CHAPTER 1
Week One
God's Majesty and My Reverence
Preparing
The goal of this week's session is to evoke reverence for the holiness of God as the divine grandeur, majesty, and glory are considered. Contemplating the magnificent wonders of God's handiwork helps individuals get into the proper perspective concerning God. When we are awed by God, we realize how great God is and how small we are by comparison. Experiencing an overwhelming sense of God's greatness allows the modern-day disciple of Christ to place God, rather than one's own life, in the center of the universe.
The video elicits reverence through the examination of one of God's least likely creatures, the slug. By focusing on the purpose, function, and unique nature of the slug, reverence for the genius and creativity of its Creator is inspired. Similarly, contemplating the slug helps viewers consider how vast and great must be God's love for them. If the caretaker of the universe was willing to invest so much thought and care to craft the existence of a slug, how deep and unending must be God's love for us as well.
Psalm 104 was selected for extra examination to focus participants' attention upon the mystery, wonder, and grandeur of all creation. Discussion questions are designed to help modern-day disciples find humility before God and seek and experience a relationship of reverence and worship with the Lord.
Getting Started
As this is the first week of a new study for your group, it is important to allow adequate time for introductions. Even if most of your group members are familiar with one another, using an icebreaker will strengthen connections and will be of great benefit to even one newcomer present. In addition to providing name tags for the group, consider choosing one of the following openers to let your group get to know one another and prepare for their time together.
Icebreakers (choose one)
1. Something Few People Know About Me: Ask members to introduce themselves and share one fact about themselves that is little known.
2. Favorites: Ask each member to respond to a "Favorites" question, such as favorite movie, food, dessert, book, vacation spot, song, hobby, job, color, and so on.
3. Categorical Descriptors: Choose a category, such as cars, sports, food, or shoes, and ask each member to name an object within that category that may describe them. Examples: one person might be a pair of spikes because they like to dig deep into things; another might choose a slipper because it offers warmth and comfort; someone else might name fajitas because they are full of zest and spice; another might choose milk because it is wholesome and familiar.
4. Motion Name Game: Have the members of your group introduce themselves by saying their names and demonstrating motions to go with them. As each group member offers her or his name, the entire group responds with "Hi, _______," repeating the name and the motion. This continues until all group members have given their names and motions.
Conversation Starter
Once introductions have been made, invite members in your group to share their response to this question: "What small group experiences, if any, have you had in the past, and what do you hope to gain from participating in this small group?" Groups of eight or more participants should break into subgroups of 3-4 so that all may respond and still have time to complete the study session.
Logistics and Covenant
Depending upon whether you are a new or previously formed small group, the amount of time devoted to this portion of the study will vary. "How to Use This Leader Guide" suggests some information that may be appropriate here. Regardless of group history, all groups are encouraged to make a covenant with one another for this six-week study session.
Workbook Review
This week's readings were taken from the Old Testament and focus on God's majesty. Invite members to share their response to the question from Day 2: "What does the word 'fear' mean in Exodus 14:31?" If time allows, ask members to share any insights they gained about God's majesty through the reading of Scripture for the week.
Discussing
SHOW DVD VIDEO
Video Discussion
In the video, Tom Berlin discussed ways in which the wonder of God can be found even in a slug. Can you think of any similar examples?
Share your response to Tom's final question: "Everywhere you look is the majesty of God—if it's all around us, where are you seeing it and where are you missing it?"
Scripture and Discussion
Read aloud Psalm 104 and answer these questions:
1. What is the psalm written about? How is David's psalm similar to or different from the creation story recorded in Genesis 1? (Participants may look back to Genesis 1 as needed. David's psalm is filled with emotion, awe, and worship in response to Creation. Genesis 1 is a factual account of the sequence of Creation.)
2. What elements of nature/creation does David discuss in each section? Verses 2-4? (heaven, wind, rain, lightning) Verses 5-9? (foundations, boundaries, separation of earth and waters, mountains, valleys) Verses 10-18? (abundance of flourishing life: water, birds, animals, plants, food) Verses 19-20? (moon, sun, stars, day and night) Verses 24-26? (oceans and seas, sea creatures)
3. Beyond being Creator, what do verses 27-30 say about God?
4. What realization does David share about God's power and might in verse 32?
5. As David ponders the wonder of creation, what is his response as recorded in verses 1 and 33-35?
6. What do verses 10-18 suggest about the holy Creator of the universe? How does knowing that God not only created but also cares and provides for his creatures impact your understanding of God's holiness?
