Masquerade, wk 1

October 2, 2011

Opening
Introduce anyone new to the group and share how you came to check out the Connection Group.

After introductions go over the “Connection Group Commitment.” You’ll want members to commit to the semester at this meeting. ANd now that you know who will be with the group, you can make a snack schedule, or even begin making plans for a service or social event.

Digging DeeperThe theme of this series is all about taking off our masks and showing our real identity. But let’s start with something a little less threatening. What was you favorite costume as a kid, or who/what did you always want to be? How does this reflect who you are today: your hopes or aspirations?

It’s probably a little pre-mature to share our deepest, darkest secrets. But perhaps a few folks could share about a mask they used to wear. Maybe it was a season in your youth, or in a relationship. You were trying to be something, or someone, you really were not. How’d that work out for you?

All of us have some masks. In fact, it’s wise not to show everything about ourselves to everyone all the time. But all of us could benefit from getting real with God, and finding people with whom we can show our real self, flaws and faults included.

So let’s look at confession, and it’s role in the bible.
Read Psalm 51, perhaps the most famous “confession” in all the bible. Share the background to this Psalm- the story of David and Bathsheba, 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

• If God’s love is unfailing, why does David still ask for mercy? 
• Why do you think he uses the imagery of washing away sin? 
• Why does he say he’s sinned against God alone? What about Uriah? Bathsheba? All the people of his kingdom? What does this tell us about the nature of sin? 
• Where does David understand his sinful actions to originate? (Look at verses 5-6) 

Feel free to go through this whole Psalm, discussing each statement, to see if it rings true in your own life and experience.

Confession comes from the greek, “homologeo,” or, “To say the same.” Let’s talk about what God says about you:

First, what amazing things does God say about you? Have the group share as many encouraging verses or truths from the bible about who we are as humans. Can you start to say these same things about yourself?

Second, what are some of the more revealing things God could say about you? Are you willing to hear some truth about your life, even if it’s uncomfortable? What would stop us from wanting to say of the things about our lives that God already sees and knows?

Close with a time of prayer.No everyone has to pray, but everyone should participate in the prayer time. Give folks a chance to share, have a time for open prayer, then your group leader can wrap it up!