The Great Exchange of Worship

CATCHING UP

1.     How did the truths you learned in our last session impact your week? Were you able to share at least one key idea with anyone?

2.     In the Living on Purpose section of your last session, you discussed a group outreach project. Take a few minutes to revisit that idea.

3.     Did you read chapters eleven through fifteen in The Way of a Worshiper this week? Have one or two of you share something you read that was particularly meaningful.

KEY VERSE

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . .                                                   Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

When you “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” like the tea bag in water, it will change you from the inside out. You will no longer conform to the world, but you will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. You will absorb the nature and flavor and character of Christ. 

Your prayer life will no longer be relegated to a few minutes in your day. Instead, the memories of your “drive” will become continual impulses to talk to God throughout the day.

A constant, silent, and secret conversation with God is the way of a worshiper. And that is the secret to friendship with God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(There are only two discussion questions this week because we want you to have enough time for the Living on Purpose exercise.)

1.     Talk about the tea bag illustration. How is steeping God’s Word into your soul a way to read God’s mind?

2.     What does it mean to “not conform to the pattern of this world” but “be transformed by the renewing of your mind?”

PRAYER DIRECTION

Sung Prayer

Listen to, or sing along with “Word of God Speak” and “Thy Word” on the Songs for The Way of a Worshiper playlist. 

Silent Prayer

Send home your postcard. Take a moment in silent prayer to tell God what you saw, heard, felt, and learned at your scenic viewpoint in Colossians 3. 

Group Prayer

Before you pray for each other’s requests, take a few minutes to thank God for your small group and for the lessons you have learned throughout the last four weeks of this study. Ask God to help you follow the way of a worshiper all the days of your life.

LIVING ON PURPOSE

Discipleship

The two most important disciplines of a follower of Christ are Bible reading and prayer. They can also be the most difficult. Following the six steps of the “drive” through Scripture, take five minutes to read Colossians 3 silently. Then share your thoughts with your group about the “scenic viewpoints” where you stopped in the text. If your group has more than eight members, you might want to break into smaller groups of three or four to give everyone a chance to share.

Colossians 3:1–25 (NIV) 

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

1.     We suggest you partner with another group member for this exercise. Following the six steps of the drive, take about ten to fifteen minutes each day this week to explore the road of Colossians 3. Stop at a different scenic viewpoint each day. Then make a daily appointment to connect with your partner by phone, e-mail, or over coffee to talk about what you discovered on your drive through the Scriptures.

2.     Who do you know that needs to hear the message of “Reading God’s Mind”? Why not invite them over for a “glass of tea” and show them how life-changing it is to read God’s mind?

3.     Now that you know the way of a worshiper, how will you live it out? Ask God to help you live from now on in view of his mercy, to experience the great exchange of worship, to let your body be the place of his presence, and to read his mind daily.

CATCHING UP

1.     How did the truths you learned in our last session impact your week? Were you able to share at least one key idea with anyone?

2.     Did you read chapters one through five in The Way of a Worshiper this week? Have one or two of you share something you read that was particularly meaningful.

KEY VERSES

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5b (NIV)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Pray this daily prayer of surrender: Lord, I confess that apart from you, I can do nothing. But I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. So, I present my body to you today as an act of wor­ship, and I’m asking you Lord, will you fill me in a fresh way today with your Holy Spirit? Will you give me strength to accomplish the tasks ahead of me? Will you give me strength to influence the world for your kingdom? Will you give me strength to endure the tests and trials I may face today? And will you give me strength to resist temptation? And then Lord, please look through my eyes and tell me what you see. Listen through my ears and tell me what you hear. Then reach out through my hands and touch the world with your grace and mercy and compassion. Lord, I know you still love the world. So, I’m inviting you to love the world through me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.     What were the ingredients in the water glass illustration, and what did they represent?

2.     Choose one word to describe the impact the water glass illustration had on you. Why did you choose that word?

3.     Re-read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. What does the phrase, “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” mean to you? How can that truth influence the way you live?

4.     In the beginning of the lesson, Buddy said, “God still loves the world. And he wants to love the world through you.” How can that statement be reconciled with 1 John 2:15 (NIV), which says: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him”? How do you think God wants to love the world through you?

PRAYER DIRECTION

Sung Prayer

Listen to, or sing along with “Fall on Me” and “Lord, I Need You” on the Songs for The Way of a Worshiper playlist. 

Silent Prayer

Offer a silent prayer of surrender to God. Ask him to fill you in a fresh way with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

Group Prayer

Break into groups of three or four and share with each other an area of your life where you need the strength of Christ to accomplish a task, influence someone for Christ, endure a test, or resist temptation. Then pray for each other.

LIVING ON PURPOSE

Ministry and Evangelism

Group outreach: Ministry and evangelism are acts of worship, because as we reach out to others with the love of Christ, we are demonstrating the worth of God through our actions. How can your group be the hands and feet and eyes and ears of Christ in your world? Discuss any opportunities you are aware of in your church or neighborhood in which your group can “offer your bodies to God” in worship by sharing the love of Christ in practical ways.

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

1.     Start each morning this week with a prayer of surrender. Thank God for the gift of today, invite him to fill you in a fresh way with his presence and power, and then ask him to use you to extend his kingdom in the world. If you need help getting started, use the prayer in the Closing Thought from today’s video outline.

2.     Before your next session, read chapters eleven through fifteen in The Way of a Worshiper, and be ready to share your thoughts and insights with your group in your next session.

