Appendix
Appendix
Small Group Discussion Guide
By Matthew Johnson
My first experience with the Apprentice Series came when I attended an experimental class being led by James Bryan Smith, which he called the Apprentice class. I knew Dr. Smith and the quality of his life and teaching, but I was not prepared for the impact this class would have on my life and ministry. Soon I found myself taking this same teaching into the church where I serve, and the results were no less profound.
Along the way I have found community truly is one of the key components of transformation. This has been lived out by those of us who have worked through this book in small groups—reading, practicing and then discussing what we experienced. The result has been the healing of our narratives, the joy of connecting on a personal level with others, and lives transformed to be more like Jesus. This discussion guide was created out of these experiences to help others develop a similar group of friends, family, youth, Sunday school class or book club.
A group can range in size from two to twelve people. I have found the ideal size is five or six people. With a group of this size, you can easily read through the questions in the guide and share your thoughts and answers. Some groups find that they function well with shared leadership, perhaps rotating the point person from week to week. If the group has twelve or more members, it will work best to appoint one leader.
Each session is split into segments. Use these segments in whatever way is most comfortable for your setting. Feel free to skip questions or segments, and to add questions of your own. In addition, you may want to spend time as a group looking at the questions sprinkled throughout each chapter, discussing anything you found particularly helpful or challenging.
Depending on the size of your group, following these discussion guides could take anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes. I have included estimates on how long each segment will take. If your group has more than six participants, expect the group time to last ninety minutes.
If you are the designated leader of a group that is working through this book, you can use this guide as a starting point, making your own creative changes as you prepare, or you can visit www.apprenticeofjesus.org to explore supplemental materials that give more options for class and discussion experiences. Through the website, leaders can interact with each other and find additional resources.
May God’s Spirit work through this guide and lead you deeper into the good and beautiful life.
Chapter 1: The Good and Beautiful Life
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting God to guide the conversation. Why 5 minutes of silence? We live in a busy world filled with noise and distractions. It is easy to enter one conversation still processing the last conversation. In the midst of all this busyness it is also difficult to hear the whispering voice of God. When we gather with friends to share our spiritual journey, we want to hear God’s voice in the lives of those around us. With a little silence we will be prepared to listen, so one option is to begin each gathering with some silence.
Soul Training [15-20 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Have anyone who is comfortable share either of their two letters. After those who want to share have done so consider these questions:
What spoke to you as others in your group shared their letters?
What insights did you gain as you wrote your own letter?
What did you learn about God or yourself through the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [25-45 minutes]
The primary focus of this chapter is that all humans desire happiness, but not all narratives lead to happiness. The narratives of Jesus are the best guide to a good and beautiful life.
[ Note: Read through the following questions before you begin discussion. Note any questions you especially want to discuss. Depending on your group size and the conversation, you may not have time to discuss all these questions.]
In this chapter we hear the story of Ben (pp. 18-19), a man who lived an ambitious, selfish, even sinful life, but he also found redemption and radiance before his life was over. What people have you known who in old age were living the fruit of their narratives (good or bad)? What wisdom can you gain from them? On pages 20-21 the author gives us multiple false narratives about acquiring happiness. Review those paragraphs and discuss the narrative that you see most at work in the world, and if you are comfortable, share the false narrative you see most at work in your own life.
“Sin is always ugly, and genuine virtue is always beautiful. Sin leads to ruin; virtue to greater strength. And this is why everyone, even atheists, love Jesus. Jesus was pure virtue. He lived a good and beautiful life, which he is calling his apprentices to live” (pp. 24-25). Describe in your own words what it means that Jesus lived a virtuous life.
“Narratives . . . try to guide us, to orient us, to tell us which way to turn” (p. 29). Can you think of a time in your life when one of your narratives was proven wrong? How did you work through this change? How is your life different now? How do your narratives compare to Jesus’ narratives?
The author points out that we should not ask, “What will I have to give up to follow Jesus? but rather, What will I never get to experience if I choose not to follow Jesus?” (p. 31). What is your answer to the second question? Share it with the group.
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
Have a volunteer read aloud Matthew 7:24-27, then use the following discussion guide:
As a group name the different sources that have made up the foundation of your life and taught you how to be happy.
How has your foundation withstood the storms of life?
