Jesus the Hope of the World - Core Community

CORE COMMUNITY

OUTLINE

I. Authority and Submission as Practice (v. Philippians 2:10)
II. Authority and Submission as a Picture (v. Hebrews 13:17)
III. Authority and Submission as Protection (v. Hebrews 13:17; Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-6; 1 Peter 5:5; Romans 13:1-3)

QUESTIONS

1. Hebrews 13:17 The Church is going to stand out from the world in how we carry out authority over others and submission to others. Where in your story have you been wounded, hurt, or abused by those in authority over you who were supposed to protect you? How do those experiences impact how you react to those who God puts in authority over you now? How might Jesus want to meet you in that and learn submission from Him?

2. The Bible speaks often of submission (Romans 13; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 5&6…). What is your initial reaction when you are told to submit? When in your story have you submitted and been wounded? What does the Gospel teach us about how through weakness and submission Jesus changed everything?

3. God is perfect in authority and perfect in submission (Matthew 28:18; Philippians 2:10). Which one do you struggle with the most, authority or submission? What would it look like to draw near to Him, take His yoke upon yourself and learn from Him the proper use of authority and submission?

4. The Church is here to proclaim the Gospel and invite people to submit to Jesus. Why does it matter that we call people to submit to Jesus from a position of submission to Jesus and the authority He has put over us? What role do you personally play in creating a culture which pictures the proper use of authority and the proper exercise of submission?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE

Hebrews 13:17
17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.