season of suffering. Has God redeemed that season in a positive way? How has that season changed you? Have you been able to offer insight into other peoples suffering because of the suffering that you yourself have faced?


SCRIPTURE STUDY


John 12: 23-36:
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.



•V. 23 What was the time that Jesus was referring to?
•V. 24 What is Jesus trying to say with this metaphor? What do the wheat and the seeds represent?
•Jesus is our model for suffering. So, what does it look like practically for us to die the way Jesus did? Think back to Corey’s sermon. How was Jesus a model of suffering throughout his whole life (He served, He surrendered, He submitted)? How can we engage suffering in our lives? Can you think of some examples in your life when you have engaged suffering and really tried to honor God throughout the process? Share that with the group.
•V. 25 What will happen to those who love their lives and those who hate their lives in this world? What does Jesus mean when he says “hate your life in this world?” What is it like to live a life that is focused on the present? What is it like to live a life focused on things that are eternal? What is God promising here in this verse?
•V. 26 By serving Jesus, we must follow Him and when we follow Jesus, He will lead us into times of suffering. But from this verse, what does Jesus promise? Where will He be in our suffering? What will God do?
•Have you ever felt like you were honored by God? What an amazing feeling! Please share the circumstances of your experience.
•V. 27-28 What choices does Jesus say he has as he faces the cross? What is Jesus’ ultimate purpose? How does this effect how he endures through suffering? What is our ultimate purpose as Christians? How does knowing your purpose affect how you engage suffering? How do your seasons of suffering ultimately bring glory to God? How does our willingness to engage suffering and how we choose to engage it not only honor God but make a difference in the lives of those around us? Do you have any examples of others being affected in a positive way by the way you endured in troubling times?
•V. 32 What does Jesus say will happen when he is lifted up? How has knowing what Christ has done draw you closer to him?
•Such a critical peace of the Christian faith is remembering what Christ did for us. By remembering, we are drawn closer to Jesus in a very intimate way, in the way God intended. How are you and those in your group doing with this? Do you regularly reflect on the saving work of Christ and does it change you? Do you feel that you are increasingly being drawn closer to Him regardless of circumstances?
•V. 35-36 In Corey’s sermon, he emphasized that not only do we need Jesus as a model but we need him as a savior. How does that effect how you interpret these last two versus? What happens when we put our trust in the light? What happens when we don’t?
MINISTRY APPLICATION

Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.

•As a group, take some time to meditate in silence about God and His provision in each of your lives.

1.What are the seeds that God wants to produce in you? Which parts of you need to die in order to “produce many seeds?” Please take time to share with one another and pray for each other.
2.Is anyone in your group going through a time of real suffering? Please pray for them and encourage them.
3.Versus’ 27 and 28 are extremely powerful versus in regards to how we should view our suffering. Take a moment to meditate with these versus and ask God to minister to you. Challenge your group to commit these versus to memory this week in order to bring them to mind whenever they fear suffering for Christ’s sake.

Living as Wise People (in a World of Sound-Bytes and Slogans) (1 Peter 2.11-20)

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD

INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rich continued in his series from 1 Peter. In 1 Peter, the apostle reminds Christians that they are in fact different from the dominant culture and that they will stand out and in many cases be ridiculed for their beliefs. This week Rich talked about one of the places Christians should be different, and that is in how we submit to authority. We have become a society is too comfortable with “dumbed-down” slogans and sound bytes instead of thoughtfully engaging complex issues presented us. As Christians, when we think about governmental authority in our lives we can come up against some very hard questions. On the one hand we are told to yield and defer to (submit to) all governmental authority whether we agree with them or not. Doing this not for the sake of any political leader but because we want to honor God the Father. God has given us the gift of government and He has established the authority of office and therefore we should desire to honor Him with our submission to it. But we know that there are examples in church history of Christians rightly resisting governments that forbid them to do something that God commands. One principle we learned that can be applied in trying times is we should resist authority if it “forbids what God commands, or commands what God forbids”. Additionally, Peter wrote that if you take the high road, if you choose to honor God in your heart no matter what, God will see you and reward you. When we read the scriptures we find that life in this world is not simple and can never be reduced to simple slogans and sound bytes. We have to be unafraid to ask difficult questions that take patience to answer and we have to be sensitive to God’s word, other Christians and the Church.

In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•Was there anything Rich said in his sermon that stood out to you? Briefly share.
•Have you ever had a disagreement with someone over your political beliefs? How did that conversation play out? Do you feel like you have a biblical perspective when you approach conversations about politics?
•Have you ever found yourself in a position where someone who had authority over you was asking you to do something that you felt compromised your faith? How did you handle that situation? What helped you through that time? What helped you make a decision about what to do?