7. Consider verse 24. Why is wisdom a critical component of God's holiness? What is your response to the Christian belief that God is the Creator, mastermind, executive designer, and project manager of the universe? Why?
8. Verses 24-27 suggest that all elements of creation have something in common. What is this? How does this contribute to your understanding of God's holiness?
9. David uses this psalm as a means of sharing that the purpose of nature is to reflect God's glory—to give visibility and insight to the wonder of the invisible God. As a part of God's Creation, what does this suggest about the purpose of your life?
10. Why is reverence an essential character trait in a follower of Christ? How does reverence affect our relationship with God, and what does it do to help us understand and experience God's holiness?
11. What practical steps can you take this week to be reverent of the Holy God? What daily disciplines or practices will help you to encounter God's holiness more fully?
Closing
Invite group members to share joys and concerns within the group. When all have shared, close with the following prayer or your own.
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, all Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea ..." Surely, Almighty God, there is none beside Thee. Hear our prayers of wonder, awe, and praise, for you alone are God, Creator and Sustainer of the universe. As we consider your holy and perfect nature in the weeks ahead, fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we might be drawn ever closer to you and offer our praise for the inconceivable marvels of your creation. Continue to be at work in us, O Lord, molding us more and more into your likeness. Teach us to be holy, just as you are holy, and hear these prayers that we share with you now....
It is in your most holy name we pray. Amen.
CHAPTER 2
Week Two
God's Fidelity and My Trust
Preparing
The goal of this week's session is to show that God's holiness invites our trust. Through the imagery of bridges, the video shows that those things we depend upon, the places and people and things in which we have put our trust, often quite unexpectedly become undependable and uncertain. By contrast, God's fidelity and faithfulness offer a trust that will not disappoint. God is the one thing the believer can depend upon when everything else becomes uncertain.
The Scripture reading offers an example of a believer who placed complete trust in Christ. Jesus states his own amazement at the trust and confidence of the centurion who knew that the power of God was far greater than his own or than any problem he faced. This passage poses a challenge for the reader to examine his or her own faith and trust in Christ.
Faith begins with a step of trust in a God who does not disappoint. The faith journey continues as the believer encounters the holy nature of God: God is steadfast, God is dependable, God is faithful; God can be trusted. No matter where one is on the journey, our Holy God invites us to trust more so that we might experience more fully God's nature and loving provision for us.
Getting Started
Choose one of the following, the icebreaker or the conversation starter, as an introduction to your small-group time. This will allow members to connect with one another and shift their focus to this week's topic.
Icebreaker: Partner Face-Off
Have group members pair up. Partners should stand facing each other a little more than two arm lengths apart, then put their arms in front of them with palms facing forward. While keeping their bodies as straight as possible and their feet in place, they should fall forward, catching each other by the palms of their hands. Challenge the pairs to hold that position for as long as possible, and then push off so they return to a standing position.
Next have everyone take a step back and try it again. Keep moving partners further apart each time to see how long they can be successful at this activity.
Finally, have all the pairs line up together shoulder-to-shoulder with partners still facing each other. Have one line take a half-step to the right so the two sides are staggered. Instruct the group to lean toward one another simultaneously, using one hand to support the original partner and one hand to support the person next to the partner. (End members will be supported by one person only.)
Afterwards ask group members what they learned about trust in this activity. (You may need to prompt and ask what was different when partners moved further apart, or when two people were supporting rather than one.)
Conversation Starter
Ask group members what they are most looking forward to or least looking forward to in the coming week. Why?
Workbook Review
This week's reading included chapters from Luke. Look at Days 2-3 in your workbook. In groups of 3-5, share one Scripture or reflection from which you gained new insight into God's holiness.
