1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things that are in the world … the lust of the FLESH (sex) and the lust of the EYES (money) and the pride of life (power) … are of the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but he who does the WILL of God abides FOREVER.
Connect group:
● Choose ONE NIGHT a week to hold your connect group.
● Ask each member of your connect group to bring their Bible.
● If you want, you can also take communion together.
WELCOME Icebreaker:
Choose one of the following topics and talk about it:
a) If you could be in any position of power or control for just one day, what is the first thing you would change?
b) Tell us about a time when someone served or selflessly helped you. How did it make you feel?
Prayer: Open with prayer.
WORD
Read: Our Core Text for Today:
Matt 20:25-26
You know how it goes in the world … people in POSITIONS OF POWER play boss all the time … They ABUSE their authority and just do what they want … However, you may NEVER act this way.
Gal 5:24-25
But those who belong to Christ Jesus have CRUCIFIED the passions and DESIRES of their sinful nature. We live by the SPIRIT; therefore, the Spirit must also determine our LIFESTYLE.
Matt 20:28
… just as the Son of Man did not come to be SERVED, but to serve, and to give His LIFE as a ransom for many.
Talk in your Connect Group about the following:
In this series, we are learning about the difference between God’s ways and the world’s ways. In Part 4, we look specifically at Power and Control and how we often believe the LIE of ownership over the TRUTH of stewardship. Jesus teaches us that people in positions of power often “play boss” and abuse their authority, but as His followers, we must never do so. We are called to pay attention to ourselves and to the flock. When we are dominated by our fleshly desires, it leads to things like selfish ambition, hostility, and division. We must crucify that sinful nature so that the Spirit can determine our lifestyle. The ultimate example is Jesus Himself, who did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life.
Reread today’s texts and talk about them:
a) In what areas of your life, whether at work or at home, are you sometimes prone to “play boss” instead of serving and acting as a good steward?
b) Galatians 5 says that the Spirit should determine our lifestyle and that we must crucify our sinful desires. What is a practical step you can take this week to be less selfish and instead serve someone else?
WORSHIP
Make time to worship God today. Use the playlist on our Word and Life website under Connect Groups. Or bring your own worship songs.
WORKS
Now enjoy Communion together as a Connect Group:
Love for God, Love for People
Now, as a Connect Group, spend just 5 minutes in silence, and each member should answer the questions below individually. Create a peaceful atmosphere and allow the Lord to speak to each one individually.