December 8th- December 13th 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 was the most fulfilling job or task you’ve ever accomplished and how did it make you feel when you were done?                                                                                                                     
  
• Share background for the passage: This passage deals with learning about the spiritual gifts given to us as God’s children.

                                                                                       

• Thought/Focus: Do you know what your spiritual gift set is? Are you using it?                     
• Have someone read or tell this week's passage/story: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
• Discuss these questions: Go deeper as led. Remember Head, Heart, Hands.

1. When have you felt that you were part of a unit where all the parts worked together for a common goal?
2. Who has been given spiritual gifts?
3. Who are the gifts from and for what purposes are they given?
4. Verses 4-6 indicate that some Corinthians felt certain spiritual gifts were better than others. Have you ever encountered that among Christians? Do you feel that it is true of your life?  What is the truth of the matter?
5. How is the diversity of the gifts related to the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
6. Of the gifts listed in this passage, which ones do you think that you have been given?
7. How have you used your gift for the good of the church body, or in your life in general?
8. Will you look for ways to use your gifts this week?

 Next week's passage/story: Luke 19:1-10
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