What resistance do you have toward Jesus’ teachings: are they too hard, too restrictive, outdated?
Pray as a group and invite Christ to be your sole (soul) foundation.
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having someone in your group read these words aloud.
Each day, Jesus says to each of us, “Come, follow me.” If we say yes, we can be sure that a good and beautiful day awaits us. And when we string those days together into months, years and decades, we will have lived a good and beautiful life. And that life is destined to echo a benediction of love for all of eternity to hear. (p. 32)
Go from your meeting with these words ringing in your ears! Amen.
Next Week
In chapter two we will explore Jesus’ primary message about the kingdom of God. The soul-training exercise for the week will be play!
Chapter 2: The Gospel Many People Have Never Heard
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting God to guide the conversation.
Soul Training [10-15 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to help you process your experience of the soul-training exercise of play.
How did you play this week?
What surprised you as you attempted this practice? What challenged you?
What did you learn about God or yourself through the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [25-45 minutes]
Jesus’ central teaching, his good news, is the availability of the kingdom of God.
Prior to reading this chapter, if someone asked you, “What is the gospel Jesus preached?” how would you have answered? How does your answer compare and contrast to the author’s answer on page 35?
The author interprets “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” as “Change the way you have been thinking—a life of intimacy and interaction with God (the kingdom of God) is now in your midst” (p. 37). How does this interpretation differ from your own? How do you respond to the author’s interpretation on both an intellectual and emotional level?
Why do you think the message of the kingdom of God has been lost in so many churches?
If you were having a conversation with a friend who said, “I believe the kingdom of God is just a promised future, not a present reality,” what would you say to help him or her see it as both a future promise and a present reality? (For help check pp. 41-42, paragraph beginning “There is no doubt that the kingdom of God has not been fully established.”)
The author speaks of the kingdom of God having “authority and power” (p. 43). Can you recall a time when you felt connected with a power outside of yourself that was good and loving? What happened? How did it feel? Although your story may seem odd or unusual, if you are comfortable share this experience with others in your group.
Engaging Scripture [15 minutes]
Have a volunteer in your group read aloud Luke 17:21-22. If members of the group have different translations, you may want to note how they differ. Reflect on these questions:
How does this passage confirm the teaching of this chapter?
Review the author’s definition of the kingdom of God (p. 42). With that definition in mind discuss what Jesus might mean when he says, “the kingdom of God is among you.”
Spend five minutes in silence with your eyes closed. Breathe deeply and meditate on the fact that the kingdom of God is among your group right now. When the five minutes have passed, share with each other how it felt to ponder this beautiful truth.
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having one person in your group read aloud these words from the chapter.
Change the way you have been thinking—a life of intimacy and interaction with God is now in your midst. (p. 37)
Next Week
In chapter three we explore the inclusivity of God’s kingdom. The soul-training exercise for the week will be hospitality, so make plans early in the week to be hospitable.
Chapter 3: The Grand Invitation
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a prayer inviting the Spirit of God to open your hearts.
Soul Training [10-15 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to help you process your soul-training experience.
Were you able to practice any of the suggestions for hospitality this week? If so, which ones?
What did you learn about God’s presence in the lives of those who are different from you?
What did you learn about God or yourself through the exercises?
Engaging the Chapter [25-45 minutes]
The Beatitudes are not prescriptions for blessedness but descriptions of the kinds of people who are invited to the kingdom.
The author opened the chapter with a beautiful story of Kevin and his testimony. What was your reaction to the story of Kevin’s testimony?
Take a few moments to review the section “Jesus’ Narrative: The Beatitudes Are Invitations of Inclusion,” including the author’s interpretation of the Beatitudes (pp. 55-62). Compare and contrast the author’s interpretation with what you have been taught about the Beatitudes.
In discussing Luke 6:20-26, the author says, “Jesus’ stern warning is born of love. He knows that we try to find solace in our wealth and fulfillment in our bellies. And we confuse fleeting pleasure with joy. When all is well in the kingdom of this world, we are tempted to think we have no need of the kingdom of God” (p. 63). Can you identify times when success led you away from or difficulties drew you closer to God? If you are comfortable, discuss these with the group.
