WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?: Week 3 – Troubled

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?: Week 3 – Troubled Identity Open in Prayer W elcom e/Introductions/Cast Vision Rem ind the Grow Group of the ground rules Share context/sum m ary of the story [Provide context by sharing the information below.]

Though Adam and Eve have been expelled from the Garden of Eden, they are blessed with the birth of two sons. Upon these sons rests the hope that the serpent will eventually be overcome. This passage in Genesis, however, details mankind diving deeper into sin’s control. When his offering doesn’t please God, Cain viciously murders his brother. Things grow even worse as Lamech, Cain’s descendant, displays even greater vengeance towards others. Tell the story – Genesis 4:1-26 [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 knows the motives behind our actions; God is not impressed by those who do the right thing for the wrong reason (Matthew 15:8); without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:4, 6); God is sovereign; God alone is worthy of our worship; the Lord disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6); God’s judgment is just and righteous (Psalm 119:75); God is always seeking a relationship with us; no one is beyond the grace of God (John 3:16, Titus 2:11); etc.]

2. What do we learn about Man/Us from this passage? [When God convicts me of sin, I can either respond in humility and contrition or with anger and arrogance; I can perform the right actions but with impure and selfish motives; I can allow sin to hinder my relationship with God and with others; when things don’t go my way, my first response can be anger (James 1:19); jealousy can lead me to make very poor decisions (James 4:1-3); I continually need to surrender my thoughts and actions to His Lordship; 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 questions specific to this passage:

1. When God convicts you of sin, what is your normal response? Do you respond with a humble and repentant heart, with shallow excuses, or with silence? Why? 2. Do you struggle with jealousy? What do you think is the core source of your jealousy? Assign next week’s passage – Jam es 1:27, Rom ans 8:14-25, Galatians 4:4-7 Close in Prayer

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Week 3 – 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] Share the load. Our Grow Groups are set up with facilitators, co-facilitators, and observers for multiple reasons. Share the responsibilities of storytelling, hosting, outreach, and ministry efforts with your leadership team and other spiritually mature members of your Grow Group. Not only does this relieve you of some of the pressure, it also gives others an opportunity to grow and prepare to lead their own Grow Group.

Shepherding [know the sheep, feed the sheep, lead the sheep, protect the sheep] We have developed several mechanisms in the church to help you in your disciple making efforts (StartingPoint, Share Your Faith Workshop, Boot Camp, Boot Camp 2.0, and PLACE). On Saturday, February 24th, we will have our Share Your Faith Workshop from 9 am to 4 pm. Please be aware of those in your Grow Group who would greatly benefit from learning how to effectively share their faith with others.

Developing [grow as a disciple yourself] It’s always a great idea to visit other Grow Groups and to serve on the Boot Camp facilitation teams. Visiting other Grow Groups lets you get an idea of how others are leading their group, and you may see something you would like to implement in your own Grow Group. It can also be a time for you to hear from God! Serving on the Boot Camp facilitation team will remind you of the basics of Grow Group facilitation, but more importantly, it can remind you of how essential it is to live your life intentionally on mission for God. Our next Boot Camp is scheduled for March 25th from 2 to 6 pm. Focus this week on, Matthew 28:19-20. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”