Keeping Score: Part 4-Counting Lies
MICRO CHURCH GUIDE
September 01, 2024
Sermon Page
YouVersion
Sermon Slides
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Zah, Bruh!” OneLife Students Pizza Night - This Wednesday
If you are in middle or high school, we want to invite you to Zah, Bruh this Wednesday night at 6:30pm at your campus. We’ll have pizza, games, and a fun time with your student small group. If you’d like more information about OneLife Students, mark the Students box on your Connection Card. You can also stop by Next Steps after the service and pick up a OneLife Students Fall Calendar.
Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Mark the baptism box on your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
Stay Connected Through the OneLife App
From watching services, to Micro Church discussion guides, to online giving, family resources and more - the OneLife app has everything you need to stay connected with our church. The app is also available on Apple TV and Roku so you can watch services on your TV at home! Download the mobile version of the app on your phone by going to onelifeknox.com/app on your phone’s web browser. And on Apple TV and Roku simply search the app store for “OneLife” and look for our logo.
RightNow Media
If you have ever wanted to grow in your walk with Jesus but weren’t sure where to start then we have a great resource for you. RightNow Media has over 25,000 biblically-based videos for small groups, families, students, leadership development, and much more. Our subscription allows us to share this resource with you free of charge. You can download the app on Roku and Apple TV as well as access their website at rightnowmedia.com. To sign up simply write “RightNow Media'' as well as your email address on your connection card and we will send you a link.
_____________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
Bottom Line: Counting furthers the lie that I can be in control.
1 Chronicles 21:1 NLT
Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel.
2 Samuel 24:1 NLT
Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. “Go and count the people of Israel and Judah,” the LORD told him.
1 Chronicles 21:2-5 NLT
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.”But Joab replied, “May the LORD increase the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?”But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalemand reported the number of people to David. There were 1,100,000 warriors in all Israel who could handle a sword, and 470,000 in Judah.
Three lies of counting #1: Ownership
Deuteronomy 10:14 NLT
“Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God.
Leviticus 25:23 NLT
“The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me.
Three lies of counting #3: Achievement
Philippians 4:13 NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
James 1:17 NLT
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
1 Chronicles 21:7-8 NLT
God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it.Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”
___________________
START TALKING
What are the things that people (or you!) count because it gives the illusion of being in control?
When have you thought that you had control because you had a count or record of something, but then something happened that proved you really were never in control?
START THINKING
Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-3. What do you see in Joab's response that gave David a chance to avoid sinning? What does Joab try to get David to see?
Why do you think Joab uses questions in pointing these things out to David instead of just saying it outright? Why is this more effective and a better strategy even for us to use with others?
START SHARING
Read 1 Chronicles 21:3-4. Who has been a Joab for you - someone who was willing to challenge you when you were headed toward something that was not God's plan for you? Did you respond like David or in a different way? Why?
When have you been able to discern that someone else was asking you to do something or they were about to do something that was not God's plan for them? Did you speak up like Joab did for David? Why or why not? Why is this so important for us as we live in community?
For David, he wanted to count people in an attempt to feel ownership, security, and achievement rather than trusting God for each of those things. What do you find yourself counting so easily or keeping score of to feel ownership, security, and achievement? How does that contribute to you furthering the lie that you can be in control?
START DOING
What do you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to do to give up or stop counting in an attempt to feel...
...ownership?
...security?
...achievement?
What can you do in each of those to fully rely on Him instead?
How can you use the truths from this discussion and Scripture to help you have conversations with those in your life who are far from God? How does the story of Jesus and the Gospel apply to this, too?
START PRAYING
Pray for each person in the microchurch to fully trust Jesus rather than the many things that we count and the many ways that we keep score. Ask the Spirit to convict each of us and to lead each of us to be willing to speak up and be a Joab, and for each of us to be humble enough to listen when we have a Joab looking out for us. Pray that these truths that God is owner of all, our protector, and our enabler will be all that we rely upon.
___________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
September 01, 2024
Sermon Page
YouVersion
Sermon Slides
_____________________
ANNOUNCEMENTS
“Zah, Bruh!” OneLife Students Pizza Night - This Wednesday
If you are in middle or high school, we want to invite you to Zah, Bruh this Wednesday night at 6:30pm at your campus. We’ll have pizza, games, and a fun time with your student small group. If you’d like more information about OneLife Students, mark the Students box on your Connection Card. You can also stop by Next Steps after the service and pick up a OneLife Students Fall Calendar.
Baptism
If you’ve given your life to Jesus but haven’t gone public with your story through baptism then it’s time to take that step! Mark the baptism box on your Connection Card and we’ll help you get started.