Near the end of the chapter, the author reflects, “When I heard Kevin speak in church I was watching a living beatitude. His condition seemed unblessable in the kingdom of this world. According to society’s values, he has nothing going for him. He is marginalized, ostracized and neglected. No one would choose his situation. And yet he is welcomed, esteemed and valued in God’s kingdom, which is why he smiled” (pp. 64-65). Have you known someone who is a “living beatitude”? If so, describe this person to your small group.
Engaging Scripture [15 minutes]
Have someone in your group read aloud Luke 6:20-26.
We may not think of people being in or out of the kingdom of God on a daily basis, but we often think of people being blessed and cursed because of their abilities and circumstances. Spend a few minutes brainstorming two lists in your group: one of those who are blessed from the world’s perspective and the other of those who are cursed from the world’s perspective.
After you have created your lists, consider how Jesus’ message of God’s inclusion affects the lives of those on both lists. Be as specific as possible.
Discuss how we, the followers of Jesus, can live out the message of invitation to those on both lists.
Conclude by reading aloud Luke 6:20-26 once again.
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having one person in your group read aloud these words.
Go from this place trusting that as you discover your identity as being indwelt by Christ, you will be empowered to live as a beatitude: a walking, talking, blessing to the world.
Next Week
In chapter four we will explore how living in the kingdom is the cure for anger. The soul-training exercise will be keeping a sabbath, so you will need to read the chapter early in the week and make necessary adjustments to your calendar.
Chapter 4: Learning to Live Without Anger
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting God’s kingdom to be revealed to your group.
Soul Training [10-15 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to help you process your experience of the soul-training exercise of sabbath keeping.
Were you able to observe a sabbath this week? If so, describe what you did and how you felt about it. Remember it is acceptable to start small!
Were you able to experience a connection between sabbath and anger? If so, how are they related for you?
What did you learn about God or yourself from your sabbath rest?
Engaging the Chapter [25-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that anger is caused by unmet expectations mixed with fear.
This chapter opens with the author’s honest account of getting angry during a trip. What aspects of the author’s story can you relate to?
The author gives us multiple “false imperative narratives” (FINs) (p. 73). Which FIN is most common in your life? How does it lead you to anger?
“Jesus’ narrative is that God permits nothing to happen to us that he cannot redeem and use for good. In the kingdom of heaven God is always near. We are never alone and never need to be afraid. When I live with this reality deep in my mind and heart, anger cannot get a grip on me” (p. 77). Do you have any evidence in your life of anger diminishing as you come to know that God is near to us and working for our good? If so and you are comfortable doing so, describe your experience to the group.
In the chapter we read this definition for righteous anger: “Right-eous anger consists in getting angry at the things that anger God, and then seeking a proper remedy to correct the wrong” (p. 78). Give examples of righteous anger in today’s world.
Engaging Scripture [15 minutes]
Have a volunteer in the group read aloud Galatians 5:16-17.
Have a second volunteer read this quote from the chapter:
Many people assume that flesh refers to the body. But the “flesh” here is not the physical body but rather living from one’s own resources in opposition to (or at least neglect of) God and his resources. The early church preacher John Chrysostom wrote, “The flesh is not the body, nor the essence of the body, but an evil disposition.” There is a disposition within us that is prone to wander from God, and when we roam, we are “walking in the flesh.” Those who live (or walk) in the flesh rely on their own capacity to solve problems. (p. 74)
Name examples from your own life when you relied on the Spirit rather than your own resources to do what God desired.
How does walking in the flesh versus walking in the Spirit impact your understanding of following Jesus?
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having someone in your group read these words aloud.
We may lose sight of God, but God never loses sight of us. God gives us space to experiment, grow and mature; God never intrudes. But this doesn’t mean God is not with us, is not watching us, is not intimately familiar with our comings and goings. Jesus promised: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (p. 77)
Next Week
In chapter five we will see how living in the kingdom is the cure for lust. The soul-training exercise is a forty-eight-hour media fast. Again, you will need to make arrangements early in your week to observe this practice.
Chapter 5: Learning to Live Without Lust
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a prayer inviting God’s Spirit to work in your hearts through this material and discussion.
Soul Training [10-15 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to help you process your experience of fasting from media.
Were you able to fast from media this week? If so, describe what you did and how it felt.
