Leader Guide
We all go through seasons where it feels like we are in the wrong place and the work we do doesn’t have a purpose. While there are times when God calls us to something specific, most of the time there isn’t one right opportunity we should take to please God. This weekend, we talked about how we can enjoy the work we do and make our daily lives worship to the Lord.
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
Leaders: 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. What is one of the best qualities you received from one of your parents or a parent figure?
2. Read Colossians 3:23. What kind of work does the Lord want us to do? What happens when we work to please people rather than Jesus?
Leaders: The meaning of “work” in this verse refers to our everyday lives. God wants us to give our best in everything we do. This doesn’t mean we need to add ten more events to our schedule, but it may mean taking away those you can’t give your best efforts to. Thinking through what commitments you need to add or take away from your schedule can be a great way to be sure you are honoring the Lord in all you do.
3. Read Colossians 3:24. Is it hard to give your best and work wholeheartedly when no one is watching, or you may not receive recognition? How does knowing that we are doing it for God change your mindset?
Leaders: Our assurance in our work should come from the Lord. He is the one who gives us our confidence. He wants to reward us when our desire is to please Him above everything else. Our lives become worship when we work or serve in the little things and have others at the forefront of our minds.
4. Read Galatians 6:9. How have you seen God use you even at a place you didn’t want to be? What are some areas you need to start doing wholeheartedly?
Leaders: Our passion and love for Christ is what compels us to go above and beyond what is asked. When we work or serve without getting recognition, we are better at seeing the needs around us. The Lord sees our actions and He wants to reward our faithfulness to Him.
5. Action Step: This week, ask God to help you do your best wherever He has put you, while no one is watching. Ask Him to help you remember to work for the Lord. Not for recognition of men and He will reward you for your faithfulness.
Leaders: This can be as simple as picking up trash on a sidewalk or praying for those who come to your mind throughout the day. Good character is made when we choose to make a difference by doing the unappreciated and unrecognizable things daily.
Deeper
6. Read Matthew 23:5-7. Who did the Pharisees want to please in this scripture? How are we like them at times? Why did this upset Jesus so much?
Leaders: Jesus was clearly upset with the Scribes and Pharisees and their behavior. They were only doing their deeds to be seen by others. We can ask God to search our hearts and our actions to line up with His will.
7. Read Galatians 1:10. What was Paul's agenda in this scripture? How are we further reminded that we are not to please man?
Leaders: The Church of Galatia were hearing different messages about the gospel. Paul was teaching them there was only one Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was reminding them he was not trying to please man by what he shared, only Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one we should be trying to please.