LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
The monarch butterfly is one of the most well recognized, most beautiful of insects in North America. It goes through a 4-stage metamorphosis to become the beautiful creature that it is. They live in most parts of the United States and feed on the nectar of flowering plants. When flying, butterflies generate energy from thermal energy received directly from the sunlight. As a storm approaches, butterflies must seek immediate shelter in the leaves of vegetation. Since they are small, fragile creatures, they are rarely seen during times of heavy wind or rain, as rain poses the threat of injury or death. The average monarch weighs about 500 mg, while large raindrops can weigh up to 70 mg, equivalent to a water balloon twice the size of a bowling ball. Also, in a storm, the temperatures can drop below the temperature necessary for flight, as overcast skies limit the solar energy needed to fly. Butterflies have roosts in which they seek shelter during storms. As long as they stay still in their sheltered spot, they are usually safe, as they wait for the storm to subside. If they do happen to get wet, they must stay still until the water evaporates away. They can’t fly when wet, as their wings are too heavy, so they rest and wait as they bask in the sun to dry their wings.

When we follow Christ, we too have become a new creation in Him. On our journey through this life, we will encounter difficult and often dangerous times. We cannot allow the threat of suffering to hinder our mission for God. Just like the butterfly, when those times come, we must take shelter under His wings as we rest in Him and work through those difficult times. This week, we are encouraged to continually move forward, even in the face of difficulty, to share the message of Christ with a lost world!

Passages we’ll review:
1 Peter 3:14-17; Daniel 3:13-18, 24-28

OPENING
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you? Have you ever had to share something that you really loved, something that had immense value to you?

What childhood fight do you most vividly remember? Why?

Why do you think the idea of God’s wrath is so hard for people to accept?

READ

Read 1 Peter 3:14-17

Have you ever had an experience in which you had to suffer for doing what was right? How does this passage relate to your experience? Share your experience with your LifeGroup.

What fears motivate people today? What fears affect our relationships? How does following Jesus as Lord free you from those fears?

As we follow Christ, we are transformed into His image, and through Him, we can stand firm. Though the enemy will come against us and seek to defeat us, we can rest in knowing that he has no power over us, because God has already won the victory! —Editor’s Note

How can we practically set apart Christ as Lord?

How can we effectively “give a defense to everyone who asks for a reason for our hope” in a world of diverse beliefs and perspectives?

What’s the difference between offering a defense and preaching at people about Jesus? How can you respond when you are mistreated or insulted in order to keep a clear conscience?

As we follow Christ, we are to be lights in the dark world around us. The light we shine reflects the glory of God and reveals the evil in the world around us. We may face suffering and persecution, but we must remember that we are not the only ones to suffer for His sake! —Editor’s Note

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Daniel 3:13-18, 24-28

Nebuchadnezzar was a prideful king. He wanted to ensure that his people wouldn’t turn against him, so he had a huge golden image constructed in his honor. This image was to be worshiped by all the people of his kingdom, or they would be thrown into the pit of the fiery furnace. Those who didn’t know God blindly followed the king’s edict in order to preserve their lives. Even many of the Jewish exiles obeyed, simply to save their own lives. Yet, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to obey the king’s edict. —Editor’s Note

What can we learn from the way Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego responded to the unreasonable demands of the pagan government?

Why do we find it difficult at times to choose God and His will, especially in hard times or difficult circumstances?

How do you think walking around in the furnace affected the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? How did their faith affect the king? How can making a firm stand for your faith affect those around you?

These men trusted God implicitly, no matter what He did or did not choose to do. Regardless of the outcome, they chose to stand for Him! They were confident that God would do what He planned for His glory. While we may not face a fiery furnace, we will face the pressure to conform to the world around us. As time progresses, it will require greater faith, courage, and mettle to continue in His will. We can be reminded of our hope in Hebrews 13:6: “Therefore, we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY

Consider the following as you pray together:

1. How prepared are you to share your hope in Christ? What can you do to be better prepared for discussions about Christ with friends who are not believers?
   

2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had the kind of faith that recognized that God was powerful enough to save them, but even if He didn’t, honoring Him was the right choice. Spend some time praying for one another that you would have the words and the faith to follow their example.
   

3. Are you living your life in a way that will cause others to ask questions? How can you live so that your life looks different than the world?
   

4. Reflect on who you are now in Christ and what you have been set free from. Who can you share your hope in Jesus with this week?