Every man listening has been invited by Jesus to follow Him, and be in relationship with Him. Jesus wants to be our Lord, Savior and Friend. This week on the podcast we will look at four characteristics we should have in our walk: We'll look at what it means to be fully devoted, responsible, intentional and resilient.

Ross Barnette is our guest this week. Ross has been involved in leadership at Southland for many years and is currently one of our Elders.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Opening Question:

• Who is your favorite college basketball player of all time and why?

• Where are you winning this week?

Ross (in talking about the people that impacted his life) said, "All had grace in common. They didn't treat me the way I deserve." What does it mean to treat someone in a way that they do not deserve?

Ross spoke about his story and how God was chasing him throughout his whole life. Look back in your own life. Is there anything you went through that was hard in the moment, but now--looking back--you can see how God was at work in that hard time?

Ross talked about the importance of structured times of prayer. Why is this important and what can you do to develop structured times of prayer in your life?

Scott and Ross talked about some practical ways a single man, a husband, and a dad can apply responsibility in their lives. Focus on the group you are in and talk about some takeaways you had.

Read Luke 14:25-35. How does this passage speak to the importance of being intentional about our walk with Jesus?

What area of your life needs more intentionality? Your spiritual walk, marriage, kids, work, friendships, or health?

What helps you stay resilient? What helps you stay in the fight when life gets hard instead of tapping out or checking out?

Which Scripture from the episode (Phil 1:6, Gal 6:9, James 1:12, Hebrews 12, etc.) encourages you the most right now?

Closing questions:

Scott & Ross highlighted 4 characteristics of a man of God.

• Fully-devoted

• Responsible

• Intentional

• Resilient

Share with your LR Group men in your life that are great examples of these areas?

How do you Jesus model these in the gospels and toward us?

Of the four, which of these are you stronger at?

Which of these 4 areas are you needing to grow?

What are some ways/next steps that you can take to do grow?

Was there anything else in the episode you resonated with? Are you feeling any prompting from the Holy Spirit?

Key Scripture

Philippians 1:6 (NIV) 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Galatians 6:9 (NIV) 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

James 1:12 (NIV) 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Hebrews 10:36 (NIV) 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Wrap Up:

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