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2-1-4-Small Groups I

Satan tempts Jesus in the dessert

Read Luke 4:1-13

Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us it will always be "beside quiet waters" (Psalm 23:2). But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the desert for along and difficult time of testing and he may also lead us into difficult situation. When facing trials, first make sure you haven't brought them on yourself through sin or unwise choices. If you find no sin to confess or unwise behavior to change then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Finally, be careful to follow faithfully wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

Temptation will often come after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries (see 1 Kings 18; 19 for Elijah's story of great victory followed by despair). Remember that Satan chooses the times for his attacks. We need to be on our guard it times of victory just ass much as in times of discouragement.

The devil who tempted Adam and Eve in the garden also tempted Jesus in the desert. Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, and not a symbol of an idea. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God. Jesus was a prime target for the devil's temptations. Satan succeeded with Adam and Eve, and he hoped to succeed with Jesus too.

Sometimes what we are tempted to do isn't wrong in itself. Turning stones into bread wasn't necessarily bad. The sin was not in the act but in the reason behind it. The devil was trying to get Jesus to take a shortcut to solve Jesus immediate problem at the expense of his long range goals, to seek comfort at the sacrifice of his discipline. Satan often works that way-persuading us to take action, even right action, for the wrong reason or at the wrong time. The fact that something is not wrong in itself does not mean that it is good for you at a given time. Many people sin by at tempting to fulfill legitimate desires outside of God's will or ahead of his timetable. First ask, "Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this? Or is Satan trying to get me off the track?"

Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard to his mission. When we give into the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God. To avoid this trap, we must realize that all our strengths are God's gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service.

The devil arrogantly hoped to succeed in his rebellion against God by diverting Jesus from his mission and winning his worship. "This world is mine, not God's"" he was saying, "and if you hope to do anything worthwhile here, you'd better recognize that fact." Jesus didn't argue with Satan about who owns the world, but Jesus refused to validate Satan's claim by worshipping him. Jesus knew that he would redeem the world through giving up his life on the cross, not through making an alliance with a corrupt angel.

Has the devil misinterpreted Scripture. The intention of Psalm 91, is to show God's protection of his people not to incite them to use God's power for sensational or foolish displays.

Christ's defeat of the devil in the desert was decisive but not final. Throughout his ministry. Jesus would confront Satan in many forms. Too often we see temptation as once and for all. In reality, we need to be constantly on guard against the devil's ongoing attacks. Where are you most susceptible, to temptation right now? How are you preparing to withstand it?

If the devil had three "shots" at you, what three temptations would he use? How do these compare to Jesus' temptations? 123

What can help you resist these appeals to self-interest, power and spiritual price? What encouragement do you find here?Under

Under what circumstances (vv. 1-2), was Jesus tempted: After a spiritual high? At a weak moment? Apart from God?

In each temptation, what was it's appeal? It's price? Had does Jesus resist them? How does Satan's use of the Scripture differ from the way Jesus uses it?

How are the three temptations similar? Different?

Why were the temptations all directed against the divine Sons-ship of Jesus, when this had just been confirmed at Jesus' baptism (3:21-22)? Why did God allow Jesus to go through this?

Which temptations would be the hardest for you to resist?

When do you find yourself most vulnerable to the tempter?

What has helped you overcome temptation when it comes?

What has made you feel good about resisting temptation?

In verses 9-10, what do you learn about Satan?

In verse 3, why did the devil challenge Jesus to change stones into bread?

What tactics does Jesus use to conquer Satan?

How would you describe the power struggle going on here?

The Life of Jesus Christ in You

Repentance

We have learned that those who receive Jesus Christ and believe in him become children of God. In other words, you have made a complete turn around in your spiritual life. You have had a change of mind.

In the past you lived in sin. You did not know God as your Heavenly Father. Now, you know your Heaven Father and you have begun a new life. In this way you have experienced a great change in your way of thinking.

In the Bible this change of mind is called Repentance. The idea of Repentance is not very well understood today, in-spite of the fact that many people use the word. For this reason, we are going to study the idea of Repentance in depth.

The Bible teaches this about repentance: "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." (Matthew 3:8).

A changed life is clear evidence that there has been true repentance, that is, a change of mind.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that repentance is simply feeling sorry for the sins they have done. They miss the importance of living a changed life.

Friend do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? Then there should have been some change in your life. Is there something wrong in your life which needs to be changed?

Ask the Lord, right now, to help you change your attitude toward sin as well as the way that you live. Then you will be able to tell this to your trainer, and your life will testify to your friends.

2-1-4-Small Groups I

God's plan for us to reach the world for Christ is clearly stated in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV).

