Group Leaders!
This week, May 6- May 13 is the last week this semester that we will provide a sermon based group guide. Starting next week, the website will be changed to reflect the upcoming evangelism groups! All of you can sign up to Host an evangelism group starting next week! And our entire church will study the evangelism group curriculum this fall!
We hope you had a great semester and can not wait to walk through the evangelism groups coming this fall! We are asking everyone in the church to either Host a group or be a part of a group, help us get the word out!
Anderson Campus! We are building a habitat house June 9th-16th! We have opportunities to serve from 8am-9pm. If you are interested email Tori.Sams@newspring.cc
ADAM and Eve – WEEK 4
“Three Things Every Man Needs”
Group Leader Guide for use May 6-12, 2012
Directions: This guide provides a menu of teaching and discussion materials to help in leading your group. Please select and use the materials that best suit your group.
SERMON RECAP:
If you study the Bible to any degree, you will see God’s instruction on how a man should live his life – both in the context of his spiritual walk and of his human relationships. The basis of this is simple: a right relationship with God leads to right relationships with others, but there are certain things that every man (every person, in fact) needs in order to be successful.
Society and culture have apparently confused us as to what real manliness looks like. It’s not about who works the most hours, lifts the most weight, or brings home the biggest paycheck; the whole principle of being a strong man of God hinges on our commitment to advancing His Kingdom. By continuing to dig into God’s Word, we gain some valuable insight into how He created us to do just that.
Take a minute to review the points from Sunday’s message as a group.
ICEBREAKER:
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Leaders’ note: Answers provide Bible verses for the group to look at together as you reinforce the Bible as the guide and source for victorious living.
Q: What does the Bible say about how a man’s sin affects his family? Does this only apply to men?
A: Joshua 7:1, 10-12, 19-26; 2 Kings 22:10-13; John 9:1-7
No matter who you are, your sin affects the people closest to you. In the case of a man/father, he has been placed in a position of leadership in his home, so the effects are often obvious because his tendencies will be magnified in the children that he raises. If you are an overbearing father, you will likely raise a child who sees overbearing control as part of the father’s role. Now, God’s desire is not for us to fall victim to a set of child-punishing rules as a result of our sin, but instead He wants to use even negative circumstances in our families to bring glory to Himself. The reality, though, is that you cannot expect your disobedience to have no effect on your family.
Q: Every man (and woman) needs to seek wisdom and community with the right people. What should your relationships with friends really look like? Do you struggle with hanging out with the right friends?
A: 1 Chronicles 10:8-19; Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Mark 10:33-35
Your friends can’t just be “the people that let you fit in.” You have a Biblical responsibility to be careful with whom you choose to invest time through community. Your friends and confidants should be the people who spur you on toward the Lord, not the people who tempt you to go the opposite way. Good friends give good advice because they seek God’s heart. They sharpen you, they strengthen you, they serve with you, and they inspire you to pursue Godly humility. When someone is willing to personally pour into your spiritual cup, it is a good indicator that that’s a relationship worth your investment.
Q: Men are commanded to lead their families well. Do you have to display power to be an effective leader? Do you have to be tough?
A: John 13:1-17; Matthew 20:26-28; Ephesians 5:22-24
Jesus taught us a radical approach to leadership while He was on earth. Although He holds the ultimate position of authority, He led by serving and sacrificing rather than a demonstrating His power. Jesus displayed this when He took the time to wash his disciple’s feet, and He ultimately displayed this on the cross when He died so that we could live. This is the example that we should all follow when placed in positions of authority. Men have been placed as leaders of the home, but that does not mean that men get to be overpowering and controlling. Instead it means that they get the opportunity to serve their families the way that Jesus did. Before you try to out-lead someone, you must be willing to out-serve them.
Q: The Bible is full of men who not only read Scripture, but studied it and were knowledgeable about it. Why is it important to study your Bible in addition to just reading it?
