Small Group Discussion:

1. Pastor Meredith shared about good and bad leadership in her life. What are some examples of the best leaders in your own life? How about the worst leaders in your life? What made them good or bad?

2. Read Mark 3v1-6 (very bottom of page 162-163 of Messiah). Jesus often had to publicly oppose the leaders because they refused to acknowledge that his work was from God and they refused to accept him as the Messiah. Putting yourself in their shoes, why do you think they opposed him?

3. In Mark 12v38-40, Jesus says to watch out for leaders who value status, importance, and rank over serving others (The Robes, Greetings, and Seats). Pastor Meredith gave some examples of modern day leaders like this. What are some other examples of modern political and religious leaders seeking status, importance, and rank?

4. What are current examples that you can think of where the teachings and actions of Jesus would be threatening to powerful people today? What might Jesus teach that would make leaders upset?

5. Read 1 Peter 5v1-4 (first paragraph of page 301 in Messiah). Pastor Meredith explained that leaders should be “caring, eager, and examples.” Which of these three comes most naturally to you? Which of these three do you struggle with?

6. While only some people are political or religious leaders, all Christians are called to lead in some capacity, because Jesus defines service and leadership as the same thing. Do you see yourself as a leader? If so, in what context? Where is God calling you to lead or lead better this week?

Small Group Questions:

1. When was the first time you were ever on your own and felt free to make your own choices? What was it like? What did you do? What did you think freedom would be when you were a child?

2. Pastor Meredith shared how the Judaizers were not trying to oppose Christianity, but they were nullifying the work of Jesus by saying the Galatians needed Jesus + Moses. What are ways that you see teachings in the church that attempt to add something onto the Gospel? Can you identify some expectations of conformity to social or cultural norms that are not in conformity to the teachings of Jesus?

3. Pastor Meredith gave three forms of legalism: Jesus + Experience, Jesus + Position, Jesus + Practice. Have you struggled with any of these forms of legalism?

4. Read 1 Corinthians 10-23-31 [p.139]. How do you see Paul responding to the teachings of libertinism in the church? Where does the freedom to love come in?

5. Read Romans 5v1-11 [p185]. Pastor Meredith said that freedom is not independent individualism but is found in right relationship with God. How does Paul articulate freedom in Jesus?

6. Pastor Meredith gave three ways we can step into freedom in Christ: Free not to follow the rules, Free to follow the rules, Free to follow the golden rule. Which one of these seems the most pressing to your right now? How can you put this freedom into practice this week?

Small Group Discussion:

1. It is human nature to band together with a group and create a common enemy. Can you name some cultural examples that come to mind? How have you personally experienced this (school rivalry, sports teams, work groups etc.)? How did you see dehumanization at work?

2. In Acts 10v1-35 Peter’s worldview is shattered as he sees Romans included. Have you had an experience where Jesus has challenged your view of other people? How have you experienced xenophobia (fear of the stranger)?

3. Pastor Meredith shared three ways to practice hospitality: Go On Their Turf, Ask Why, and Find Common Ground. How have you either extended or received this type of hospitality? Do you find one easier or more challenging?

4. Read Acts 15v1-31 (p.86-87). How do you see reconciliation (changed relationship) in this passage? If this council were to be happening today what issues might we be arguing over? Are there rules or rituals that you have assumed are central to Christianity that might actually be a cultural distinctive?

5. Read 1 Thessalonians 2v4-13 (p.114) In what ways did Paul and the apostles practice hospitality?

6. In the coming week, how might you put this teaching into practice?

“In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell…” If you want to know God and what God is like, then you must look to Jesus. The life he lived, the words he taught, the way he loved, his sacrificial death, and his victorious resurrection all reveal God’s heart towards us and the world. In Jesus we find not only a savior but a guide to navigate a chaotic and shifting world.

The deadliest of all sins, pride attempts to take the place of God in our own lives. And a heart at odds with God leads to a life at odds with God. Jesus shows us that humility is not a low opinion of ourselves, but a right opinion of ourselves. When our heart is aligned with God’s we can truly say “Your will be done, not mine.”

Rather than build yourself up, envy seeks to tear down others. When we lose sight of God’s generosity we can become blind to the blessings in our own life and resentful of the blessings others receive. Jesus tells us it is not a change in circumstances that is needed, but a change in perspective.

At the heart of wrath is a hurt that we feel should be paid back. But instead of seeking retribution, Jesus calls us to redemptive mercy. While we may not be able to forgive and forget, we can forgive and let go.

In a culture that rewards busyness it may seem that kicking back and taking a break should be a virtue. But sloth is deeper than laziness or lounging around the house in your pj’s. At the heart of it, sloth is a failure to love and an apathy towards the good things of God. Jesus calls us to a life of risk, but also great reward.

Greed can show up as excessive spending or excessive saving. Either way, the heart issue is a lack of trust in God’s provision and the false belief that we must secure our own future. Generosity loosens the grip of greed and realigns our heart with God’s.