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

Nowhere in Scripture does it tell us to "wait" for the unsaved world to come to us. We are told to "go." Romans 10:17 (NIV) reads, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ."

We must be prepared to teach the Word, as told in 2 Timothy 2:15(NIV) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

We must reach out in our spheres of influence, ass the Apostle Paul did in his: "I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house" (Acts 20:20).

It is the purpose of this training to present the "process," or "how-to's," of small groups dynamics. It is beyond the scope of this series to present "content" training, or the "how-to's" of presenting actual curriculum. The components of "process" training include the following: defining leader characteristics, qualities, and styles; examining communications; describing effective witnessing and evangelism; developing relationships: and discussing promotion.

In a time and culture when building positive relationships in families and churches often seems more and more difficult, it is exciting to see the ways in which Christian small groups are being rediscovered by churches as an important resource for Christian growth and ministry throughout the world. Small groups have always been important in the Church from the days of the New Testament to today. People are discovering in a new ways that help them to experience, expand, and to apply their faith in many diverse and challenging settings.

Providing a place where love can be taught and experienced has always been a ministry of the followers of Jesus Christ, who commanded His disciples to "love one another." Healthy small groups are one way in which churches can provide a context of love, nurture, and communication that moves beyond the polite and superficial to genuine love and ministry.

Small groups are very valuable. They give Christians opportunities to invite neighbors, coworkers, friends, or relatives to a place other than church, and to introduce them to Jesus Christ.

Call

No one is more vital to the success of a small group then it's leader. This leadership training will help you develop communication skills and identify your leadership styles for maximum effectiveness. Also, the dynamics of leadership that you learn will carry on over in Business meetings, PTA meetings, family discussions and more.

You will receive two other important benefits from small-group training: improved prayer life and evangelism training to equip you to reach your family, friends, and coworkers.

Commission

"The (instructions) which you have heard from one, along with many witnesses, transmit and entrust (as a deposit) to a reliable and faithful men who will be competent and qualified to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, AMP).

"And they were continually devoting themselves to the aposstles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42).

"And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:46-47)

And every day in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." (Acts 5:42).

How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house. (Acts 20:20).

Discuss the following key words in relation to the verses read.

Devoting

Teaching

Fellowship

Prayer

Praising God

Every Day

Preaching

House to House

Five characteristics of Bible Discussion Leaders

1. The characteristic of

An effective leader is in right relationship to:

An effective leader has a right relationship to God's call,
An effective leader gives gives out of the overflow of God's Word,
A person who is a good follower, makes a good leader. Obedience is necessary in order to be able to lead.

2. The characteristic of

Prayer is vital in your relationship with God (see 2 Chronicles 7:14, Philippians 4:6-7). People are looking for others who will pray for them.

3. The characteristic of

Without faith, it is impossible to please God and be of direct benefit to others (see Luke 22:32, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14). Darrell Robinson tells us that "your attitude will make the difference in your witness." True enthusiasm is a faith attitude.

4. The characteristic of combined with.

Scripture directs us to speak the truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15), and to be a vessel of love to others. We live in a cold, cynical world. People do not often experience compassion, and they need to see it modeled in you.

5. The characteristic of

Leader must be teachable in order to correctly handle the word of truth (see 2 Timothy 2:15). Good leadership is created through study and preparation.

The most outstanding leaders are those with a

Paul showed four qualities of leadership while at Thessalonica. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

1. Verse 2

At times we get discouraged, but if we are God-called, we can carry on with determination.

2. Verse 3

We should not lead to out do others, but like Paul, we should have pure motives.

3. Verse 7

People in the world today are exposed to harshness and cynicism.

4. Verses 11-12

People need a place to be accepted for who they are, not for what they can do. This is a refreshing change.

Paul was effective because he was

, had
, a
, and a
on people under his care.

Identify causes of failure as a group leader.

1. Wrong motives for leadership. Wrong motives can block a leader's spiritual growth, and hamper a group's spiritual progress. Wrong motives include seeking power, authority, or position; seeking to fill an emotional need, such as acceptance or approval; or seeking acclaim. Right motive include glorifying God, obeying His call, loving the Lord and Christian brethern, and advancing the kingdom of God.

Factors that can cause people to leave a group, possibly causing the group to die.

for Leadership

2. A sense of inadequacy. Leaders can be plague with doubts and in securities. How ever, they must avoid demanding more of themselves than the Lord does, or becoming enslaved to others expectations rather than the Lord's. Remember, God often uses the weak to "confound the strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

A sense of

3. Fear of failure. Every leader should expect to make mistakes; it's part of the learning process.

Fear of

4. Discouragement and disappointment. Things do not always turn out as we like. The important point is to focus on Christ. Remember 1 Thessalonians 2:2, and be determined.

and

5. Appearing spiritually dry. Spiritual dryness is usually caused by an absence of prayer, Bible study, holy living and concentration of purpose. One danger of leadership is being so busy that we neglect our own relationship with the Lord. We must continue praying and studying, and give out of our flow.

