Session Extras

Year 1

Crafted: Session 4
Crafted by Obedience

Digging Deeper:

• Obedience to God is what is best for you and me. Read more in the article “God's Delight in Our Obedience” by Stephen Caldwell.

• In the article “The Freedom of Surrender,” Gary L. Thomas discusses the difficulty of surrendering to God and the peace that come from surrendering to him.

• Read the two-part article “Hearing and Obeying God's Law” by Calvin VanReken. Part 1 calls God’s people to obedient living; part 2 “God’s Law in Worship” includes practical suggestions for including God’s law in worship.

• Listen to a message about Psalm 119 called “Prayer for Lent: Wisdom” by Thea Leunk (MP3 file).

For Leaders:

• Ask your group why our culture doesn’t encourage obedience. In advertising, for example, it is “Have it your way” not “Have it our way.” Why is that?

• Discuss the following questions with your group: What is it like for the church to be obedient? What is it like for our church to be obedient?

• The Bring It Home section (pp. 31-33) includes three options. Consider splitting the group into two or three smaller groups and having each group do a different option. Plan on time for each small group to report back.

• What makes a good Christian leader? Consider these thirteenth-century ideas from St. Bonaventure in the article “Characteristics of a Christian Leader” as summarized by Tom Schwanda.

• What is the role of the group leader? What can you do to make your group better? Listen to and view the video presentation “Creating a Dynamic Small Group” with Pat Zandstra. While directed toward seminary small groups, this presentation is an excellent, accessible resource.
  

Submit your ideas!

Do you have suggestions for this particular session? Something that was especially meaningful for you or your group? Extra reading you’d like to suggest? Help others get the most out of this session. Send your ideas to editors@FaithAliveResources.org and we’ll consider adding them here!