REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

“Loyalty Is a Rarity”

ICEBREAKER: What is the craziest legal thing you’ve ever done?

TEXT: 2 Chronicles 16:9, Deut 7:9

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. What characteristic do you most value from a close friend? Explain.

a. Good Listener

b. Wise Counsel & Advise

c. Fervent Prayer Partner

d. Keeps Me Laughing

e. Buys Me Cool Gifts

f. Quality Time

g. Encouragement

h. Forgiveness

i. ___________________________________________

2. How would you define loyalty? Name at least one person that has been loyal to you in your life?

3. Everyone has betrayed someone and or has been betrayed. Like Judas who betrayed Jesus, Satan will often use someone who is the closest to you, who knows your life patterns to betray you. Why do you think Judas betrayed Christ?

a. Because he was jealous of Jesus’ relationship with Peter, James and John

b. Because he was greedy for money

c. Because he thought he could push Jesus into rebelling against Rome

d. Because he was just plain evil

e. Because he didn’t understand why Jesus came

f. Because he confused working with Jesus for a relationship with Jesus

g. ____________________________________________

4. Betrayers rarely work alone and often show up just before your greatest victory. Why do you think betrayers get others in on the conspiracy?

5. Betrayers seek to control you either out of a fear of being controlled or a need to be in charge. What are some of the ways that people either subtly or overtly try to manipulate or control others? Which ones have you used?

a. By giving others the silent treatment and withdrawing to punish them

b. By hurling demeaning or belittling insults and name-calling

c. By withholding affection, finances, resources or assistance

d. By crying, whining, complaining, or nagging

e. By cursing them or telling others how bad things are gong to get it they don’t comply

f. By throwing temper tantrums and fits of rage

g. By speaking flattering words

h. By threatening them or holding something over their head

i. ___________________________________________

6. Even miracles won’t stop some people from betraying you. Jesus stopped and healed a man’s ear on the way to the cross but it didn’t matter to the betrayer and his cohorts. You could give them everything you have and it still wouldn’t be enough. How do you feel when someone you have done the most for stabs you in the back?

a. Angry

b. Depressed

c. Confused

d. Foolish and sometimes even Stupid

e. Powerless

f. Bitter

g. ___________________________________________

7. Loyalty can really only be proven during times of crises and accusation. Loyalty will usually cost you. Identify some of the things that loyalty could cost you?