REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

"Is There A Righteous Cause?"

ICEBREAKER: If you could ask The Lord for a desire to be granted, except the wish to have as many wishes as you want, what would you request?

INTRODUCTION: I believe God raises us up to give us a platform to fight for some righteous cause. Mother Theresa of Calcutta was an advocate for the diseased and the underprivileged people of India. President Jimmy Carter, after finishing his term, went on to help Habitat for Humanity build homes for thousands of homeless people. Many people have turned their pain into a cause. President Reagan became an advocate for those afflicted with Alzheimer's disease after receiving his own diagnosis. From taking a stand against abortion on demand to childhood diseases to systemic poverty to human sex trafficking to illiteracy to winning souls for the Kingdom of God, there is a cause for you to fight for. This week's lesson reminds us that when we do what we can do, God will do what we cannot do.

CONFESSION:

· I was born for such a time as this!

· My life is not my own I was bought with a price.

· I do not have the luxury of just sitting in a rocking chair and doing nothing until I die! I can always pray!

· God has given me every gift I need to accomplish my destiny!

· I believe I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

· My God in me will be the equivalent to the requirement!

· If I give God my availability, He will give me His supernatural ability!

· No weapon formed against me shall ever ultimately prosper!

· I feel God's pleasure when I allow him to use me to bless others!

DEFINITION: Cause:

1. An action, event, or force that produces or contributes to an effect or result. Also called causation.

2. The ground or reason for a choice made or action taken. (In other words not just an action taken but an action that is rooted in a deep belief or value.)

3. A matter to be decided by a court.

OUTLINE: Steps of Fighting for a Cause

1. David found a cause worth fighting for while he was serving his father

2. David summoned the courage to fight a giant because he had already developed his skill with the sling by defeating a lion and a bear.

3. David refused to be defiled, discouraged and deterred by his brothers and others.

4. David accomplished the impossible by running toward the fight.

5. When David defeated the giant other giant slayers began to merge.

6. David reaped great reward for taking an act of faith

TEXT: 1 Samuel 17; Isaiah 16:5 NIV; Ephesians 5:14, 17-21 KJV

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. Pick one of the following attributes or characteristics of David in the Bible and talk about what made him stand out in this area: David was gifted, compassionate, sensual, courageous, loyal, fearless, a warrior, a worshiper, a builder, a student, a harp player, poet, a songwriter, a giant slayer, a king, a shepherd, a faithful son, a father, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist, a brother, a husband...

2. Tell us one cause that you are passionate about.

3. Describe one significant contribution that you could make to the Kingdom of God today.

4. Name a value or belief that your cause should be grounded in.

5. What one thing has the enemy, or just life, been using to rob your joy, steal your strength or distract your focus?

6. What was Jesus’ cause or purpose?

7. When in your life have you felt the most like you are in the center of God's will? Explain.

PRAISE REPORTS & PRAYER REQUESTS:

ACTION POINT: This week, every morning when I get up I will ask God what cause or person would you like for me to intercede or contend for.