Stay Connected Through the OneLife App
From watching services, to Micro Church discussion guides, to online giving, family resources and more - the OneLife app has everything you need to stay connected with our church. The app is also available on Apple TV and Roku so you can watch services on your TV at home! Download the mobile version of the app on your phone by going to onelifeknox.com/app on your phone’s web browser. And on Apple TV and Roku simply search the app store for “OneLife” and look for our logo.
RightNow Media
If you have ever wanted to grow in your walk with Jesus but weren’t sure where to start then we have a great resource for you. RightNow Media has over 25,000 biblically-based videos for small groups, families, students, leadership development, and much more. Our subscription allows us to share this resource with you free of charge. You can download the app on Roku and Apple TV as well as access their website at rightnowmedia.com. To sign up simply write “RightNow Media'' as well as your email address on your connection card and we will send you a link.
_____________________
GIVE BACK
Give Jesus your best! Make a one-time tithe or offering or to set up a recurring tithe or offering: Click Here To Give Online.
_____________________
Bottom Line: Counting furthers the lie that I can be in control.
1 Chronicles 21:1 NLT
Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel.
2 Samuel 24:1 NLT
Once again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and he caused David to harm them by taking a census. “Go and count the people of Israel and Judah,” the LORD told him.
1 Chronicles 21:2-5 NLT
So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Take a census of all the people of Israel—from Beersheba in the south to Dan in the north—and bring me a report so I may know how many there are.”But Joab replied, “May the LORD increase the number of his people a hundred times over! But why, my lord the king, do you want to do this? Are they not all your servants? Why must you cause Israel to sin?”But the king insisted that they take the census, so Joab traveled throughout all Israel to count the people. Then he returned to Jerusalemand reported the number of people to David. There were 1,100,000 warriors in all Israel who could handle a sword, and 470,000 in Judah.
Three lies of counting #1: Ownership
Deuteronomy 10:14 NLT
“Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God.
Leviticus 25:23 NLT
“The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me.
Three lies of counting #2: Security
Psalms 121:5-8 NLT
The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life.The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Three lies of counting #3: Achievement
Philippians 4:13 NLT
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
James 1:17 NLT
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
1 Chronicles 21:7-8 NLT
God was very displeased with the census, and he punished Israel for it.Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by taking this census. Please forgive my guilt for doing this foolish thing.”
___________________
START TALKING
What are the things that people (or you!) count because it gives the illusion of being in control?
When have you thought that you had control because you had a count or record of something, but then something happened that proved you really were never in control?
START THINKING
Read 1 Chronicles 21:1-3. What do you see in Joab's response that gave David a chance to avoid sinning? What does Joab try to get David to see?
Why do you think Joab uses questions in pointing these things out to David instead of just saying it outright? Why is this more effective and a better strategy even for us to use with others?
START SHARING
Read 1 Chronicles 21:3-4. Who has been a Joab for you - someone who was willing to challenge you when you were headed toward something that was not God's plan for you? Did you respond like David or in a different way? Why?
When have you been able to discern that someone else was asking you to do something or they were about to do something that was not God's plan for them? Did you speak up like Joab did for David? Why or why not? Why is this so important for us as we live in community?
For David, he wanted to count people in an attempt to feel ownership, security, and achievement rather than trusting God for each of those things. What do you find yourself counting so easily or keeping score of to feel ownership, security, and achievement? How does that contribute to you furthering the lie that you can be in control?
START DOING
What do you sense the Holy Spirit leading you to do to give up or stop counting in an attempt to feel...
...ownership?
...security?
...achievement?
What can you do in each of those to fully rely on Him instead?
How can you use the truths from this discussion and Scripture to help you have conversations with those in your life who are far from God? How does the story of Jesus and the Gospel apply to this, too?
START PRAYING
Pray for each person in the microchurch to fully trust Jesus rather than the many things that we count and the many ways that we keep score. Ask the Spirit to convict each of us and to lead each of us to be willing to speak up and be a Joab, and for each of us to be humble enough to listen when we have a Joab looking out for us. Pray that these truths that God is owner of all, our protector, and our enabler will be all that we rely upon.
___________________
CONNECTION CARDS
Be sure to fill out the online Connection Card to let us know next steps, prayer requests, or other information you'd like to share, click here.
_____________________
MULTIPLICATION
Share spiritual/missional conversations you've had where you live, work, and play:
- Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
- What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
- How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
- How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
- Who in your life do you think could be disciple-able or open to spiritual/missional conversations?
_____________________
WHAT'S NEXT?
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?/giveback/giveback
- Discuss the next step for your micro church. When will we gather again, and which purpose will it fulfill (missions, fellowship/care, growth, worship, multiplication)?
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