Sacrifice and Leadership

Sacrifice and Leadership

Study Guide:

Discussion Prompts

Hey everyone,

Working for God does not always guarantee smooth sailing. In today’s sermon, Pastor Bryce has taken us along into the tough times Nehemiah was facing while working on God’s project. We need to strategically be prepared to respond to any opposition that may arise. Today’s discussion prompts will help you to stay focused, just like Nehemiah stayed on task. In order to do so, you need to walk through the three steps mentioned below:

  1. What is it that God has put on your heart to do? Your specific task you need to focus on.

This task can mean that you will be leading your own project as Nehemiah did. But it could also be fully supporting another leader’s project, like Nehemiah’s fellow citizens did. If necessary, go back to the sermon notes from September 5th and work on defining your project, the one assignment that God has given you!

  1. What are the things that distract you from staying on task? 
Circle the distractions that are your pitfalls. Add the ones that you are aware of but are not listed.
Emotional distractions: Fear, worry, past hurts, shame, guilt, self-imagine, intimidation, pride.
Social distractions: Social Media, parties, sports events, TV shows, community projects.

Practical distractions: Physical limitation, location, workload, being busy, transportation, money.

Other distractions: _______________________________________________________________________

  1. What strategic defenses are you putting in place to keep you focused on God’s project? 

As a first response, we need to run to God. That’s what Nehemiah did (Neh. 2:4-5; 4:4,9). But then we also need to set up our defenses. In the story of Nehemiah, we can see two key responses

  1. Nehemiah resolved not to let his guard down and stay focused.
  2. Nehemiah serves alongside others, seating a band of brothers.

As you are connecting with God, here are two questions to ponder in response to the enemy’s attack:

  • What is your resolution statement? What sentence could you write on a piece of paper that says “I will not…” or “Every time a distraction or a threat comes around, I will….”
  • Who is my band of brothers that I am fighting with? Who is the group that might even be expecting me to take the lead defending God’s work? If you can’t think of a good team, start building one.
In this world and time, we will find opposition, especially when it comes to building God’s kingdom. Be aware. Be prepared. And be connected with God. But always BE INTENTIONAL.

Pastor Daniel

Through the Bible in one Year

Join us in reading through the entire Bible in one year. Each day of this plan guides you through passages from both the Old and New Testaments, allowing you to see connections between the history of our faith, and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Readings average four chapters in length, so it is posible to do. When you use the YouVersion Bible App, you can even have the app read the Bible text to you – very useful when you are in the car or otherwise occupied with your hand.

All you need to do is click the link to the Bible Plan, which should lead you straight to the Bible app. Your two options are now (1) to read the plan on your own, one day at the time. Or (2) you can make it more fun and rewarding, by sharing the plan with one or more friends, and then even “Talk about it”.

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