Week 5 “What Is My Story?”
Warm Up
Share a story from your younger years about a time you learned an important lesson.
Introduction
Take some time to discuss any thoughts you have regarding this week’s message.
In this series, we have spent time digging into God’s grand story of love and redemption. We recognized that our story is a part of God’s story, and we have explored how God’s love and redemption apply directly to our lives through Jesus Christ. While we are part of the same amazing divine story, each of us has our own unique story. God’s work in your life is as unique as you are. How has God been at work in you? In what ways has experiencing his presence, pardon, and power impacted your life? How has knowing Jesus changed your life? These are all important aspects of your story to reflect on. When you can share your story with others, it can be a blessing that points them to God’s grace in Jesus as well.
Keep in mind that not everyone has an “exciting” story of conversion. You may not be able to talk about an impressive “before and after Jesus” in your life. However, you do have a story of God’s work in your life -- of your faith struggles, of when your relationship with God became “real” to you, of how God is there for you in times of trouble, of the difference knowing the love and forgiveness of Jesus makes for you . . .
How comfortable are you with sharing your faith story with someone else?
What makes it comfortable or uncomfortable for you?
Have you ever shared with a non-Christian some of your faith story?
If so, how did the conversation go, and what was the outcome?
Digging Deeper (Scripture and discussion questions)
Let’s start with an example of a sensational faith story. The Apostle Paul shares his story several times in the New Testament. The story is the same, but depending on his audience, he emphasizes different details.
Read Galatians 1:13-24, and Acts 26:9-29
What differences do you see in what Paul shares?
How are the audiences different, and what different points is he trying to make in sharing his story?
What parts of your faith story might be most helpful to share with someone who is not a follower of Jesus yet?
Read the story in John 9. The blind man has a powerful story of what Jesus did for him, but he doesn’t know all the details. Still, he tells the people and the Pharisees what He knows and what he believes. Note his responses in verses 8-11 and 25-33.
How does this speak to our ability to share our faith stories?
Read John 1:9-13.
How does being a child of God factor into how you understand your story—past, present, and future?
Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. Note the different metaphors for the difference Jesus makes in our lives.
How do they apply to your life?
Which one speaks most to you?
What are those who have been saved called to do? What might that look like in your life?
What good things of God have you experienced that you can tell someone about?
Taking It Home
What is one key point from this discussion that I want to remember and apply? How will it impact my life moving forward?
Challenge of the Week
Begin to formulate ways you can share your faith story:
Write down a story or two of how you have seen God at work in your life.
Make a list of why your faith in Christ is important to you. How has your life changed by knowing Jesus? What benefits do you see in following Him?
If you have an obvious “before and after” story of becoming a Christian, what are the significant details? What caused you to “cross the line” of faith?
Participate in a “Discover Your Story” event, or do the online activity, to reflect more deeply and learn more about your faith story.
Prayer
Take time to share any prayer concerns or requests people in the group have, and close in prayer for each other.
Dear Lord, we thank you for your goodness in our lives, especially for giving us salvation in Jesus Christ and bringing us back into relationship with you. Help us recognize the difference you have made in our lives and appreciate the amazing blessings we enjoy daily because of your grace. Teach us to be ready to share with others how good it is to know you as Lord and Savior. Amen.
