The Trouble with the Truth Leader Guide: Balancing Truth and Grace - Softcover

Renfroe, Rob

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1426786263 ISBN 13: 9781426786266

Publisher: Abingdon Press, 2014

Synopsis

There’s a lot of talk today about “culture wars,” but these external conflicts are only a symptom of a deeper problem: there is trouble with the truth. Beneath our differences about the values that should define our culture is a real disagreement about what is true. Those who hold to the traditional beliefs of the Christian faith find themselves at odds with a culture that no longer believes there are universal spiritual or moral truths that apply to everyone. And they grieve that the confusion about what is true is just as strong in the church. The Trouble with the Truth explores the truth—why it’s in trouble, what the culture tells us about it, and why the church is so confused about it. In an engaging and compelling style, Rob Renfroe reminds us that the Christian life requires commitment to both truth and grace. Like a tightrope walker with a balance bar, we must learn to balance compassion for people and passion for truth, combining them in equal measure just as Jesus did. Readers will examine the essentials about truth and grace, understand the differences between a cultural worldview and a scriptural worldview, and discover how to be instruments of real influence and transformation in our time by following Jesus’s example. The Leader Guide contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and more—plus leader helps for facilitating a group.

About this title

About the Author

Rob Renfroe is Pastor of Discipleship at The Woodlands UMC in Houston, Texas, leader of the popular men's Bible study Quest, attended by over 500 men, and the author of The Trouble with the Truth and A Way Through the Wilderness. He also is President of Good News—a national organization committed to the doctrinal integrity and spiritual renewal of The United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Peggy, are the parents of two adult sons.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The Trouble with the Truth: Leader Guide

Balancing Truth And Grace

By Rob Renfroe

Abingdon Press

Copyright © 2014 Abingdon Press
All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-4267-8626-6

Contents

A Note to Group Leaders, 
Leader Helps, 
Session 1: Full of Grace and Truth, 
Session 2: Why Grace Is Essential and Truth Matters, 
Session 3: Why Our Culture Values Compassion Over, 
Truth: Understanding Three Worldviews, 
Session 4: Comparing the Cultural Worldview to a, 
Scriptural Worldview, 
Session 5: The New Absolutes, 
Session 6: What Does Love Require?, 
Optional Activities for Enhancing the Study, 
Notes, 

CHAPTER 1

Full of Grace and Truth

Charting the Course

Learning Objective

Participants will examine the truth-grace dynamic revealed in Christ and begin pursuit of the proper balance of truth and grace in their lives.

Themes for Exploration

• We see the perfect combination of grace and truth in the life of Jesus.

• To walk as Jesus walked, we must balance grace and truth.

• The culture and the church influence our beliefs about grace and truth.

Key Scripture

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Theological Focus

"When the Father sent the Son into the world that we might be saved, he came with grace and truth, compassion and righteousness, love and holiness. Without grace and truth together, we don't have the God of the Bible. Without compassion and righteousness together, we don't have Jesus of the Gospels. Without love and holiness together, we don't have the good news. The Christian faith is not one instead of the other or one more than the other but both together in equal measure, because this is the nature of our God."

Getting Started (10 Minutes)

Opening Prayer

Almighty God, together we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus. May we behold him, filled with grace and truth. May we see that in him, a life is possible where compassion and righteousness, love and holiness, and justice and mercy can be held in tandem. Help us to hold fast to his teachings and to follow his example. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Conversation Starter

Say:

The first chapter in our book explores grace and truth as vital attributes of Christian character. In our world, and even in our church cultures, we tend to favor one over the other rather than seeking both in equal measure. Today we will discuss how these attributes were displayed by Jesus and consider how we might grow as people of grace and truth.

Ask:

• What individual do you know who exudes grace? What is he or she like? How have you seen this person affect the lives of others?

• What individual do you know who has a contagious love for truth, sharing it in a positive and impactful way?