What connections were you able to see between the media fast and lust?
What did you learn about God or yourself from the media fast?
Engaging the Chapter [25-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that lust (epithumia) is the creation of a false image or persona. We objectify that persona or image in an attempt to fill a deep need for intimacy, which can only be met by our union with God in his kingdom.
What messages have you heard at church about sex? What has been implied about sex through silence?
On pages 91-92 the author connects epithumia and adultery, and he notes that in both cases, “valuing the other as a sacred being is tossed aside.” Do you agree or disagree with the comparison between lust and adultery? If you are comfortable, explain.
The author discusses “ epithumia for women” on pages 92-93.
In what ways do you agree or disagree with the author’s observations?Near the end of the chapter, the author makes several points about how living in the kingdom of God is the cure for lust:
“In the kingdom we know who we are and whose we are. The need to feel loved, to be important, and to be sacred and special is met in our oneness with Christ.” (p. 95)
“When I set my heart on things above (the kingdom) I discover that I am part of something thrilling and exciting—the divine conspiracy—and everywhere I turn God is at work. Now I have the drama I seek and I have a place to channel my energies.” (p. 95)
“Finally, because I know who I am and am secure (God is good and desires my good) I am free to see others in a new way. I no longer see them as objects to exploit but as real persons who God dearly loves.” (p. 95)
How have your own experiences and struggles with lust affirmed or contradicted the points the author makes?
What is your reaction to the triangle of appropriate physical intimacy (p. 96)?
Engaging Scripture [15 minutes]
Have a volunteer in your group read aloud Colossians 3:1-11. Compare this Scripture with the points previously laid out in question 4. What correlation do you see? What does the writer of Colossians add to this process of transformation?
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having someone read the following quote:
The process of metanoia is not merely a process of growing into a list of dos and don’ts, but rather an increasing recognition that you have earned nothing that you have—not your life or your body, not grace, not salvation. It is a process of learning to live thankfully (or, if you will, eucharistically).” (Lauren Winner, Real Sex [Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2005], p. 159)
Next Week
In chapter six we will explore how living in the kingdom is the cure for lying. The soul-training exercise for the week will be a day without words.
Chapter 6: Learning to Live Without Lying
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting God’s kingdom to be revealed to the deepest places of your heart.
Soul Training [10-20 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to help you process your experiences of going a day without words and without lying.
Which of the two exercises were you able to do this week? Describe what you did and how it felt.
What did you learn about God or yourself from the exercises?
Spend a few minutes reflecting on the soul-training exercises that have been covered in previous chapters. Which disciplines are you still practicing? How are they affecting you?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that we lie when disconnected to the kingdom and are unsure of our protection, identity and care, but in the kingdom we can dispense with lying.
The author gives an insightful list of lies we often tell:
Yes, I have read that book (or seen that movie).
Yes, let’s definitely get together soon.
He’s in a meeting.
She’s not home.
No, that outfit doesn’t make you look fat.
As a group, add to this list by brainstorming lies we tell that seem harmless.
Two motives are given for lying: “in order to get what we want” or “to avoid something we don’t want” (p. 108). If you are comfortable, discuss with the group which of these motives is most common for you. Are there other motives you would add?
In discussing Jesus’ narrative about lying the author contrasts the “old law” with Jesus’ teaching. He writes, “The standard of righteousness in Jesus’ day was clear: You can tell lies and not be liable (until you get caught), but if you lie ‘under oath’ you are guilty. Jesus, as always, is aiming for something higher, for a new kind of person with a new kind of character. He is saying, ‘Under oath or not, those who live in the kingdom can and should tell the truth’ ” (p. 110). Put an X on the continuum to represent where you think the average person stands regarding lying. Then draw a circle for where you see yourself. Explain the locations of the marks.
lie anytime tell the truth under oath always tell the truth Have volunteers take turns reading aloud the first five paragraphs from the section titled “How Living in the Kingdom Can Cure Lying” on pages 112-13. Note the ways the kingdom of God sets us free from lying. As a group, discuss how your experiences of God’s kingdom have reduced lying in your life.
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
Have one person in the group read aloud Colossians 3:9-10. In this passage, Paul refers to the “new self,” which can be seen as indwelt by Christ and as residing in God’s kingdom. The “old self,” which Paul invites us to take off, is isolated from God and God’s resources. As we put on the new self, lying is less necessary and less attractive because of who we are and where we are.
