Christian Life Table Discussions
Looking to God not self

Select Leader who will decide when to move from section to section. Choose the person who had the least for breakfast this morning (before coming to church).

Introduce one another and then talk about “heroes” or “celebrity idols” you may have looked to as a teen ager.

Bible Basis.

1 Cor 10:31. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [NKJV]

Personalize. To help one another see the relevance of the topic for life today, please read over all the following questions, and then let people talk about any of them (it is not necessary to take them in order or to talk about all of them).

The Questions: We end the Lord’s prayer by saying “for Thine is the glory.” What keeps this from being idle talk – who are the competitors for getting the glory that is due to God? What does it mean to “do all to the glory of God” – for whom else’s glory might you “do all?” How could you be a walking, talking “visual aid” of what God is like?

God’s Word.

2 Cor 5:15. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again. [NIV]

What does it mean to “live for Him?” What would the opposite look like?

Hebrews 12:2-3. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, … consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. [NIV]

If we don’t fix our eyes on Jesus, where might our eyes be fixed instead? Would it make a difference in the way we live?

Matt 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. [RSV]

The key is the word “so,” making the meaning into: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they will give the glory to God, rather than to you.” Why is it that we have such a great urge to “get the credit” for something? According to the verse, who should get the credit?

Application. Based on the verses above, I think God’s will for me today is … (this may be different for each person)

Insight. What is there about me that keeps me from doing this? (This will provide insight into your sin nature, whether it be areas of deliberate disobedience or weakness. Seeing our sin afresh leads to seeing our savior afresh).

Christ. How is he the answer to the particular insights surfaced above (these would  include forgiveness for what is past, and strengthening your new life for the next time to temptation comes up). Prayer at this point could include repenting of sins, and asking God to bring about change.

Future. Promises to rely on next time the problem arises:

Eph 1:12. We who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of His glory. [RSV]