Rooted & Growing – Class 4: "Sent & Sustained – Living as God’s People in the World"
Mission Statement: To know Christ and love one another.
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have called me to follow You not only in faith but in life. Send me where You would have me go. Strengthen me in every task. Help me serve others with joy, speak truth with love, and live each day as Your disciple. Amen.
Introduction – Living as God’s People
- Key Concept: You are the Church.
- Opening Verse: Matthew 5:14–16 – “You are the light of the world…”
- Discussion Prompt:
- What are some common misconceptions about what “the Church” is?
- What does it mean that we are “sent” into the world?
The Cross in Daily Life
- Key Concept: The Christian life is cross-shaped.
- Key Themes: Vocation, sacrifice, and faithfulness under trial.
- Bible Verse: Luke 9:23 – “Take up your cross daily and follow me.”
- Confessional Reference: Augsburg Confession, Article XX (Faith and Good Works) – on good works as a fruit of faith.
- Discussion Prompt:
- What crosses do we bear in daily life?
- How does following Christ shape our view of suffering?
The Christian Life is Lived in Vocation
- Key Concept: Every Christian has holy callings—right where they are.
- Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 7:17 – “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned…”
- Confessional Reference: Large Catechism, Table of Duties – overview of callings (home, work, church, community).
- Discussion Prompt:
- What are your current vocations?
- How do you serve God and others through these roles?
Sent with the Gospel
- Key Concept: We are sent as witnesses.
- Bible Verse: John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
- Confessional Reference:
- Augsburg Confession, Article V (The Ministry) – the means by which saving faith is given.
- Apology, Article IV (Justification) – the preaching of the Gospel is essential.
- Discussion Prompt:
- What does “witnessing” look like in everyday life?
- How do you explain the hope that is in you?
Sustained by the Church
- Key Concept: God feeds and sustains His people through Word and Sacrament.
- Bible Verse: Hebrews 10:24–25 – “Let us not give up meeting together…”
- Confessional Reference:
- Large Catechism, Lord’s Supper – on the sustaining power of the Sacrament.
- Augsburg Confession, Article VII (The Church) – the Church is where the Gospel is rightly preached and Sacraments rightly administered.
- Discussion Prompt:
- Why is regular worship important?
- How does the Church sustain your faith?
Wrap-Up
- Key Concept: The Christian life is a rhythm of gathering and sending.
- Closing Thoughts:
- We are gathered by grace and sent in love.
- Vocation is how we live the Gospel in the world.
- Group Reflection:
- What stuck with you most today?
- Where is God calling you to serve next?