SCRIPTURE STUDY
Study Summary:

“God does not intend Christians should become agents of anarchy, which would replace the tyranny of the officially powerful with the tyranny of the unofficially powerful. The ultimate overthrow of pagan power comes by other means, and Paul has outlined in Romans 5 and 8 what those means are. Rome could cope with ordinary revolutions. Rome could not cope, as history bears witness, with a community owing allegiance to the crucified and risen Messiah as the world’s true Lord.” (NT Wright) As Christians we want to continue to think and meditate on how we should engage with the complexities and realities of authority, and therefore issues of justice, that we encounter in our work place, community, and world. Romans 13 (and 1 Peter 2:11-20) are guiding principles for our actions, but our application of those principles must be thoughtfully applied.

Romans 13:1- 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

Context: Romans 1-11 lays the foundation of God’s grace and our reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Chapter 12 turns a corner, and Paul begins to unpack all that we should do in response to God’s grace (v.1 “in view of God’s mercy”) - offer our bodies as living sacrifices (v. 1), have our minds transformed and renewed (v. 2), have sober self-judgment (v. 3), biblical patterns for relationship and community (vv. 4-20), and on-and-on. In Chapter 13, Paul addresses how a follower of Jesus’ attitude and response to authority and government should look.

•Why should we submit to governing authorities (1-2, 5)? What is the difference between submit and obey (defer to, or to yield to, or to listen to – generally to give up your way). Who reigns supreme over all enterprises of government and authority? What do these verses say about the ultimate order of power, not just in heaven but also on earth?
•Think historically, and to whom Paul was writing (Christians living in Rome ruled by Caesar) – why would vv.1-2 be much more radical sounding than it might be for Bible readers today? Why would this reality be a “freeing” reminder for 1st century Christians?
•V. 2 Just in case anyone misses the point of Christ’s rule and reign – it is not grounds for all out rebellion. Quite the opposite, lest we forget what Paul just wrote in Romans 12:17-21. Christian means of interacting with the world change as a result of God’s Mercy (Ch 1-11) and the model of Jesus’ life who submitted to the most unjust judgment of the cross. How does this inform our possible choice of behavior? What principle does Paul give us in 12:21? Think critically, how does this principle work with various forms of injustice or evil you see around you in our city, nation, or world (recall the principle from the sermon)?
•Describe the government’s relationship with those who do right (3-4). What about those who do wrong (3-4)? Is it possible Paul is simply making a pragmatic argument at this point (consider v. 5)?
•What does Paul say about taxes and debts (6-7)?
•In his classic book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster writes, “The limits of submission are at the point at which it becomes destructive (120).” For the recipients of this letter, what do you think those limits were? How might this passage and quote inform a missionary’s activity in a country like Iraq or Iran? How might this passage inform a Christian’s behavior living in the U.S. who believes abortion is wrong?
•When do you think it is appropriate for today’s Christian to resist submission? When are your acts of submission in fact an act of disobedience to the Lord? What fears or misguided beliefs cause this to happen?
•Under what circumstances does a tendency to rebel arise within you? What can you do to minimize this influence? How do you benefit from the government? How do others benefit from it? How does your submissive posture toward the government help to preserve its benefits?
•Is there any way the Gospel, and your credible witness as a follower of Jesus, are at risk because of your position and/or attitude to some form of authority in your life (legal, work place, government, etc)? What might God be asking you to do or not do anymore?
MINISTRY APPLICATION

Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.

•As a group, take some time to meditate in silence about God and His provision in each of your lives.

•Is there any form of authority to which you are resisting submission? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those places and receive prayer for repentance and wisdom about a godly response.
•We live and work in highly polarizing environments. How might you witness to Jesus be affected by your particular political views (whether of federal or local government, or the work place)? Is there any room for you to change your words or your manner with other people for the sake of the Gospel?
•How might God be challenging you to “live at peace with all people, as far as it depends on you” Romans 12:18? Ask God for grace to act – this is a prescriptive verse.

