Get in the Game: Week 1

BIG IDEA

We started a new series this week called "Get in the Game." During the weekend message, we learned that there is a real spiritual battle happening every day, and we need to take that battle seriously. There are people all around us who need the hope of Christ. We have to decide if we are going to get in the game and seek to reach those who are lost.

BREAK THE ICE

When it comes to your favorite sport to watch, what is at stake if the athletes involved do not "get in the game?"

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Bible Study

1. What holds people back from "getting in the game" when it comes to their faith?

WATCH SERMON RECAP

2. Read Matthew 9:37-38. Summarize Jesus' message in this passage of Scripture.

Matthew 9:37-38

"He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields."

3. What is the solution to the problem Jesus reveals in this passage of Scripture?

4. Read Matthew 28:19. What was the play Jesus gave to His disciples before returning to heaven?

Matthew 28:19

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."

 Application

1. What is holding you back from "getting in the game" when it comes to sharing their faith?

2. What is at stake if we do not "get in the game" when it comes to the play Jesus gave in Matthew 28?

3. When it comes to "getting in the game" and sharing your faith, how is it going for you? What needs improvement?

Moving Forward

One of the ways that we can grow when it comes to sharing our faith is by sharing our two-minute stories. These are the stories of what our lives were like before Christ, how we came to know Christ, and the difference Christ has made in our lives. Take a few minutes to write out your two-minute story. If you have already written your two-minute story, take this time to review it. When everyone is finished, divide into groups of two or three, and practice sharing your story with your group. Commit to practicing your story throughout the week so that you are prepared to share your story whenever you have the opportunity.

Going Deeper

When it comes to "getting in the game" and sharing our faith, there are several things we need to remember as we step into the game and run the play Christ has called us to. Let's take a look at three things in Scripture to remember as we get in the game and share our faith with others.

Prepare:
As any athlete knows, preparation is key if they want to perform at their best. The same is true when it comes to our faith in Christ. If we want to reach the lost for Christ, we have to be prepared to have conversations with others about faith.

1. Read 1 Peter 3:15-17.

1 Peter 3:15-17

"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17 Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!"

2. Summarize Peter's instruction in this passage of Scripture.

3. Why is preparation so important when it comes to sharing our faith?

4. What does it look like for you personally to "always be ready" to share your faith with others?

Be Bold:
When it comes to sharing our faith, there is no room for timidity. We have to approach the play Jesus calls us to with boldness as we share our faith with the people around us. When we choose boldness over timidity, we let go of fear and step out in confidence as we tell others about the difference Christ has made in our lives and can make in their lives.

1. Read 2 Timothy 1:6-8.

2 Timothy 1:6-8

"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News."

 2. Why does Paul tell readers in this passage of Scripture to "never be ashamed" to share their faith in Christ?

3. What spirit does God give us, according to this passage of Scripture?

4. How does the spirit that God gives His people impact us as we share our faith?

Remember Christ is with us.
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to sharing our faith is that we are not alone. We are not left to fight the spiritual battles around us every day. Christ is with us, and that makes all the difference.

1. Read Matthew 28:18, the passage of Scripture right before Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples. What do we learn about Jesus in this passage of Scripture?

Matthew 28:18

"Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth."

2. Read Matthew 28:20, the passage of Scripture that follows Jesus' command to His disciples to make disciples. What promise did Jesus give in this passage of Scripture?

Matthew 28:20

"Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

3. Knowing who Jesus is and the authority He has, how does knowing about His presence impact us as we share our faith?

Reflect:
1. Which one of the truths of Scripture that we looked at impacts you the most? Why?

2. How would remembering the truths of Scripture that we studied impact you as you "get in the game" and share your faith?

Pick one of the passages of Scripture that we studied today to memorize over the next week. Share which passage you chose to memorize with your group. Next week, share with your group how the Scripture memory went and how it impacted you.