The Only Way To Win (by Ryne Parrish)

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TO START

Tell the group a story about a time you really wanted to win and you didn’t. Funny details encouraged. :)

 

DISCUSSION GUIDE

What does it mean to “win” in today’s culture? What does a winner look like?

On Sunday Ryne said, “Just as you think you’ve won, you’ve reached the top of the ladder, you find another ladder you have to climb. It’s this never ending cycle of trying to get to the top.”

  • Have you found this to be true? If so, share an example.

This week we looked at a passage in the book of Revelation. Have you read Revelation much before? If not, what do you think about the dream motif? Is it interesting to you or confusing? Did this week make you want to read more?

In Revelation 5:1-10, we see a picture of Jesus as lion and lamb. What does this passage teach us about what it looks like to win?

At the end of this passage God’s children are crowned and given reign over the kingdom of God on earth. Having considered the way Jesus used his power, how should we reign?

Give an example of a way we could lay down our power for the good of someone else.

Do you often find yourself asking the question, “What can I gain from this?” How do you think your behavior would change if you started asking, “What can I give?”

Consider the questions Ryne asked at the close of the sermon. Take a minute and imagine together…

  • What would our relationships look like if every friend sought to be lower than the other rather than to be above them?

  • What could this community look like if everyone was so focused on serving others that they completely forgot about their own agenda?

  • What would the world look like if every government suddenly decided to care less about having the most guns and more about feeding the hungry?

 

PRAYER

Identify one place/arena where you’ve been trying “win” when really you should have been looking to give and help. Pray together for a heart like Christ’s.

 

SCRIPTURE

Read Matthew 10:38-39

“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.”

What does it look like, practically speaking, for you to lose your life?

 

FOR FUN

During your meal or dessert tonight, do what Ryne and his friends do at dinner. No one can take anything for himself. No one can ask for anything. Everyone serves everyone. Kids included! See how it goes… :)

 

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