MISSION POSSIBLE: Transform, Part 2

Deep Dive Weekly Small Group Study 9

Text:  Mark 9:33-37

Message: “Mission Possible: Transform Pt. 2”  Julie Ann Allen - Preaching

Week of November 9, 2009

QUICK REFLECT:   Looking back on this week’s message, was there anything that particularly caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

OPENING: What is the difference between individual transformation and community Transformation?

THOUGHTS:    I found a part of a lyric by a band I listened to in the early 70’s, BTO.  Anyone remember them? The title I found is, Looking Out For Number One, here is the lyric of the closing verse:  “I found out every trick in the book, and that there’s only one way to get things done.  I found out the only one way to the top is look out for number one.”  After that is a repeated lyric of “look out for number one.”  Forms of this phrase go back into the 1700’s and it continues to be a part of songs and commercial.  The phrase is often on the lips of those in the media.  It seems to have become and embedded part of our cultural beliefs.   

In what ways do you see people living out the belief that you must, “look out for number one”?

What are the down sides to this ethic?

Why would the world promote this value?  What does it gain?

Are there some ways you must look out for number one?

That’s  what HE Said:      Read: John 17:14-19

What is the context in which Jesus shares this teaching?

What does it mean to not “belong” to this world?

What does it mean that we must also be “in” the world?

How do you personally balance being “in the world, but not of the world”?

Read: Mark 9:33-37

What is our motivation for being the “greatest”?  Why did it matter to the disciples?

Why do you think being last makes you “first” in Christ’s kingdom?

In what ways are you a “servant of everyone else”?

What is the significance of welcoming a little child?

How well are you doing at encouraging transformation in your family?

Are you doing anything to bring transformation to your community?

Share Prayer Concerns

Have each person offer a one sentence, “Jesus, help me . . .”

Close with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever.  Amen.