Norm Part 3

TALK-IT-OUT

Go through each main point and scripture from the message and use the corresponding questions in discussion with your group. Encourage your group to pull this post up on their own device to follow along.

POINT 1: IF YOU ARE A CHRIST FOLLOWER, YOU ARE NOT CALLED TO BE NORM.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Talk-it-Out: How have you recognized what is normal or typical?

Romans 12:2 (MSG)
Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

POINT 2: GOD HAS CALLED US TO BE EXCEPTIONAL.

Talk-it-Out: How can/have you be/been happy with being exceptional and not feel like the, "Odd ball?"

Talk-it-Out: Do you sometimes feel you are trying to be better than anyone by being exceptional?

Talk-it-Out: Do you have any areas you need to thank God instead of being sad and say, "I'm strong, and I didn't give up." 

Matthew 5:13,14 (NIV)
You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world.

POINT 3: EXCEPTIONAL IN OUR PERSPECTIVES

Talk-it-Out: Do you struggle with trusting in God when bad things happen?

Talk-it-Out: Have you ever encountered times when the problem wasn't really the problem?

Talk-it-Out: Give some examples of words of hope you could give when you're called to stand out and not fit in.

POINT 4: EXCEPTIONAL IN OUR PRIORITIES

Talk-it-Out: Are there any ways you are living that don't make sense to other people or that they don't understand your obedience?

Talk-it-Out: What are some things you could change to put God first? (Are you living in a way that puts God first?)

POINT 5: EXCEPTIONAL IN OUR PATTERNS

Talk-it-Out: Do you have patterns that promote things like healthy relationships, generosity, growth, and saving?

Matthew 7:24–27 (NIV)
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

POINT 6: EXCEPTIONAL IN OUR PASSIONS

Psalm 69:9 (NLT)
Passion for Your house has consumed me . . .

Psalm 26:8 (NIV)
Lord, I love the house where You live . . .

Psalm 84:10 (NIV)
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere . . .

Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise . . .

1 Chronicles 29:3 (NIV)
Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house . . .

Talk-it-Out: Name some ways you are going to put passion into action this week for what matters to God?