Date: July 28, 2024
Barak
The Point: Your service to God is valuable, no matter who gets the credit.
Get Into the Study
As you recap the content in “Get Into the Study,” share the following the list from this article titled 50 Rewards and Recognition Ideas to Boost Employee Recognition (6/5/24). Review several ideas from the article and ask group members to review ideas as you point out some of the ideas out. Ask: If you could only pick one reward or recognition idea from this list, which would you appreciate the most? Share a few of the ideas from the article, or review a few listed here:
- #1 Gift of Gratitude: Saying “thank you” verbally or with a hand-written note.
- #7 Prime Parking: Maybe the company executives or the Senior Staff at your church have prime parking spots. This gift of gratitude includes allowing you the privilege of parking in a prime spot.
- #8 Gift Cards: Maybe it’s to your favorite restaurant, but gift cards can provide unique thanks to volunteers and team members alike.
Emphasize that the point for today’s session is that your service to God is valuable, no matter who gets the credit. In a world where some seem to blow their own horns in order to get recognition; if you’re doing what God has called you to do, know that what you’re doing is valuable. Your work is valuable whether you are serving at your job, in your family, or at church. Your work and service matter to God.
Get Into the Study [Optional Activity from the Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, play a video clip about some famous inventions. Then ask Question #1.
Study the Bible
As you study Judges 4:12-16, share quotes from Indeed’s article titled 55 Hard Work Quotes to Motivate You. Explain that when we need to do what’s necessary to carry out what we’re called to do, motivational quotes can help helpful.
Share a few of the following quotes (share more quotes from the link as fitting and as time allows). Here are a few examples.
- “The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” —Thomas Edison
- “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” —Pelé
- “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” —Walt Disney
Direct group members to review quotes and share their favorite. Ask: Why does that particular quote stand out to you? Allow time to discuss. Say: As we see in this passage from Judges 4:12-16, sometimes you must do what is necessary to carry out what you’re called to do. When you’re serving faithfully—whether it’s at work, at home with your family, or at church, remember that God sees your work and it’s valuable to Him.
EXTRA was written by Ryan Sanders. He holds the ThM and MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Ryan is married with three children, and lives in Washington, DC. Find more about Ryan at RyanJSanders.com.
Study the Bible [Optional Activity from the Adult Leader Guide]
In advance, to introduce the idea of serving God, invite volunteers from the group to use their smart phones to look up some prayer requests for missionaries who are giving faithful service to God. Take a few moments to pray for these individuals and ask that God would be glorified through their work.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- When was a time you were on a winning team? What did it feel like to win?
- What are the characteristics of a healthy and winning team?
- What acts of service rarely earn people recognition?
- When has someone else gotten the credit for something you did?
- When have you been recognized in a way that was special or memorable?
- What’s one of your favorite inventions from history?
Judges 4:4-8. Allow yourself to be challenged.
- How do we best support others in their journey with God?
- When has there been a time in which you had to ask for support?
- Why do you think it is important to allow yourself to be challenged?
- How can we recognize when God is calling us to a challenge?
- How do you typically respond when you feel challenged or stretched?
Judges 4:12-16. Do what is necessary to carry out what you’re called to do.
- How do we encourage others to walk in obedience even under difficult circumstances?
- How can we discern when God is calling us to something as opposed to our own desires?
- How does Barak’s example encourage and challenge you?
- What practices can prepare us to trust God in a challenge?
Judges 5:1-5. Give God the honor and credit for your achievements.
- Why was it important for Deborah and Barak to give God the credit?
- What are the dangers of not giving honor to God for life accomplishments?
- In what ways can you honor and credit God for your life achievements?
- What are some ways you can give God honor and credit in your life?
For Those in Your Group
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack: A Life Lesson in Having Someone’s Back
Podcast
Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
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