Consecration | Deep and Wide | Week 6
Opening
Invite your group members to share stories of how God has moved in their lives during consecration week. Consider writing some of them down and sharing them with the church using this link.
Overview
To order to move toward the deep and wide vision of Waymaker.Church, we will have to live consecrated lives. Consecration means that we set ourselves apart to live God’s heart; we grow in humility and holiness. The Spirit of God is who empowers with God’s love to serve and sacrifice for others for life.
We experience natural resistance toward consecration. Consecration challenges our flesh and causes discomfort. Consecration offends our culture and invites contempt. Consecration also threatens darkness and provokes attack. But when we live consecrated lives, the Spirit’s wisdom shines through us despite any resistance or outcome.
Discussion Questions
- Have you written down your own stories from consecration week?
- What stops you from consecrating your whole life?
Practice
54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand! 57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
Prayerfully read the Scripture passage out loud. If you have time, read all of Acts 7, either out loud or give time for your group to read the passage to themselves. Stephen’s consecration led him to death as he boldly preached the gospel to religious people who wanted nothing to do with Jesus. It is unlikely that your consecration will lead to death. What stops you from offering your lives to Jesus? Make a list. Spend time praying over these things. How can you move toward surrender?
Closing
Pray over each group member, for their burdens and the things that keep them from surrendering fully to Jesus.