THE WESLEYAN WAY | Connection Group Discussion Guide | Week Four 1 “After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; from its ruins I will rebuild it, and I will set it up, so that all other peoples may seek the Lord…” Acts 15:16-17
Connect (5 to 10 minutes)
Come together to build relationships through fellowship and sharing about this week’s worship. •
Take a few minutes to share your thoughts about worship this week. – What aspects of worship did or did not connect with you? – What story or illustration made an impact on you?
•
Share about one important rule your parents made you follow growing up.
Context (30 to 40 minutes)
Dig deeper into the videos and scripture for this week through questions and discussion. •
Before watching the DVD, ask the group to share their response to the following question: What do you think the relationship between the Law of the Old Testament and the Gospels of the New Testament is? – Which parts of the Law or the Old Testament as a whole do you struggle with?
Watch the video for this session on your DVD or online. •
Scott and Arthur shared that the law was separated into moral, ceremonial, and civil laws, which Christians do not necessarily have to follow. How do you respond to this idea? – How might this lens of considering the laws of the Old Testament change the way you read them?
•
Jesus pushes us beyond the bare minimum of “I didn’t kill anyone,” to ask, “Have I loved anyone this week?” What is the difference between these two? – In which way do you typically live your life? – How can we push ourselves beyond the “bare minimum” of being a Christian?
John Wesley believed there were three types of Old Testament Law: ceremonial, civil, and moral law. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the moral law is still binding for Christians. The moral law helps to convince us of sin, brings us to life in Christ, and keeps us alive. We are called to establish the Law in our hearts and lives.
Some questions and content are from Scripture and the Wesleyan Way: A Bible Study on Real Christianity, Scott J. Jones and Arthur D. Jones (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2018). 1
•
Do you view the Law (both in faith and in life) in a positive way? Why or why not? – How do you see God’s love through the Old Testament and Jesus’ summary of the Law?
•
Do you agree with the definitions of perfection shared in the video? Why or why not? – Do you think it is attainable in this lifetime? Why or why not? – Who is the standard that you measure your life against (like Elizabeth Snell)? Why?
If a volunteer has read John Wesley’s sermon for this week, ask them to give a report on the sermon for the group. – What was Wesley’s central point? – What were the highlights of the sermon for you? Divide into four groups and assign one of the provided handouts to each group. •
As you read, consider these questions: – What does this part of the Bible say about the role of the Law? – How does this perspective also include forgiveness and/or grace?
After a few minutes come back together and share what you have found with the group. Read Acts 15:1-21: The Jerusalem Council. •
What conflict do you hear as you read this scripture? – Where are you seeing similar conflict in our church today? – How do the disciples address this conflict? – What is the justification for not forcing Gentiles to follow the law?
•
What does this scripture teach you about the relationship between the Old and New Testaments? – How does this scripture reflect the designation of moral, civil, and ceremonial law discussed in the readings and video?
This conference was a critical moment in the Christian understanding of the Law. The disciples, who were all Jewish, were called to find a new way to share the gospel with Gentiles, non-Jews, who did not grow up with the same customs and traditions.
Call (10 minutes)
We believe that God not only shows us who God is but invites us to participate in God’s ministry by answering unique calls in our own lives. Join together in discovering how we can actively respond to scripture and God’s presence. •
Where in your faith do you feel you are currently living at the “bare minimum” of what is required? – How is Jesus pushing you to do more? – How can this group help hold you accountable to this?
Closing (5 minutes)
God calls us into community by sharing our joys and concerns together in prayer and supporting one another in our walks with Christ. As we share testimony and stories of our lives, let us listen to where God is working within our community and how we can build each other up in Christian love. • •
Share joys and concerns with one another. Close in prayer, either by inviting a group member to pray or by using the prayer provided below.
Closing Prayer God of the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospels, we confess that many times we choose to read the parts of scripture which are easiest for us to understand and live out, rather than reading everything You have offered to us. Help us to see Your love through the law and through Your grace. Let us align our lives to Your will so that we do more than the bare minimum, pushing ourselves on to Christian perfection as You call us to do. Amen.