Conversation Starters
Share a time when you became so wrapped up in something urgent that you missed something that was really important.
Review
Read Luke 10:38-42 (What does the text say?)
- What did Martha do for Jesus and the Disciples? What did Mary do?
- Why was Martha distracted? Why was Martha worried and upset?
- What was Martha’s expectation for her sister? What was Martha’s expectation of Jesus?
- What did Jesus want Martha to do? How did Jesus view Mary’s choice?
This week’s sermon focused on the response of Martha as an example of the Enneagram Type 2 – The Helper. The following questions are to help us understand The Helper and ourselves better.
The Helper – Reflects God’s heart for service.
- In what way did Martha’s actions reflect God’s heart for service? (Mark 10:45, Luke 22:27)
- What are ways we can show our gratitude to those who serve us?
- What are ways we can share God’s heart through service?
The Helper believes everybody should be serving like they are. The focus of the Helper – The needs of others.
- In what way did Martha’s actions reveal her own heart? (1 Peter 4:9-10)
- How do you feel when you are working on a project with other people and some of the people appear not to be helping? How should we respond in such a circumstance? (Philippians 2:14-15, 2 Corinthians 9:7)
- How do you respond when someone complains about you or goes to your boss to get you to do something different than what you feel you should be doing?
- If everybody does not serve like a Helper, how should everyone be serving? (Romans 12:4-8, 11)
The Helper’s inner need – to be needed. When unhealthy, Helpers avoid their own needs.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
- What do you think is the “one thing” that is needed? In what ways was Martha avoiding her own need? Do you think Jesus was telling Martha that she should not be serving?
- The Helper may be tempted to serve rather than worship or fellowship. (1 Corinthians 13:3, 1 John 5:12, Hebrew 10:25). What steps can we take to make sure that we are not neglecting the “things that are needed”?
- What can the Helper do to avoid being overworked and abused by people who would rather have others do what they should be doing?
The core sin: Pride.
- How do you respond when others want to thank you or even pay you for your help? How could pride keep us from accepting help or expressing gratitude?
- How can pride affect building positive relationships?
The motivation of Helpers: To feel loved.
- There is an old saying, “If you want to get something done ask a busy person.” In what way do we abuse the Helper in our midst? What can we do to help the Helper from being abused or overworked?
- What can we do to love the Helper? (See sermon notes for some ideas.)
Praise God for Twos because: There’s no Sun Grove Church without you. There’s no Kingdom of God without you. You serve, you give your time. You show up. You build, you do above and beyond what is needed. You sacrifice. Thank God for you!