Engaging the Material (40 Minutes)

Note: This section allows approximately 25 minutes total for discussion (of video, Scriptures, and book). More questions are provided than you will have time to cover; select in advance those questions you would like to discuss, putting a check mark beside each one.

The Video

Play: Session 1: Full of Grace and Truth (running time 12:21)

Discuss:

• Why is it essential for us as Christians to be people of both grace and truth?

• How does the example of Nik Wallenda, who walked on a high wire across the Little Colorado River Gorge, speak to us about balancing grace and truth?

• In the midst of a culture that influences us so greatly, how can we get God's values into our minds and hearts?

• Would you agree that there are times when the kindest, most compassionate thing we can do is speak truth to someone? Why or why not? If so, give an example.

The Scriptures

In Advance: Use a commentary or Bible dictionary to help you prepare for this segment. Become familiar with the text before the group session begins. Write down your own discussion questions in addition to those provided below.

Read Aloud: John 8:1-11

Discuss:

• What takes place in this passage? Who is present? What is the crisis or dilemma? Who are Jesus' opponents?

• What was the prevailing cultural attitude of the crowd?

• How does Jesus demonstrate grace and truth in this passage?

• What does his example teach us?

Conclude by reading John 1:14 aloud. Explain that following Christ should lead to a life of grace and truth. Jesus displayed both through his words and his actions. As followers of Jesus, we must do the same.

The Book

Chapter 1 presents two essential qualities displayed in the life of Jesus: grace and truth. The current preference in Western culture seems to be for grace over truth. But Jesus offers a different image, a perfect balance of grace and truth. Christ's compassion was rooted in his strong and certain knowledge of his Father's love. We must ask him to teach us how to be people who, like him, are full of grace and truth. We must resist the influence of our culture to emphasize one over the other.

Discuss:

• What does the life of Christ teach us about grace and truth?

• Do you agree that the winds of our current culture encourage us to lean more toward compassion than truth? Why or why not?

• In what ways has the culture influenced your beliefs about grace and truth?

• Think of your church community. Is grace emphasized more than truth or vice versa? What about the church of your formative years? Discuss with a partner or small group how these experiences have shaped your understanding of grace and truth.

• Are you a more of a "truther" or a "gracer"? Share with your partner or small group how this tendency is a strength, and explore where you have room to grow.

• How can we best respond to other Christians who balance truth and grace differently than we do?

• Have someone read the following aloud: "What might happen if the church of Jesus Christ was not afraid to love like Jesus and was not ashamed to speak the truth like Jesus? His grace and truth changed the world once before. And I believe if we get it right, his grace and truth can change the world again through us." What might this look like in your church and community?

Life Application

Say:

Becoming a person of grace and truth requires us to face who we are today. If possible, try to find time this week to sit down with a friend you trust; this person should be a mature Christian who knows you well. Share what you are exploring in this study and explore these questions together (note: instruct participants to jot these down as you read them, or write them on a board or chart):

1. How do I show grace?

2. How do I proclaim truth?

3. Do I demonstrate grace and truth equally, or do I tend to favor one over the other?

4. What specific actions can I take that will help me grow as a person of grace and truth?

Be open and teachable. Listen, being willing to accept hard words if they come. Proverbs 27:6 says, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, / but an enemy multiplies kisses." Do not be defensive. The goal is to become a person of grace and truth in equal measure, like Jesus.

Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, / so one person sharpens another." Through your friend, you will gain self-knowledge that will assist your spiritual growth and inform your prayer life as you ask God for help.

If you are unable to do this exercise with a friend, devote some time to an honest self-evaluation. Ask these questions of yourself, seeking God's discernment through prayer.