Living as God’s People (in a World With Confused Identities): (1 Peter 2.4-10)

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INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
If a follower of Jesus tried to take cues from the media about what it means to be a Christian today – they’d certainly suffer an identity crisis. From a number of studies, Pastor Rich revealed certain sociologists and historians have argued the existence of a particularly sensational and negative view of religious people in popular media (particularly Evangelical and Catholic leaders). Even other Christians will bemoan the state of the church and cite questionable studies saying the church will very shortly become extinct. In the face of verbal, media, and cultural assaults – 1 Peter offers followers of Jesus some fantastic pastoral advice.
The Apostle Peter wrote the book to 1st Century Christians who were experiencing an extremely negative reaction from their neighbors and families as the result of their newfound Christian faith. Christians were being verbally abused. They were being slandered and labeled and shamed. Many Christians were being marginalized. And where it was legal, Christians were the subjects of physical abuse. So Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians to not lose heart, to persevere in their faith, to not throw in the towel in the face of negativity.
To be human is to ask questions about our existence, our identity, and our destiny. In v. 4 Peter reflects on Jesus’ identity first. He was rejected by human begins. He was verbal abused and lied about. But rather than listening to what people said about himself, he chose to believe what God said about himself. We too can choose to believe what God said about Jesus. The next important question is what do we say about Christ? Jesus was the skandalou = scandal (vv. 6-7) – the point was made that no one can remain neutral about Jesus – we must decide what to make of Him. The third question has to do with our identity – what God has declared about us (v. 5). We are the dwelling of God. We are the chosen of God (v. 9). We are the representatives (royal priesthood) of God (v. 5). Finally, what has God done for us? V. 9 – we were call out of darkness into his wonderful light.
The answers to questions of identity lead us toward a particular purpose, a particular destiny. Our destiny is not to declare our identity. Our destiny is to declare God’s identity. Peter says that we are destined to declare the praises of him, who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Our first audience is God. We also declare God’s identity to other people – through preaching and service and life witness. Finally, we declare the identity of God to ourselves. Pastor Rich spoke personally how during times of doubt, or anxious feelings, or fear – he reminds himself of who God is, what he’s done, and chooses to praise His name.
“I feel most confidant about who God says I am not when I engage in some self pep-talk about who I am. No, I am most confidant about who I am when I speak about who God is. It is when I worship and I tell God who God is and what God has done that I feel most like the dwelling of God. It is when I tell others about Jesus and serve someone else that I feel most like a representative of God. It is when, in private, I take time to think about God and reflect on his greatness that I feel most like the chosen of God. You have a choice – a choice to listen to what everyone else says about you, or a choice to listen to what God says.”

In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.

GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•What “reminders” have you installed as a stop-gap for when you feel doubt, or fear, or anxiety? Can you share a recent experience where recalling certain truths proved beneficial for your faith? Please share briefly.
•Which is harder for your faith – maintaining a secure personal identity in Christ or a trusting in a faithful God during trials and life pressures? Please share your response to this question briefly.

SCRIPTURE STUDY
Colossians 2:6-15:(***consider deleting the scripture text to reduce printing pages)

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

•V. 6-7 To receive the teachings of Christ and to live out the teachings of Christ are two different things. How do we know that we are living out what we have been taught? Put another way, what does it look like to give away what you have received?
•V. 7 What does Paul mean when he says rooted? How would you describe a life that is rooted and built up? Some definitions of rooted: to become fixed, to implant or establish deeply. What happens when we are rooted?
•Consider seasons in your life when you have been especially thankful to the Lord. How did you benefit from practicing gratitude? How does thankfulness relate to being rooted and established in our faith in Jesus?
•V.8 What are some hollow and deceptive philosophy that may take people captive in our present day? What are some practical ways to avoid or overcome teaching that is contrary to who we know Christ is? How do we speak the truth in a loving way to those who prescribe to different beliefs then our own?
•If you can remember, think of the time before you received Jesus. How was your identity influenced by false belief? What was your identity formed around? Have any beliefs from before you were a Christian been difficult to set aside even after you received Christ?
•V. 9-10 All of the fullness of God permanently dwells in Jesus and that fullness is given to us when we receive Him. For Paul, the Church is the continuing and living embodiment of Christ, in which the fullness of God now dwells. How does this change how you view Jesus and how you view your role in the Kingdom?
•V. 11-12 Describe the Christian circumcision. How does our baptism relate to Christ’s death and resurrection?
•V.13-15 Describe what it was like to be “dead in your sins.” What liberation do we experience when we give our lives to Jesus? What aspects of your identity proclaim to the world that you are now alive in Christ?


MINISTRY APPLICATION

Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.

•If you struggle to hear God’s voice in prayer, have people lay hands on you and invite the Holy Spirit to “open you ears” to hear God’s voice. If led by God, pray for gifts of the Spirit to be distributed abundantly in your small group.
•Is there something you’re asking God for discernment about? Pray with one or two others and practice listening for God’s leading. Test words and visions openly and graciously.
•If the whole area of listening for God’s voice, or being led in small and big ways by the Spirit, is really foreign and uncomfortable – consider reading a book or doing a bible study outside of the group with one or two others on hearing God’s voice.