Descending To Greatness (Part 2): What's At Stake

#1 Watch or Listen To "Descending To Greatness (Part 2): What's At Stake"

Consider this Sunday morning’s lesson. You can listen here: http://bit.ly/1gCDfNL

Or watch here [video will be posted by Monday each week]: www.vimeo.com/rrcoc

What stuck out to you as interesting?

Did you encounter any challenging or re-orienting truth?

 

#2 Unequals

In the sermon, Justin said, "God only offers one kind of relationship... one marked by unequal partnership."

Think about your relationships with people. Do you have any unequal partnerships in which you're the weaker partner?

  • What's hard about those relationships? What's good about them?
  • How do you feel about yourself when you're forced to work with someone who clearly brings more to the table?
  • Do you seek out these kinds of relationships or avoid them?

Now think about your relationship with God.

  • Do you feel uncomfortable working as the weaker partner?
  • Do you ever try to compensate for your weakness with work, good deeds, etc?
  • Do you struggle to depend on God completely? If so, why do you think that is? How can we overcome it?

How, practically speaking, can we embrace our smallness in relation to God (instead of kicking against it)?

 

#3 Stories

Share a story about a time you had a hard time admitting you were wrong OR a time when you refused to ask for help. Funny stories AND serious stories encouraged.

After you've shared, consider the outcomes of your stories. What happens when we're too proud to admit fault or ask for help? Good things or bad things?

 

#4 Crazy Proud

Read Daniel 4:28-37

Summarize the story in your own words.

  • Why is Nebuchadnezzar punished?
  • What is his punishment, exactly?
  • What advice does he offer to the proud?

How does this story affect you? What can you do to make sure it doesn't happen to you?

 

#5 Perspective

Consider this quote from G. K. Chesterton:

What does Chesterton mean? Is he right?

How does humility inform our perspective?

 

#6 Memory Work

Have each group member write the following verse on an index card. Group leaders be sure to bring cards and maybe some colorful markers. Have each group member commit to memorize the verse this week. Every one who comes to small group next week with James 4:10 in his or her heart gets a prize. Group leaders, you'll have to provide that, too. A Reese's miniature is plenty. :)

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." -James 4:10

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