3.     Who do you know that needs to hear the message of “The Place of His Presence”?

In addition to the abbreviated discussion questions below, the full study guide is available at https://store.pastors.com/the-way-of-a-worshiper-study-guide.html

And for more great studies and curriculum, search for "Lumivoz" in your favorite podcast app or go to https//lumivoz.com

SESSION TWO

The Great Exchange of Worship

CATCHING UP

1.     How did the truths you learned in our last session impact your week? Were you able to share at least one key idea with anyone?

2.     Did you read chapters one through five in The Way of a Worshiper this week? Have one or two of you share something you read that was

particularly meaningful.

KEY VERSE

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.                                                                   Psalm 89:15 (NIV)

Closing Thought: If you find yourself in a dark, confined place, if your back is against the wall and it feels like you can’t move . . . then worship God. Stand in the river of his grace. Welcome him into your circumstance. 

Jesus told us in John 4:23 that the Father is looking for worshipers. So if you are looking for God and you just can’t seem to find him, then stop what you are doing and worship him, and he will come find you.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.     The title of this session is “The Great Exchange of Worship.” Now that you have heard the message, what does that title mean to you? What happens in our lives as a result of worshiping God?

2.    Worship is a learned behavior. How can you learn to worship God?

3.     What does it mean to you to live in the “river of God’s grace”? Share any images these words evoke.

4.     In the Psalms, David describes God in many ways: my shield (7:10), my savior (18:46), my redeemer (19:14), my strength (22:19), my shepherd (23:1), my light (27:1), the stronghold of my life (27:1), my hiding place (32:7), my deliverer (40:17), my refuge in times of trouble (59:16), a father to the fatherless (68:5), my confidence (71:5), my loving God (144:2), and many, many more. Which of these descriptions of God is most meaningful to you? Share briefly with the group.

PRAYER DIRECTION

Sung Prayer

Listen to, or sing along with “I See the Lord” and “Open the Eyes of My Heart” on the Songs for The Way of a Worshiper playlist. 

Silent Prayer

Perhaps you are facing a situation right now that will become a part of your life testimony. In silent prayer, make yourself available to God’s grace and align yourself with his throne by welcoming the Lord’s presence into your situation.

Group Prayer

As the psalmist taught us, God’s names reflect his character. He saves because he is the Savior. He provides because he is the Provider. He gives wisdom because he is the Counselor, and so on. As you think about the challenges you are facing, how do you need to call on the Lord in prayer—as Savior, Provider, Defender, Healer, Comforter, Counselor? Share your prayer requests with the group, and then pray for one another by addressing God using one of the specific names that most applies to your situation.

LIVING ON PURPOSE

Fellowship
We encourage and build each other up by sharing the stories of our personal God-encounters, and by comforting “those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4 NIV). Like David in the Psalms, we discover truths about God’s character through our life experiences. Buddy told one of his stories today. Can you think of a time when God met you in a similar life-changing way? If so, share your story as an encouragement for the group.

PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE

1.     Start each day this week by offering worship to God. Thank him for his love, his mercy, and his power. Praise him for his faithfulness and compassion. Welcome him into your daily life. Tell him all about your specific needs, challenges, and hardships, and invite him to let his will be done in your life.

2.     Before your next session, read chapters six through ten in The Way of a Worshiper, and be ready to share your thoughts and insights with your group in your next session.

3.     Who do you know that needs to hear the message of “The Great Exchange of Worship”? How can you encourage them in their current life situation?

In addition to the abbreviated discussion questions below, the full study guide is available at https://store.pastors.com/the-way-of-a-worshiper-study-guide.html

And for more great studies and curriculum, search for "Lumivoz" in your favorite podcast app or go to https//lumivoz.com

SESSION ONE
In View of God ’s Mercy

LOOKING AHEAD
1. If your group is new or you have new members, give everyone a chance to introduce themselves and share how they came to be a part of the group.
2. What are you hoping to get from this study?
3. How do you define “worship”?

KEY VERSE
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!              1 John 3:1 (NIV)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Buddy started this session by saying: “The pursuit of God is the chase of a lifetime. In fact, it’s been going on since the day you were born. The question is: Have you been the hunter or the prey?” Looking back on your life experience, can you pinpoint a time when God has taken initiative in your relationship with him? Share your memory of that moment.
2. Reflect on the Parable of the Prodigal. Was Buddy’s perspective on it new to you? How? Discuss the ways you’ve seen God lavish his love on you.
3. Read the Closing Thought in the lesson outline. How would you answer that final question: “What is our Father worth to you?” In what ways have you discovered God’s value?
4. What would you say has been the primary motivating factor in your desire to please God? Has it been obligation or fear, or has it been love and gratitude?

PRAYER DIRECTION

Sung Prayer
Listen to, or sing along with “Good, Good Father” and “He Knows My Name” on the Songs for The Way of a Worshiper playlist.

Silent Prayer
If, like the boy in the Parable of the Prodigal, you are far from God in a “distant country,” your journey home begins with a single decision. It starts by coming to your senses, turning your heart toward home, and surrendering your life to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV). If you want to come home to the Father today, simply pray: “Lord Jesus, please forgive me of my sins. I believe you died for me and that you rose from the dead. Please come into my life and be my Savior. Amen.” If you are giving your life to Jesus Christ today, please share that decision with a member of your group. He or she will be happy to pray with you.

If you’re already at home with the Father but feel a little overwhelmed with life’s daily activities, consider Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Take your burdens and give them to him now. Experience his rest.

Group Prayer
God loves us despite our brokenness and regardless of our failures. Offer brief prayers of thanksgiving to God for his love and mercy. Then pray for each other’s requests.

LIVING ON PURPOSE

Worship
1. Buddy said, “You can tell what a person worships by the way he lives his life.” If someone were to look at your life, what would they think you worship? What would lead them to that conclusion?
2. What are some practical ways you can worship God by the way you live your life?