A: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:97-104; Acts 18:24-28
The Bible is clear that we should not only read God’s word, but know it and understand it as well. We can do this by meditating on it, studying it, and memorizing it. Scripture instructs and trains us, as well as equips us to do ministry. While this is important for both men and women, David and Apollos are two examples of men in the Bible who knew God’s word well. In the Psalms, David expresses his delight in God’s laws and their importance to him. Apollos also knew Scripture very well, and because of his knowledge, God used him to extend the Good News to others in a bold new way. Having knowledge about God’s word gave these men wisdom, direction, and trained them to use their gifts God had given them. Just look at the Bible – real men love God’s Word!
LEADS APPLICATION:
The heart of NewSpring home groups is summarized by the acronym L.E.A.D.S.:
L – learn the Bible together
E – embrace serving together
A – assist one another
D – devote ourselves to generosity
S – send people out to start new groups
Wild card!!
Leaders, this week is on you! Spend some time in advance, and really pray about what part of the LEADS vision needs to take root a little deeper in your group.
No matter which campus you attend, you are always welcome to call your Area Leader or church office for help with achieving your group’s goals. Whether you need resources, service project ideas, or just some good advice, invest the time in making it happen. Your group will bear fruit as a result of your diligence!
ADAM and Eve – WEEK 3
“Three Things a Man Can’t Have”
Group Leader Guide for use April 29 – May 5, 2012
Directions: This guide provides a menu of teaching and discussion materials to help in leading your group. Please select and use the materials that best suit your group.
SERMON RECAP:
Once again, the Bible provides some valuable insight into how a proper, Godly relationship should work. As we continue to examine the man’s role in such a relationship, we see that God speaks clearly about three things that no man can have:
It’s not that we aren’t capable of trying to take those things, but rather that God is incapable of allowing them to happen. Sure, sometimes it appears that people who are disobedient to God in those areas find happiness and elude justice, but He does not accept second place. If God is not at the center of our worship, our relationships, and our finances, then His blessing is not on those areas of our lives.
ICEBREAKER:
In March of 2012, according to the New York Post, the New York City Department of Education issued a list of topics that it considered inappropriate for use in city- and state-issued exams. The list of 50 topics were chosen because they “could evoke unpleasant emotions” in students who had to read about them. Now, the notion of political correctness is usually swallowed pretty easily, but some of the selected topics may seem a little over-the-top. For example:
Depending on whether or not you have children, your group may have differing opinions on whether this strictness is a good idea. Switching gears a little bit, though, do you think that it’s possible to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with someone without using words or topics that are “offensive” or that “evoke unpleasant emotions”? Why or why not?
Hint: it’s not possible.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Leaders’ note: Answers provide Bible verses for the group to look at together as you reinforce the Bible as the guide and source for victorious living.
Q: (a) How can a person attempt to take God’s glory for himself? (b) What results – both temporal (earthly) and spiritual -- might occur for someone who tries to steal God’s glory?
A. Isaiah 14:12-15; Proverbs 16:18; 1 Peter 5:5-6
(a) Every day, people arrogantly attempt to elevate themselves above God. They take credit for their innate abilities, set themselves on pedestals and demand to be admired. They try to make themselves appear infallible, invincible and above others around them. This dynamic happens in business, sports, politics, entertainment and even the church; people want the attention, praise, admiration and worship that only God is worthy of receiving. They set themselves up as gods and show no reverence for the one true God. (b) When Lucifer, the created angel, decided to set up his own throne above God’s and make himself like the Most High, God cast him down from heaven to roam restlessly on earth rather than rule from high. The Bible is clear that pride goes before a fall; God punishes the proud in His time and way. Men may bask in their own glory for a season, but eventually God receives the glory that is His. He has no equals.
Q: Is adultery really frowned upon as a serious sin by people today (those in and outside the church), or are we desensitized to it and accepting of it as part of our culture? Give some examples to support your answer.