Closing the Session (10 Minutes)

A Final Reflection

Say:

Blaise Pascal once remarked, "Nothing gives rest but the sincere search for truth." Christians believe that ultimately, truth is not a proposition but a person, Jesus Christ. When we find him, we find not only rest but also immeasurable grace extended toward us, warming our hearts, washing away our sin, and giving us power to live in accordance with the will of God. Grace and truth belong together in us, and it is God's desire to shape us as people of both compassion and conviction. Let us ask God to teach us to be faithful disciples.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, we ask for your help. You walked among us, full of grace and truth. Change us by the power of the Holy Spirit so that your life might be made manifest in us. Direct our words, our actions, and the inclination of our hearts so that we may bring glory to our Father who dwells in the heavens, who has called us as children, and who has created us for good works. Let us hold steadfast to truth and remain gracious toward all people. Amen.

CHAPTER 2

Why Grace Is Essential and Truth Matters

Charting the Course

Learning Objective

Participants will understand the biblical foundation for grace and truth and discuss real-life situations when it is challenging to embody grace and truth.

Themes for Exploration

• Grace is essential because Jesus commanded it and lived it; compassion was central to all that he did.

• Grace enables people to hear the truth; they don't care how much we know until they know how much we care.

• Truth is required for spiritual and emotional growth.

• Truth matters because our beliefs determine our lives.

• Truth dispels lies and combats evil.

Key Scripture

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

Luke 15:1-2

Theological Focus

"If we are to have an impact on our world the way Jesus did, then we must possess his compassion for people and his passion for truth. Both are equally important for those of us who want to represent him well and care for people the way he did."

Getting Started (10 Minutes)

Opening Prayer

Holy God, you are our Creator. We thank you for making us and calling us into being. We pray that you would help us to see how grace is essential. We must be people of compassion, for you are a God of compassion. Help us also to see that truth matters. Truth has the power to liberate and heal us. Let us trust you to sanctify us in truth, soften our hearts, and be with us as we engage in your work. We ask that you do these things through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Conversation Starter

In preparation for this session, look for a story of forgiveness in print media, on the Internet, or from daily life. Share the details of the story with the group.

Ask:

• How was grace demonstrated in this particular case? How did an individual or individuals show compassion for someone who wronged or hurt them?

• What convictions led those involved to act as they did? How did truth make a difference in this situation?

Alternate Option: Ask participants to share any experiences they've had related to grace and truth since your last gathering. What has God been teaching you? How have you been learning to show grace? How have you been learning to arrive at your convictions or speak truth?

Engaging the Material (40 Minutes)

Note: This section allows approximately 25 minutes total for discussion (of video, Scriptures, and book). More questions are provided than you will have time to cover; select in advance those questions you would like to discuss, putting a check mark beside each one.

The Video

Play: Session 2: Why Grace Is Essential and Truth Matters (running time 15:17)

Discuss:

• How would you explain why grace is foundational to the Christian faith?

• How do we see grace and compassion at the heart of Jesus' ministry?

• Why is looking at the truth of who God is and who we are necessary if we want to grow spiritually?

• Is there an untruth commonly accepted by our culture that you feel compelled to address in some way? What is it, and how can you address it?

• As Christians, how can we express our convictions in a manner that is humble, grace-filled, and compassionate?

• What does it mean to say that love is the ultimate apologetic?

• When has someone demonstrated compassion by speaking the truth that you needed to hear? How did it make a difference in your life?

The Scriptures

In Advance: Use a commentary or Bible dictionary to help you prepare for this segment. Become familiar with the text before the group session. Write down your own discussion questions in addition to those provided below.

Read Aloud: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Discuss:

• What is taking place in the beginning of this passage? Who is present? What is the crisis or dilemma? Who are Jesus' opponents?

• What was the prevailing cultural attitude of the crowd?

• How does Jesus demonstrate grace and truth in verse 1? in the parable that he tells?

• What does his example teach us?

This teaching is often remembered as a profound statement concerning the grace of God, and it is arguably Jesus' best-known parable. The focus is often on the younger brother. Like those gathered to hear Jesus, he was a known "sinner." We are drawn to the image of the father welcoming home his wayward son with grace.