How does living in God’s kingdom and being indwelt by Christ affect the necessity and attractiveness of lying?
What soul-training exercises have helped you to take off your “old self” and put on the “new self” that Paul speaks of?
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having someone in your group pray aloud this verse:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
Next Week
In chapter seven we will see how living in the kingdom enables us to bless those who curse us. The soul-training exercise for the week will be praying for our competitors.
Chapter 7: Learning to Bless Those Who Curse Us
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer for God’s wisdom and peace to work within your group.
Soul Training [10-20 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to discuss your experience of praying for the success of your competitors.
What did you notice happening within you and around you as you prayed for the success of your competitors?
What did you learn about God or yourself from the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that in the kingdom of God we are able to reach for something higher than retaliation and justice, and actually bless people who would harm us—just as Jesus did.
When the author’s friend lost her job as a basketball coach, he gave her these words of truth: “Just remember, Jane, the kingdom is not in trouble, and Jane is not in trouble” (p. 120). When your life has been thrown into turmoil, how would these words have helped you?
In the section titled “Kingdom Jujitsu,” the author explores the four teachings of Matthew 5:38-42. With this section in mind, discuss these questions.
How does understanding Jesus’ cultural context change your understanding of Matthew 5:38-42?
The author discourages us from turning these teachings into law. Why is it tempting to make them into laws?
How does living in God’s kingdom make it possible to follow this teaching?
What struck you when you read the section titled “Love Your Enemies”?
Miroslav Volf describes the person indwelt by Christ as “a rich self” and writes,
A rich self looks toward the future with trust. It gives rather than holding things back in fear of coming out too short, because it believes God’s promise that God will take care of it. Finite and endangered, a rich self still gives, because its life is “hidden with Christ” in the infinite, unassailable, and utterly generous God, the Lord of the present, the past, and the future. (p. 129)
With a partner, describe in your own words why the one indwelt by Christ is a “rich self.”
Return to the three stories of those who dared to be extraordinary (pp. 130-32). What wisdom do you gain from their stories? What situations in your own life need this type of daring?
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
Have one person in the group read aloud Matthew 5:38-48. Jesus gives specific situations as well as ways kingdom-dwellers would respond. The author notes, “Kingdom identity (I am one in who Christ dwells) and kingdom awareness (I am in the strong and secure kingdom of God) are the keys to doing what Jesus calls us to do. With these we can learn how to become radically generous and to live extraordinary lives” (p. 130).
As a group, create three or four modern examples of the situations Jesus describes and how the follower of Christ might respond.
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having someone in your group read aloud this Dallas Willard quote:
We know that we will be taken care of, no matter what. We can be vulnerable because we are, in the end, simply invulnerable. And once we have broken the power of anger and desire over our lives, we know that the way of Christ in response to personal injury and imposition is always the easier way. It is the only way that allows us to move serenely in the midst of the harm and beyond it. (p. 134)
Next Week
In chapter eight we will be exploring vainglory. The soul-training exercise for the week will be five acts of serving in secret. You will want to read the chapter early so you have plenty of opportunities to serve.
Chapter 8: Learning to Live Without Vainglory
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love to the group.
Soul Training [10-20 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the questions below to discuss your experience of serving in secret.
What was the most challenging aspect of serving in secret?
How did you feel as you were doing your secret acts of service? How did you feel after they were finished?
What, if anything, did you learn about God or yourself from the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that vainglory is the need to be thought well of by others; it is driven by the notion that the opinions of others determines our worth; when this vice is fully grown in our hearts we find ourselves more interested in others’ opinions of us than actually being a genuinely good person or doing good for the sake of doing good.
Read through the following questions before you begin discussion. Note any questions you especially want to discuss. Depending on your group size and the conversation, you may not have time to discuss all the questions.
The author writes, “The world measures our worth on the basis of our appearance, production and performance—which seem to be the only thing that counts. This narrative says, Your value is determined by others’ assessment” (p. 139). With a partner, discuss ways you allow your value to be determined by others.
Have you ever caught yourself doing some good deed not for the sake of helping others but for the prize of praise? If you are comfortable, talk about it with your group.