Read aloud Luke 5:1-11. Compare yourself to Simon Peter in this story. How is your response to Christ's invitation to trust and follow him similar or dissimilar to the response of Simon Peter?
Discussing
SHOW DVD VIDEO
Video Discussion
1. Where do people tend to place their trust most readily? (Other people, financial security, personal achievement, relationships, health, self, and so on.) Thinking of these things as bridges that people walk across, how have you or others you know experienced one of these bridges being unreliable or even washed away?
2. What is the significance of the boy's building the bridge across the creek?
Scripture and Discussion
Read aloud Luke 7:1-10 and answer the following:
1. What did the centurion want?
2. Contrast what the elders say on behalf of the centurion in verses 4-5 with what he says of himself (relayed by messengers) in verses 6-8. (The elders pleaded on behalf of the centurion because of his status and worth in the community. His friends related that the centurion did not consider himself worthy even to come into Christ's presence. The elders' hope was in the centurion's goodness; the centurion's hope was not in his own power and goodness but in the power of Christ).
3. What did Christ find remarkable about the centurion?
4. In your experience in living the Christian life, why would Christ find the centurion's trust and faith so remarkable? Why is it such a significant difference whether we live with confidence in our own goodness or trust in Christ's power?
5. What do you think the centurion's response would have been if his servant had not been healed? How is our trust in Christ often contingent upon whether we get the things we hope for? Why is it so hard to trust Christ in all things, including sickness and death? What would be your response in this situation?
6. Think about a relationship you've had in which a trust was betrayed. Share with the group if this has made it easier or harder for you to trust God. What is the downfall to comparing our relationship with God to our relationships with one another?
7. The Scripture readings for this week referred to lives being made strong through suffering. Think of a time of hardship in your own life or in the life of another Christian and talk about the power that was experienced even in a time of weakness. (Keep in mind that the classic example of power in weakness is Christ's death on the cross. Trusting in a holy God does not mean we are freed from suffering.)
8. In the video, Tom said that we have to choose whether God can be trusted. Reflect and share on the closing question from the video: "Is there a place in your life where God is calling you to take those first trusting steps of faith?"
9. What practical steps can you identify that would strengthen your faith in God and enable you to trust in God's promises with the same confidence as the centurion? Write one of these steps in your workbook as a commitment to yourself to strengthen your faith through positive practice.
Closing
Invite group members to share joys and concerns within the group. When all have shared, close with the following prayer or your own.
Lord God, you are a holy God, and have shown yourself throughout the ages to be the God in whom we can place our trust. Help us to have faith like that of the centurion, to remember that in all circumstances, your holiness can be trusted. It is with this faith and trust that we share these concerns, knowing that you are our God who does not disappoint, for you love your children and watch over and care for each one. Hear us as we pray for ...
It is in your holy and trustworthy name we pray. Amen.
CHAPTER 3
Week Three
God's Purity and My Humility
Preparing
The goal of this week's session is to encounter God's holiness through considering purity. God's purity leads to our humility. The imagery used in this week's video is rain: water in its purest form as it falls from the sky. The Scripture lesson is a parable told by Jesus that compares the prayers of a Pharisee and a tax collector. Purity of heart is taught in this passage by making the distinction between outward righteous display and inward purity of heart. The questions have been designed to generate discussion about God's pure nature, God's desire for purity within us, and the means by which we can experience pure and holy living.
Getting Started
Choose one of the following, either the icebreaker for active learners or the conversation starter for passive learners, as an introduction to your small-group time. This will allow members to connect with one another and shift their focus to this week's topic.
Icebreaker: Human Rainstorm
Explain to your group that by working together you are going to create a rainstorm inside. In order to accomplish this, group members must remain quiet, watch you, and imitate your actions (except that they must stay in one place while you walk). Only when you are in front of someone is that person to begin copying your action, and she or he should continue repeating that action until you are standing in front of the person again.
Begin by rubbing your hands together; move around the group until everyone is imitating this action. Then, returning to where you started, begin the next action, snapping your fingers. Remind the group that they should not begin an action until you move in front of them. Once everyone is snapping, introduce the next action, patting hands on legs. Continue until everyone is doing this. Finally introduce foot-stomping, again moving all the way around the group.
