Missio Dei: WK 3 - GROUP GUIDE

MISSIO DEI | WEEK 3 - Jesus as the sent One

INTRODUCTION: The following is a guide to help facilitate discussion between you and the person you’re studying with or with your Connect Group. Feel free to add, subtract, or change questions to fit the conversation, and pray for the Spirit to lead in all things.

OPEN:  What is one of the most precious finds you’ve ever had? Maybe it was a home, car, an item of memorabilia, a letter someone wrote you that you hold on to and read from time to time…? Share about that find and why it’s so special to you?

SCRIPTURE READING
Read together: John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-8, Luke 15:4-6, John 4:7, 9-10, Mark 10:45

We serve a God who goes in search; who doesn’t leave us to our own devices or even instruct us from afar. Rather, a God who takes on our brokenness, lives among us, eats with us, and seeks us out when we are lost.

HEAD: Explore the Text

1. Share any wisdom, insights, or thoughts you received just from listening to the text, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead.
2. Compare John 1:1-6 to Genesis 1:1-2. Do you see the members of the Trinity represented in these verses?
3. What were some of Jesus’ “mission statements” for why he came to this earth? (hint: some were given in the passages read today, but there are more)
4. What divine privileges did Jesus give up to take on our flesh?
5. What were some of the ways Jesus served us in his time here on earth?
6. What was the gift God gave us as described by Jesus in John 4:10?

HEART: Personal Reflection

1. Jesus took on flesh and dwelled among us. Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with Christ (Romans 13:14). What do we put on or clothe ourselves with Christ?
2. In a world that’s all about clicks, likes, and follows, how do we keep the attitude of Christ and remain humble, ready to serve, whenever and wherever is needed?
3. Thinking of the parable of the lost sheep, what are some of the ways we can go in search of those who are lost without pushing them away at the same time?
4. What are some practical ways we could have the same attitude of Christ in our homes? At our work? In our church community?

HANDS: Practice This Week
Spiritual Practice: Kneeling Prayer

• The posture of kneeling in prayer is one of submission, submitting to God and His authority. It is a posture of humility. For this one week, before you start your day, kneel to pray and offer up your way for His way.
• One potential prayer for the morning - Father, take me today as wholly yours, as I lay my plans at your feet.  Use me today in your service, that all my work would come to fruition in you. Abide in me, as I desire to abide in you. Amen
• Kneel before going to bed, thanking Him for His guidance and provision throughout your day. Be specific.

Invite the group to check in next week about their experience.

FINISH WELL: Bring It Home

1. What is one area in your life right now that you wish to be more like Jesus?
2. Who is one person this week that you could bless by serving them?

SCRIPTURE TO MEMORIZE (Leader or Participant Reads)
14 So the Word became flesh and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14, NLT)