Group Notes | January 28
Difference Makers: Where Do I Start?
January 28, 2018
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Open:
For some of us, a list of steps necessary to achieve a certain end is extremely helpful, while others do great without one. Can you share an example?
We are in a series called “Difference Makers,” looking at how we should be living out our Christian life in the world. Because we sometimes feel we’re in a gray area as to what we should be doing, today’s sermon lays out for us three steps that will help us examine our hearts to know that we are prepared to witness, who we should have a burden for, and why it is our job to share with them the Good News.
Focal Passages: 2 Pet. 3:9-10; 1 Cor.15:1-4a; John 14:6; Rom.10:9-13; Matt. 22:37.
BEING A DIFFERENCE MAKER: Where do I start?
Know who you are
- What have you learned in prior weeks that defines a “Difference Maker”? According to those passages above, what is your responsibility?
- How can you be a Christian, and not be a Christ-follower? What does a Christ-follower do?
- In 1 Cor. 15:1-4a, what did Paul do once he was saved by grace?
Know who they are
- John 3:16 says Jesus’ atonement for sins is available to whom?
- What are some normal characteristics of those who need Christ? How is it possible that their anger, profanity, or attitude might be covering up a deep desire to have someone love them?
- Read Matt. 22:37. Why is it so hard to love those who are going to hell (your “neighbors”)?
- What are some intentional things you can do to show love for these people?
Know what your job is
- Go back again to 1 Cor. 13:4. What did Paul do after salvation? What was probably said of him? (Remember, his reputation would have gone out among all those following Jesus Christ at that time. How hard would that have been for him to face those same people?)
- 28:19-20: What does Jesus tell you?
Close
If we are not careful, we can become insulated in our churches through Bible studies, evening groups, choosing friends, worship or Sunday School, and never reach our neighbors or the world. It takes intentional, daily discipline to be willing to be used to further the kingdom of God on earth. Usually work situations are not easy places to witness verbally, so we rely on our lifestyle to show our co-workers that we hold ourselves to another standard. But is this what Jesus desires of us? If we look at the early church, we find the disciples going out “street preaching,” sharing the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of a Messianic Savior to all who would listen. They didn’t just live their faith, they shared it. Have you examined your life to see if you love the lost with the same compassion Jesus did? Does your lost neighbor weigh on your heart? Until you get the courage to witness, you can at least lift him/her to the throne each day, asking God to open a door. If you are unsure of the status of their soul, you can usually pick up on it with just a few minutes conversation, or ask a non-threatening question like “Do you attend church?” Most people are not offended by that. Identify your job as a Christ-follower as someone who is a witness of what He has done for you, gives out the good news, and loves people into a relationship with Jesus. You’ll never be satisfied to live a life of mediocrity again!
Key Verses: 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJV)
A DIFFERENCE MAKER:
Sees things and people the way Christ does; Loves people, and uses things (not the reverse!); Has a heart for the hurting; Has a heart for the lost; Is a Christ-follower; Is one who has believed and received the Gospel story of Jesus [His death, burial, resurrection], has followed Jesus in baptism, is obeying all that Jesus taught, and is helping others do the same.