The Ultimate Goal
When all is said and done in our Small Group ministry, the most important thing that can happen is that every person is able to connect with Jesus as the central focus of affection and attention. If people attend one of our Small Groups, whatever else happens in the group, if they come away saying, "I sensed the presence of Jesus in our midst," then that meeting was a success. (Matt. 18:20)
Ultimately we are seeking an intimate relationship with Jesus. We are not satisfied with simply living nice moral lives, we are after a living relationship with the giver of life and we will not be satisfied with anything less.
So our goal is to meet with Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).
1. JESUS IS HERE
It is not necessary to spend time reviewing every passage listed below. The primary verse to focus upon is Matthew 18:20 the others are references which show the broader evidence of the truth that Jesus is really with us.
[MAT 18:20] For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them." (cf. Matthew 28:20, Heb. 13:5, 1Cor. 5:4, Acts 13:2, John 14:17-18)
Spend time in the beginning focusing about this truth, Jesus is here!. Our primary purpose in coming together is to meet with Jesus. It is His presence with us that brings power and purpose to our fellowship. We come together in His name and for His sake. It is important that His "invisible" presence is acknowledged every time we meet, so that what takes place flows out of this confession. To help group members to see some tangible symbol of His presence put an empty chair out each week as you begin.
Spend time praying together for His clear direction, His constant protection, and a fresh sense of His presence.
2. WE'VE COME TO MEET WITH HIM
Key verse is Luke 10:38-42. The other passages lend to our understanding of the kind of attitude we are to have as we meet with Jesus.
[LUK 10:38-42] As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (cf. Matthew 11:28-30, Acts 2:46-47)
Luke 10:38-42 focuses upon two different approaches that we might take when Jesus is with us. Martha's approach is characterized by "doing" while Mary's approach characterizes "being." Jesus commends Mary for her approach, while exhorting Martha to begin to focus upon what is best. Most of us probably can relate best with Martha's approach, though we probably desire to be more like Mary. We will most likely never have Mary's personality but we can and should develop her practice. Consider together the handout (Mary/Martha) which describes the difference between being and doing.
TWO APPROACHES TO A LIFE IN CHRIST
(Luke 10:38-42)
THE MARTHA APPROACH: Performance
Perform a service for Christ
Do something for Christ
Expect others to help do something for Christ
Make something happen for Christ
Prepare for Christ's presence or coming
Work as hard as you can for Christ
Run everything smoothly for Christ
Coordinate Christ's schedule
Keep active when Christ is near
Get busy for the Lord to the point of distraction
Visit with Christ in passing as you do your work
Complain to Christ about the service of others
Fulfill your duty even if relationships suffer
(Focuses most of all on what is secondary)
THE MARY APPROACH: PERSON
Enter into Christ's presence
Sit at Christ's feet
Look into Christ's face
Listen to Christ's voice
Receive Christ's power
Expect Christ's healing from all hurts
Lay all cares upon Christ
Feel Christ's gentle touch
Know Christ's unconditional acceptance
Rest in Christ's love
Be a child in Christ's arms
Enjoy Christ's safety
Experience Christ's freedom
Release all fear to Christ
Wash Christ's feet (John 13)
Do Christ's will from an overflow of His presence
(Focuses first of all on "what is better.")
Question #1 - As you look at these different characteristics which ones most characterize your life/group and which ones would you like to have become more a part of your life/group? (approx. 10 minutes)
After a time of discussion quietly and naturally move into a time of prayer, where people have an opportunity to lay down their personal agendas, expectations, any Martha characteristics revealed, daily burdens, anything else which will hinder drawing close to Jesus.
From this time of prayer move gently into a time of worship/prayer for at least 30 minutes. Most groups are going to need some help especially in the area of worshipping through song. Make some introductory comments about where you are going in your worship segment to help people mentally focus on this time. It would be good to use a worship tape, and have the words printed out for each person to follow along.
After the recorded music has stopped, continue with prayer or song as the Lord leads you. The important thing is to persist through the awkwardness and times of silence. The only way to begin to spend longer segments of time with the Lord in prayer and worship is to actually spend longer segments of time with the Lord in prayer and worship. Continue to press in closer to the Lord, the prize is worth the effort.
3. BUILDING UP ONE ANOTHER
[1COR 14:26-33] What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two - or at the most three -should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. (cf. 1Peter 4:10-11, 1Cor. 12:7, Eph. 4:11-13, Eph. 5:18-21)
Towards the end of week one share this verse of scripture as it relates to the responsibilities that we each have to the Lord and to one another as we come together within Home Group.
This passage focuses upon the responsibility and privilege that each one of us share in "bringing" something that the Lord has given us to each group meeting. It is not the sole responsibility of the leader to provide everything that will weekly build up the group. It is the group's responsibility to accomplish this together. Let group members know that the Lord expects them to actively participate in the group in this way. This will help them live their lives with greater sensitivity to Lord, so that they can come weekly ready to participate in "building up one another."
Applications of this truth could mean that people share how God has helped them to apply a truth from Sunday's message. Each member is to ask the question during the week, "What is it that God wants to impress upon my heart?" Or, What song, chorus and life application am I seeking to live out in obedience to Jesus' Lordship of my life?"
If after sharing what you have brought to the group no one leads out feel free to end your group early reminding them to bring something next week that they can share. You do not have to fill up those times where the silence is almost deafening. Assume that what has been shared is all the Lord wants for the night and move on.
End your evening by giving members an opportunity to pray, in groups of no more than 3, that God will give them something to bring next week, and then to thank Him for His presence during the evening.
