10.28.07
Small Group Plan - October 28, 2007
“When We Walk His Talk”
Ancient Future Faith
Small Group Plan
October 28, 2007
Dear Group Leader…
Most New Testament scholars write about the “journey” section in Luke’s gospel. It’s clear that Jesus was steadily moving towards a climax in Jerusalem (9:31). But the trip was neither direct nor short. It took ten chapters and many months. Why? What was Jesus doing with the disciples on this long trip to Jerusalem? What information was he giving them? What ignorance were they working through? What had to be completed before he arrived in the city where his life would end?
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Do you walk around when you think, or do you sit? Explain.
· Why do some people enjoy the trip, while others only enjoy the arrival?
· Which are you?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
The Narrowing Journey of Jesus
Luke 9:51
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”
Luke 13:22
“Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.”
Luke 19:41
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.”
· After “resolutely” setting out, why did Jesus take so long to reach Jerusalem?
· What had to be completed before He arrived?
· Why was Jerusalem His one fixed goal?
· What awaited him there?
· Why did he weep over the city?
The Expanding Journey of the First Church
Acts 1:8
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
· Is this the same event that Matthew 28:16-20 reports? Explain.
· How would you have felt if you had been given this mission?
· What strategies did Jesus give the Twelve to use in their mission?
· What attitudes did they learn from Him that will help them in their mission?
The Continuing Journey of Today’s Church
Luke 8:15
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by persevering produce a crop.”
· “Hear” – What attitude and setting really helps you to hear God’s word?
· “Retain” – Why must responding always follow hearing?
· “Persevere” – How does Satan attack what is building in our lives?
· “Produce” – What kind of growth is God looking for?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· What principles need to be taught to someone who would take your place in ministry?
· What would you look for in a person who would take your place in ministry?
· What schedule and strategy would you follow to accomplish this goal?
· Most difficult question: Who are you equipping?
Close by asking God for the principles, the person and the schedule.