May 19th- May 24th 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 you were growing up, what was your favorite vegetable? What was your most hated?
   
  
• Share background for the passage: The people of Judah had been taken into exile by Babylon. Daniel and 3 other young men are the stars of this story. These young men were to be trained for the service of the King.                                                                                          
• Thought/Focus: When our loyalty to God is tested, how can we stand strong and keep a perfect heart?
                                                                                                                            
• Have someone read or tell this week's passage/story: Daniel 1:8-20

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

1. The King of Babylon chose young men from the royalty of the Israelite captives to serve in his court. They would have many privileges that the other captives would not have.  Why did Daniel choose not to partake of the Kings choices of food for him and his friends?
2. What did Daniel ask the Chief Official’s permission to do? Was the Chief Official ok with his request?  Why or why not
3. What was the test that Daniel asked the Chief Official to consider?  Did he do it? What was the outcome?
4. The King was concerned about how these young men looked on the outside. What did God see on the inside? Which was more important to the King? Which was more important to God? Which is more important to you?
5. How did Daniel and his friends gain the knowledge and understanding needed to serve the King? (vs. 17)
6. Daniel’s loyalty was tested toward God and toward his new King. Can you relate? Has this ever happened to you?

 7. When your loyalty is tested, whether to God, or whether to a boss in the workplace, how      will you handle it?
 8.Can you think of an instance in your own life when you passed a loyalty test? What was        the outcome?

 Next week's passage/story: Genesis chapter 45
Select someone to tell next week's story
 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