SESSION 8

Session 8:
SUMMARY OF VIDEO CONTENT

Highly recommended read: The Purpose Driven Life, by Ps Rick Warren. Bible-based answers to the age-old question: What on earth am I here for? The book begins with this statement: “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.”

·         It’s not about you” is a counter-cultural statement in a world concerned with “my body, my space, my rights, my truth”, etc.  2 Cor 4:5 GWT

·         If it’s not about me, then who is it all about? It’s about Him, about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It’s about us - you and I serving Jesus AND doing this life together. Jesus died for you. Your faith in Him is personal but never confuse personal with exclusive. John 3:16, Romans 5:8

·         Ours is not a solitary faith. We are made for community and we are better together. But “together” is not always easy. Conflicts arise, personalities differ.

·          Within the church community, we are to love one another. This includes and the person who grates on our nerves, irritates, arouses anger, but how do we do this?

Two foundational attitudes: humility and gratitude

1.      Humility - the first step towards living out this truth: “It’s not about me.”

·         Any time you feel frustration, anger rise up, say to yourself, “It’s not about me.”

·         Humility allows emotional space, like taking a deep breath.

·         Humility is an attitude reset. Humility is not natural to the old nature, but as we practice following Jesus it becomes easier.

·         Humility is part of the new nature of Jesus dwelling in our hearts.

·         Humility is the attitude Jesus had when He left heaven to become the Saviour of the world. Philippians 2:3-8 GWT

·         Humility reigns in pride. Pride will cause you to say words you later regret, but humility advices you and will direct you to find wisdom. Pro. 13:10

·         Humility has a language, words such as: “I was wrong, will you please forgive me?” “You may be right.” “How can I help?”

2.      Gratitude

·         People are drawn to a grateful person. A grateful heart looks for the good in every person and every situation.

·         Whining, complaining, feeling hard-done-by - difficult to be with. Sense of entitlement. Ingratitude repels. It cries out, “life is all about me.”

·         Ingratitude is self-focused, leads to unrealistic expectations of other people and of God, and breeds unfulfilled expectations and resentment.

·         “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks …” Luke 6:45

·         Monitor your thoughts. Philippians 4:8

·         Practice gratitude whatever situation you are in. Philippians 4:11-13

DISCUSSION  

1.      Most people would not say outrightly, “It’s all about me and mine”, but many facets of our culture point to that. What are some common examples of “all about me” culture?

2.      Discuss the statement, “Ours is not a solitary faith.” What does that mean and how are we to practice our faith?

3.       Humility is one of the great foundational attitudes that move us away from “me centred” living. Look over the bullet points under humility. Discuss each one or those that stand out to you the most.

4.      Discuss the link between ingratitude and unfulfilled expectations which can breed resentment towards God and people.

5.      How can humility and gratitude help us process our disappointments and failures?

COMPLETION

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