For many today, the church is a dated institution which has little to no bearing on the road to personal fulfillment. In short, “church” is largely optional. On Sunday, Jesus presents a key dichotomy between those who follow him into vibrant church community and those who do not. The question before us is this: Are you more shepherd or employee? Join us for “Attacked By Wolves,” part of The Gospel According to John Series.
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MESSAGE STUDY NOTES (also as PDF download above)
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WARM UP
What is the scariest encounter you’ve had with wildlife?
READ
John 10:1-21; I John 3:16
KEY INSIGHTS
Question: What’s my relationship to the church?
The Employee:
1. No ownership
2. No responsibility
3. Self-interested
4. Loveless
Metaphorical wolves: spiritual attacks, disagreement, false teachers/prophets, division-causers, offense
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Describe a time where you saw a “wolf” attack a church. How did you respond?
2. Do you think Christians today tend to be more “shepherd” or “employee?” Why?
APPLICATION
In what area are you most like an employee and what do you need to do to change that? How can your group help you?
FOR MENTORING
How can you prepare yourself for a “wolf attack?”
