Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
The Golden Goose
Scripture
22-24 “But there is another urgency before me now. I feel compelled to go to Jerusalem. I’m completely in the dark about what will happen when I get there. I do know that it won’t be any picnic, for the Holy Spirit has let me know repeatedly and clearly that there are hard times and imprisonment ahead. But that matters little. What matters most to me is to finish what God started: the job the Master Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet know all about this incredibly extravagant generosity of God.
25-27 “And so this is good-bye. You’re not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God’s inaugurated kingdom. I’ve done my best for you, given you my all, held back nothing of God’s will for you.
28 “Now it’s up to you. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. God himself thought they were worth dying for.
Main Idea
Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, unsure of the hardships ahead. He knows he may not come back, but he knows his mission -- to share the Gospel. Paul reminds us to care for ourselves and for the church and that Jesus died for both.
Pastor Kevin spoke of his church in the early 1990's, which was outgrowing its space. A nearby church had the space, but was also going bankrupt and invited Pastor Kevin's church to take their building and their debts. During a meeting regarding the merging of these churches, a concerned member asked Pastor Kevin about the future of mission work and if it was going to continue. Unfortunately the costs of misison work exceeded the income of the church.
Here is where the fable of the goose and the golden eggs comes in. A farmer had a goose who laid golden eggs. The farmer eventually became so enamored with the golden eggs, he lost his affection for the goose. In his quest for more golden eggs, he cut open the goose to see if there were more eggs inside. There were no golden eggs inside and the goose was dead, preventing the farmer from getting more golden eggs.
A goose who is alive and healthy will lay golden eggs. A church that is alive and healthy will also lay golden eggs. A church that is sick will not be a blessing to others. A church with little income will not be able to do missions work. The church is a living and breathing organism that must be cared for, nurtured, and protected. The church is Christ's body (Ephesians 1:23). Loving Jesus but hating the church is incompatible with God's word.
Ephesians 1:20-23
20-23 All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.
Pastor Kevin laid out five types of people found in the church:
- Critics
- Cynics
- Consumers
- Contributors
- Champions
Critics speak out against the church. Cynics doubt the church, but may walk through the door. Consumers come to church but aren't committed. They come for a taste, free sample of the flavor of the moment. Contributors may help but are not always committed. Champions are set apart. Champions love and build the church. Champions have a great deal of tolerance. Champions understand the church is a divine creation. Champions pray for the church. Champions go to battle for the church, fighting the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy along spiritual battle lines.
No one can have God for their Father who does not have the Church for their mother. - St. Cyprian
Discussion Questions
- When was the last time you were unhappy with the church? Were you truly unhappy with the Body of Christ or were you unhappy with a person within the church?
- Think about a time when you were someone other than a champion. How did God lead you to the next steps?
- What golden eggs do you pray will come from the church? How can you help make that happen?
Summary
Paul calls us to care for ourselves and care for the church as it is the Body of Christ. Loving Jesus but hating the church goes against God's word in Ephesians 1:23. The future of the church is filled with healthy people who champion the church.
Take Action
- Find the next way to level up your faith. Take a small step. Share it with your group.
- What will it take to get you to the level of champion? Remove one of the obstacles in your way -- ask for help!
- Pray for the church to be a healthy, living organism, able to bless others.
Announcements
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