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Group/Pair Resources – Section 4

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SECTION 4 OVERVIEW

Section four focuses on the intellectual pathway as well as on the concepts of covenant and kingdom, the two main themes of the biblical story interwoven throughout scripture. The covenant relationship we make with God invites us to live in a way that reflects the reality of the kingdom work God is inviting us into.

The Covenant and Kingdom Triangles are tools to help us understand these themes in order to apply scripture to our lives.

The video and diagram below will help you understand the concept:

https://millcitychurch.com/discipleship/intellectual-pathway/SECTION 4 – WEEK 1 – Introduction to Section 4

Community Time Opening Question – In what environment do you learn best?

Dwelling In The Word – Galatians 3:26-4:1-7

Dwelling in the Word is an ancient way of reading the Scripture. Dwelling in the Word is a way of spiritually submitting to the text as one way God speaks to us, with a willingness to be shaped by what God might want to say through the Scripture. In this way, we are being interpreted by the text together as we listen to it. 

Have two different people read the text out loud. Three questions guide our listening. 

Discuss them together:

  • What grabs your attention in this passage?
  • What question would you want to ask?
  • What are we hearing in this text that may apply to our lives (where might the Spirit be nudging us)?

Discussion: 

  • What does this passage show you about what covenant relationship looks like?
  • How do you think of the kingdom theme in light of this passage?
  • What are your initial thoughts as you think about covenant and kingdom through the triangle concepts?

Head to https://millcitychurch.com/discipleship/intellectual-pathway/

  • The focus pathway for this section is the intellectual pathway. Look together at the resources on the “intellectual pathway page”.  
  • Have someone read the short description. There are multiple options for resources to discover more about the pathway as well as “experiments” you can choose from. Each person can share what they are going to read or listen to, as well as what experiment they are going to try. Depending on each person’s time capacity, they can choose what is best for them.
  • After sharing your exploration plans, be sure to check that everyone can make it to the next gathering before you head out.

SECTION 4 – WEEK 2 – Reflection and Discussion

Community Time Opening Questions: What is something you have been curious about lately?

Dwelling in the word – Luke 4:1-20

Dwelling in the Word is an ancient way of reading the Scripture. Dwelling in the Word is a way of spiritually submitting to the text as one way God speaks to us, with a willingness to be shaped by what God might want to say through the Scripture. In this way, we are being interpreted by the text together as we listen to it. 

Have two different people read the text out loud. Three questions guide our listening. Discuss them together:

  • What grabs your attention in this passage?
  • What question would you want to ask?
  • What are we hearing in this text that may apply to our lives (where might the Spirit be nudging us)?

Give each participant the opportunity to talk about “covenant and kingdom” with the following questions:

  • What does Jesus show us about covenant and kingdom?
  • What stands out to you when looking at the themes of covenant and kingdom through the triangle visuals?
  • What might God be saying to you? What are you going to do about it? (following the kairos circle process)

After sharing, have each person share one or two take-aways, experiments or actions you want to take as you go into the rest of your week.

Before you head out – check in on your experiments and plans for the creative pathway.

SECTION 4 – WEEK 3 – Storytelling Week

Community Time Opening Questions –  What is your favorite passage of scripture and why?

Give each person a chance to tell a portion of their story using the following questions as potential prompts:

  • Where do you see the connection of covenant and kingdom in your relationship with God? Within your work/vocation?
  • How has your identity been shaped by these themes of covenant and kingdom?
  • How has your faith journey been influenced by your covenant relationship with God and invitation to participate in the work of the kingdom?
  • Is there a past kairos moment you would like to reflect on around the covenant or kingdom themes?

Before heading out – connect with each other about your exploration plans for the intellectual pathway. 

  • Have you taken steps to start your experiment? 
  • Have you chosen a resource to go deeper?

SECTION 4 – WEEK 4 – Spiritual Pathway Discussion & Prayer

Community Time Opening Questions – What is a topic you could talk about and discuss for hours?

Dwelling in the word – Luke 9:1-6; Matthew 6:25-34

Dwelling in the Word is an ancient way of reading the Scripture. Dwelling in the Word is a way of spiritually submitting to the text as one way God speaks to us, with a willingness to be shaped by what God might want to say through the Scripture. In this way, we are being interpreted by the text together as we listen to it. 

Have two different people read the text out loud. Three questions guide our listening. Discuss them together:

  • What grabs your attention in this passage?
  • What question would you want to ask?
  • What are we hearing in this text that may apply to our lives (where might the Spirit be nudging us)?

Pathway of the month discussion – choose 2-3 questions to share your process.

  • How would you say you experienced God through the intellectual pathway?
  • What stuck out to you about the resources you choose (scripture reading plan, books, podcasts, videos)? 
  • What was the experiment you choose and what did you did you learn about yourself and how you connect with God?
  • Would you say your preference for this pathway grew because of this exploration or not?
  • Did the intellectual pathway lead to a kairos moment? If so, how? 

Take time to share how you can pray for each other. 

  • What or who has been on your heart? 
  • What do you need prayer for in your own life?

 

Either choose one person to pray, or have each person pray for the person on their left.