December 2nd - December 7th 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: What is the longest you ever went without eating? How did it feel? Would you do it again?

• Share background for the passage: Jesus has just been baptized by John & is getting ready to launch His public ministry. But first, He must go through a time of fasting, temptation & trial.
• Thought/Focus: What is the nature of the three temptations Jesus faced? Which one seems the most ‘innocent?’  ...the most shrewd? 
• Have someone, or a couple of people, read this week's passage: Matthew 4:1-11

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

1. Who led Jesus to be tempted by who? How long was Jesus’ fast? When was Jesus hungry? – vvs. 1-2
2. What were the 3 temptations? What is the appeal of each one?  
3. With what weapon does Jesus respond?   

 4. What would the cost be if Jesus yielded to any one of them? Does it cost you every time       you yield to sin? How?
 5. Which of the 3 temptations appeals to your ‘old man’ the most?  [physical need, fame,            power]
 6. How does Satan use these to tempt you? What is your greatest temptation right now?           How can others help?
 7.  What tools does God give you to overcome?
 8.  Do they always work when you engage them? Do you always engage them?  
 9.  How will you endure & overcome temptation? How can you help others do the same?
   
Next week's passage/story: Matthew 1:18-25 

• 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