His Story Week Sixteen

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HIS STORY: Week 16 – The Good Shepherd Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share context of the story [Provide context by sharing the information below.]

David, the shepherd king, likens the LORD to a shepherd in this passage, the most famous and well-known of the Psalms. In each verse, another attribute of God’s safeguarding guidance is highlighted. God’s love and care of us is emphasized with tenderness and in great detail. David thought of God as personal and loving, not remote or harsh. And His care for His people lasts throughout all of their lives and into eternity. Tell the story – Psalm 23 [Have someone tell the story.] Rebuild the story [Group members tell the story together based on what they remember.] Read the story out loud [Read the scripture passage to see if anything was added or omitted.] Discuss these questions:

1. What do we learn about God from this passage? [God is the one who cares for our souls; because God is in control of every aspect of my life, I don’t really need anything; even in our darkest moments, God is with us; God is with us in the best of times, and sometimes, He leads us through difficulties for His good purposes; God’s plan for man is not devoid of suffering (2 Corinthians 4:7-11); God doesn’t exempt His followers from suffering, but He is with us in the times we suffer the most; etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [I can forget who is really in charge in my life; I need God to transform my heart, to see that He is in control; my struggles can lead to a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God; I can think that God has forgotten me in the midst of His plan for me; faithful service to God may not seem to “protect” me from hardship, but I can trust Him; I can experience great joy, peace and freedom when I trust God as my shepherd no matter the situation; etc.]

3. What is God saying to you specifically through this passage as it pertains to your life, marriage, family, and work? 4. In light of what you’ve learned today, what do you need to do to obey God? Other Q uestions specific to this passage:

1. The psalmist says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Has God ever forced you to take rest or refuge for your own good? Discuss this. 2. What is the closest to the “valley of the shadow of death” that you have ever felt? Assign Next week’s passage – II Kings 5 [Ask someone to tell the story.] Close in Prayer

HIS STORY: Week 16 – Leadership Coaching The purpose of this page is to help you sharpen your skills as a Grow Group leader. Each week, we will include concepts, challenges, and resources designed to assist you as you lead and shepherd your Grow Group and grow as a disciple yourself.

Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] Remember that our goal is to help our people walk through the head, heart, and hands process. Here are some good questions for gaining a head knowledge of the scriptures you are studying: (1) What do you see God doing, saying, or showing about Himself? (2) Who are the people in this scripture passage and what is God showing them? (3) What stands out to you in this passage? (4) What do you think is the main point of this scripture passage? (5) What does this passage show us about God? (6) What does this passage show us about us/man?

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] Spend the next 5 days praying for the members of your Grow Group. Divide them up evenly so that each day you can focus on praying for several specific people. Pray that: God will give them wisdom and understanding. You will see clearly how you can encourage them in their walk with God. They will boldly take their next step in spiritual growth. They will overflow with the joy of Christ this week!

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Paul constantly prayed for the people he discipled. We are fortunate to have a reference of these prayers as examples. A great model for intercessory prayer (praying for others) is found in Colossians 1:9-14. “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Pray through this passage several times inserting the names of individuals in your Grow Group.