Sunday, May 28th

When Jesus plans to step into a person’s life to bring about radical healing and change, He often sends Christ-followers ahead to be a living picture of His love. If we can push aside our fears and excuses, we are able to be a part of God’s world-changing plans. Will you jump into the meaningful, radically impactful life He’s calling you to, or will you stay content in your spiritual easy chair?

Work through the following Scriptures and questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What’s something exciting you’ve done recently that stayed with you for a while?
2. What are a few words you would use to describe the Christian walk with God—exciting, boring? Predictable, risky? Routine, adventurous? Why would you describe it that way?
3. Read Luke 10:1-4. Do you tend to procrastinate in getting new or challenging things done, or are you more of a go-getter? What’s a small, but proactive step you could take right now, where you sit, to reach out to someone who could use some support (e.g., send a text, create a reminder)?
4. When Jesus’ followers returned from healing people and telling everyone the Savior was there, they were filled with joy to see the impact that they had, and Jesus was too. Can you share about a time you met a need for someone who didn’t expect it? How did they react, and how did you feel afterward?
5. Sometimes we’re tempted to think we don’t have anything to offer people, but what are a few simple things anyone could do to meet a need in their circle of acquaintances (e.g., write an encouraging note, bring a meal, jump on the SOS team)?
6. If you were to stick a toe outside your comfort zone to love people and meet needs, in which areas of your daily life do you think you’d find people who need that love and compassion?
7. This week we were challenged to do two things: a) do something fun for ourselves (e.g., get a massage, eat a tasty dessert, go see a movie) and b) see a need, meet a need (e.g., help someone in need, offer someone encouragement). Which of these do you think you’ll find more life-giving? Which of these will likely make you feel more like you’ve done something that mattered? Why?

KEY SCRIPTURE

Luke 10:1-4 — The Lord now chose seventy-two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places he planned to visit. These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields. Now go, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money with you, nor a traveler’s bag, nor an extra pair of sandals. And don’t stop to greet anyone on the road.

DIGGING DEEPER — 10 Practical Ways We Can Serve Someone Today

This week we were challenged to step out of our comfort zones and “go and do likewise,” but sometimes we psych ourselves out by saying we’re not really sure how we can help others. Anna Collins wrote an article for Newspring that offers helpful hints to combat just such a barrier, including 10 great ways to serve others. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Is serving really a big deal? According to Jesus, it is. In Mark 10:45, Jesus said “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus showed us through His actions that serving others is important.

10 practical ways we can serve someone today:

1. Help your family. (Romans 12:10) How would the attitudes in our homes change if we started each day by asking, “How can I help you today?” then followed through on the response.
2. Volunteer at church. (Peter 4:10-11)
3. Donate items to a homeless shelter. (Matthew 25:46)
4. Send someone an encouraging note. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
5. Deliver a meal. (Acts 20:35)
6. Watch someone’s kids. (Hebrews 13:16)
7. Help other people shine. (Philippians 2:3)
8. Listen. (James 1:19)
9. Pay it forward. (Proverbs 11:24-25) While in line at the grocery store, coffee shop, or a fast food place, pay for the person behind you…
10. Anticipate serving. (Galatians 6:9) One of the best ways to find opportunities to serve is ask God to give them to you. God will definitely answer, so be ready to jump in whenever the Holy Spirit nudges you.

Spiritual Outcome — Sacrifice