As we begin this new series, we’ll explore the difference between knowing about Jesus, and actually knowing Jesus. We will see what it is that makes all the difference, and what it does in you.
Life group discussion questions are next!
Who is someone that has had great personal influence on your life? (a teacher, friend, parent, employer, etc.) How has that person had influence with you and helped you become who you are today?
Chances are, that person had influence because you were willing to be vulnerable to them at some point in time. Is that true? What is the difference between “transparency,” and “vulnerability?” Did you agree with what I said about it on Sunday?
Describe the transparency level and vulnerability level of a 4-year old. Contrast that with the levels of a 16-year old. What causes the difference? Is that difference evident in grown ups?
On Sunday, I talked about how we love transparency.. It shows that we are “real.” I think it generally demonstrates trustworthiness and consistency in someone. BUT, I said we DO NOT like vulnerability. Instead of being honest, we buck up, we cover, we obscure the truth. We may not be happy with our marriage, our finances, or relationships, our job situation… And we are fine with talking about it in detail… But nobody better even think about trying to tell me how to actually change those things!
Why is that? What is it about us that keeps our walls up like that?
Haughty eyes, a proud heart, and evil actions are all sin.
Proverbs 21:4
The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished.
Proverbs 16:5
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much.
1 Corinthians 8:2
Should we be equally vulnerable to everyone in our lives? Why or why not?
Of course, the influencer must be given permission to speak into our lives… And the more influence, the deeper level of permission I must give. How do I give Jesus permission to speak into my life? What all is involved with that?
Why is it important for me to be submissive to Him in this way?
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
So, it all boils down to this question: Who’s strength would you rather operate in? His, or yours?
What are some ways we can become more vulnerable to him?