“Better-Than-Normal Role Models” – 2/21/21

Ice Breaker: Share something about yourself that no one else in the group knows.

If you could choose a mentor based on three values or characteristics, what would it be & why?

1. (Hebrews 13:7, NABRE) Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Discuss how the word of God is connected to the outcome of one’s life.

When you were a teen or young adult, what adult left a great impression on you & inspired you to want to become like him or her? What was it about their life that impacted you?

2. (Psalm 1:1-3, ERV) Great blessings belong to those who don’t listen to evil advice, who don’t live like sinners, and who don’t join those who make fun of God. 2 Instead, they love the   Lord’s teachings and think about them day and night. 3 So they grow strong, like a tree planted by a stream — a tree that produces fruit when it should and has leaves that never fall. Everything they do is successful.

In what area of life would you like to be more successful, grow stronger, or produce more fruit?

Tell about someone whose advice you trust. How have their experiences helped you make better decisions?

3. (Philippians 4:9, NIV) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

What role model lived out Christ-like attitudes & character? How is their example still impacting you today?

If we were aware that others are “learning or receiving” from the way we live our life, how might it change our behavior?

4. (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12, NIV) …we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well … You are witnesses [first-hand], and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you … encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

Tell of a time you received loving correction from a role model. How did it impact you at the time? In what ways did you profit from it?

5. (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

If you had one departing piece of advice you could pass on to someone coming along behind you, what would it be & why?

How can we pray for you?