The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Series: Enter THEIR World
Week's focus: Kenosis Living
Scriptures: Philippians 2:1-11; Mark 10:40-45
Week of: June 17, 2007

TRACKING THE WORD IN WORSHIP
Word principles for decision, reflection & application

What's "kenosis" and why is it a compelling way to live in response to today's complex world?

1. The trajectory of a TRANSFORMED life begins with a choice to be deployed and to serve.

Mark 10:45

A. Consider the prospects for change or growth in the life of persons who expect others to serve them, who think the world owes them, or who believe they're "entitled."

B. According to Mark 10:45, what two things did the Son of Man come to do?

C. How do you think Jesus' sense of being "sent" guided or formed his own life and mission?

D. How do you think His mission transformed the lives of those he served and gave his life for--including you?

E. What do you see as some of the advantages of choosing to serve rather than be served?

2. Jesus' self-emptying and self-giving changed forever how the world interprets human GREATNESS.

Philippians 2:6-8; Mark 10:40

A. According to Mark 10:42, how was greatness, rank or leadership defined prior to Jesus?

B. How did Jesus say this should change (Mark 10:43-44)?

C. Kenosis means: self-emptying, self-giving

D. What steps "downward" did Jesus take in his journey into greatness (Philippians 2:6-8?

E. What do you think are some things in your outlook or lifestyle that you think you would have to challenge or "reverse" to emulate Jesus' pattern of witness in the world?


3. Kenosis living not only transforms one's own life, it creates changed FUTURES for other people.

Philippians 2:7-11

A. What did God do in response to Jesus' kenosis (self-emptying)?

B. What difference was and is made in the life of every person because of Jesus' choice to serve?

C. Who are some people who, having followed a similar pattern of self-emptying and service, have had a significant impact on the lives of people and nations?

D. What relationship do you see between a future of hope for those you love and your own choices regarding serving or being served?

MARKINGS FOR THE JOURNEY
Consider what other believers have explored about serving and kenosis

DIVINE ECONOMY "In the divine economy of things, by giving a person receives, by serving he is served, by losing his life he finds it, by dying he lives, by humbling himself he is exalted. The one follows the other as night follows day, but always in this order-self-sacrifice first before the self is exalted by God." - Gerald F. Hawthorne

ONLY ONE "Only the Greatest of all can make Himself small enough to enter Hell. For the higher a thing is, the lower it can descend - man can sympathize with a horse but a horse cannot sympathize with a rat. Only One has descended into Hell." - C. S. Lewis

GREATNESS "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve." - M. L. King, Jr.

MOST HUMAN "It is not 'excelling' but 'serving' that makes us most human." - Henri J. M. Nouwen

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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