Week 1 – Discovering Who You Are
Discussion Guide
We are all individuals. We come from different backgrounds, different triumphs, and different hurts. We have labels, or even self-perceptions, which we allow to define who we think we are. Are you ready to let God reveal His definition of your identity?
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What is a one- or two-word description of who you used to be? How would you describe yourself now?
2. Read 1 Samuel 16:1-2, 5-13. What is the background for this passage? Why is Samuel going to anoint someone? Why was David last in line to be considered? How have you felt “less than” for a position, for love, or for worthiness? How does the Spirit of God change all that?
3. Read Isaiah 43:18-19. What types of “former things” and failures can hold you captive? What “things of old”- good things and accomplishments – can cause the same paralysis? What new things is God doing in your life that you can see? What new way in the wilderness and spring in the desert are you asking God to bring about (either on your behalf or for someone else)?
4. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-7. So often, we feel weak and insignificant. In this passage, what are several encouragements to faith and boldness you see? How can you use these spiritual practices to overcome your fear and step out in whatever way God is showing you. Can you share anything with your Life Group, having them gather around you and pray for you to be bold and accomplish all God has for you?
5. In “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” several characters leave their past lives behind and become valuable members of the Resistance. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-19. Notice that when you choose Christ, you are not only a new creation, but you have a new job. What is that job?
6. Action Step: Have a quiet time of prayer during your group meeting. Take time to remember your old life and thank God that you have a new life in Jesus, that you have been reconciled completely to Him. Then pray this prayer together or led by one person.
Pray: Lord God, thank You that I am not who I was. You have given me power to change; to be more than I could be on my own. Thank You for forgiving and forgetting my past failures. Help me to do the same. Spirit, fan into the flame the gift You have given me. Help me to be bold in the ministry of reaching others with Your love, grace, forgiveness, and power. Thank You, God, that who I am is someone fearfully, wonderfully made by You. Thank You, Father, that WHOSE I am is a child of the Most High God. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Deeper
7. Read Proverbs 28:1. How does allowing God to use our weaknesses both put His power on display and show great boldness? What does this scripture teach us about being bold? What about a wicked person causes them to flee?
8. Read Judges 6:12-13 and 25-26. How did Gideon respond to the angel? What was the first assignment God called Gideon to do?
9. Read Judges 6:14-15, 2 Corinthians 3:5, and John 14:12. God told Gideon, “Go in the strength you have.” Yet how did Gideon see himself? What is something you have faced that you didn’t understand? What did you sense God telling you to do? Did you obey? What will give you the sufficiency, power, and strength to accomplish it? Can you imagine doing the works that Jesus did, or an even greater thing?
10. Read Judges 6:17, 24, and Psalm 24:3-4. When it comes to obeying God and following His will, has God been patient with you? How can you combat that fear with faith and be bold?
11. Read Judges 6:33-34 and Acts 1:8. How does Gideon’s story give hope to you in your weakness? What will you choose to do and be bold about it? How will this move you from fear to faith and ultimately, experiencing peace?