October 7th- October 12th Life Group Notes

Open in Prayer 

• Welcome/Introductions/Cast Vision - Remind the Life Group of the Guidelines- See bottom of page.

•  Doing the Mission: Did anyone share Jesus or last week's passage?  

• Does anyone have a God story? An undeniable encounter or experience with God that creates an impact or breakthrough in your day-to-day life. These moments can be extraordinary or very humble, but always personally powerful. 

• Opening Question: When was the last time you got a traffic ticket? How did you feel about the officer?  

• Share background for the passage: Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome, hoping to go there soon. He wanted to make sure they were grounded in the truth of God, and living as children of God, saved by grace, should. Rome was the seat of government in his day & that makes this section that much more important for the Roman believers. With all the corruption & injustice, they could easily have despised government.
• Thought/Focus: What are the main things Paul wants the Roman Christians to do as a result of this teaching?
• Have someone, or a couple of people, read this week's passage: Romans 13:1-8  

Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

1.  What is the first thing Paul instructs Christians to do in this passage? For what reason? (vs. 1) 
2.  Who are we ultimately rebelling against, when we rebel against government? (vs. 2) 

 3.  What is the main function of government? (vss. 3-4)
 4.  What are our responsibilities to government? (vss. 5-7)
 5. How do we make sure we fulfill God’s law? (vs.8)
 6. Who are the authorities in your life? How well would they say you submit to them? How        could you do better?
 7. How do you think Paul would advise people in a modern democracy who face injustice?        How about those living in countries banning Christianity?  
 8. How will you live out your faith & show people the love of God in & through this election        season?  
Next week's passage/story: Psalm 139:13-18 

• Dismiss in Prayer   
  

CONFIDENTIALITY: What is said in the group stays in the group.
 
LISTEN: Let's value one another during the  discussions by really listening to what is  being shared. Try to avoid thinking about  how you are going to respond or what you  are going to say next.
 
PAUSE: Allow a pause in conversation after someone shares. Give the person sharing a  chance to finish and the group the  opportunity to consider what was just  shared before responding.

NO "CROSS TALK": Be considerate of others  as they are sharing- no side conversations.

NO FIXING: We are not here to fix each  other. Jesus does that part. Speak truth is love, give  
encouragement, empathize,  point to Jesus.  You may share  solutions God has led you through. The  other person should never feel shame or  failure, but rather connection & hope.

NO HIJACKING of shared stories.

NO RESCUING: When people are sharing  something deeply personal, there can be a  tendency to try to make them feel better  about themselves or the situation by  providing immediate condolences. This will  often cause them to stop sharing. Resist the  temptation to rescue people.
 
SHARING: Be sensitive about the amount of time  you share.
 
SILENCE: It is important to allow silence in the  group as it provides an opportunity for someone  else to share and for members in the group to  process the topic or question being considered.

BE SELF-AWARE: Be self-aware of how you are  personally affecting the environment through your  words, actions, and non-verbal communication.
 
"I"STATEMENTS: It's easy to talk about the issues  of others, but for our purposes, we want you to put  yourself on the table. Try to use "I" statements rather than "them', "they", "you", "the church", "us", "we", etc.
 
FIGHT FOR RELATIONSHIP: We will commit to resolve conflict  biblically. When conflict or sin issues arise between  group members, we want to make sure that  we are honoring God and each other in the way we  deal with these issues. We will fight for  relationship.  I will discuss the struggle with the person I am in conflict with first, & if not resolved, seek wise advice. The following are a few key Scriptures  in this regard (there are many others.)

• If someone sins against you: Mat. 18:15-20
• Restoring someone in sin: Gal. 6:1-5 
• Forgive a sinner: Col. 3: 12-13 
• Reconciling differences: Mat. 5:23-24, Mat. 7:1-5