Shift 3 - From Them to Us

In a world that pressures to divide, devalue, and discard, followers of Jesus must shift to a God-perspective and see the image of God in ALL people.

Big Idea: There is no us and them—there is only us.

Jesus calls the Church to change our vocabulary from THEM to US, from a verbiage that SEPARATES to a verbiage that LOVES.

Genesis 1:26–31

Luke 10:30–37

Problem:

Division moves to devaluation which devolves to hatred and death. 

The Ramifications:

An Us vs. Them mindset is the fuel for hatred, division, racism, sexism, anger, violence, war, isolation, ageism

The enemy uses an Us vs. Them to counteract the heart of God.

Solution:

Understand how God sees humanity–made in the image of God.

John 15:15–18

Respond to need, not differences.

Position vs. Posture

Galatians 3:26–28

2 Cor. 5:16-20

Response:

• Look: are there people that God has strategically and supernaturally placed in your oikos that you are ignoring?

• Listen: build friendships with people with whom you disagree and simply listen.

• Bless your Oikos

Ephesians 2:14

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's Passage: Colossians 3:12-17

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)