Jan. 27 - Same Song, Second Verse (1 Sam. 9:26-10:27)

First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: If you could have any job in the world (other than your current job, if applicable), what is one you'd really like to have? What's one you'd want to avoid?

A way to pray: Pray the Lord's Prayer together (see Matthew 6:9-13). Focusing on v. 10, pray some specific ways you'd like to see God's rule showing up more in your own life and in the world around us.

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: Have I ever sensed God empowering me to say or do something? (If so, share about it; if not, what might I expect it to be like?)

• Being Transformed: Why do we tend to want to hide instead of bringing things out into the open? What do I need to bring into the light right now?

• Loving Others: What are some practical ways that hiding can hinder our ability to love others authentically? How have I done this myself?

• Pursuing Unity: How do I typically react when people oppose or despise me? What can I learn by remembering how Jesus reacted to being despised?