ICEBREAKERS
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
1. Where will you be enjoying the festivities/fireworks during this 4th of July week?
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.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
POINT 1: LIVING AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE
Talk-it-Out: Have you been better able to recognize the norm? Have you noticed a change in yourself by being able to recognize the norm?
POINT 2: EXCEPTIONAL = UNUSUAL, UNCOMMON, OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Matthew 5:13,14 (NIV)
You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world.
Talk-it-Out: Do you feel you are living the "Normal" pattern of the people around you?
Daniel 5:12 (ESV)
. . . because an excellent spirit, knowledge, and understanding to interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve problems were found in this Daniel . . .
Talk-it-Out: What are the gifts and talents that you have to offer?
Daniel 6:3 (NIV)
Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.
Talk-it-Out: What can you do to distinguish yourself? Think about your work, school, church, or family.
POINT 3: DANIEL’S SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE MADE HIM EXCEPTIONAL.
Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord . . .
Talk-it-Out: Give an example of something you do that you can take more pride in.
POINT 4: THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE COMES FROM WITHIN, AND EVERYONE HAS ACCESS TO IT.
Talk-it-Out: What is something specific you could do this week to spend more time with God?
POINT 5: EXCELLENCE IS WHAT OPENS THE DOORS OF GREATER OPPORTUNITY.
POINT 6: YOU CAN’T SKIP THE PROCESS. IT’S THE PROCESS THAT PRODUCES THE EXCELLENCE.
Talk-it-Out: What opportunities are you wanting to open up for you?
WRITE-It-Out
Encourage your group to start writing things down. Do the following exercises:
- Do a SOAP devotion on 1 Peter 2. Read the SCRIPTURE. Write down at least one OBSERVATION, at least one APPLICATION for your life, and one PRAYER inspired by this scripture.
Live-It-Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Name one area that you're going to focus you attention on being exceptional in this week: your perspectives, priorities, patterns, or passions.
- Complete Growth Track. Every Saturday in Tacoma 6:00pm, and every Sunday at all of our campuses at 11:30am.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources are always available here: Group Resources.