Unstuck: At the End of Our Authority

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

DATE: May 28, 2017 // At the End of Our Authority //

Scripture: Luke 7:1-10

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

This week we continued considering active faith that helps get us and keep us unstuck. Throughout the Gospels, many people marveled at the works of Jesus—but only once did Jesus marvel at someone else’s faith. In Luke 7, the centurion from Capernaum faced an impossible challenge. One of his closest servants was at the point of death, and there was nothing he could do to fix it on his own. The faith of this soldier speaks to us about how Jesus gets us unstuck when we reach the end of our own resources and abilities. The centurion’s faith raises the question, “Is it possible to desire the wonders and anointing of Jesus over our own impossible situations without submitting to his wisdom and authority?” This story illustrates that human authority is positional, relational and resourceful, but limited. Jesus’ authority, on the other hand, is spiritual —giving us the opportunity to choose to trust him freely; merciful—showing us the kindness that leads to repentance; and ultimate—tempering his final judgment with unlimited mercy! If we learn to recognize our own limitations and obediently trust in His lordship, might Jesus marvel at the faith of his people again?

THE MAIN THOUGHT  keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.

The faith that causes Jesus to marvel comes from confident trust in his unlimited and ultimate authority.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture  (What is the story saying?): : What caused the people of Nazareth to move from amazement at Jesus’ authority to rage over his application of it? What are the main aspects of human authority? How can our own human authority over situations get stuck? How is the authority of Jesus different? What does it take to develop a healthy relationship between the two?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): How can the Bible be authoritative in my day-to-day life? What is my role to play?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?) :How can recognition of your own limitations impact the things that feel stuck in your family, community, workplace and world? How can your obedient faith and confident trust in Jesus’ mercy impact the stuck people you come in contact with every day?

BE IT> – Practice
Change UP //  Group Activity 5 minutes

In short phrases, share aspects of Jesus’ spiritual, merciful and ultimate authority from the stories of his life or from your own experience. End this time with prayer in recognition of Jesus as the wonderful, wise, anointed one.

Change IN // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes

Write down three people who have authority over you and three people over whom you have authority. Are any of those relationships stuck? Identify one way you can submit to Jesus’ authority as you ask him to intervene and heal.

Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes

This week ask God to show you one area in your neighborhood, in the next generation, or in the nations that you feel is stuck. Commit to one way you can openly demonstrate trust in Jesus’ authority to impact that situation.

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.