Are You Mutating?

This is the iMAX (weekend discussion guide) for Heroes & Villains week five. The only way for any of us to fulfill our potential is to allow God to transform us!

Read Romans 12:2 and Philippians 2:5, 9-11

• Pastor Troy said, "Most people live life as Christ-followers trying to convince God to bless us." What did he mean by this?
• The Bible makes it clear that we have to be transformed ("mutated") by changing the way we think. Do you believe it is possible to change the mindsets people have had for years?
• When we allow God to transform us, promotion is given, opportunities abound, and leadership is recognized. Have you experienced this? Share some examples from your life or the life of someone you know.

Read Philippians 2:6-8, and 3:13-14

• The first step in the transformation is to position your mind. What does this mean?
• How can a person be intentional about doing this?
• The next step is to embrace your emotions. Do you show your emotions easily?
  
• The third step is to humble your heart. Jesus emptied himself, "pouring out" his reputation. How many times has God asked you to do something, but because you were afraid of what people would think, you disobeyed?
• Can you share an instance of this with the group?
• Other examples of this are: being unwilling to forgive, or unwilling to step out and take a risk in ministry. Discuss.
• The fourth step is to focus your strength. do you ever feel like your priorities are unbalanced?
• "There are a lot of things you can do, but you have to focus on the one thing you were created for." What is your reaction to this statement?

Connect Group Challenge - Pastor Troy encouraged us to not focus on all the things we need to pour out of our lives, i.e. all the darkness we feel is there. He told us to focus on pouring the four steps outlined above into our lives. How can the members of your Connect group help each other be transformed, so each one can reach his or her God potential? Spend some quality time exploring this.