Free Fall Week Two Message Discussion Questions

Introduction: Introduction: This week we continue a new series called 'Free Fall'’. The message this week is titled: 'Taking Shots From Both Sides'. We are diving into the New Testament book of Galatians where the Apostle Paul is responding to the church at Galatia that is being challenged with false teaching about what it means to be a Christian. Questions:

1. Do you agree with Matt that Christians can be really mean? In what ways have you seen or experienced this? How does social media expose or enhance that?

2. How can Jesus & Paul be examples for you of how to respond when you are shot at

from both Christians & non-Christians because of your faith?

3. How can Paul's mindset or world view help when you are being criticized or attacked because of your faith? What does it mean to 'hold onto Jesus'? Ref. Galatians 2:20

4. Did you know that not everyone is going to trust you or believe that you have

changed when you accept Jesus? Is it frustrating to you that not everyone in your life is on board with your faith? Ref. Galatians 1:11

5. Does everyone in your life agree with you & understand the decisions that you make

because of your faith? Do you get questions about your daily life, your marriage, parenting or how you spend your money?

Ref. Galatians 1:10; Galatians 2:3-5; Acts 16:1-3; 1 Corinthians 9:19-20

6. If your going to follow Jesus, do you know that your faith must be in Jesus & not in human leaders? Have you experienced disappointment or pain because someone you trusted let you down or made a crucial mistake? Ref. Galatians 2:11-14

7. Is it difficult to remember that Jesus & His people aren't always the same? That

people are going to hurt you & let you down? How can the truth of Galatians 2:20sustain you in those times? Ref. Galatians 2:20

Summary:

• What should you expect if you decide to follow Jesus? • How do you respond to criticism from people who are Christians? • Does ‘friendly fire’ hurt more than shots from those who are not Christians? Who are

you trying to please? • How can remembering Jesus & Paul be an encouragement to you when your family &

friends don’t understand you or agree with you? • Why does the idea of salvation alone through Christ alone help in the midst of

attacks? How can this guide your motivation & reason? • What does it mean to ‘hold onto Jesus Christ’ in the midst of attacks & storms in your

life and keep you from quitting? • How does the truth that ‘you can’t please everybody’ help you to know how to

respond & live for an audience of one?