NOT OF THIS WORLD
Leader Guide
This week, we are challenged to answer this question: are you standing out for Jesus, or are you slowly changing and becoming more like the world? Let’s look at the difference between conforming and transforming. Let’s choose to be “in this world, but not of it.”
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. Who is someone whose faith you admire? Why: did they make a verbal stand, take bold action, or have consistent godly living?
2. Read Romans 12:1-2. What is the difference between conforming to something and transforming into someone? Would you say you stand out for Jesus or are you slowly changing to be more like the world? Are there messy areas in your heart and life? Why is mindset so important in the concept of conforming vs. transforming? What things can you do to help your mindset be “renewed”?
Leader’s Note: Every believer deals with some issue. We are not perfect. But are we willing to “be perfected” by turning these areas over to Jesus? When we conform, we are becoming like something that already exists (conforming to the world or to who others are). When we transform, we become someone totally new, a new and unique creation, rooted in Christ. What starts in the mind turns into actions; actions eventually turn into habits, and habits form the basis of character. The transformation all starts in the mind. Remember: GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out).
3. Read the second half of Romans 12:2 again. What do you need to put to the test? Take time to evaluate your inputs. Who are the most consistent voices in your head/ears? What podcast, music? What shows do you watch? What app or device consumes you? Action step: What do you need to lay down or sacrifice this week? An app, a device, a show, or is it something you eat, drink, or consume? Maybe a news outlet? Ask God, then take a week off from that thing. Then, ask God what to replace it with. Is it God’s Word, or time with your family, or getting outside with a friend?
Leader’s Note: This is mostly a self-evaluation question. However, stress that memorizing scripture and testing our thoughts/actions against God’s Word (i.e., Philippians 4:8) is a great way for us to be proactive about the transformation of our minds. Ultimately, this changes our entire lives.
4. Read Mark 12:13-17. Who came to talk to Jesus? What was their motive? Have you ever felt baited, entrapped, or ridiculed for your faith? How does Jesus reply clearly and concisely, speaking to both the temporal and spiritual truths? What does He not speak about? What does this say to your life and choices today? Are you willing to look at your beliefs and ask God what He wants you to be and do, based on His Word, not your peers or party affiliation?
Leader’s Note: Important note, they tried to use politics to trap Jesus. It’s a worldly issue, not a heavenly problem. Jesus does not get into a political debate about the legitimacy of the Roman Empire or if He was for or against it. He does not throw His lot in with Caesar nor with the Pharisees and their opinions. He says, “That belongs to them. Follow the law.” Yet He goes further to remind us we belong to God, and we should fully devote ourselves to Him. He avoids political intrigue and platforms. It was always about the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not join any “party.” He was killed for that very reason.
5. Read Matthew 10:16-20. After we choose Christ, why are we left in this world? How are we to be wise and gentle? Explain in your own words what this might mean in a situation? Do you need to grow in being “wise as serpents” or on the side of being “gentle as a dove”? What are we promised?
Leader’s Note: Most of us are either people-pleasers or contrarians. We will either do anything at all to fit in or just the opposite: we love a debate, boycott, or fight. Jesus says we are to withstand it all, ready to be an example of a godly life, and speak up when we have the opportunity. The Spirit will give us the correct words; that is a promise!
6. Read Luke 9:23. This verse is very clear. What must you do daily? Are you willing? What does this mean for you personally? Look back up to the notes you took or the nudges you felt in Question #3.
Leader: Lead your group in a prayer of commitment here, even before you take prayer requests or have group prayer.
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.
7. Read Daniel 1:3-7. What is the situation which Daniel and his friends are placed in? What kind of pressure is he under to conform? Where are you facing pressure to conform or just “shut up” and fit in?
Leader’s Note: There was tremendous pressure as a newly conquered and captured people to just survive! They could have been tempted to do anything possible to “fly under the radar.” These young men would be brought before the king and judged at the end of three years. What if their special treatment and education had been wasted? Do you think they might have been punished or suffered in some way?
8. Read Daniel 1:8. Where does transformation start? What is the first thing Daniel did? Next, who did he speak to and how? What did he not do?
Leader’s Note: Daniel resolved. Transformation and the decision not to conform or go along with the crowd begins in our hearts, mind, and spirit. Actions follow. Daniel asked the official; he did not threaten a rebellion or start a hunger strike.
9. Read Daniel 1:9-10. How did God show up? Was the issue resolved?
Leader’s Note: Although Daniel spoke to the official, and God gave him both the words and favor, there was still fear of the king. The chief of the eunuchs had a sense that Daniel’s outcome would affect his own life.
10. Read Daniel 1:11-16. Daniel asked for a time of testing: he asked the official to give them enough time to see a change. It takes time to see what God is doing. It takes time to realize that God is honoring your commitment to tithe by providing for you and your family. Where do you need to allow a time of testing to see God at work in your life in this new season of resolve?
Leader’s Note: Studies show that the slower and steadier the weight loss, the longer lasting it is. The more time we consistently spend in a daily Quiet Time, the more likely we are to continue it. It takes six weeks to create a habit and even longer to see the benefits of adding habits such as Quiet Time, diet change, or tithing. It also takes time to see the benefits of quitting some habits and re-prioritizing your life around God.
11. Read Daniel 1:17-21. How did God honor the commitment not to conform? How did He bless Daniel and his friends? Why do you think God honored a test? What difference does motivation make when we put God to the test?
Leader’s Note: Daniel and the other men were found in excellent mental and physical condition. Daniel was given spiritual abilities of discerning dreams. Jesus Himself quoted Deuteronomy 6:16, ESV, when He was tempted in the desert: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah.” The Israelites had sinned in the desert, grumbling against the Lord. Daniels test was much more like the test in Malachi 3:10: Daniel was trusting God to prove Himself able to sustain and provide without them contaminating themselves by eating the king’s food.