A. II Samuel 11:1-5; Psalm 51:1-4, 10-14; Proverbs 5:18-20
While adultery may not matter as much to people as it once did, it matters to God to the very same degree as when David recklessly and lustfully took Bathsheba, another man’s wife, in adultery. God intends for one man and one woman to remain faithful to each other for life. Marriage is sacred, and its union must not be defiled or looked on lightly. Despite how Hollywood, television and romance novels glamorize and minimize adultery, it remains a sin of serious proportions in God’s sight. The casualness with which Americans have sex outside of their marriages is an affront to God’s holiness. Adultery is a sin that has serious consequences on the family, home, society and fabric of our culture. It’s been said, “As the home goes, so goes the nation.” In regard to how rampant adultery is and the destruction it’s causing on homes, that statement doesn’t speak well for our nation unless we repent and follow God’s plan.
Q: Stealing God’s glory, money, and having affairs are sins that we can hide from people for a short time. Why do we try to hide them and why is it important to confess them?
A: 3 John 4, Proverbs 5:21, 1 John 1:8-10, James 5:16
Although God already sees our sin, He takes delights when we live in the truth by acknowledging our sin to Him and other people. Sometimes it may seem desirable to hide our sin because we’re ashamed and afraid of the consequences. That fear displays that we do not have a correct understanding of the Gospel. Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins on the cross in exchange for his righteousness. That means that we can never receive punishment from God or even condemnation from others when we confess sin, only forgiveness. By confessing our sin, we are allowing ourselves to receive forgiveness and healing. We can’t do life alone, so confessing our sins to people gives the opportunity for support as we go through repentance.
Q: Satan will often try to deceive us to believe that God is holding out on us and we should have whatever we want. How can you use God’s word to overcome this deception? What are some verses you use to remind you that this is not God’s best plan for you?
A: Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 8:12-15, Luke 8:12-15
We all have times in our life where it’s hard to remember that God and His plans are the best thing for us. Thankfully, God gives us his word and truth as a weapon against Satan’s lies. While Jesus was being tempted, He quoted scripture in order to defeat the devil. While knowing His word is important, we also have to believe it. As we read the Bible, it is helpful to pray that you would believe His truth. Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 84:10-12, and Romans 8:28 are a few good verses to help us believe that God doesn’t hold out on us. Remember, God’s Word is much stronger than our will-power!
L.E.A.D.S. APPLICATION:
The heart of NewSpring home groups is summarized by the acronym L.E.A.D.S.:
L – learn the Bible together
E – embrace serving together
A – assist one another
D – devote ourselves to generosity
S – send people out to start new groups
Send people out to start new groups.
Take a few minutes to discuss what God has done in each of your lives as a result of being involved in this group. As everyone begins to share stories, it will become clear that not everyone has been impacted in the same ways; different people will celebrate different things.
Don’t ignore that. Again, a huge part of NewSpring’s vision for groups is to continuously raise up new leaders and send them out to start their own groups, and it would be foolish to think that every group’s dynamic would be the same. As you have been impacted by your involvement in the group, has that become a drive that you now feel led to cultivate in a new group of your own? Has God instilled a passion in you to share that blessing with others? Has He awakened a new burden inside of you to see a certain demographic of people grow in community with each other? Whatever your personal story is, really pray about whether it’s now time to prepare to share it with a new group. The end of the semester is not too far away!
ADAM and Eve – WEEK 2
“Four Things Every Man Must Know About a Woman”
Group Leader Guide for use April 22-28, 2012
Directions: This guide provides a menu of teaching and discussion materials to help in leading your group. Please select and use the materials that best suit your group.
SERMON RECAP:
Once again, the first few chapters of Genesis provide some valuable insight into how a proper, Godly relationship should work. As we continue to examine the man’s role in such a relationship, we see four things that every man must understand about his wife (or future wife).
ICEBREAKER:
It’s that time of year – politicians are all over the television, on every page of the newspapers, and their signs are posted on every street corner. Just by the marketing involved, we are learning lots of names that we may not have been aware of until they decided to run for some sort of office. No matter how famous or high-ranking a politician is, though, he is still just a man (or a woman).
