Study Guide for

Walk Across the Room:

“Grander Vision Living”

February 22, 2009

Open Up

Tell your group about a time you attended a party where you only knew a few people. Talk about details like why you came to the party, how you felt about knowing only a few people, and if you began any connections that continued long after the party.

Dig In

(1) Read Luke 5:1-11. What attitudes did Simon Peter demonstrate in verses 5 and 8? What grander vision did Jesus show to Simon Peter and his partners?

(2) Read Colossians 4:2-6. In verses 3 and 4, what is Paul’s mission? What does he ask the Colossians to do to support his mission? What instructions does Paul give them about ways to carry out their mission?

(3) BACKGROUND: Earlier in the “Walk Across the Room” series, we learned that in Jesus’ time Jews hated tax collectors because these men worked for the Roman conquerors and used the power of Imperial troops to extort over and above standard taxes. Read Luke 5:27-32. Because Levi, also known as Matthew, was a religious-political-social outcast, his circle included others who were likewise outside of “polite society.” What kind of people might be modern-day examples of “sinners”? What is the difference between the way the religious leaders used the word “sinners” and the way Jesus did?

Work On

“Walk Across the Room” is both responding to God-nudges in everyday situations AND intentionally creating situations where you can “walk” alongside someone. A “Matthew party” could be your group’s way of creating a comfortable, casual, non-threatening setting for a fewer number of Christians to develop friendships and discover stories from a greater number of not-yet-Christians. The party can be just about anything, as long as you are intentional about mixing the guest list with more people who are not-yet-Christians than church people. Check Kristal Dove’s suggestions on hosting a Matthew party: printed copies at Guest Information OR downloadable from a link on Alex Lozada’s blog http://alexlozada.wordpress.com/. As a group, work together to host a Matthew party in the next six months, remembering that party details (expenses, entertainment, etc.) are not as important as your Simon Peter-like willingness to “fish” where Jesus shows you.

Lift Up

Use the promise and command of Jesus in John 15:7-8 to inspire your prayers to ask the Spirit to bless your Matthew party with “people” fruit.

Another Step – Advanced Study

(1) Read John 14:16-21 and Romans 8:26-28. What fears does your group have about hosting a Matthew party? How do the assurances of John 14 and Romans 8 encourage you?

(2) Think about the situations your group discussed in the opening - attending a party where you only know a few people. What are some things to keep in mind as your group plans your Matthew party?