Ice Breaker

Other than family members, who was your best childhood friend? Describe your friendship.

This week’s sermon was focused on Jonathan as an example of the Enneagram Type 8 – The Challenger. The following questions are to help us understand The Challenger, ourselves and God better.

From Biblical Passages concerning Jonathan and David which Healthy traits of a Challenger does Jonathan demonstrate?

(Read each passage or it’s summary and consider which trait or traits are demonstrated in that passage from the sermon notes)

Summary of Biblical Passage

1 Samuel 13:1-3 – Shortly after Saul becomes king, Jonathan leads 3000 men into battle against the Philistines.

1 Samuel 14:1-14 – Jonathan and his armor bearer climb a cliff when challenged and take a stronghold from the Philistines.

1 Samuel 18:1-4 – David, after defeating Goliath and the Philistines, returns to Saul. Jonathan makes a covenant with David to protect him and be his friend.

1 Samuel 19:1-7 – Jonathan warns David that his father wants to kill him. Jonathan then confronts his father with the truth of David to persuade him. This time Jonathan convinces his dad not to kill David.

1 Samuel 20:1-23 – David comes to Jonathan again concerning the King wanting to kill David. Jonathan does not want to believe it but promises to find out. The two make a plan to find out and to help David escape if it is true.

1 Samuel 20:16 – Jonathan and David recommit to each other.

1 Samuel 20:27-34 – Saul becomes angry that David is not there and that Jonathan had protected David. Saul threw his spear at his son, Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20:35-42 – Jonathan helps David escape. The two strengthen their commitment beyond each other to their descendants.

1 Samuel 23:15-18 – Jonathan encourages David while on the run and renews his covenant with David, promising to support David as King when that happens.

Healthy Traits of a Challenger from Sermon Notes

The Challenger reflects God’s Power.

Challengers know what is right & wrong & what they need to do.

The Challenger wants to see the world be more just.

Eights communicate directly.

Lead and influence others and get things done.

Protective of those they see as vulnerable.

The Challenger is always in pursuit of tenderness and mercy.

Does not need to be the top dog.

  1. What is the power of God? (Genesis 1; Psalm 62:11, Psalm 68:34-35; Isaiah 48:12-13; Matthew 28:18; Luke 11:20; Romans 1:16, 20; 1 Samuel 14:6; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Peter 3:18)
  2. How would you describe the friendship between David and Jonathan? What qualities make for a good friendship? (Eccl 4:9-12; Amos 3:3; Romans 15:1-2; Gal 6:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Th 5:11)
  3. In what ways does the Challenger benefit the body of Christ?

Samson was mentioned as an unhealthy Challenger. From what you know about Samson, in what ways does he represent the unhealthy challenger.

(Read each passage or it’s summary and consider which trait or traits are demonstrated in that passage from the sermon notes)

Summary of Biblical Passage

Judges 14:1-4 – Samson sees a Philistine woman he wants to marry instead of someone from Israel.

Judges 14:10-20 – Samson bet his 30 Philistine companions prior to the wedding that they could not solve a riddle. They could not solve it so they ask Samson’s new wife to find out. When they guessed right, Samson became angry and killed 30 men in Ashkelon to pay back the debt.

Judges 15:1-5 – Samson’s new wife was given to his attendant and Samson became so angry that he caught 300 foxes tied them tail to tail, fastened a torch to them to burn the wheat fields, vineyards and olive groves of the Philistines.

Judges 15:11-15 – Samson agrees to be handed over to the Philistines bound by rope. He breaks the rope and takes vengeance on the Philistines.

Judges 16:1-21 – Samson falls in love with Delilah. The Philistines convince her to find out the secret to his power. He lies to her several times. On the fourth try she gets to the truth and Samson is captured.

Judges 16:23-30 – During a festival, the Philistines chained Samson between two columns on the roof of a temple. 3000 people were killed when Samson asked God for his strength to collapse the temple.

Unhealthy Traits of a Challenger from Sermon Notes

The Challenger’s core sin: Lust.

The Challenger’s core need is being in control.

The Challenger’s core fear is being exposed.

Use power to dominate others to get things done their way.

The challenger avoids being vulnerable.

Can become forceful, insensitive or combative.

Relationally clueless.

Doesn’t see the value, opinions and experiences of others.

  1. The Biblical definition of lust is evil desire. Why is lust a problem Biblically and what can be lusted after? (Gen 3:6; James 1:14-15; Exodus 20:17; Matthew 5:28; Mark 4:19; 1Timothy 6:9; James 4:1-3)
  2. What should be our response to our evil desires? (Ephesians 4:22; Galatian 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 2:11-13, John 2:17, Matthew 6:13, James 4:7-8)
  3. (Personal) Consider how lust plays a part in your life and what you can do to gain self-control over it? (2 Peter 1:3-8) Consider who you can trust to pray with you and hold you accountable for it. (1 Thessalonians 5:11; James 5:16; Ecclesiastes 4:10)

From Sermon Notes: The Challenger’s core sin: Lust. The Challenger’s core need is being in control. How do you need to be real with self and God? Extend mercy and be peace-loving.

  1. If you are an eight what can you do to temper the need to be in control so not to abuse or dominate others? If you are not a Challenger how can you help them to consider extending mercy and peace? (James 3:17-18: Micah 6:8)

How do I love a CHALLENGER?

  1. Notice when they are tender, but don’t flatter them.
  2. Speak directly.
  3. Stand up for yourself and for them when they’re right.
  4. Don’t assume they meant to be hurtful.

Praise God for eights because: You see what needs to be accomplished. You are willing to lead and influence others to get things done without needing to be in charge. You are direct and provide the control necessary to be successful. You defend and challenge us. We need you to fight the battles that God puts in front of us. When healthy you seek a just outcome to issues and consider the needs of the vulnerable. You help us to find strength in God even when others may lose resolve.

The story of you only makes sense within the big story of God.

Note to Leaders: The scripture references in (parenthesis) are intended to support and inform the questions. However, you do not need to look up every verse, use them as best fits you and your circle.