The author gives us this great insight into Jesus’ teaching:
Giving money to the poor. Praying. Fasting. All three activities are some of the most spiritual activities a person can do. So what about Jesus’ harsh words? Actually, he is not speaking against these practices. He is attacking the way in which they are being practiced. He is not concerned about the method but the motive. As we have seen, Jesus starts with the world’s standard of rightness (not murdering, not lying under oath) and then peels off the veneer to see if the heart is good. The same is true here. He takes three righteous and holy actions and then shows how the condition of a person’s heart determines whether the discipline is a blessing or a hindrance. (pp. 144-45)
To explore your own motives, individually write down your three favorite spiritual practices. Consider your heart regarding these things.
Do you long for approval and praise through any of these practices?
Based on this chapter, what could you do to purify your motives regarding these disciplines?
How could you apply the Puritan saying to “live for an audience of One” to your spiritual practices?
If you are comfortable, discuss your insights with the group.
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
The author writes, “No matter how many worldly ‘trophies’ we acquire, we won’t be able to lay our head down in peace because we are only as good as our last success. But our loving Father—the only One who matters—tells us that we are loved, that we are of immeasurable worth” (pp. 148-49). Using the steps below, prayerfully read 1 John 4:16-17 as a way to encounter God’s love for you.
Have a volunteer read aloud 1 John 4:16-17. Simply hear the words and spend a minute in silence following the reading.
Have a second volunteer slowly read 1 John 4:16-17 again. As you listen to the passage, pay attention to any word or phrase that resonates in the deepest places of your heart. Repeat this word or phrase to yourself during a few minutes of silence.
Have a final volunteer read the passage once more. When the reading is over, spend seven to eight minutes in silent conversation with God. Give thanks, share concerns or just listen. Savor this time of being with God.
End the silence by having someone in the group say a prayer, or simply say “Amen.”
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Conclude by having one person in your group say this prayer, which is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi:
O divine Master, grant that I might seek
not so much to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
and not so much to be loved, as to love another.
Amen
Next Week
In the next chapter we will discover how living in the kingdom is the cure for avarice. The soul-training practice for the week is de-accumulation.
Chapter 9: Learning to Live Without Avarice
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you and your group into perfect freedom.
Soul Training [10-20 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to discuss your experience of deaccumulation.
What challenges did you encounter as you gave away some of your possessions?
How did it feel after you gave the items away?
What did you learn about God or yourself from the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that we are all stewards of the money we earn or are given, and we can invest them in either earthly or heavenly treasures.
At the beginning of the chapter the author shares his story of buying a pair of Adidas Americanas. With your group recount a possession you desperately wanted and eventually bought. How did you feel once you owned it? What finally happened to the item?
We read Suze Orman’s story of watching her father save the cash register from a burning building and how it formed an important narrative for her (p. 156). With one or two people from your group, tell a story from your childhood that explains your view of money.
Have someone in the group read the following summary of Matthew 6:19-24:
There are two types of treasures we can invest in (heavenly or earthly), two kinds of eyes (generous or stingy) and two deities we can serve (God or mammon). Earthly treasures are temporal; heavenly treasures are eternal. The wise choice is obvious. Stingy people are inwardly focused and don’t experience joy; generous people are outwardly focused, give freely and experience joy. Giving is the wise choice. Finally, mammon says it can produce peace and happiness, but it fails. God promises peace and happiness, and always delivers. Who will we give our allegiance to? Our loving, giving, endlessly able Father. Jesus is not trying to shame us but is offering good investment advice. And that is because he understands the nature of the kingdom of God. (p. 161)
What insights and questions do you have about this quote and Matthew 6:19-24?
The author gives us a story to help illustrate kingdom economics, about a time when he loaned money to an acquaintance (p. 162). If kingdom economics are real, how will you live differently after reading this chapter? As a group, brainstorm ways you can put into practice kingdom economics. Let it be a joyful experiment and see what God does!
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
First Timothy 6:6-10 is a great passage to reflect on. The author says “Paul advocates contentment with adequate provisions. Beyond that we are tempted to serve mammon and not God” (p. 167).
Have a volunteer read 1 Timothy 6:6-10 aloud.
What strikes you about this Scripture passage?
