Authentic Community: Being Truthful to God, Others, and Ourselves

Let’s face it.

We all wish we could be a little smarter, a little prettier, a little thinner, a little (fill in the blank). In fact, it seems like all of us would like to be a bit more than we are.

But then Jesus came and reversed all of that, so that through his grace we learn that we are already much more than we realize. And when we know who we are in God’s eyes, we are freed up to live as part of the sort of generous, unified, miraculous community we have seen so far in the book of Acts.

At least that’s the case until we arrive at chapter 5 where, right in the middle of this beautiful selfless community, an unthinkably selfish act invades and threatens everything.

This week, we’ll discuss the danger of leaving our little selfish desires unchecked because the consequences can be enormous.

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SEE IT // BE IT

(Weekly Community Group Discussion Guide)

Date: September 25, 2016 // Title: Authentic Community: Being Truthful to God, Others, and Ourselves

Scripture: Acts 5:1-10

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes
Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
In Acts chapter 5, right in the middle of this beautiful selfless community of the early church, an unthinkably selfish act invades and threatens everything. This week, Cameron Walker discussed the danger of leaving our little selfish desires unchecked because the consequences can be enormous.

THE MAIN THOUGHT Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
We were created to be loved lavishly by the Father so that we can love others lavishly.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture (What is the story saying?): Look at Acts 2:42. What words can be used to describe the early church? Can you think of examples of Jesus’ reactions to people who were pretending to be something they weren’t? In Acts 4:36, how was Joseph’s behavior reflective of who he really was? Contrast that with what seemed to motivate Ananias and Sapphira’s behavior. If their punishment wasn’t about money or an offering, what was it about?
Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Betrayal cuts deeply. What were times you have betrayed someone or have been betrayed? What are areas where you are projecting something that you are not?
Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): All around us are people who are trying to find affection. How can you (who are lavishly loved by your Father) love others more lavishly?

BE IT – Practice
Change UP // Exercise 15 minutes
It seems like the underlying issue for Ananias & Sapphira was a need for approval. Be still before the Father. Ask Him to give you grace to take off any spiritual mask you’re wearing. Recognize that He is not asking you to be something you’re not; rather He wants you to simply receive His transforming grace and love.
Change IN // Group Activity 5 minutes
Community helps us not stall out, but move forward! We want the wind of God’s Spirit and the fire of His presence to mark our hearts.  Light a candle to signify God’s Spirit, and pass it around as you speak words of confession or affirmation to each other.
Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes
The Kingdom of God is within you! Live in that security this week, finding opportunities to extend it to everyone you meet: grace, mercy, joy, and life.

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.