Small Group Leader’s Sermon Guide

The Message: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28 (THE MESSAGE)

What in this passage sticks out to you? 

Legalism is when we believe that obeying God, keeping his commands (or our interpretation of His commands), and doing religious practices will earn God’s favor, blessing, or acceptance.  

Have you ever struggled with Legalism?  How? 

Why do you think it is so hard for us to trust that God will never love us more or less than he does right now—no matter how imperfect we may be? 

Why do you think we often serve God out of duty or obligation?   What are some examples of you doing things out of duty for God?   How did you feel if you didn’t do those things?

If we are always feeling guilty because we feel like we are not doing enough for God, we are not living by faith!    Do you agree or disagree?   Why? 

Legalism is based on fear.  Fear of being rejected by God or fear of not being good enough or doing enough to make God pleased with us.  Legalism produces anxiety, fear, worry, and guilt. 

Conviction, on the other hand, is God’s way of encouraging us to come back to grace, acceptance, and freedom that comes through relationally trusting and obeying Christ.

When have you experienced guilt and legalism? And when have you experienced conviction?  What made the difference?

As a Group Read 1 John 4:16-18.  

Based on this passage, why do we not have to be afraid of God rejecting us, or withdrawing from us? 

Read Galatians 2: 19-21, 3:1-6, 3:10-14

Remember as you read these passages: The Galatian Christians were reverting back in their thinking.  Many of them were raised believing that keeping the Old Testament law was the way to receive salvation and God’s acceptance.  Paul is writing to them to remind them that salvation and God’s acceptance does not come through human effort (3:3) but through trusting that God accepts them solely on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice for them on the cross.  This is why Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, yet, I no longer live. Christ lives in me.�

What do you think it means in Gal. 2:20 to “live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me?�

If God accepts me based on what Christ has done and not on human effort, then what motive do we have to not sin?   (If God is not going to smite us or punish us.)   Remember Paul’s reminder…We have Christ in us?

How does having Christ in us move us from fear of God to relational love for God?

What are some spiritual or religious things you are doing based on guilt, fear, and shame?

How can you change that? 

As a small group brain storm some ways you can invite Christ to free you from fear, guilt, shame, and legalism.  

Resources:

Books:

More Ready than You Realize—Brian McLaren. – Read this book if you feel guilty and confused about sharing your faith with those outside of faith in Jesus.

The End of Religion—Bruxy Cavey – Read this book if you want to know more about how to journey from religious duty to Jesus to finding freedom and passion for Jesus. 

Movie:

The Village by M. Night Shyamalan.(2004) – This movie shows how fear, guilt, and rules keep us from living freely and authentically for Jesus.  This movie is not specifically Christian but does a great job of exposing the dangers of legalism.

If you are ready to join a small group now is the time!! Small groups are for people who are ready to take the next step in their spiritual journey. All throughout the New Testament Jesus and the apostles stressed the need for us to be in relationship with other people who are ahead of us and coming behind us on the journey with Christ. In fact, St. Paul said in Romans 12 that we need each other. Wow! That is strong language. But it is true. So if you are ready to take the next step please email office@newlifecommunity.us and we will be in touch with you about small group opportunities.

Small Group study notes for Week of February 11 - 17, 2007: CoWorkers-Got to Love Them

Small Group study notes for Week of February 4 - 10, 2007: Friend or Acquaintance

Small Group study notes for Week of Dec. 10-16, 2006: Why Does God Let Us Struggle?

Small Group study notes for Week of Dec. 3-9, 2006: What Do You Do When You Hit Rock Bottom?

Pastor Ryan has asked that small group members let him know how God has been working in your life this past month. Write him a note or email and let him know specifics like:

Answers for prayer
Release from fear
How God has worked in you
Growth in spiritual disciplines