Christmas at The Cove
Part 1 – New Start
Leader Guide
Do you ever feel like you need a reset button for your life? Christmas reminds us that our God is always doing something new. He sent His only Son as the ultimate new start for all who would believe in Him. Let’s press on and live in that place of new beginnings, looking towards the future and forgetting the past.
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
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Would you describe yourself as “Scrooge” or as a Christmas elf? Is everyone in your family (or office/apartment/dormitory) on the same page with you?
2. Be real about today. If anyone can speak to us about new beginnings, it’s Paul. Read the first phrase of Philippians 3:13. What do you think Paul means? What are some things he could have used to justify himself? What are some things that he might have regretted? How do you tend to justify yourself? To get a new start, we need to be vulnerable and admit our need. What is the next step for a new start? Would you be willing to tell us of your personal “new start” in Christ?
Leader Note: Paul was self-righteous, egotistical, and stubborn. He persecuted Christians and had them arrested. Some of those arrested were later killed. He even watched while the Apostle Steven was stoned and “approved” of the execution (Acts 7:58-8:1). Jesus asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting ME?” (Acts 9:4-5). Jesus took it personally. People can have regrets about lying, gossip, addictions, affairs, arguments, divorce, and estrangement. They may be criminals, even murderers. But with Jesus, forgiveness is possible. If something is not working, be vulnerable and admit your need! The story of Jesus – His death, burial, and resurrection – and accepting Him and His gift of eternal life: this is the first step and essential for gaining a new start and new life.
3. Focus on the victories of tomorrow; forget the failures of yesterday. Read Philippians 3:13 again. What are some things you tend to “rehash” about your past? (You don’t have to share but do take the time to consider these stumbling blocks.) Is God able to forgive and restore these mistakes? How easy is it to forgive yourself? What verses help you “forget what lies behind”? What action steps can you take? What hope does Jesus give you for the future?
Leader Note: To forget the past, remember these verses about God’s forgiveness (Psalm 103:11-13, 1 John 1:8-9, Psalm 51:7). Also remember to take control of your own thoughts (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Philippians 4:8)! Actions steps: Make notes in your bible about when you repented, and God forgave you. Memorize verses about His forgiveness.
4. Press on, because nothing else matters. Read Philippians 3:14 and Hebrews 12:2. For Paul, nothing else compares to the prize of being with Jesus. Who else went through “hell” because of trusting God? What reward did He receive? Even when you are tired, how can you “press on”?
Leader Note: Eternal life with God in Christ is more important than success, failure, reputation, troubles, rich, poor, popularity. King David said, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” he was still following God. Winston Churchill states: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Sometimes, there is nothing you can do but keep trusting God, following where He leads, and press on to receive the prize of His pleasure and presence.
5. Action Step: This week, are you willing to get down on your knees in prayer and say, “God, I need you”? Be specific about the need: marriage, career, your spiritual life, mental health, overcoming sin, relationships, finances, family. Then, 1) stop talking about your past; 2) stop thinking about your past; and 3) write down your dreams for tomorrow
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
This week, we looked at Saul, who became Paul. Now look at Ananias of Damascus and how God used him to help Saul on his spiritual journey of discovering the Living God. God gave Ananias step-by-step directions. Let’s look deeper into each step. Discover how you will then take your next steps.
6. Read Acts 9:1-2. What were Christians know as at this time? What do you think is the origin of this name?
Leaders Note: “Followers of the Way” or “those who belong to The Way.” The name comes from John 14:6.
7. Describe the character of Ananias of Damascus. Read Acts 9:10-18, Acts 22:12-16, and 1 Corinthians 1:26-28. List adjectives you see from Scripture and things you infer from his responses, actions, and words to Saul.
Leader’s Note: Ananias was an ordinary man - not an apostle, prophet, or pastor. He is specifically described as a disciple in Acts 9:10. We also find that Ananias was “devout and highly respected”. He also immediately replied “Yes, Lord” and waited for God’s next steps. (He wasn’t perfect: he then questioned God and exhibited fear.)
8. Memorize. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Leader’s Note: This verse reminds us of God’s unchanging love for us, despite who we once were, dead in our sins. Now we are alive in Christ. Memorizing scripture helps us to grow in our love for God, saturates our hearts with truth, and equips us for spiritual warfare.