Week 1 - Sacrifice
Leader Guide
Our faith isn’t measured by what we believe, but measured by our willingness to go “all in.” Every day, we live choosing to please either ourselves or please our God. Whether in our thoughts or actions, we are to bring a sacrifice of our very selves to the Lord. It starts with our worship and continues to the actions and holiness of our daily walks. In all areas of our lives, God knows our capabilities, our resources, and our best. That’s all He asks: a sacrifice of our best to Him.
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. How has this week been? Would you say your life was a holy sacrifice to God?
2. Read Romans 12:1-2. What does God want from us? How do we get to the place of knowing and doing His will? How do you honor God with your mind, your attention, your effort?
Leader’s Note: He wants all of us to be presented to Him as a holy sacrifice. We allow Him to transform our thoughts and minds, and then we can discern His will.
3. Read John 6:8-11. How did Jesus test the disciples? What was His plan? Why was it important that the little boy responded? How does this encourage you that “your best is enough” to honor Him? Have you ever reserved the little you have, thinking you know better than God how to put it to good use?
Leader’s Note: The little you have is more important than the extra that you have, whether your time, energy, money, or attention. Jesus was able to multiply the little bit the boy had (and the little bit you have.) Jesus tested and taught the disciples this principle. It was crucial that the boy came forward and that God could show how He multiplies what we bring. God can use whatever you have better than you can. Even if you are saving it for yourself, God can use and multiply it better than you can!
4. Read Mark 12:41-44. Why do you think Jesus was watching the offering box? Does this surprise you? Why did He praise the woman?
Leader’s Note: We feel like people shouldn’t know or comment on our gifts, but they make a difference. It almost feels wasteful that the widow put in everything she had. Jesus saw it as a worthy sacrifice, her best.
5. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. Paul makes a point; what is it? Not only should you give, but you should have what attitude? Why should you have that frame of mind?
Leader’s Note: Paul reminds them you reap what you sow. It’s not just the seed you plant, but you reap a greater harvest. We give with joy because we have realized we can't’ out give God; we “get” the bigger picture!
6. Action Step: Would you commit to attending the next four weeks of the “All In” series? Would you commit to family devotions? Would you pray about deciding to go “all in” with us, not just as an enthusiastic observer, but however God would ask you? Would you be willing to pray and ask God to stretch you to a sacrifice?
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.
The Bible constantly speaks of our treasure and how it’s tied to our hearts. Read through these passages and note how they encourage us to prioritize spiritual wealth, love, kindness, and compassion over material possessions.
7. Read Matthew 13:44. Why does the man sell everything has? Is it some sort of noble sacrifice he makes? (LN: this is not some sort of sacrifice. The man sells everything he has to gain more than he has ever had! “Be selfish...and live a life of sacrifice.” Or maybe you like this better: “Live a life of sacrifice; it’s better for you.”)
8. Read 2 Samuel 24:21-25. What was King David needing? Why did he want to pay for the land and the supplies to build an altar? (LN: Araunah made the generous offer, but David replied that it needed to cost him something. The act of offering was not in the doing, but the giving of one’s own resources and offering them up to God.)
9. Read Matthew 16:24-25. What is a crucial part of being a disciple? What do you stand to gain? (LN: true disciples must take up their cross –dying to themselves –and follow Jesus, wherever He leads. In giving it all up, they gain eternal life and blessings in this life, also.)
10. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12-14. What does this say about the amount you are to give? About the responsibility you have to give? About your attitude when you give? And finally, the “repayment” when you are in need? (LN: God is pleased when you are ready to offer what you have so that someone else can be blessed when they are in need. At the same time, there is a “fairness” there in that you will be blessed when you have need. The attitude of readiness to give your best is all that is needed. The amount is not what matters.)