What soul-training exercises have helped you develop the inner reality of contentment and simplicity?
What evidence do you have from your life that the desire to be rich leads to temptation?
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Close your time together by having someone in the group read these valuable words:
Treasures in heaven relate to the things God is doing. And we know that God is helping people. Thus the best way to lay up treasures in heaven is to live out Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (kjv). (p. 159)
Next Week
In chapter ten we will explore how living in the kingdom is the cure for worry. The soul-training exercise for the week is a specific form of prayer. It will be best to engage in this prayer throughout the entire week.
Chapter 10: Learning to Live Without Worry
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to lead you and your group deeper into God’s kingdom.
Soul Training [10-20 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. The soul-training exercise for the week was prayer. Regarding the relationship between prayer and worry, the author says,
God has instituted prayer as one of his means of caring for us. We are invited to turn our cares into prayers. And when we do, we put the matter into God’s hands. This does not take away our responsibility in dealing with our concerns, but it places the concerns in the larger context of the kingdom. It allows God to use the resources of the kingdom to meet our needs. When we do this, Paul says, we discover a peace that surpasses our understanding. (p. 180)
Use the following questions to discuss your experience of prayer.
In what ways did you see the kingdom of God at work in the areas you prayed about?
Did you find greater peace as you offered these prayers? If so, how did it affect you?
What did you learn about God or yourself from the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that people who live in the kingdom of God never need to worry about their lives.
The author differentiates worry and caution. Describe the difference.
In this chapter we explore the relationship between the media and our fears. Reflect for a few minutes on the news media you consume. What fears do they play on? How does the media influence your awareness and openness to God’s kingdom? Discuss these questions with two other people in your group.
Review the section titled “Jesus’ Narrative: Things Not to Worry About” (pp. 175-78). As a group reflect on the various points from this section that you find either challenging or helpful.
Commentators Dale C. Allison and W. D. Davies note that “anxiety is foolish and accomplishes nothing except to put God out of the picture” (p. 179). Do you agree with this statement? Explain. Why are the kingdom of God and anxiety mutually exclusive?
In discussing Matthew 6:34, the author writes,
Jesus says that the kingdom operates only in the present moment. We can only live in the kingdom today. We can’t live in it tomorrow. So worrying about tomorrow is a useless distraction. Just as we count on God today, we can count on him tomorrow. But we aren’t in tomorrow, and never will be; we live only in the present, in today. (p. 180)
How does this differ from our culture’s typical notion regarding tomorrow?
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
The author tells us that Matthew 6:33 “is the key to the entire Sermon on the Mount” (p. 178). Go to section “One Day at a Time” (pp. 180-81), and highlight points that are especially helpful or challenging to you. Once everyone has had a chance to discuss, prayerfully engage Matthew 6:33 using the following steps.
Have each person read the verse aloud, slowly. Leave a brief pause between each reading.
Once everyone has read the verse, spend five to ten minutes in silence, reflecting on the passage and what practical steps you can take to seek first God’s kingdom.
Allow time for anyone in the group to share their insights from this time of silence.
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Close your time together by having someone in the group read this quote:
As long as we live in fellowship with our good and beautiful God in his mighty kingdom, we have nothing to fear, not even fear itself. For nothing in life or death can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). When we know this to be true, we can let go of worry and begin living with confidence and joy. (p. 182)
Next Week
In chapter eleven we will discover how living in the kingdom is the cure for judging others. The soul-training exercise is to go an entire day without gossip.
Chapter 11: learning to live without Judging Others
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer asking the Spirit of Christ to keep teaching you new ways of living.
Soul Training [10-15 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to discuss your experience of going a day without gossiping.
What struggles did you discover when you couldn’t gossip?
How did your perspective of other people change during this exercise?
What did you learn about God or yourself from the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that judging others is a common way we try to control them, but it fails. Jesus’ method is to pray for, to ask, to seek and to stand with those we want to see change.
The author summarizes this way why judging fails: “Condemnation engineering fails because it doesn’t come across as loving, it doesn’t allow the person to own the need for change, it doesn’t offer help toward change, and it may be entirely inaccurate” (p. 190). What would you add to or remove from this list of condemnation engineering flaws? Why?
Do you have family members who have used condemnation engineering on you? If so, what was the result?
