February 10th- February 15th 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: Have you ever had a relationship that you thought was unbreakable, but it fell apart? Can you share how that experience changed your life?

• Share background for the passage:  The disciples are learning how important it is to put their relationship with Jesus first and foremost.                                                                        
• Thought/Focus: Jesus is teaching the importance of putting our relationship with Him first, even above family and friends.                                                                                           
• Have someone, or a couple of people, read this week's passage:  Matthew 12:46-50, 10: 34-39, 19:29-30

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

1. Look at chapter 12, verse 50. Who does Jesus consider to be his brother, sister or mother?
2.  From your life this past week, would others see you as a” brother” or “sister” of Jesus,     or a distant relative? Why?
3. In chapter 10:34-39, can you see a separation between truth and lies?  
4. Is it easy to see who is following the truth and who is following lies after reading this passage?
5. Do you find yourself at odds with your family over biblical truths sometimes? How does it make you feel?

 6. In chapter 19 verses 29-30, what does Jesus say will happen to those who have had to         give up family or possessions for His sake?
 7.  What would you say that you have given up to follow Jesus?
 8. How is your life different as a result of what you have given up?
 
 Next week's passage/story: Matthew 14:1-12
 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