Self-Reflection Guide | Multiply - Part 1

Welcome
Today we begin a new sermon series called Multiply. In this series we are reminded that faith is not only about growing closer to God ourselves, it’s about helping others to know God more fully as well. We all found our way to Christian community because of others who came before us. God calls us to do the same; to not just consume the faith we’ve been given but to help create faith in the next generation too. Remembering our roots reminds us of our mission.

This self-reflection guide is broken into three sections: The Head focuses on scripture and our understanding of the key concepts. The Heart looks inward at our emotions, motivations, fears, doubts, and so on. The Hands provides a call to movement, a way to take our reflections and put them into action.

There is no right or wrong way to use this guide, no right or wrong answers to these questions. Start with a centering breath and a moment of gratitude for this opportunity to pause and reflect. Invite God to join you in this space and see where the Spirit leads you. Welcome, and Amen!

The Head
The book of Romans is Paul’s letter to the newly formed church in Rome. These were not folks who grew up in a Christian community, because there was no church before this! In fact, these people only knew Jesus because of the sacrifices, commitment, and invitation of those who came before them. Paul summarizes this at the end of his letter to these new followers of Christ.

Romans 15:4-7

4 Whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction so that we could have hope through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude toward each other, similar to Christ Jesus’ attitude. 6 That way you can glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Chris together with one voice. 7 So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory.”

• Who first welcomed you into the church? What was that welcome like?
• Who are the people, known or unknown, who shaped your ability to encounter Jesus?
• In what ways have you experienced the God of endurance and encouragement?

According to scripture, we are called to be creators. Early on in the book of Genesis we read that God “created humanity in God’s own image” and then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:27-28).

• What does it mean to be created in God’s image? How do we know what God looks like, sounds like, or the ways in which God exists in the world?
• Beyond the biological implications, what does it mean to be fruitful and multiply?
• How would you describe the difference between being a creator and being a consumer?

The Heart
Christian community can be messy, draining, and sometimes even painful. But it can also be life-changing. How do we untangle these difficult aspects of our faith journey from the parts that are truly transformative? We can hold tight to our roots, knowing that they are solid and strong.

• As you imagine the people who first introduced you to faith, what feelings arise?
• What examples come to mind of people who sacrificed something or put others before themselves for the sake of growing the Christian community?
• What is your vision for the Christian community, and what is your role in that vision?
• What worries or hesitations arise when you think about creating space for others?
• How do you understand your purpose in the church?
• What leaves you feeling disconnected from that purpose?

The Hands
As people created in God’s image, we are wired to be creators and to join God in that ongoing process of creation. And yet, we live in a society that entices us to consume more and more every day. This is a problem, especially as followers of Jesus, but one that we can overcome.

• When it comes to faith, are you a consumer or a creator? Name some examples of both.
• How does our culture of consumerism impact your faith?
• What actions can you take this week to actively resist the culture of consumerism?
• As you look around at the people in your life, who feels far away or alienated?
• In what ways will you be stretched by creating space for others in this season?
• Where is God calling you to sacrifice, to be inconvenienced, to think about others before yourself? How will you respond to that call?

Closing Prayer
God, thank you for this time to be present with you. Thank you for this opportunity to pause and reflect on the message this week. Thank you for all the people who came before us, for those who invited us into this faith, for those who made space for us to learn and grow, and for those who helped shape us into the people we are today. Please help us see the world as you see it, Lord. Give us the courage to join in your holy work of creating even when we are pulled towards consumerism. Show us what it means to be fruitful and multiply as part of your creation. Amen.