“Credibility by Mutual Respect” by Pastor Randy
Group Discussion Guide
Thriving in Babylon Sermon Series
“Credibility by Mutual Respect” by Pastor Randy
Leaders, please choose the best question(s) for your group
October 27, 2019
If you have questions, contact Pastor Ric,
Below are some discussion questions relating to a recent sermon. These are provided so that your Life Group can discuss what was shared. Previous Weeks’ Discussion Guides and Sermon Notes are available through the Sermons under the Resources menu. Click on the sermon series and then the sermon you are interested in. You will see a paper icon under the sermon title. Click the icon to open the sermon notes. To listen to the sermon, click on the speaker icon.
Summary and Context: Our series, “Thriving in Babylon” and our focus is on how we can live for God even when the culture around us denies Him and belittles/persecutes those who follow him. Daniel, because of his service and confidence in a faithful God, had the privilege of impacting three different kingdoms. He thrived in his faith even in the midst of extreme cultural pressures. Last week, Pastor Matt spoke of building credibility through humility. Just like Daniel, who was a slave, but also a man who influenced kings. This week we can resolve to be individuals who influence our culture through our character, specifically our credibility through mutual respect.
Sermon Texts: Daniel 4:19; 5:16,17; 5:22-23, 29; 6:1-5; 6:10-14; 6:25-28; 1 Peter 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:15-17
Discussion Guide:
Sunday morning, Pastor Randy taught us the importance of developing credibility through mutual respect in our relationships. Spend a few moments processing his teaching with your group. What things impressed you? How will this make a difference in your life?
- When meeting someone who doesn’t share your beliefs, do you find it easier to ignore them or engage to prove your point?
- How did you respond the last time someone got angry with you because of what you believed? What is the best way to respond to an idea opponent?
Pastor Randy had us repeat a phrase: “Respect Earned by Respect Given”
- What are ways we could demonstrate an attitude of respect for those who don’t share our beliefs?
- Identify two or three key character traits of Daniel that you need to work on developing… to help gain credibility with idea opponents. (consistency of life, respect, compassion, etc.) Spend some time as a group in prayer for one another. (1 Peter 2: 11,12; 3:15-17)
Each one of us are surrounded by people in our relational world, our Oikos, who are watching our responses to situations every day. Our character is on daily display to those around us.
- What have you done with those in your oikos lately that demonstrates genuine relational care and commitment to them? How much time are you willing to give? Do you need to prioritize to make margin for this?
Digging Deeper:
- What role, if any, does the Holy Spirit play in “proving a point”?
- What parallels can we identify in scripture between the life of Daniel and the life of Christ? How were the disciples called to live after Christ ascended? What are one or two specific actions we can take this week to represent the glory of God, the work of Christ, and the confidence of the Spirit to our oikos?
Pastor Randy’s Takeaway Points:
- Everyone bears the image of God, no matter how marred that image. People were transformed by their interaction with a loving God.
- Influence and respect take time to build. Are your words backed up by your lifestyle? Living out our faith is all about relationships.
- Build bridges by caring for people. “You cannot antagonize and influence people at the same time.” – John Knox
- Build a deep faith through an intimate relationship with God. Our culture today needs encounters with life giving followers of Jesus who love really well.