ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
- What was your biggest takeaway from the Gaining Ground series we just finished?
- In what area of your life are you most competitive?
- What is your favorite food?
Message Review
Main points and scriptures from this week's message.
A DICHOTOMY is a division or contrast between two things. It’s when one thing is directly opposed to another. Light vs. Dark, Hot vs. cold, Good vs. Evil are all examples of a dichotomy.
A “Dumb Dichotomy” is where one truth is positioned against another truth causing us to think it’s a an either/or scenario, when it’s actually not one or the other, but it’s both.
You might be wondering, "why is it important for me to be aware of dumb dichotomies?"
Well as Christians, we’re supposed to do everything we can to avoid controversy and arguments with one another about scripture. Scripture is clear that we are called to live in agreement, so we can be effective in our mission.
Titus 3:9 (ESV)
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
2 Timothy 2:23 (ISV)
Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid discussions, because you know they breed arguments.
But we also need to be aware that SOME TRUTHS ARE STAND ALONE TRUTHS. Here are some examples:
- THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD.
- THERE IS ONLY ONE SAVIOR.
- THE CHURCH IS GODS PLAN FOR THE WORLD. It's plan A there is no plan B.
But other truths need to be able to coexist with other truths, creating a "both" scenario. The Apostle Paul had to deal with many of these dumb dichotomies. Here are some examples of questions that he would be asked and his answers:
Q: Is salvation for the Jew or Gentiles?
A: Both!
Q: Do we learn the Law or live in Grace?
A: Both!
Q: Faith or works?
A: Both!
Here are some examples of a dumb dichotomies we hear today:
Q: Will you be spirit-led or will you have a plan?
A: Why not Both? Who said we have to choose between having a plan or following the leading of the Spirit?
Q: Is God good or does he let us suffer?
A: Life is hard, and God is good!
Don't get stuck in a "dumb dichotomy" way of thinking.
TALK-IT-OUT
The following questions will help guide your discussions and give your group some opportunities to open up and share.
- What are some stand alone truths that you are willing to fight for?
- Why do you think people argue about dumb dichotomies?
- Can you recall a situation where you fell into a dumb dichotomy argument?
- Read Titus 3:9. Why do you think arguing about the things the author listed is pointless?
- What is a plan you are working on right now? How can you invite the Spirit of God to be a part of that plan?
- How are you going to apply this message to your life?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. In a journal or on paper, do the following exercises.
- Write down the stand alone truths that you are willing to fight for.
- Write out the areas in your life that you need to create a plan for.
- With God's help, write out one plan for your future.
Live-It-Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Apologize and make peace with someone you may have had dumb dichotomy arguments with recently.
- Resist pointless arguments this week.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Sunday at all of our campuses. Bellevue 9:45am & Tacoma 11:30am.
- Serve together as a group. To view serving opportunities with Champions Foundation, click HERE.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.