05.13.07
Small Group Plan - May 13, 2007
“A Death-Defying Life”
Small Group Plan
May 13, 2007
Dear Group Leader…
Salvation starts with a very personal encounter with God, but it soon begins to bind together those who are saved, and eventually it spills out into society. We describe this as Reaching Up, Reaching In, and Reaching Out. Jesus summarized it with the greatest commands, “Love God … love you neighbor.” Paul offered it as the natural next step in a life that has encountered God’s grace.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· “Passion for God … Compassion for People”
· How would you explain the vision of Prestoncrest to someone visiting our church?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
love - Romans 13:8-10
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 9The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
· How does Paul’s view of death differ from today’s view?
· How does love “fulfill” all the other commandments?
· What happens to social ethics without the guiding, empowering principle of love?
· Why is love an important component to loving others?
· Why is love a debt that can never be fully paid (vs. 8 )?
life – Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
· What comes to mind when you think of “the armor of light” (vs. 12)?
· Paul uses several images to describe “the present time” (vs. 11). Which most clearly describes our present time and which is the most disturbing to you?
· How would you help someone to begin to “put aside the deeds of darkness” (vs. 12)?
· How would your life be different if you consistently tried to “wear” (vs. 14) Jesus?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· What best communicates love to you? Explain.
· As you walk through your day, where could love best be seen in your life?
· How does love defeat death?
· We don’t know when Jesus will return (vs. 11-12), but describe what you want your life to be when he returns.
Close by asking God to help you to surrender, to renew, and to decide.