Epiphany 01: A Disruption of the Status Quo
Small Group Questions
1. In his message, Tim said, “in the kingdom, the means are the end.”
Reflect on this idea for a moment. How do your emotions, and body, and mind respond? Does it resonate? Does it challenge? Hope so?
Where are you tempted to let the ends justify the means when it comes to your own private life? What’s likely to be really motivating you when you are feeling that temptation?
How is this idea different when it comes to the public world around you in which we? Do you respond differently to the idea of “the ends justifying the means” when it comes to community, national, or worldwide events? Why or why not?
When it comes to your take on, or engagement with, world events these days, how do you respond to the idea that the means are the end? Do you feel strongly inclined to embrace or reject that idea? Why do you think that is?
2. Tim also said that “the kingdom of God doesn’t advance through violence, so violence can never topple it.” if the kingdom of God doesn’t advance through violence, how does it advance? What has your own life experience taught you about this principle? In your personal relationships, in your job, and your friend groups… Do you see this principal at work? How so?
How do you feel about the second half of this statement? Does it feel reassuring? Trite? Overly optimistic? Solid? What experiences have you had in life that shape your response to this idea?
3. Tim closed his sermon asking us all a question: “have we joined the resistance? Have you joined the resistance?”
What’s your answer?
If you have answered, yes, share about what that looks like. If you have hesitation about answering “yes,” or simply want to answer “no,” share about why.
Why does joining the resistance matter? What does it mean? How does it look for you? How could it look?
How are you understanding the idea as joining the resistance being way of following Jesus‘s example? How intuitive does that link seem to you? What questions does it bring to the surface?