Appearing

6. Unrealistic schedules. Leaders must base both personal and group schedules on God-directed priorities. It may be necessary to cut back on activities not planned by the Lord. Rest is part of His plan, and our bodies are the temple of His Spirit. Good time management is a leadership responsibility.

Unrealistic

7. Improper handling of relational conflict. Personality clashes, jealousy, competitiveness, and so on, must be dealt with through prayer and hones love.

Improper handling of

8. Conflicts with authority. Problems arise when a leader disobeys God-anointed authority. Leaders are to respect and submit to authority.

Conflicts with

9. Undue focus on attendance. The leader must focus on those present, not on those absent, and minister to current needs.

Undue focus on

List three additional obstacles to effective leadership.
123

Conversational Prayer

Objective: Learn how to conduct a conversational prayer time.

1. Limit the time for prayer requests. Often more time is spent making requests than praying. One selection is to skip the requests and simply begin praying for specific needs.

Limit the time for prayer

2. Use conversational tones in audible prayer. Use everyday language. A group meeting is not the place for religious speeches in prayer. The leaders modeling of conversational prayer is pivotal.

Usein audible prayer.

3. Cultivate a consciousness of God's presence. All prayers should be directed to Him. never pray to the group. Kneeling or holding hands can enhance on attitude of prayer.

Cultivate a consciousness of God's

4. Be brief. God does not hear us on the basis "of... many words" (Matthew 6:7), but rather on the basis of faith (Matthew 17:20, Hebrews 11:6). Jesus modeled brief prayer throughout His ministry (Matthew 26:34, 42; Mark 15:34; Luke 23;34, 46; John 11:41-43). Each person should pray in one or two sentences, then allow others to pray. Pray so an eight-year-old child could understand.

Be

5. Have one person pray about one topic. In conversations, only one topic at a time should be shared by the group. Only one person at a time should pray. One person's prayer might focus on a topic such as prayer for wisdom in a job situation. Another person might then pray for wisdom in a family situation.

Have onepray about one

6. Agree in prayer. When one group member is praying, the others should silently agree; there is much power in prayer of agreement (Matthew 18:19-20). During the prayer, others can verbalize agreement by short responses such as "yes, Lord". "hear this prayer"; and "answer that prayer, Lord."

in prayer.

7. Be spontaneous. Informality, honesty, and love are all vital. Stay away from ritualistic memorized prayers-we are in relationship with a living God "who has been tempted in all things as we are" (Hebrews 4:15).

Be

8. Allow for silence. Silence is not an uncomfortable space to be filled with unnecessary words. A waiting silence to hear the voice of God can be the most reverent portion of a group's prayer time.

Allow for.

9. Pray with and for each other. It is appropriate to follow some one's prayer with a request related to an expressed need or concern. Example: After John prays for his wife in the hospital, Ann might add, "God, please strengthen John, and the children during this difficult period," Peter could then say, "Lord, we ask that You provide for the financial needs of John's family during his wife's hospelization."

Prayandeach other.

10. Pray for each member of the group. Each one might ask for a prayer request from the person on his right, and then pray for that request as the prayer moves around the circle.

Pray for each member of the

11. Expect God to guide. As the group is praying, be prepared at any time to confess, to uphold, to rejoice, to accept, to exhort to agree, and to weep.

Expect God to

12. Be creative. At various times try the different types of prayer: adoration (praise), thanksgiving, confession, commitment, and intercession. Also, choose various topics to focus on, such as family relationships, needs of the local church, community problems, national government, and authorities.

Be

Homework

Review the characteristics of effective leadership. Remembering a positive experience in a small group (Bible study, committee, or work experience), identify a characteristic that the group leader possessed, and why you thought it was important.
Review the obstacles to effective leadership. Which one do you think is the most frequent, and how can it best be overcome?
Write a sample conversational prayer.
Name a leadership quality a person who has greatly influenced your life? Why do you value that quality?
The primary purpose of conversational prayer in a group are: To_______ an opportunity for people to pray together; That each member may realize the presence of ______ in the midst of the group?

Spiritual Exercise

Take a sheet of paper and draw a large circle on it. Make a "pie-chart" showing what percentage of your time you devote to each major activity of your life. Draw slices of the pie to show how many hours of your average 24 hour day on your activities. Don't worry about the fact that each day is different. Approximations are good enough.

How much of your time is regularly devoted to prayer or other activities designed expressly to enhance your relationship with God?

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