For A Change Week 2- Want to change? It's Going To Be Messy

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SCRIPTURES FROM SUNDAY:

John 11:17-39, Colossians 3:9-10, 12-15

REFLECT/DISCUSS:

· Name something that is messy or leaves you stinky, but is rewarding/worth it.

· Agree or Disagree- “Most significant change includes steps back as well as steps forward.”

· In your experience, do churches paint a vision for spiritual growth that includes some mess and odor? If not, why not? If so, how is that picture helpful?

· Which are harder for you to deal with- your own messes- or others’? Why?

· Do you identify with Martha’s spiritual inconsistency- professing great faith one moment and acting doubtful a short while later? What has this looked like in your life?

· Do you think it is possible to grow in your relationship with God without ever getting messy and falling short? Can you think of any well-known figure in the Bible (aside from Jesus) who doesn’t stink a bit?

· Fred suggested that Martha reeks of disappointment in John 11. When could the same be said for you? When did you expect God to show up in a certain way at a certain time only to be disappointed?

· What do you think it meant to Mary and Martha to see Jesus break down and cry with them (3x in this chapter)? Have you ever sensed that God is mourning or hurting with you?

· Re-read Colossians 3:12-15. Do you see yourself more as the person extending these qualities to others- or needing them from yourself? Why?