The author takes a different approach to Matthew 7:7-11’s ask, seek and knock (p. 193)? What is your reaction to his interpretation?
The author tells us that judging others comes from a desire to change others or a need to feel better about ourselves as beloved by God and living within God’s kingdom. Have there been times you felt more connected to the kingdom of God and as a result were less judgmental? If so, discuss these experiences with the group.
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
Have a volunteer read John 8:1-11, then discuss these questions as a group:
What stated and unstated motivations did the Pharisees have for judging this woman?
Imagine yourself in the place of the woman caught in adultery. How might this experience change you?
What wisdom and encouragement can we gain from this Bible story when it comes to our relationships with people that we want to change?
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
The author finishes the chapter by reflecting on the situation with his son. Close your time together by having someone in the group read this paragraph aloud:
If we really want to see people change, we have to be willing to come alongside and participate with them, to make sacrifices of our own time and energy. I am so thankful that I have the privil-ege of prayer and the resources of the kingdom of God. Even if Jacob’s problem had not been solved, it still would have been a great blessing. We learned about doing the hard work required of all life’s endeavors, and in the process my son and I grew closer. Building your life on the commands of Jesus, though sometimes challenging, is building on a solid foundation. (pp. 200-201)
Next Week
In chapter twelve we will explore how living in the kingdom is a way of life. The soul-training exercise for the week is to live a day devotionally. You may want to observe this practice for several days, so read the chapter early to give yourself time to try it.
Chapter 12: Living in the Kingdom Day by Day
Opening to God [5 minutes]
Begin with five minutes of silence followed by a brief prayer inviting Christ to guide the group into his way of life.
Soul Training [10-15 minutes]
If you are in a group of six or more people, divide into groups of three or four. Use the following questions to discuss your experience of living one day (or more) devotionally.
What changes did you have to make in your daily routine to follow Madame Guyon’s rule?
What changes would you make to this daily rule to continue living it?
What did you learn about God or yourself from the exercise?
Engaging the Chapter [30-45 minutes]
The main idea of this chapter is that we cannot live an effective and joyful Christian life if we do not practice spiritual disciplines.
At the beginning of the chapter the author compares caring for his devotional life to tending a fire. What is your reaction to this illustration?
This chapter addresses two false narratives: (1) “What matters is having faith in Jesus, not having an ongoing relationship with him,” and (2) “The only way to be a good Christian is to keep all the rules” (pp. 206-7). How have these narratives shaped your own faith journey?
In explaining John 15:5-8 the author writes, “To abide in Christ involves spending time with Jesus. For me, this happens when I keep my mind and my heart set on his presence with me” (p. 209). What practices help you to abide in Christ? What impact does this have on your life?
Of the four images Jesus gives at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (wide vs. narrow gate, inner vs. outer reality, people claiming to know Jesus but don’t; and building on sand vs. rock) (pp. 210-13), which one is the most challenging to you? Why?
As you grow in seeing yourself as being indwelt by Christ and living in the unshakeable kingdom of God, have you been able to endure life’s storms differently? Describe the difference.
Engaging Scripture [10-15 minutes]
Have a group member read Matthew 7:24-27 aloud, then discuss these questions as a group:
If you were explaining this passage to a friend, what would you tell him or her?
Given what you have learned from this book, what steps can you take in the days ahead to build your spiritual house on the solid foundation of Christ’s teachings?
Go in Peace [5 minutes]
Close your time together by having someone in the group read this paragraph:
The only way to nurture my relationship with Jesus is to set my heart and mind on the kingdom of God. The fundamental building block of an apprentice of Jesus is living closely to Jesus in our ordinary lives. If we can learn how to spend an ordinary day with our minds set on things above we will have learned one of the most important spiritual exercises in the Christian life. (p. 214)
Looking Forward
Your study of The Good and Beautiful Life has come to an end, but there are many options for your group. One is to begin the next book in the Apprentice Series, The Good and Beautiful Community, which explores how we can live as apprentices of Jesus in our everyday lives.
Another option is for members of the current group to form new groups and invite their friends to go through The Good and Beautiful God together, which is the first book in this series. This would be a great way to continue “pickling” in these narratives and falling more deeply in love with God. Whatever you decide, select a date for your group to begin.
