Judges Week Six

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KING & COUNTRY: Week 6 – The Outcast: Jephthah Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share background for the story [Provide context by sharing what comes before the story.]

Judges chapter nine tells the story of Abimilech and how he tricked his family into supporting him only to repay them by killing his 70 brothers. War broke out several times during the reign of Abimilech. And while trying to seize Thebez, Abimilech is killed by a woman who dropped a millstone from the top of a tower onto his head. This served as the repayment for Abimilech’s wickedness to his family. Tell the story – Judges 10:6 – 11:40 [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 will allow us to reject Him and follow the idols of this world; God responds to the repentant with His incredible mercy and grace; God not only sees my actions, but He knows my motives; God commands us to not be conformed to the world’s belief system, but to be transformed by the “renewing of our mind” (Romans 12:2); if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and cleanse us from unrighteousness (I John 1:9); etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [My idolatry leads to my enslavement to that idol; even after suffering the consequences of my sin, I still return to the same idol; I can sometimes worship created things over the Creator (Romans 1:25); I want the consequences of my sin to be alleviated but am not truly repentant; I can treat God like a genie that should grant all my wishes; I must submit to the Lord’s leadership of my life; I am more impacted by this world than by His Word; 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. Do you truly want God, or only what God gives you? 2. Which attributes of God will you meditate on in order that your love for Him will be more than your love of His blessings? Assign Next week’s passage – Judges 13:1-25 [Ask someone to tell the story next week.] Close in Prayer

KING & COUNTRY: Week 6 – 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 the atmosphere that a spiritually dead person may need to experience in a Grow Group. They need to feel comfortable and relaxed. A great way to help create that in your Grow Group is by asking an open-ended ice-breaker question. Here are a few to get you thinking: What states have you lived in? What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten? How many siblings do you have and where do you fall in the birth order? What was your first job? What was your first car?

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] When someone doesn’t know Christ, they are spiritually dead. Spiritually dead are categorized by unbelief and rebellion. You may see this in their actions or hear it in their conversation. Be diligent to pursue a relationship with them, and share you life with them so that they can see the gospel lived out. As you get to know them, they will feel more comfortable asking you questions as well as valuing your answers. Be authentic. Make sure they know you are not perfect, but share the dramatic difference that God has made in your life.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] Keep it simple! We do not have to be Bible scholars or ordained ministers to share our lives and our faith with others. Sometimes the simple actions of a kind word and thoughtful prayer can make a lasting impact on someone else. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Think about the people you are around every day. Who needs to know about Jesus? What can you do to share your story with that person?