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Influence: Getting Out of the Christian Bubble

The following questions are based on Luke 14:1-11. Your group may not be able to get through all the questions listed, but try to use these ones to tailor your meeting time to the needs of your group.
  • How do you decide whether or not to obey a rule?  What makes a rule "unbreakable"?
  • What is the most recent time you have chosen to break a rule?  Was it a good or bad decision?
  • What is the difference between "rules" and "traditions"?  How do you decide whether or not to obey a tradition?
  • Read Luke 14:1-6.
  • Give an example of a rule or tradition you've observed that doesn't value people.
  • How might a person's value of tradition or rules keep them from leaving the "bubble" of the church?
  • What situations will you find yourself in this week which will give you the opportunity to value people over rules or traditions?
  • Read Luke 14:7-11.  What do you think is Jesus point in this passage?
  • We don't typically have "seats of honor" at parties these days.  What are other ways someone might show more honor to one person than another?
  • How is James 2:1-5 similar to this passage?
  • Why might someone think that showing favoritism to others is a way to "get ahead" in life?
  • Why might someone's value of self keep them from getting out of the "bubble" of the church?
  • Talk about a time when you felt that someone was valuing you more than they valued their own status.  How can you show others that you value them more than you value yourself?
  • What can you do this week to show people outside your "bubble" that you value them?

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