Sermon Series: REALationshipsAbiding [grow as a disciple yourself] When Jesus was asked, “what is the greatest commandment?” he responded by quoting the opening to this passage. The whole passage is called The Shema and to this day it is considered the greatest commandment in both Christianity and Judaism. There is a generational quality to these verses and it can be easy to think that this only applies to your children. The reality is that we all have many “spiritual children.” At the very least you are a small group leader, but even beyond that there are many places where people look up to you. Are you modeling the commands of God to them? Are you keeping his word at the forefront of your mind on your drive to work? When you work with your hands or your mind? As you prepare to lead this week, remember that you’re a leader everywhere you go. Preach the story to yourself when you lie down at night and when you get up in the morning, when you sit at home and when you drive to and from work. Keep the word of God on your heart at all times.Leading [learn to facilitate your group more effectively] This series can be tough on people who are single and/or not parents. How can they apply this information to their lives? If you have people without kids in your group, be intentional about drawing them in. It’s OK to rephrase the questions sometimes if you have to, or to draw your group’s attention to a specific area of the passage that is most relevant to them. Always do your best to stay aligned with the curriculum, but go the extra mile to make sure that everyone in your group is included.For the Apprentice [opportunities for the apprentice to shepherd the group throughout the week]     In small group this week, be ready to discuss someone in your life that loved you with all their heart, soul and mind. Who was it? What did they say and do to demonstrate this to you. Encourage the group to share the same.God-Stories [you are encouraged to invite everyone to share God-Stories from the previous week] A God-Story is an undeniable encounter or experience with God that creates an impact or breakthrough in a person’s day-to-day life. BackgroundPLUS © [a deeper dive into this week’s story] In the book of Deuteronomy, the 7 most used words are heart, love, listen, obey,

observe, keep, purge the evil.  Deuteronomy is a book of transition. First, it marks the transition to a new generation;

the old generation which came up from Egypt, had passed away, and a new generation had grown up. Second, it marks the transition to a new possession. The wilderness wanderings was to be replaced by the occupancy of Canaan. Third, it marks the transition to a new experience, to a new life - houses instead of tents, settled habitation instead of wandering, “milk and honey,” corn, and wine of Canaan instead of the wilderness diet. Fourth, it marks the transition to a new revelation of God - the revelation of His love.

The details of history which are described, with a minuteness, show how thoroughly God entered into every thing that concerned His people. He was concerned with all their movements and in all their ways. Moses kept a faithful record of all the elements of their encampments.

Bible Project on DeuteronomyWeek 4 Topic: Family Sunday

Takeaway: Dsicipleship begins at your house. The church should be a resource and a support for parents.Welcome / Open in PrayerIntroductions: [Share the topic & takeaway this week from above] Review from Last Week: [Build in accountability to living it out] God-Stories: [See Leader Page for description of God-Stories] Review the Guidelines: [Share the guidelines to set the rails for group time]

Ask a Hook Question: [A thought-provoking question to get the group focused]

What was a rule that your parents gave you that you may or may not have kept?Share Background for the Story: [Provide context to the story from the Bible]

God communicated the truth to Moses, who taught the truth to the second generation of Israel in the plains of Moab. Moses did not simply speak the words but specifically taught the words of God. Moses’ teaching was not just that Israel might gain information - head knowledge - about God and His ways, but to experience transformation - heart change. The original words implies acceptance of and submission to the content taught. Another goal of Moses' teaching is that the hearer would learn to fear, reverentially to be in awe of, God all the days of their life. The parents should then pass on this divine truth to their children…and now the story from God’s Word.Share the Story: [Volunteer from last week shares the story] Deuteronomy 6:4-15

Rebuild the Story [Invites everyone to engage]

Read from Scripture [Read out loud to see if anything was added or omitted]

Discussion Questions [Dive deeper, beyond the surface]1. Why is it so important to keep the commands of God on your mind at all times?2. Why is it so important to pass on the commandments to the next generation?3. Who do you lead that you can pass on God’s commandments to?4. How can you integrate God’s word into all those many different aspects of your life?

(verses 7-9)Assign Next Week’s Story: Please assign these 3 stories to 3 different SG members.

Psalm 127 Proverbs 22:1-6 Ephesians 6:1-4Prayer Requests: [Record, share, & follow up throughout the week]

Closing Prayer: [Ask openly for a volunteer

Inviting people into meaningful relationship with God and each other