Masquerade, wk 2: Naked, and Not Ashamed!

Connection Group Questions

October 2, 2011

“Naked, and Not Ashamed!”

Opening 

Everyone get naked!  Just kidding... really.

It’s Thanksgiving.  You can’t have too much thankfulness in your hearts and in your group.  Start by sharing 3 things you are thankful for.  But no repeats!  If someone says they are thankful for their family, then you can’t repeat that.  It might get harder as you go along, so don’t hesitate to be the first to share!

Digging Deeper

Read the creation story, Genesis 1:26-2:2, 2:15-25, 3:8-13

Any reading of the bible, and perhaps especially the creation story, can raise a lot of questions.  Thus any bible study of this section can easily get side-tracked, and can go on just about forever!  

So let’s focus on some the things we know are answered:

• The first “mask” in the bible is this mask of shame.  How would you define shame?  How have you experienced shame ?  (Yes these are very personal questions, so not everyone has to answer.)
• Have you struggled with shame, or have you experienced some victory over shame in your life?  Perhaps your story can be an encouragement to others in the group.
• In your own words, discuss what it means to be made in the image of God:  How are we like the rest of creation?  How are we unlike the rest of creation?  How can this both humble, and inspire us?
• How can we better become icons to reflect and direct the reality of God in the world?  Who do you know that lives as a icons for God, rather than making an idol of themselves?
• What is unique about our role in creation as stewards?  How can understanding this role help with our understanding of our lives and our purpose in the world?
• What is unique about our relationship with God?
• What is the relationship like between Adam and Eve?
• What would it be like to be naked and have no shame, no fear?
• What are the wonderful things we can affirm about our image?  What are the fallen things?

Group Exercise:

Read these passages where God shares how He sees us without any mask out loud as a group:

 Psalm 139:16-19, Isaiah 43:1, Jeremiah 31:3, Zephaniah 3:17, John 15:12-17, 1 Peter 2:9.  

Reflect on these passages and what they say of us.

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!