Sermon Based Small Group Lessons

Get in the Game: What is a Win?

2008 June 1

Dr. Les Hughes

Opening Question

(New groups: Share your name and the answer to the following question.)

Pastor Les described stages of life that people go through and the characteristics of this stage. He also said that the church is like people—they have personalities and go through stages. Which of the following stages do you think Westwood is in as a church? Why?

Childhood stage

Teen Years

College Years

Adult Years

Mature Years

Focus Passage: Luke 9:23-25

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?

Digging for Truth

1. Les shared that there is a difference in the Greek words which are translated “come after” and “follow”. The phrase come after, when looked at in context, is talking about the resurrection and following Him to heaven. How can we be sure we’re going to heaven? What are the minimal requirements?

2. What are some ways that you believe God expects us to deny ourselves? How effective are we at obedience to this passage?

3. Les made the comment “Consumerism is the greatest idol in our culture.” Do you believe this to be true? Where do you see that in our culture?

4. Les described consumerism in the church. How do members reflect a consumer mind-set as it relates to church. (The old Burger King slogan would apply here… “Have it Your Way”. That might apply to service times, parking, not scooting over for guests, etc.)

5. Truth #1 said, “Christianity is a challenging journey, not a pleasant destination.” What are some pleasant destinations you hoped Christianity would be? When did you discover the “journey” part of Christianity? Why does God want us to go through the journey?

6. Truth #2 said, “The Christian journey requires self-denial from everyone, not just a few special super-Christians.” Can you share some times that you have sacrificed? What are some things that we should do to help our church or the Kingdom of God?

7. Truth #3 said, “Christianity is not about having all the answers. It’s about trusting and following Christ.” The Bible speaks of the faith of a child. How does that apply to this statement?

8. Les asked the question, “Can God really be trusted?” We naturally ask those questions. The early church prayed for Peter and James who were in prison. Peter was released but James was beheaded. Can we really trust God knowing this?

(God can be trusted to accomplish His will, not to answer our every prayer.)

9. So what is a win? It is when we become growing disciples of Jesus Christ. In light of this lesson, how would you define discipleship?

10. Normally there is a lot of celebrating after a win. In the Christian life, angels may be celebrating in heaven, but those around us may not be celebrating, and we may not even feel like we’ve experienced a victory. So how can we be motivated to the “win” of self-denial in our walk with Christ?

Closing Thought

Where are you on the journey to become a growing disciple of Jesus Christ? What would God have you to do this week to take steps closer to Him?