But Jesus is also teaching another lesson. Take a few moments to focus on Luke 15:1-2, 28-32. Jesus speaks a very direct word of truth, conveyed through story, to the "older brothers" who grumbled against Jesus' acceptance of tax collectors and sinners. Jesus rebukes those who are self-righteous toward those outside of their circle. The Pharisees and legal experts favored truth over grace. In this parable, Jesus tells us that both are invited to the feast. The question before truthers and gracers is whether we will come in and celebrate with the Father.

The Book

Chapter 2 directs our attention to the Bible, highlighting the importance of both grace and truth. Related to grace, we see that compassion and love are central to the Christian gospel, that Jesus was motivated by compassion and commanded us to extend grace, that "truth without love is a lie," and that grace can open someone to truth. Related to truth, we see that truth promotes and stimulates growth, that ideas have consequences, that lies can become accepted as reality, and that truth ultimately leads to victory over evil. The final judge of our faithfulness is God, who calls us to be people of grace and truth.

Discuss:

• Do you agree that grace and truth are not in competition? Why or why not? How can they be partners in creating a beautiful life that looks like the life of Jesus? What is your understanding of how grace and truth work together? Give a few concrete examples.

• When you were growing up, did you view God as more loving or more judgmental? Why? Has your view of God changed, and if so, why?

• How do our ideas about God impact how we relate to other people? What difference does it make in our lives for us to understand God's perfect love and God's position as our judge (arbiter of truth)?

• Which played more of a role in the way that you came to faith in Christ—grace or truth?

• When have you seen or heard someone speak the truth in a way that was judgmental or harsh? What made it that way? How did the recipient respond?

• How can we discern when to speak the truth boldly and when to remain silent?

• When are truth claims most likely to be met with controversy? Are there times when an expression of grace might be seen as inappropriate, even if right?

• What role does the Holy Spirit play in teaching us to be people of grace and truth?

• As disciples of Jesus, how do we gracefully navigate hot-button issues like abortion, human sexuality, war and peace, the environment, politics, and so forth?

Life Application

Say:

This week, spend time with a Bible and a journal. Focus on a single instance of grace or compassion you find in Scripture. Select this passage using a concordance, or choose one of the suggested Scriptures. Spend time thinking and meditating on these words. Write your reflections in your journal. Ask God to use the words of Scripture to transform your mind. Then, do the same with a passage of Scripture that speaks the importance of truth.

Note: Have participants jot down one or more of the following suggested passages as you name them, or write them on a board or chart.

Suggested Passages on Grace: Matthew 9:36-38; Luke 10:30-35; 2 Corinthians 12:8-9; Ephesians 2:4-9; Colossians 3:12; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 5:10

Suggested Passages on Truth: Psalm 25:5; Psalm 119:160; John 1:17; John 8:32; John 17:17; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:15

Closing the Session (10 Minutes)

A Final Reflection

Say:

Christian missionary Hudson Taylor once claimed, "God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies." For some of us, becoming people of grace and truth may be challenging. There are many who suffer, and our world is in need of compassion. We live in turbulent times, and our world is in need of people who confidently proclaim truth. We do not have all the answers, but we do follow Christ. Let us seek to do his work and trust that in his Kingdom, he will give us the resources we need to serve him faithfully.

Closing Prayer

Gracious God of truth, may your will be done on this earth as it is in heaven. We confess our inadequacies and failures, for we have not always faithfully answered your call to show compassion or to speak truthfully. Help us as we go forth. Renew our minds so that we might know your will, and guide our hands and feet as we seek to do your work. In Jesus' name. Amen.

(Continues...)

Excerpted from The Trouble with the Truth: Leader Guide by Rob Renfroe. Copyright © 2014 Abingdon Press. Excerpted by permission of Abingdon Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Edition details

• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1426786263
• ISBN 13: 9781426786266
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 64