LifeGroup Notes June 20, 2010; Heroes and Villains; Part One
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~~WHERE HAVE ALL THE HEROES GONE
OVERVIEW: We are just beginning a new summer series called “Heroes and Villains” in which we will be studying different personalities found in the book of Acts. These were extraordinary times, and critical times in the life of the Church. Jesus had recently risen from the dead and ascended into heaven. The fledgling baby Church was trying to get started in the midst of an extremely hostile political and religious environment. They were the kind of times that tested the resolve and character of the early Christians. They were the kind of times that needed heroes at every level. As we look at this series throughout the summer months, it would be good for us to realize that the Church today is existing in extraordinary times as well, where the values and message of the Bible, and the validity and reputation of the Church (Jesus’ representation upon the earth), are under fierce political, spiritual and sociological opposition. Let’s pull up our boot straps and get ready to dive into the this study in the book of Acts throughout our summer together.
DISCUSSION POINT ONE: Let’s Talk About Role Models (Heroes)
Charles Barkley has been quoted for a lot of things, a few of his most oft quoted comments are about role models, where he said:
“I’m not a role model… Just because I dunk a basketball doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.” And, “I don’t believe professional athletes should be role models. I believe parents should be role models….”
Is Sir Charles right? Or is he missing something? He may be speaking accurately from a worldly point a view, but how does his comments line up with a Biblical worldview?
Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 and Hebrews 10:23-25 (especially verse 24)
In light of these passages discuss the following points in your group:
- Talk about our responsibility to be role models, or heroes, to the people God places in our lives and along our paths.
Do you believe you can be a hero? Talk about how everyday people can be God’s heroes. - Have you ever gone out of your way to be used by God to make a difference in someone’s life? Share your story with your group.
- Have you ever felt like you encountered a “divine appointment” for a purpose you did not anticipate? Share your experience with your group.
- The Apostle Paul instructed his young protégé Timothy to “be ready in season and out of season.” How does that kind of alertness and awareness prepare us to be heroes? (Think of an off duty police officer who carries into his “off” hours his passion to serve and protect or think of the nurse serving as a hero in a hospice facility).
- Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. What does this tell us about God’s view of heroes versus the world’s view of an impressive person?
DISCUSSION POINT TWO: Last week Pastor Terry pointed out three characteristics of a hero. Read each one below and talk about how we can encourage ourselves and each other to new levels of “uncommon courage.”
1) A hero is someone with an uncommon courage to do the correct thing.
2) A hero is someone with an uncommon courage to do the courageous thing.
3) A hero is someone with an uncommon courage to do the compassionate thing.
TAKING ACTION: As a church family, we are being encouraged by our leaders to read through the book of Acts on our own through the summer. This week, in your devotion time, make a point to prayerfully read through at least 3-4 chapters of the book of Acts. Ask the Holy Spirit to move you past the historical message of the early Church’s beginnings, and into the real lives of the characters themselves.
MINISTRY TIME