Acts of Defiance: Defy Insecurity

Series: Acts of Defiance
Insecurity by Rick Shurtz, July 20, 2008

This week, Rick continued the “Acts of Defiance” series with one of the toughest acts of defiance – defying what we think about ourselves. There’s an old saying that when a minister gets personal he’s “stopped preaching and started meddling”. Well, this week Rick started meddling. He posed some questions that asked us look at things about our past that could be difficult or painful. So let’s avoid those - ;-) … at least for awhile. But before you start this discussion, make sure you have some paper and pen/pencil handy - and a trash can - for when the discussion does start to meddle.

1. Since one of Rick’s topics was the names we call ourselves let’s talk about nicknames. Did you or do you have one? Have your ever given one to someone else – or known someone who had an interesting nickname? Think of a nickname you know something about and then share about the who, why or how of yours or another’s nickname. Be sure to talk about whether the name is one that you or the person liked or disliked – if you know - and why. (10 minutes)

2. In a relevant Bible passage, Rick talked about the story of Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader in Jesus’ time, who came to talk to Jesus (see passages below) about “the Kingdom of God”. This is when Jesus used the term “born again”. Rick talked about how that term has taken on all sorts of different meanings since it had it’s own “rebirth” during the 60’s. Take some time to talk about that: When you hear the term “Born Again” what sort of ideas/images/people come to mind? After you’ve had a chance to talk about different types of impressions, then talk about what you think Jesus may have meant when He used the term. (You can read the entire episode in John 3: 1 – 21). (10 minutes)

3. Next, let’s go back to last week’s lesson, when Rick asked us to think about the question “What is trying to define your life?” Did you have any new insights or answers to that question over the last week? Take some time to talk about any ideas you may have had and whether you think these are things God would want you to defy. If you did not have a chance to think about this during the last week – do you have any ideas about how your might answer the question now? (5 - 10 minutes)

4. In this week’s message, one of the “somethings” that Rick said we need to defy are false and/or old impressions of who we really are. He asked us to write down those “names” we call ourselves on old baggage tags and then leave them behind. We can leave them behind because if we have accepted Christ’s sacrifice for us, we are new people (born again?). Did you write down a name or names? If so, how did it feel leaving it behind? Before we start meddling in this discussion – talk for a minute in general about peoples feelings about giving up the ideas of themselves that they have carried around. In particular, talk about any reasons why it is so hard to leave an old name behind. (5 - 10 minutes)

5. Now for our meddling: Since it is hard to give up a name, maybe it’s worth doing again. Or maybe there are some new names you’ve thought of since the message Sunday. Or maybe you didn’t get a chance to leave your names behind. So, try to recreate the exercise. Take a few minutes to think about your identity. What are the names you call yourself that are or can be dead and buried with Jesus? Use the paper you have to write down those names. Next, take some time for those who feel comfortable to talk about the names that you have gotten rid of… or WANT to get rid off. Then think back about what Jesus meant by “born again”. Knowing that when you are a new spiritual creating in Christ those names are past – throw them away! When you are ready, wad up that paper and throw it in the trash. It’s gone. That’s what Jesus has done - He has and will take out the trash in our lives. This is sure worth adding a moment of thanks over. (10 minutes)

6. Close by sharing some ideas about to keep from digging back through the trash. If anyone has had success with this – permanent or temporary – what worked for you? (10 minutes)

Bible passages from the message
“Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
John 3:2

Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
John 3:3

“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”
John 3:4

“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and you do not understand these things?”
John 3:10

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." Joel 2:28-29

Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. 1 John 3:15

Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

Want to get more/go farther?

• You can listen to this message - and other ones too at Gateway Messages.
• Get an idea of where you are in your spiritual journey and customize your own next steps at Gateway's Discover, Develop, Deepen website.
• Want support in some specific area of your life? There are different ways to get help at Gateway's Support and Recovery ministries. Check it out.
• Need help understanding or getting rid of some "name" from your past? Merry Fiske is a Biblically based professional councelor who can help you think through those sorts of issues.
• Search for other topics you want to know more about Gateway's online Bookstore. or go to the virtual Bookstore on the second level of the auditorum at Gateway's main campus.