Group Notes | February 11

Difference Makers: What Does the Walk Look Like?
February 11, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Have you ever realized how many things you do foolishly because you are attempting something you are not experienced at? Sometimes raising children or taking care of a parent with dementia might fall into that category. Can you think of an example?

We have been in a series that will teach us how to be “Difference Makers” in our community if our hearts are open to doing God’s will. We have learned how to be certain we are a Christ-follower, how to recognize people who need Christ, and how to take the good news of the story of what He’s done for us to those we meet. Today we want to look at three steps we can take when we’re ready to share Christ, knowing that with each witness the task will become more familiar and less daunting.

Focal Passages: John 9:1-11, 26-33, 35-38; Matthew 28:19,20.

Discuss:

TELL: Tell them the Gospel story

  1. Read John 9:1-11. For years, the man in this account had nothing to tell. After Jesus healed him, what story could he share?
  2. Can someone refresh everyone’s mind with the recent sermon on the Gadarene demoniac? How did the people respond to that man’s healing? Read Mark 5:17-20. What do you think happened to that village after he returned and told his story?
  3. Everyone who is saved has a new beginning. What are some things that hold you back from sharing what Christ has done for you?

GROW: Help them grow in their awareness of, and identity in, Christ

  1. Read John 9: 26-33. Why were the Jews so focused on finding fault with Jesus? How did the healed man react?
  2. What do you notice about his responses—was he able to answer all their questions? Did this stop him from telling what had happened? How can this encourage you when you begin to tell others how Christ saved you?
  3. If someone wants to accept Christ, what steps would you take to help him/her grow in their faith? How would it help you if you searched for and wrote out verses or passages that encourage prayer or Bible memorization (Psa. 119:11)?

SEND: Help them map their mission

  1. Read verses 35-38. What did the blind man do after Jesus healed him? Thinking back to the demoniac, why did Jesus tell him to stay in his own country? How is that like the Samaritan woman last week, whose entire village was changed because of her story? Testimonies draw people!
  2. What would happen if you suggested you meet with the person you are trying to win to Christ one time a week to study together, or pray? How is it possible that your little two-some would grow to include more?
  3. Read 2 Timothy 2:15. Why did Paul instruct Timothy to “study”? What are some other ways in which you can grow as a Christ-follower?

Close

In the opening dialogue, you thought about efforts you have made when you have no previous experience. The first time you tell the story of your salvation, you may feel you should have said something else, added more, or feel in general you made a mess of it. But have you ever likened what you say in marriage to your witnessing? In marriage, one partner will make a statement; later, it is a “you didn’t tell me that” scenario. The difference is, they don’t always hear what you mean when you speak! When you tell the story of accepting Christ, the Holy Spirit, who is in you, and perhaps working in the other person, can cause them to hear what they need to—that is an awesome thought. And as we see in the passage of the blind man, he didn’t know the answers to most of the questions the Jewish leaders were throwing at him, so he kept repeating, “All I know is, whereas I was blind, now I see!” Perhaps that’s all you can say: “All I know is, whereas I lived a life of sin and pain for others, now I want to live it to glorify Jesus Christ,” and it may be all they need to hear.

There doesn’t have to be carefully worded stories. God has saved you. The change may be instant, or it may be gradual, but people will see the difference. Babies are not born ready for walking and eating meat; they are born, carefully taken care of, taught how to do things that will become lifestyles, and one day leave the home and begin their own life and family. That is what you want the hearers of your story to do. Nothing will be better than to stand before Jesus and see a room full of people whose lives you impacted for God’s kingdom. But you have to start. We have to start!

Key Verses: John 9:25: He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” (NKJV)

A DIFFERENCE MAKER:

  1. Can make a call, a visit, or write a letter;
  2. Stop and notice what someone is saying or doing;

Engage someone in conversation and listen with interest.