Ice Breaker

(Host/Leader: Provide 2 slips of paper for each person in the group. Have them write down on each piece something unique, different or unknown about themselves that the others in the group would not know. Put the slips into a bowl, draw randomly and read aloud the uniqueness. See if the group can guess who it might belong to.)

This week’s sermon was focused on King Saul as an example of the Enneagram Type 4 – The Individualist. The following questions are to help us understand The Individualist and ourselves better.

1. From Sermon Notes: The Individualist reflects God’s uniqueness. Their core need is to be unique. The 4’s do not want leadership, they want to make a difference. The Individualist avoids being basic.

  • Read 1 Samuel 10:17-24- What does the text say?
    • Why did Samuel agree to anoint a king for Israel?
    •  What was Saul’s response to being chosen?
    • What did Samuel say about Saul?
    • What was the response of the people to Saul being chosen?
  • How is God unique? (Note: There are many answers and scriptures to this question. Here are a few ideas -Exodus 9:13-14; 15:11, Psalm 83:18, 89:6-8, Jeremiah 10:6-7, John 1:1-4, 14)
  • How was Saul unique? (1 Samuel 10:9-11, 23)
  • How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit make the Christian unique? How should that reality affect how we interact with the world around us? (Mark 13:11, John 14:26, Acts 1:8, 1 Cor 6:19-20, Eph 4:29-32)

2. During Saul’s early years (approximately 22 years of his 40-year reign, he led Israel as a healthy 4 and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Healthy Individualists use their gifts, talents and unique perspective to benefit the church and the world. They enlist talented people to contribute to the work they do. They are creative and enjoy beauty.

  • Read 1 Sam 14:52 – As a leader, why is it important to surround yourself with capable people?
  • How has God, through the Holy Spirit, designed the church with the principle of engaging people where they are gifted, (1 Cor 12:18-20, 2 Cor 9:8-9, Heb 13:20-21, Rom 12:5-8)
  • What can we do to become capable to do the good works that God has prepared for us to do? (Eph 2:10, Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 10:24, 2 Timothy 2:19-21, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

3. From Sermon Notes: The Individualist sees what’s missing. How do you need to be real with God? You cannot be ruled by your emotions.

  • Read 1 Sam 13:8-14 What did Saul do that violated the command of the Lord? (1 Sam 10:8) What was his excuse? How did his feelings and emotions affect his decision?
  • Can you think of a time that you listened to your feelings instead of doing what you knew to be the right thing to do?
  • What strategies can we use to keep our emotions from overwhelming our devotion to God and doing what is right?

4. The underlying fear of the Individualist is being unnoticed. The Individualist’s core sin: Envy. The Individualist’s transformation: Gratitude. Be content with who God made you to be. Recognize your value through God’s perspective.

  • Read 1 Sam 18:5-9 Why did Saul become jealous of David?
  • How does comparison affect our relationships with others?
  • What can be done to avoid comparison? (Psalm 139:14-16,1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Proverbs 27:2, Eph 4:6)

5. From the Sermon: How do I love an INDIVIDUALIST?

  • Don’t put them in a box.
  • Enjoy and appreciate how deeply they feel
  • Point out how their uniqueness has blessed you.
  • Challenge them to feel but not be led by their feelings.
  • Enjoy the ride, they will be different than everyone else.

Praise God for Fours because: You provide creativity and emotional considerations to the Kingdom of God. You help the church to see what is lacking and uniquely understand what is needed. You provide insight and ideas that only a unique thinker can provide. You will help to recruit talented people to make a difference. Thank God for you!

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