Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Image Bearers 4: 'Making Assessments' Video & Discussion Guide

Here's part 4 of our new discipleship program.
Part 1 video can be found here
Part 1 discussion guide can be found here
Part 2 video can be found here
Part 2 discussion guide can be found here
Part 3 video and discussion guide can be found here

See below the video for the discussion guide for part 4


Here is the discussion guide for part 4.


Image Bearers 4 ‘Making Assessments’

You can spread ______________ loving rule by making godly assessments

You can spread the ______________ rule by making ungodly assessments

Memorize Romans 12:2

Tick some of the thoughts and worldly patterns of assessment you get tempted towards?

Thoughts
Possible mindset
How to adjust your assessment with belief
I’m all on my own’
Orphan mentality
Believe God is your Father who is watching out for you (Ps 121).
‘They must have an ulterior motive’
Cynicism
Believe that God is right when he says it is more wise and loving to be open minded and hope the best of people (1Cor 13:7; Jas 3:17).
‘I don’t trust them’

Suspicion
Same as above, and also believe that your own heart is not trustworthy (Jer 17:9).
‘They’re out to get me’
Paranoia
Believe that God is your protector (Ps 27:1), and that your heart can mislead you about people (Jer 17:9).
‘People always treat me badly’
‘No-one cares’
Victim Mentality
Believe that God has also been bringing good things into your life (Eph 1:3).
‘I often clash with those in authority.’
Anti-authority
Believe that God has placed authority in my life for my good (Rom 13:1-3).
Circle which root sins you might need to repent of?
Pride,    Lack of love,    Foolishness,           Rebellion,       Self-centeredness

‘My group is the right group’
Partisan
Believe we all get stuff wrong, and need humility (1Pet 5:5). Believe that you can still learn things from others outside your group (1Cor 3:3-5, 21-22).
‘I’m not in the wrong! I’m in the right here!’
Defensiveness, Self-righteousness
Believe the Bible’s account that you are ungodly. Believe that its Jesus’ righteousness that makes you right, so you can admit your wrong, shame free (Rom 4:5).
‘They’re wrong about this, and its really important I correct them’
Being Correct, Self righteousness
Same as above. Believe also that you need to take the plank out of your eye first (Matt 7:1-5).
‘Its not my fault!’
Self-righteousness, blame shifting
Same as above. Believe, also that you have responsibilities God has given you (Gen 1:28; 2:5).
‘They’ve hurt me so they need to get it now’
Revenge
Trust that God will avenge (Rom 12:19-21). Trust that you have hurt God much more, and yet he forgave you (Rom 5:8). Trust that your sinful heart has probably committed the same root sins, even if in a different way (Rom 2:23; Jas 2:10).
‘They’re not living their life right’
Judge
Believe that there are many ways you don’t live right, but God gives you so much grace. Believe its not your job to judge others (Rom 14:4).
‘They haven’t done what I want them to do, so I’m angry at them.’
Works-based
Same as above. Believe that all our good works are tainted with sin (Is 64:6), and only acceptable to God because they are presented through Jesus Christ (1Pet 2:5).
‘They’re not giving me the respect I deserve’
Pride, entitlement
Same as above. Trust that in God the Father’s eyes you are clothed in Christ’s righteousness (Eph 1:4). What other people think of you is insignificant compared to that (Rom 8:31).
Circle which root sins you might need to repent of?
Pride,       self-centeredness,       self-righteousness

‘It will never work’
Faithless Pessimism
Have faith that God can do the impossible (Matt 17:20).
‘Everything will be ok’
Naïve Optimism
Believe that we live in a fallen world, and bad things happen (Gen 3:16-19).
‘I’m afraid that…’
Anxiety
Trust that God is your good shepherd, who works out everything for his glory and your good (Ps 23; Rom 8:28).
‘I just want good stuff now, not later!’
Short term thinking
Trust that you are building up treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-21).
‘This is too hard’
Quitting
Trust that God is strongest in you in your weakness. Depend on his strength (2Cor 12:9-10).
‘I just can’t be bothered’
Laziness
Trust that there are bad consequences to inaction (Prov 6:10-11).
‘I’ve gotta have a life too though!’
Materialism
Same as above. Also, trust that it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35).
‘But I don’t feel like it’
Following your heart
Trust that your heart is deceitful (Jer 17:9). Trust that God’s word needs to be your guide (Ps 119:105).
‘I’ve got this!’
Self-reliance
Trust you need Christ to be fruitful (John 15:4)
Circle which root sins you might need to repent of?
Lack of faith,         unbelief,          pride,           self-centeredness



How is your mind being renewed at the moment? (tick which ones)
Through Bible reading and study?
Through your church Elders?
Through church members?
Through good Christian resources?
Through an Armoury of truth?

Read 2 Corinthians 10:5
Pick one mentality that you need to actively fight against this week _______________________

Which Bible verses will you meditate on to help you_____________________

Time of Confession & Prayer (5mins).

A method of making godly decisions with others:
1) What does the Bible say?
2) How would it make you feel (taking into account the above table)?
3) What would the end result be (for you and others)?