Part Four - Resistance
Leader Guide
Life is hard and we have difficult tasks ahead of us: finishing the project, healing a relationship, starting a business, even quitting a career to go back to school! This saying is healthy: “We can do hard things.” However, many of us struggle with starting or completing the dreams God has given us. God has a strategy and has supplied all the resources you need to do all He has put in your heart to do.
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. Are you a go-getter or a procrastinator? Even if you are a go-getter, is there any area of your life where you delay doing what you know to do?
2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:6-7, 11. Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to do what? What part of a project is harder for you: the starting or “the messy middle”? What is your attitude at the start and in the middle? Are you a finisher?
Leader Note: Paul is just asking them to finish what they had already decided to do; there was no compulsion for them to start, but once they had, they needed to have the discipline to follow through. Some of us cannot get started; some of us start strong but cannot finish it. We can make excuses not to start or for why we can’t finish. Whining, complaining, blaming are all ways we avoid taking responsibility and finishing what God has put on our hearts.
3. Read Proverbs 22:13 and Ecclesiastes 11:4. Do you tend to have excuses for your hesitation? What Bible promises help you get started and follow through?
Leader Note: Many of us waste a lot of energy making up excuses and delaying the work. The Bible says to trust in the Lord and not get into our own heads (Proverbs 3:5). Don’t compare yourself to others, either (Galatians 6:4-5). We also have everything we need to accomplish every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).
4. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12 and Matthew 25:25. What does the Corinthians verse assure you? What attitude had him incapacitated? Are you acting like the fearful servant in this parable? Why is this sinful and not just annoying? What do you have that you are not yet using?
Leader Note: God only holds you accountable for your stewardship of what you DO have, not what you are lacking. Don’t be afraid to use what He has given you. You should steward your time, talents, finances, wisdom, and strength to accomplish whatever He has put on your heart to do. This might be in healing a relationship, moving forward, or selling a product: the fear that we will be rejected or hurt is a powerful force. It is sinful to hide our talents and resources, mostly because we are not trusting God and having faith that He can do the impossible if we just start.
5. Read 2 Corinthians 8:17-18. What is Paul’s strategy for encouraging them to finish the work? How has this strategy worked in your life before? In what area could you utilize teamwork and joining together with another believer to accomplish a hard thing?
Leader Note: Paul sends two qualified leaders who are excited (earnest) to come, especially to preach the Good News. If you have ever accomplished more on a team, don’t forget that lesson. Team up with another believer to start a Life Group or disciple each other in the faith.
6. Prayer: Lord, help me today to get up and take the first step. You have given me plans, dreams, and a purpose. You have gifted me with everything I need to accomplish all You have put before me. Guide and empower me by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
7. Action Step: Write your project at the top of the page. Break it down into tasks. Recruit an encourager to pray with you and keep you on track. Take the first step!
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.
8. How have all believers been equipped? Do you have all you need to accomplish what God has called you to do?
a. 2 Corinthians 9:8,11:
b. 1 Corinthians 2:15-16:
c. Ephesians 2:4-7:
d. 2 Peter 1:3:
e. Ephesians 4:7-8:
f. Acts 2:38:
g. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: