Leader Guide
Summary
There are passages and situations in the Bible that can be difficult to understand, especially when we read them through the lens of our own time and culture. Sometimes we wish the Bible would give us a simple answer to every broken thing in the world. But Scripture shows us that Jesus did not come to fix every earthly system or establish an earthly kingdom. He came to rescue us from sin, reveal the truth, and establish the Kingdom of God.
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.
Leader Note: 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 be open to learning more and exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
Reminder: Keep this fun and lighthearted. The goal is to introduce the idea that some things can be difficult to understand without knowing the full context. Pray first and consider this before moving into a deeper conversation about challenging passages in the Bible. Remember Mike Madding says that some issues are disputable matters and not worth arguing; they are not salvation issues.
Appetizer
What is something that's outdated, but you still think it's better than the newer version?
Main Course
Read 1 Corinthians 7:20-24.
Discuss:
Why do you think Paul tells believers not to let their circumstances define them?
What are some circumstances we can become so focused on changing that we lose sight of who we are in Christ?
What would it look like to remain faithful to God while also working to improve a difficult circumstance?
Leader Note: Paul is speaking to people living in a variety of circumstances, including people who were bondservants. The point isn’t that every circumstance is good or that we should never seek change when change is possible. In fact, Paul says that if someone can gain their freedom, they should take the opportunity. His bigger point is that our earthly circumstances do not determine our identity or our value in Christ. We have been bought with a price and belong to Jesus.
Read Ephesians 6:5-9.
Discuss:
What does Paul tell believers about the way they should approach their responsibilities, even when no one is watching?
Verse 9 reminds earthly masters that they also have a Master in heaven. What does that tell us about how God views earthly positions of power and authority?
How might your attitude toward your responsibilities change if you viewed them as an opportunity to serve Jesus?
Leader Note: This passage can be difficult because it addresses people living within a system we know was broken. Paul doesn’t spend this passage trying to explain or fix every part of the system. Instead, he tells believers how they are to live as followers of Christ within their circumstances; with sincerity, integrity, and with the mindset that everyone ultimately answers to the same Master. The Bible doesn’t always answer our questions in the way we expect. But it consistently calls God’s people to live differently.
Read John 18:36-37.
Discuss:
What does Jesus say about the nature of His Kingdom?
Why do you think Jesus made it clear that His Kingdom was not an earthly kingdom?
According to verse 37, why did Jesus say He came into the world?
Where can we become so focused on fixing what is happening around us that we lose sight of the truth Jesus has called us to live?
Leader Note: Jesus entered a broken world but did not come to establish an earthly kingdom or fix every broken system through earthly power. He came to bear witness to the truth and rescued us from sin. That doesn’t mean Christians should ignore brokenness or stop doing good. It means we don’t have to carry the weight of fixing everything. Our hope is ultimately in the Kingdom of God, not in getting this world to function perfectly.
Read Matthew 20:25-28.
Discuss:
• What is a practical way you can use Jesus’ example by putting someone else’s needs before your own this week?
Leader Note: Jesus teaches us that true greatness is not found in power, position, or recognition, but in serving others. He modeled this by putting our greatest need before His own comfort and giving His life for us. We are called to lead and live with that same servant-hearted attitude.
Dessert (Optional: Deeper Dive)
Read Philemon 15–18.
Discuss:
• How does Paul ask Philemon to see and receive Onesimus differently?
• What does Paul’s willingness to take on Onesimus’s debt show us about the love of Christ?
• Is there someone you need to begin seeing and treating as a brother or sister in Christ rather than through their past, position, or circumstances?
Leader Note: Paul asks Philemon to welcome Onesimus not according to his former position, but as a beloved brother. The gospel changes how we see and treat people. Because Jesus took our debt upon Himself and welcomed us, we are called to extend that same grace, dignity, and acceptance to others.
Turning Down the Heat (Action Step)
This week, choose one place where you can intentionally live differently because you belong to Jesus. Maybe it’s working sincerely when no one is watching. Maybe it’s serving someone without recognition. Maybe it’s showing grace to someone you would normally overlook. Or maybe it’s simply letting go of something you have been trying to control or fix and asking God how He wants you to respond instead.