Small Group Discussion Sheets for Week of October 25 - 31 2009

SMALL GROUP LESSON SHEETS - WEEK OF OCTOBER 25 – 31, 2009 - MARK 1:14-17

AROUND THE ROOM

1. Each of you take a brief moment and tell everyone what the past couple of weeks (not just church, but all of your time) have been like, share something that really encouraged you and share something that may have really discouraged you. Did you get to spend time doing anything you really love to do?

2. Take a few minutes and pray for your group discussion

Pastor Matt taught us on Sunday regarding Jesus’ command to us: “Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men”. The followers didn’t quite get it. They may have expected to become better guys, smarter, more popular or maybe they expected to have their sins forgiven. Jesus did do that. But it was clear that Jesus had one task for them… to become fishers of men: to teach them the love of the Father so that they could show others that same love. Nothing has changed for Christ-followers.

Easier said then done right? How do we do this… how do we become fishers of men? What do we say and what if they don’t want to hear what we have to say? Through this week’s study, we hope to address some of the barriers that stand in our way of fishing. God has a plan for each of us and can use us where others can’t. We hope you’ll find your fishing place!
THE ROUND UP

1. When Jesus said follow me (learn from Him) what typically do you expect to learn from Him? Is it surprising that His primary call of following Him was to be fishers of men?

2. What are some reasons that motivate people to follow Christ? In your opinion what is the primary reason that most people choose to follow Jesus?

3. Why do you think the disciples first decided to follow Jesus?

4. Jesus’ agenda of follow Him, to become fisher’s of men; what do you think our world today thinks of that agenda? How should the world’s view of that agenda impact the way we fish?


ROUNDING THE BEND

1. If once we repented and believed that Jesus’ primary goal was then to teach you and me to be fisher’s of men; does that change the way you now read the Bible, listen to the Bible being taught and how you teach it? Should it?

2. In September we taught parenting and marriage from a Biblical perspective. On Sunday the 11th we taught about being living sacrifices. On Sunday the 18th we taught about tithing. What significance do those things have to being fishers of men? Why or Why not? What would happen if we truly began treating these things as vital tools of being fishers of men?

3. What things stand in your way when it comes to fishing for men? Why?

4. Back in January we talked about our “222.” (For those of you who were here in January please explain this to the others). How have you been praying for and working toward seeing your “2” come to follow Jesus?

WRAPPING AROUND

1. Read Mark 5:1-20 together

2. This man who was dwelling among the tombs (v3). Why do you believe he was living in a graveyard? How many people do you know fish in a graveyard? Do you think anyone was ever coming to fish for him (besides Jesus)?

3. What are some areas that you have determined that you will not fish or that you can’t fish? Why have you made that determination?

4. As “bad” as some people may be…if they come across a truly “lovingly righteous” individual how does that “bad” person treat that “lovingly righteous” person? With contempt or with some sort of different respect (not perfect, but clearly different than they normally are)? How did this demon possessed man treat Jesus?

5. After Jesus healed the man what did the man want to do? (v18) What instead did Jesus have him do? Why?

6. How did the former demon possessed man decide to fish (in other words what did he use as bait)? (v20)


ONE LAST TIME AROUND

1. Talk about the human person who was key in your decision to become a Christ follower.

2. What “bait” did they use to fish when they introduced you to the gospel message?

3. Someone influences us all, but we are all an influence to someone as well. Who is the person (people) that God has positioned you to be an influence over?

4. How does the calling of Jesus to be fishers of men impact how you are living out your life in front of others?

5. Spend time praying for any specific needs or praises within your group. Spend time praying for your group and the other groups to benefit you all in your walk with Christ. Pray that each one of you will remain patient in the group building process.

6. How can you all share the responsibilities and needs of the group?

Extra Reading for the Week – Acts 16:25-34, Philippians chapter 2, Colossians 4:5-6, Jude