If you asked your small group, "Do you believe the Bible is without error in everything it affirms," what do you think they would say? It's a difficult question for a generation immersed in a society that is constantly telling us to define our own truth and do what makes us feel good. The danger is that we end up picking and choosing what we want to believe in Scripture. However, as leaders, it is our duty to direct people to the entirety of the Word of God as the ultimate and final truth.
Timothy himself warns leaders, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4: 1-4).
As leaders we are not called to have all the answers, but as Christians we are called to rely on God and trust He will equip us. There are going to be life situations that come up that are hard or make people question God but continue to teach your group members to hold on to the Word of God and wait for Him to guide them through those times.
In the "Discipleship Handbook" linked below, it explains, "
The Word of God is our ultimate and final authority-when we feel like it, and when we don't; when it suits us, and when it doesn't; when we are ready for it, and when we are not. Teaching this requires great patience and careful instruction. But if we don't instill this value in the people we're discipling, they may be taken captive to the myths of false Christianity."
As we look into the new year as leaders, let us not be afraid to correct, rebuke and encourage our groups towards growth. Are there areas in your group that need addressed but you are not sure how to approach it? Spend time this month praying and asking God where in the Bible He wants your group to focus on in this season; He will not let you down!
