We Are Pioneers

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title:  We Are Pioneers // Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-2

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 Sunday, we started a new preaching series across the entire Grace Family of Churches aimed at answering a very simple question: What makes Grace . . . Grace? This week, as we hear from the pages of Scripture and the stories of our community, we will remember that we are pioneers!

From the story of creation onward, we see that pioneering is a part of God’s character. In the life and ways of Jesus we see that he demonstrates this part of God’s nature as he pioneers a new kingdom. We are far more likely to stay with Jesus if we realize that by nature he will continually lead us across new frontiers and into unexpected places of impact and joy.

THE MAIN THOUGHT

Keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
Keep following Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes

Picture (What is the story saying?): Who are your favorite pioneers? Why? Who are some of the pioneers mentioned in the book of Hebrews? What was different about the “frontiers” Abraham and Moses were called to move toward? What are some things that hindered Jesus and other pioneers we read about in the Bible?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Jon talked about a difference in personalities between people who prefer familiar surroundings and a lesser percentage of people who prefer the potential of adventure. Can both personality types be pioneers? What does it mean that there is “a race marked out” for us? Jesus is the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith. How do you feel when your eyes are fixed on Jesus and you sense him moving you toward unfamiliar territory?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): How can acknowledging the heroes of our faith help us persevere? Is there an area in your life where being a pioneer seems more like a hindrance than being the hero? Is there a frontier that makes you feel uncomfortable?

BE IT – Practice

Change UP // Perspective 10 minutes

Take some time in groups of three to share a story of someone who inspires you. What is the “road less traveled” that God is inviting you to step into as a pioneer? Pray together for the proper perspective to see gospel-expanding opportunities around you.

Change IN // Path 5 minutes

Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him. He didn’t let the cost keep him from persevering on the path. Take some time to reflect on your path with God. Your faith journey may have already come at great personal cost. Ask God to reveal or remind you of the joy that has also come through the perseverance of your faith. Ask Jesus to heal any wounds or losses that may need to be addressed. Ask a friend or someone in your community to join you in praying for eyes that are fixed on Jesus and for strength to throw off sin that easily entangles.

Change OUT // Posture 5 minutes

Jon encouraged us to lean forward on the balls of our feet in a posture of anticipation of productive movement rather than digging in our heels and potentially falling backward. What is something you can do to “lean on the balls of your feet” toward a neighbor this week? Toward a person who looks different than you or is of another nationality? Someone from the next generation? Who could you share a meal with this week from one of these groups?

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.