Outlive Your Life_ You Were Made to Make a Difference - Max Lucado [55]
CHAPTER 8: PERSECUTION: PREPARE FOR IT; RESIST IT
Questions for Discussion
1. How do you feel when you hear stories about heroic martyrs such as Necati or stories about horrible persecution around the world? In what ways does it put your own difficulties into perspective?
2. In societies with religious freedom, we may not experience persecution, but we may experience spiritual opposition from critics, accusers, family members, professors, classmates, coworkers, and others in our daily lives. As you read that list, does it remind you of a situation that led you to silence your beliefs?
3. How do you think Peter felt in John 18:15–18, 25–27? Have you ever failed to speak out in the face of pressure or persecution? On the other hand, when have you been like Peter before his accusers in Acts 4:5–13—ready to speak the truth boldly in the face of pressure or persecution?
4. What habits have you developed in order to spend time with Jesus so you can linger long and often in his presence? How could such habits help others realize you have been with him?
5. In what ways should spiritual disciplines develop boldness in a believer?
Ideas for Action
• Pray for the persecuted church. Become more knowledgeable about church freedom in a country you already have a connection with, and pray for the believers there to be strong in their faith. Stay current on the news about the church in that country.
• Rally your church to pray for persecuted believers by setting up a special prayer vigil or by participating in the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Consider buying a large world map for your home or church and having family or church members write prayers on Post-it notes and place them on the appropriate country.
CHAPTER 9: DO GOOD, QUIETLY
Questions for Discussion
1. The Acts 5 story of Ananias and Sapphira is an intense one. The consequences of their early church conspiracy were grave—literally. However, Max asks, “Was that really necessary?” What do you think?
2. How does the church regard such offenses today?
3. Have you seen examples of hypocrisy in the church that have adversely affected its reputation? What specific changes can Christians make to counter a general reputation for hypocrisy?
4. In Matthew 23, Jesus levels accusations against the Pharisees and scribes, or teachers of the law. List these seven indictments on a separate sheet of paper. How would you describe Jesus’ tone in this passage? What common threads do you see in the list?
5. How will you live differently after reading Matthew 23, Acts 5, and this chapter of Outlive Your Life?
Ideas for Action
• “Expect no credit for good deeds.” Think of someone you know who is in need. What tangible thing could you do for that person this week—in secret? Identify a person who has made a significant impact on your life. Send a letter thanking that individual for all he or she has done, but be sure the letter cannot be traced back to you.
• “Don’t fake spirituality.” Search the Scriptures to see what indicates false spirituality and what indicates authentic spirituality. Spend time in prayer, asking God to show you any area in which your spirituality is weak.
CHAPTER 10: STAND UP FOR THE HAVE-NOTS
Questions for Discussion
1. The church in Jerusalem had overlooked Greek-speaking widows and sought to resolve the problem (Acts 6). What groups or individuals are overlooked in your community? Why are they forgotten or ignored?
2. Who is the target audience of your church? Describe the kind of person who is most likely to visit. If your church tried to become more like the people highlighted by Jesus in Luke 4:14