July 7th- July 12th Life Group Notes

Being Changed By Jesus' Words- The Really Good News

Matthew 5: 17-20, Psalms 51:1-17

LEADERS - Take attendance in the TLC app. Read group guidlines.

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 been caught doing something really bad but were forgiven for it?  How did it make you feel toward the person who forgave you?
                                                 
  • Share background for the passage: This passage is written after David has committed adultery with Bathsheba. He is praying for mercy and forgiveness and begging God not to turn away from him.                                                                                                                          
  • Thought/Focus: God forgave David, and also will forgive us because He values a repentant loving heart over past mistakes.
  • Have someone read or tell this week's passage/story: Psalms 51:1-17
Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.
  1. David had done what most would consider “one of the big sins.” Do you think he should’ve avoided talking to God about it at all? Why or why not?
  2. Since David’s sin did involve others, what is the meaning of verse 4?
  3. Look at vs. 5. How can an unborn child be considered “sinful”?
  4. Look at verses 7-12. What is David asking God to do? Have you ever experienced something similar?
  5. What does David say he would do in the future if God would forgive him? See verses 13-17.
  6. Have you ever had your life end up in a mess, but you let God make the mess into a message?
  7. Would you say that David’s sin and then repentance is a good lesson for us today?
  8.  Would you be able to share the “mess ups” of your life with someone who needs help in that same areas?
Next week's passage/story: Matthew 5:21-48
Select someone to tell next week's story
Dismiss in Prayer  

Life Group Guidelines

This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing with one another. Below are some group guidelines that will help create a safe environment.
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 

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