LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
If you’ve seen The Greatest Showman, you’re familiar with the story of P.T. Barnum. He is best known for his part in creating the three-ring circus, otherwise known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” Part of what brought such great success to this spectacle was the attention that he brought to his traveling circus. He is often credited with the popularization of the term bandwagon.

In the mid-1800s, the bandwagon was a flashy horse-drawn wagon that was filled with a band. As the circus paraded into town, the bandwagon would play loud, catchy music to draw people to the circus grounds. Prominent citizens and local leaders would often ride on the bandwagon to add credibility to the show. The hype created by the bandwagon helped to make it into “the greatest show on earth!”

Later, the bandwagon was also used in politics, as candidates would ride through town and encourage their supporters to join them, or “jump on the bandwagon.” While we don’t see either of these instances anymore, we still see the tendency for people to jump on the bandwagon, as people will often follow the crowd or go along for the ride or entertainment, rather than taking a stand for what they believe in.

In tonight’s study, we will look at how jumping on the spiritual bandwagon can lead to grave, and even disastrous, consequences and what God desires for us instead.

Passages we’ll review:
1 Samuel 8:1-9, 19-22; Ezekiel 36:20-28

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?

When did your parents let you “learn the hard way” by letting you have or do something they knew was not good for you? What were the results?

Do we ever settle for good choices when the best choices are still out there? Why?

READ

Read 1 Samuel 8:1-9

In this passage, we see that the people, God’s chosen people, seemingly forgot that the nation of Israel was to be set apart and different from every other nation!

What reason did the elders give Samuel for wanting a king? Was this their “real” reason? Explain.

Samuel was displeased by their request, but he took it straight to God. Why did their request displease God?

We must not follow the example of leadership that the world teaches. As servants of Christ, we must function differently. Jesus came as a servant, and as His followers, we must follow His example.—Editor’s Note

What do you find most difficult in what Jesus told His disciples in verses 26-28?

What opportunities do you have to serve others as Christ taught?

Their rejection of God would have serious consequences. We have heard the phrase, “As go the leaders, so goes the church.” This is also true for the nation of Israel. As they became more like the world around them, they lost their spiritual focus. God’s promises are only fulfilled as we obey His commands! He warned them of what was to come if they were given the king they so badly wanted. In short, they would lose everything in order to gain the kind they desired. —Editor’s Note

Read 1 Samuel 8:19-22

How did they respond to God’s warning against having a king? Why did God give them what they wanted, even if it wasn’t the best?

Like children or even pets, we often resent being told “no.” When we are, or our leash is “too tight,” we tend to rebel even more. Just like the Israelites, in our stubbornness, we are often forced to learn from our own mistakes and misgivings. It is then that we learn that getting what we ask for doesn’t always go the way we want! —Editor’s Note

When have you chosen to ignore God’s plan and do your own thing? What happened as a result?

Often, we pursue things other than God to find our security, value, or happiness, just as the Israelites did. Why is it so hard for us to learn to trust God? What things compete for our trust?

When we lose our focus on God, it is easy to jump on the bandwagon and go the way of the world. What are some of the bandwagons that we can be tempted to follow in our world today? How can we avoid jumping on a bandwagon?

It can be difficult to stand up against the pressures of the world around us, especially when we are standing alone. What are some ways that believers in Christ can encourage one another and help each other to stand firm and not follow the crowd?

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Ezekiel 36:20-28

In this passage, we find Israel in a similar situation. Instead of bearing witness to who God is and what He had done for them, they had chosen to profane God’s name to those around them. After years of living among the pagan nations, they fit right in with the pagan cultures, to the point that you couldn’t tell them apart! They blended into the darkness instead of bearing the light of God.

In their choices, Israel had defiled the name of God. Why did God choose to restore Israel?

What would be the result of God’s actions?

How did Jesus fulfill Ezekiel’s prophecy for all mankind?

This heart transformation is the new birth, or being “born again” that is revealed throughout the New Testament. It isn’t anything we can do with our own efforts. It ONLY comes by the work of God, just as it was for the nation of Israel in Ezekiel’s day. As a result, He will be our God. He will be our true King! He will receive all of the glory that He is worthy of! —Editor’s Note

LET’S PRAY
Consider the following as you pray together:

1. What shape is your heart in? Is it hard, like a piece of granite? Is it broken due to the struggles and difficulties you have experienced? Is it softened by the renewing from His Spirit?
   

2. As you go through this week, ask God to show you the difference between following His guidance and leadership and jumping on the popular bandwagon. Ask Him to show you any areas in your life where you have been following the desires of the crowd instead of seeking His will.
   

3. It can often be difficult to stand up against the crowd. One benefit of LifeGroups is that we can build relationships with others who follow Christ and encourage one another in difficult times. Take the opportunity this week to encourage someone in your LIfeGroup and stand with them as they stand strong against the views of the world around us.