Based on what you know about Him, would Jesus have made a good politician? Why or why not?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Leaders’ note: Answers provide Bible verses for the group to look at together as you reinforce the Bible as the guide and source for victorious living.
Q: What things can hinder a man – even a committed Christian – from leading his family as God desires? Think of spiritual, practical and personal obstacles that men face in leading their families.
A: Gen. 3: 1-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-9
A spiritual attack on the home began in the Garden when Satan deceived Eve, and it continues fiercely today. Husbands and fathers have to be intentional and passionate about Jesus every day to lead their homes as He desires. The picture of how a church leader must live in 1Timothy 3 is also a picture of a good leader at home. As you read these verses, you see that faithfulness, self-control and reputation are important. Yet, our culture constantly attempts to lure men into unfaithfulness. It elevates out-of-control people to reality TV stars, and it mocks men of morality and faith as being weak or sissy. This passage also warns against alcohol, another type of bait that can take men down. It speaks of money, a trap that can consume men who are simply trying to make a living or one that can ensnare men who want to own more and more stuff. Men may also have personal issues such as anger or selfishness that need their repentance and transformation by Jesus. Spiritual leadership in the home will be a battle, but it’s winnable through the power of God’s Spirit leading and working in a man’s life.
Q: Men are supposedly less verbal than women, yet husbands still get in trouble with their wives by what they say. How can husbands learn to speak to their wives with greater sensitivity and kindness, and in what areas of everyday life can husbands encourage their wives more?
A: Ephesians 4: 29-32; 1 Peter 3:7-8
God wants men to understand their wives, which means they must ask questions and listen more (care, not cure). Men should never speak in anger or abusively; they should practice self-control by cooling down if they are angry and praying for wisdom before they speak. Husbands can be encouragers in many areas where wives may be insecure. Some of these areas include home making, parenting, financial decisions, spiritual growth, personal appearance and sexual intimacy. Men should treat their wives with respect at all times, recognizing them as equals in God’s sight and creation.
Q: What does it mean to view someone through a godly point of view, rather than from a worldly point of view? How does your view of people affect how you treat them?
A: 2 Corinthians 5:15-16, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, John 15:17
Viewing people from a godly point of view involves learning to value what God values in people. It is tempting to value people based on human standards, such as intelligence, appearance, behavior, and personality. However, God finds each person significant because He created them to be His child and to bear His image. Everybody that we come into contact with is somebody that Jesus loved enough to die for. Our viewpoint is significant because it determines how we will treat people; for example, when Jesus was viewed as simply human, He was crucified. Now that we know His true identity is God, He is worshipped. When learning to love our friends, family, spouses, and even enemies as ourselves we must first understand where their true value comes from so that we are able to love them with the kind of love that Jesus exhibits.
Q: Why is our manner of speech so impactful?
A: James 3:3-12, John 8:44, Colossians 4:6, 1 Samuel 25:1-34
Our words have an impact. The only question is what kind of an impact that will be. Will our words can cause hurt and pain or bring life and encouragement to those who hear? Our speech is meant to bring glory to God, but we cannot do this when we say negative things about other people or speak lies that come from the enemy. Our words should also be full of grace and “seasoned” will salt so that it is good to those who hear it. Abigail demonstrated the influence that this kind of speech can have in 1 Samuel. By graciously speaking the truth of the consequences David’s action would have if he attacked Nabal, she helped him avoid sin and impacted the course of the situation.
LEADS APPLICATION:
The heart of NewSpring home groups is summarized by the acronym L.E.A.D.S.:
L – learn the Bible together
E – embrace serving together
A – assist one another
D – devote ourselves to generosity
S – send people out to start new groups
Learn the Bible together.
Have each member of your group memorize one verse (or chapter, if they are feeling froggy) this week that talks about relationships, loving each other, or something similar from the sermon. It can even be one of the verses that Perry used in the sermon. Hearing it is one thing, but actually committing it to memory makes it stick!