FACILITATOR’S FACILITATOR S GUIDE
Guilt Week 2
1. Describe a time when you’ve been stuck somewhere and how you got out?
Facilitator Note: This question should get the group talking. Look to ask the quieter people in the group this question directly to get them talking. I suggest 8-12 minutes on this question.
2. Give anyone who has memorized this week’s memory verse an opportunity to recite the verse aloud.
Facilitator Note: To make sure that these verses are sticking in peoples’ hearts and minds, I would suggest that you ask the group to share the Week 1 verse and then the Week 2 verse. Take whatever time is necessary to be creative, make this fun and/or competitive. Remind your group that the effectiveness of this entire series hinges on the people in your group memorizing ALL SIX verses.
3. Read Romans 8:1 in several different translations.
Facilitator Note: Have a volunteer read these slowly and clearly. After the reading is done, go directly to question #4 and have them look at the various translations to answer the question. Push the group to really examine each translation and pick out as many important words as possible. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV) So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty. Romans 8:1 (New Century Version) With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. Romans 8:1 (The Message) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NLT)
4. Read Romans 8:1 below. What are some of the important words in this verse and why? Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Facilitator Note: Remember to have them identify important words in the verse above as well as the different translations listed above in their booklet. Examples of important words: (Do not read these to the group. This is not an exhaustive list. These examples are here to give you an idea of the various things your group can identify. I suggest 5-8 minutes on this question. Now – After the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus our relationship with God changed. No – The forgiveness of Jesus is complete. No exceptions. No condemnation! Condemnation – Without Christ we are sinful and condemned. In Christ Jesus – Being in relationship with Jesus is the key. From the other translations, people may see these as important words or phrases in the verse. Be sure to ask them why they see them as important. Not judged guilty – Belong to Christ Jesus – Low-lying black cloud – The fateful dilemma – Resolved – -------- Break into two same-sex groups -------Facilitator Note: Identify someone of the opposite gender who can facilitate the discussion in their samesex group. Before you break into two same-sex groups, agree upon a time when you will come back together to pray and hear the Communicator’s important announcements. I suggest you take a minimum of 25 minutes to discuss these three questions in same-sex groups.
5. Describe the life of a person living under the “black cloud” of guilt.
Facilitator Note: Direct the group’s attention away from themselves and encourage them to share as many specific characteristics of a person living under the black cloud of guilt. It is very important that you draw out as many characteristics as possible so people will have an easier time identifying them in themselves later on. I suggest 7-10 minutes for this question.
6. Talk about a time in your life when you struggled to believe the truth in this verse.
Facilitator Note: Questions #6 and #7 are application questions. Encourage your group to look inside and be as transparent as possible. As the Facilitator, if you model transparency, the group will most likely follow your lead.
7. What unresolved feelings of guilt are weighing you down?
Facilitator Note: This is not time for everyone to give each other advice. Instead, this is a time to LISTEN, pray for, and remind each other of Romans 8:1.
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-------- End the same-sex groups at the agreed time and come back together as a group -------Facilitator Note: Ask your Communicator to take 5-7 minutes to go over the weekly Communicator’s Guide and also discuss plans for next week’s gathering. Facilitator Note: End your time by reading next week’s verse, James 3:16, and then thank God for the truth of Romans 8:1 in a closing prayer.
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