Sermon Based Small Group Lessons
The Christian’s DNA: A Cause Worth
Investing In
Dr. Les Hughes
2008 September 13
1 Peter 4
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Beginning
Wednesday, October 8, 6:30 PM
House of Prayer
Westwood
Baptist Church
Opening Question
(New groups: Share your name and the answer to the
following question.)
How
are you invested in the Christian movement?
Focus Passage
Living for God
(1)Therefore,
since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude,
because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. (2)As a result, he
does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather
for the will of God. (3)For you have spent enough time in the past doing what
pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies,
carousing and detestable idolatry. (4)They think it strange that you do not
plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on
you. (5)But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the
living and the dead. (6)For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to
those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard
to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
(7)The
end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded
and self-controlled so that you can pray. (8)Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins. (9)Offer hospitality to one
another without grumbling. (10)Each one should use whatever gift he has
received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various
forms. (11)If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of
God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in
all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be
the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
(12)Dear
friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though
something strange were happening to you. (13)But rejoice that you participate
in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is
revealed. (14)If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are
blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (15)If you suffer, it
should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as
a meddler. (16)However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but
praise God that you bear that name. (17)For it is time for judgment to begin
with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for
those who do not obey the gospel of God? (18)And,
"If it is hard for the
righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"[a]
(19)So
then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Digging for Truth
1.
Lesson #1 says, “The Christian movement is worth an investment of our
passions.” Can you think of a
time when your passion for something was noticed by someone?
Are
you passionate about God daily?
2. Lesson #2 says, “The
Christian movement is worth an investment of our service.” What are your
spiritual gifts and do you use them to glorify God in the act of service?
If
not, how can you start?
3. Lesson #3 says, “The
Christian movement is worth an investment of our resources.” Is there a
time when you were asked to share or give something you consider valuable or
important to you? (time, money, hospitality, etc. )
If so, did you give willingly or was it struggle?
Closing Thought
What can you start doing to be more invested in the Christian
movement?