Revival Study Series – LEADER GUIDE Week 2 – A Longing for Holiness: Oxford September 27, 2015

Session Goals 1. Explore in 1 Peter the dual facets of intellect and passion essential to a holy life 2. Understand (from John Wesley) what it means to live a holy life 3. Make a commitment to one or more faith practices for spiritual revival

Opening Activity

Remind people about the faith practices from last week (pray for children, listen to children, listen to others, reflect on difficult circumstances). Ask for observations about their experiences.

Write out the phrase, “Holier than Thou” and ask people what they think of when they hear this. Positive or negative? What other phrases might fit here?

In this session, we will explore what John Wesley meant by holiness and why he longed for it.

Opening Prayer

O Lord, we long to live a holy life worthy of our calling as Christ’s own. Guide us this day as we seek to revive our lives, that we may more fully live to your glory. Amen.

Video Study and Discussion

1. Ask people to recall their passions and interests as young adults. Look for the passions that pulled Wesley in his young adult years. 2. Show video Chapter 2 (Oxford) 3. Discuss: a. The small group that Wesley mentored attracted some derisive nicknames. What were they? (Bible moths, Holy Club) b. Why the name “Methodist?” What are some of the defining characteristics of the Methodist movement? (spiritual disciplines aimed at deepening one’s faith and love for God; and acts of mercy and compassion.) c. Consider your own spiritual life. Is there a balance between disciplines to deepen faith and acts of compassion and mercy?

Bible Study and Discussion

1. Read 1 Peter 1:1-2. Christians in Asia Minor were facing a difficult social situation. They were being marginalized for attempting to live faithfully, having given up the idolatrous culture of which they had once been a part. 2. Have a volunteer read 1 Peter 1:13-16 (p 37) 3. Faith involves the head and the heart. “Prepare your minds for action.” a. What Christian practices would enhance our ability to apply intellect to our faith? b. What practices might enable us to develop a passionate heart for God?

Book Study and Discussion

1. John Wesley longed to be an “altogether Christian.” 2. Read aloud his sermon on pgs 42-43. The weight of these questions is meant to elicit a resounding “Yes!” What is your response? 3. Adam Hamilton describes members of his own small group as “stretcher bearers.” a. What does he mean? b. Would you describe the members of your small group this way? 4. Metaphors for Restoration – refer to the sidebar text on p51. a. How is restoring an old car a metaphor for what God does to us? b. Ask for other metaphors (Pictionary on the whiteboard?)

Reviving Our Faith

Encourage the group to consider undertaking some of these faith practices: 1. For the glory of God. (consider how daily events can glorify God) 2. “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.” (Recite the Lord’s prayer and consider your actions each day) 3. Offer a breath prayer. (Suggest Psalm 115:1. Inhale, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us.” Exhale, “but to your name give glory.”

Closing Activity

1. Invite people to reflect in silence on where they are with their own spiritual lives. a. Are you in need of a complete restoration? Or maybe a “touch-up?” b. Where do you think we are as a faith community? 2. Consider using a journal for personal reflection. 3. Read Chapter 3 before the next session.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God, by your Spirit stir us to a new revival of holy living as altogether Christians. Guide us to new insights as we seek to revive not just our lives as individual Christians but also our life together in community. It is not to us, O God, but to your name we give glory. Amen.