Missions 2014


Part One     Part Two     Part Three


Part One

Someone once said that there are only two categories of people, we are either a missionary or a mission field. When we come to know Jesus we enter into a relationship with God, which is such a privilege. Sometimes we forget what it means to know Jesus and be forgiven, and how lost, lost really is. We may think that mission is for people who choose to go to a far away place rather than see opportunities for us to express Jesus love in our day to day lives.

Discover

Read Luke 10:25-37. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?

Discuss

1. The Good Samaritan intentionally took a road that he knew could be dangerous, but in doing so, it gave an opportunity for him to show God’s mercy to a fellow traveller. Share a time that you stepped out, and took a risk for God.

2. Read Luke 10:27-28. Can we love God without loving our neighbour? How / why not?

3. What is the difference between showing pity, and showing compassion?

4. “Only those who risk going too far, can find out just how far they can go.” (TS Elliot) Discuss.

5. The Good Samaritan travelled outside his own comfort zone, and in doing so responded to a need he saw on the journey. What is your comfort zone that God may be calling you to travel outside of?

6. The Good Samaritan saw the beaten man and responded to his immediate needs. Who do you pass by each day whom you could show Gods love and kindness to in some way? What could you do?

Respond

While we may feel overwhelmed by the needs all around us, we do have a responsibility as lovers of Jesus to be involved and respond to situations that we see in our world. Take a moment now to ask God for discernment, compassion and love with regards to the issues that impact our lives. ‘Pity weeps and walks away, compassion comes to help and to stay.’ Ask God for direction as to how you can be Jesus in situations you come across this week.

 


Part Two

Deep within us lies the faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the Sea of Galilee toward Jesus. In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, “Come”? There is a life lived with a genuine sense of destiny that awaits you outside your comfort zone. It is a place where God is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever and deepen your character and your trust in God. The experience is terrifying. But it’s thrilling beyond belief. It’s everything you’d expect of someone worthy to be called Lord.

Discover

Read John 12:12-28. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?

Discuss

1. Do you live with a sense of destiny on your life? Discuss.

2. How does the idea of God’s timing intersect with God’s destiny in our lives?

3. “A person is no fool to give up what they cannot keep, to gain what they cannot lose.” (J. Elliott) What is God challenging you to give up? What are you pursuing in life right now?

4. Read 1 Samuel 15:22-23. What is your understanding of the statement: “Obedience is better than sacrifice”? How does this apply to you?

5. Read Romans 12:1-3. What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice”? How can we live this out?

6. Where we spend our time and our money give a core indication of our priorities. Do you ever take time to review these two indicators in line with God’s calling on your life?

Respond

Jesus called His disciples to deny themselves and take up their own cross as an integral part of following Him. Our sacrifice so often releases our destiny in God. Take some time now in reflection and discussion to identify an area in your life that is a challenge or battle. Where in life right now is God calling you to make a sacrifice? Make a clear plan to take a step of obedience. Pray for each other that God’s power would help you follow through.

 


Part Three

Every one of us have a finite number of years, gifted to us by God, to make a mark and leave a legacy with our lives. So much of our culture tempts us to live for our own benefit, our own pleasure and our own self-interest. But a life lived like this amounts to very little when viewed through the lens of eternity. The question that inevitably confronts us all at some point in our lives is: how will we make an eternal difference that brings God’s grace into other people’s lives and extends His kingdom on earth?

Discover

Read Matthew 4:18-22. To help get a good understanding of the passage, try to describe what is happening or being said in your own words. Take a moment to reflect and note down what stands out as important, significant or meaningful to you. What does this passage tell us about God? What does this passage tell us about people? How does this passage change how we live?

Discuss

1. What are your life aspirations? What is one thing that you would like to be remembered for?

2. Do you have a calling upon your life? Do you have a sense of destiny for your life? What would be your response if God asked you to go somewhere or do something new and different? What does this look like for you?

3. Read Matthew 4:19. What does this mean to for us today?

4. Our calling is not about our ability but about availability? Do you agree? What does this mean?

5. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. How might these verses apply in the materialistic world in which we live today?

6. How much of what we pursue in our day-to-day life will matter in eternity? Take a moment to assess where you are investing your time and money, and what of this will have a lasting impact.

Respond

This week do three things that will lift someone else’s burden. Any act of service that lightens someone’s load will do. Keep your acts of service non-monetary. They should involve your time and energy. Experience the joy of putting the needs of others before your own. As far as you are able, try to be of service to others without them knowing. It may be impossible to hide – and don’t lie if they ask you about it. Just try not to draw attention to what you have done.

 



Watch full sermons – Missions 2014