Study Guide for

“BEYOND: Beyond the Great Omission”

March 8, 2009

Open Up

The original meaning of “blind spot” comes from the small gap in a person’s field of vision because of the lack of photoreceptor cells in part of the eye. “Blind spot” can also be a driving term which refers to areas around a car that the driver can not see at first glance in side & rearview mirrors. A person can also have a psychological “blind spot” about a topic he or she does not “see” clearly because of bias, for example sports fans that do not “see” the weaknesses in their favorite teams. Share with your group one of your “blind spots.” TRANSITION: Christians can have a blind spot about the mission Jesus gave his followers, to make both more and better disciples.

Dig In

(1) Read Matthew 28:18-20. Which words of Jesus’ command describe the initial half of making disciples? Which describe the second half of the mission? Jesus gives a broad summary of his commission. What are some more actions involved in making more disciples? What are some more actions involved in making better disciples?

(2) Read Luke 5:27-32 and Luke 19:1-10. In these two stories, we see Jesus putting his mission into action. How does He summarize His reason for coming to earth?

(3) Read Hebrews 5:12-6:3 and 1 Corinthians 3:1-10. Discuss with your small group your spiritual diet, mostly milk (first steps in the Christian journey) or meat? Remember, spiritual diet is both Bible study and other actions like praying, serving, and sharing Jesus’ story with others.

Work On

(1) Share with your group one specific way the Spirit is leading you to take a step beyond your comfort zone in sharing Jesus’ story with someone who does not yet know it. For example, to whom can you “walk across the room,” and get to know well enough that you might eventually be able to share your meeting-Jesus story?

(2) How can your group help you take a next step in growing in God’s Spirit? OPTIONAL: Read Galatians 5:22-23 or 2 Peter 1:5-9 for some qualities that describe a growing Christian.

Lift Up

As a reminder that God can bless us with wholeness, read 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. Pray for Spirit-led balance in your journey with Jesus.

Another Step – Advanced Study

(1) Read Matthew 5:13-20 and Ephesians 4:11-16. What do these verses say about the need for us to follow Jesus’ role model in our everyday actions?

(2) Read Colossians 1:28-29. Some English translations use the word “perfect” in verse 28, and other translations use a phrase like “fully formed.” Is God using you to form, shape, and influence anyone? Who?