Jerry Seinfeld jokes that public speaking is the number one fear for the average person. Number two is death. This means, he quips, that for the average person, “If you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Why can public speaking be so unsettling? As one who does it fairly often (and still regularly gets nervous butterflies), I think public speaking is frightening because it requires that we take something internal (like our thoughts, feelings, or stories) and make it externally public.

In Luke 9 we find the curious story of Jesus’ transfiguration, when his internal reality became externally visible. It was beautiful, glorious, and awe-inspiring. It also drew out aspects of the disciples’ true identities. And it was all linked to prayer. Is it possible that what for many of us is a number one fear might actually be a number one necessity? I’m looking forward to examining this Scripture together and… letting it examine us.

DOWNLOADS

See It Be It Video Audio Notes (download pdf) Notes (digital) iTunes

SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: Pray Like Jesus 3: True Identity // Scripture: Luke 9:18–36

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 Luke 9 we find the curious story of Jesus’ transfiguration, when his internal reality became externally visible; it was beautiful, glorious, and awe-inspiring. It also drew out aspects of the disciples’ true identities, and it was all linked to prayer. Prayer is a journey through ourselves into a recognition of who we are, our true condition, and the God who is ready to transform our lives and reveal our true heart.

Above the expectations of the crowd and agendas of His followers, Jesus emerged with a crystal clear understanding of his true identity. As the disciples followed Jesus in this journey of prayer, they encountered Him as both the model for focused discipleship and the master who is fully divine. They imitated Jesus and grew in their understanding of who He is. In the process, Jesus revealed Himself as the one who can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, transforming their greatest failures and smallest gifts into testimonies of His grace and power.

Like Peter and the disciples, we can confidently and unashamedly follow Jesus through prayer to a deeper understanding of who God has made us to be, trusting above all fears that if He is for us none can be against us. With this confident understanding of our identities we can live, not to avoid misery, but to go out to those in need.

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

Prayer is a vehicle for discovering and experiencing God’s crystal clear affirmation of our true self and identity.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture  (What is the story saying?): What was the people’s expectation of Jesus? What was Peter’s agenda for Jesus? How did Jesus ensure He maintained crystal clear focus on His true identity and direction? How can the Prayer of Examen empower us to a deeper understanding of our own true identity and direction? What are some others sources we can also rely on?

Mirror  (Where am I in the story?): How has your own expectation and agenda impacted your understanding of Jesus? What are some ways you can be conscious of His presence at work in your daily life? What are some ways you can invite Jesus to examine your conscience and cleanse your brokenness this week?

Window  (How does the story change how I see those around me?): How can a heightened consciousness of God at work in your daily life impact the way you interact with the people you encounter at home, at work, and in your community? How does that empower you to be a witness to others?

BE IT – Practice
Change UP // Exercise 7 minutes

Take one minute of silence and ask God to reveal where He has been at work in your life this week. Have each person share one example. Spend some time thanking God for what He has done and anticipating what He will do.

Change IN // Prayer Stories 15 minutes

Take one minute of silence and ask God to reveal where He needs to strengthen or cleanse your life. Have each person share one example. As each one shares, ask a group member to commit to praying for that situation this week.

Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 15 minutes

Commit to setting aside 15 minutes this week specifically for the Prayer of Examen. Spend five minutes focused on a consciousness of God’s action and presence in your life. Spend five minutes exploring areas of strength and weakness in your conscience to discern where God needs to work and then end with five minutes of processing and praise.

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.