Leader Guide
When we look at all the chaos around us, we can become fearful, angry or depressed. How in the world do we navigate these crazy times with politics, news, unexpected events, and the things that are happening around us? We will be starting a series called “The Great Campaign” to help us see what God’s Word says about leaders of this world. As we dive in, we will agree to keep it safe and respectful with our Life Group friends.
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. Do politics, sports, conspiracy theories make you anxious? Why do adults struggle so much to discuss politics, world events, etc without arguing? Who ultimately has control?
2. How to be Spiritually Healthy in a Political World. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Proverbs 4:23: What “odd” thing does God’s word call us to do for our leaders? What do you think happens when we pray for people in authority, even those we may not agree with? Why would God ask us to guard our hearts? What habits or influences do you need to “break away” from to be more spiritually healthy?
Leaders: How silly it is that we seem to let things control us in this world that we have no control over. If it is not an election it will always be something else. We must learn to protect our peace.
3. Acknowledge God as the Ultimate Authority. Read 1 Timothy 2:3, Psalm 146:3, Isaiah 26:3. Can any president or leader ultimately bring us peace? Why or why not? What does it mean to please God in a world that focuses on earthly power and leadership? What earthly thing are you placing your trust in? How can we practically shift our trust from earthly things to God in our daily lives?
Leaders: There will never be a leader on this earth that will change the world and make everything better. We will have problems and issues as long as we live here, but God still reigns and is in control.
4. Prioritize God’s Kingdom Over Earthly Kingdoms. Read 1 Timothy 2:3-5. Discuss what the biggest problem really is in our world. How can we change our perspective and be different in our circle of people to advance the Kingdom of God?
Leaders: Most of our problems seem to be that we have the wrong perspective and the fact that we need a mind shift. The world's biggest problem is not which president wins, taxes, national debt, sports teams, and world issues but sin. It separates us from God. We need to start viewing others not how they vote or which team they root for but how they are loved by Christ.
Action Step: We were given the challenge to pray for both candidates running for president. Ask God to help you be more intentional about advancing His Kingdom. Consider what you may need to give up, to bring more peace into your life or family. Put into practice Romans 8:6, set your mind on the things of God!