Discussion Questions


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Week 4—March 31/April 1, 2012 Greatest When Least (Jason Strand)

Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION Over the past few weeks we’ve explored some of the counterintuitive teachings of Jesus that flip our current reality upside down. These are the things that don’t make sense; things that don’t necessarily fit with how our lives currently operate. So what did Jesus mean when he said that we can become great by becoming the least? Not only is this teaching counterintuitive, it’s not even a natural instinct for us as humans. We will discover together that participation in the Kingdom of God requires us to relearn and reprioritize what we value and how we live. Let the scriptures and questions below help guide your discussion about what it means to become great in God’s eyes.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What are the characteristics that help us get noticed in the world? How do you think the world’s idea of becoming great has influenced you as a Christ follower? What are some examples of when or how you’ve been caught up in becoming great in the world’s eyes? 2. Read Matthew 19:30. Jason said that our natural instinct is to be first not last, to be served and not to serve. It is a learning process to follow Christ. What are some of the things you might need to relearn in order to better align yourself with the Kingdom of God and it’s upside down nature? How might God want to redirect some of your aspirations for greatness? 3. When it comes to being selfless many of us are often so busy and our schedules so filled that it is easy to ignore the needs of those around us. Read Galatians 6:3. When do you notice you feel too important or busy to help someone in need? Can you think of a specific example of choosing not to help someone? How could you begin to see the needs of others as more important than your own? 4. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us not to live only to make a good impression on others. Do you think it would be possible to let go of our need to impress others? What would it take for you to become free from your need to impress people? How do you think your life would change if you were to become free from the need to impress? 5. Servanthood requires us to go out of our way for someone else—to be active. When was the last time you really served someone close to you? Who are the greatest leaders that you look up to in your life? How does a desire to be a servant improve someone’s leadership ability? 6. Jason mentioned that much of life comes down to “cups and bowls” type of service. What are some of the small things you choose to pass on because you believe it won’t make a difference? What’s something you could start doing that would impact those around you?

THINK ABOUT IT Becoming great in God’s eyes often requires us to be more forward thinking. We must ask ourselves how we can die to ourself for the sake of those around us so that we might be great in the Kingdom of God. How could you display a heart for serving this week? Who in your life needs you to die to yourself for the sake of your relationship with them? What is one behavior you will commit to relearning this week for the sake of those around you?

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