WAR Week 2

Opener: In this series we have been talking about biblical heroes. Tell your group who your hero is and why? (Jesus is the right answer but not what we are looking for in your answer here)

Scripture: Judges 3:31 After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.

Shamgar’s life may be very similar to yours or at least someone you know. He had financial problems, he was not among the social elite (probably an outcast), his family was probably not Jewish, and he did not have a reputation for being a leader. Shamgar was a normal guy with normal problems, but yet he became a hero because he followed and had faith in God.

Discussion: We will use the 3 points from this week’s sermon.

1. He stepped up. When God calls you, you have to be ready to do whatever he has called you to do, even if you feel you are not prepared or the right person for the job. Individually it is time for you to step up. What is something that has been on your heart, that you really feel God is asking you to do?

2. He stepped in. Shamgar stepped into what God wanted him to do, what God wanted him to be. He let God use him and when he did he was able to kill 600 people with a pointed stick. Tell about a time when God used you.

3. He stepped out. Fear keeps us from doing many of the things we should. We don’t serve because we would have to stay for 2 services and I fear that would be inconvenient. We don’t tithe because if I do I fear I won’t have enough money for rent. We don’t invite more people to small group because I fear it might be too many people in our house. Don’t let fear paralyze your growth. Trust that God will make it work. What is fear keeping you from doing?

Prayer:

God thank you for being bigger than us. Thank you for using ordinary people like us in your plan. Please help us to remember, with you all things are possible.