Alternative Routes, Part Two

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• Five Day Devotional based on this message
• Study Guide based on this message
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Small Group Study Guide

Introduction

This study guide is designed to help your small group explore the biblical concept of proximity—how closeness to God and others transforms our lives and perspectives. Based on Pastor Steve's sermon, this guide will help your group reflect on how proximity changes our relationships with God, fellow believers, and our broader community.

Opening Activity (15 minutes)

Share & Discuss: Think about a time when getting to know someone you initially had misconceptions about changed your perspective. What happened, and how did proximity to that person transform your attitude or relationship?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

1. Proximity changes perception: When we move closer to people who are different from us, our perspectives and prejudices begin to change. Just as CP Ellis and Ann Atwater's forced proximity led to friendship and transformation, getting close to others helps us see beyond stereotypes.
2. Jesus models proximity with the marginalized: Jesus deliberately sought proximity with those society rejected, like Zacchaeus. He saw the inherent value in each person as a child created in God's image, regardless of their reputation or past mistakes.
3. Encountering Jesus transforms our path: Zacchaeus's meeting with Jesus completely reoriented his values and actions. His generosity and desire to make amends demonstrated that encountering Jesus puts us on an "alternative route" with different priorities.
4. The church exists for God's mission: The church doesn't have a mission; God's mission has a church. We are strategically placed in our communities to carry out God's purposes through proximity, presence, powerlessness, and proclamation.
5. We are divinely positioned: God has placed each of us in our specific neighborhoods, workplaces, and daily routines for a purpose—to be His representatives to people that others in our church may never meet.

Scripture Exploration

Read each passage and discuss how it relates to the concept of proximity with God and others:

1. Luke 19:1-10 (The story of Zacchaeus) How does Jesus demonstrate the power of proximity in this story? What specific actions show his willingness to cross social boundaries?
2. Hebrews 10:19-25 "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings... And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together..."
3. 1 John 4:7-12 "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God... No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us."
4. Acts 17:26-27 "From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us."
5. Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Reflection Questions

1. Pastor Steve shared the story of CP Ellis (KKK leader) and Ann Atwater (civil rights advocate) whose forced proximity led to friendship. How does this story challenge your assumptions about the possibility of reconciliation across deep divides?
2. In the sermon, we hear that "proximity changes the way we see things." Reflect on a time when being physically present with someone changed how you understood an issue or a group of people. What changed in your perspective?
3. Jesus didn't worry about the "whispers of scandal" when he invited himself to Zacchaeus's house. What social or cultural barriers might Jesus cross today to build proximity with the marginalized? How does this challenge us?
4. Pastor Steve emphasized that the church doesn't have a mission, but "God's mission has a church." How does this shift in thinking change how we approach our role as believers in our community?
5. The sermon describes how we tend to "rush" in America, moving quickly from one thing to the next. How might this hinder our ability to build meaningful proximity with others? What would it look like to "leave slowly" after church or other gatherings?

Personal Application

1. Proximity with God: What specific practice could you incorporate this week to draw nearer to God? Consider setting aside time for prayer, Bible reading, worship, or silent reflection.
2. Proximity with Believers: Who in your church community do you need to invest more time in? Make a plan to reach out to someone you don't know well or someone from a different generation or cultural background.
3. Proximity with Neighbors: Pastor Steve mentioned the awkwardness of getting to know neighbors you've lived near for years. Which neighbor could you take a step toward this week? What simple action would build proximity?
4. Identifying Your Mission Field: Where has God specifically placed you to be His representative? Make a list of the places you regularly go and the people you regularly interact with who might never enter a church building.
5. Breaking Stereotypes: Is there someone or some group that you've kept at a distance because of preconceptions? What deliberate step could you take to move closer and begin seeing them as individuals created in God's image?

Group Action Step

As a group, brainstorm one concrete way you could collectively build proximity with people in your community who might feel distant from the church. This could be a service project, a neighborhood gathering, or simply an intentional presence at a local establishment. Make a plan to implement this idea in the next month.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for seeking proximity with us through Jesus, who left heaven to draw near to humanity. Forgive us for the times we've kept distance between ourselves and others, whether out of fear, prejudice, or simple busyness.

Help us to intentionally seek proximity with You through prayer and Your Word. Give us courage to move closer to our fellow believers, especially those who are different from us.

Make us mindful of the mission fields where You've strategically placed us—our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and community spaces. Open our eyes to see the people we encounter each day as Your beloved children, created in Your image and of immeasurable worth.

Like Zacchaeus, may our encounters with You transform us and set us on the alternative route of Your kingdom. May we be Your representatives in all the places You've positioned us, bringing Your love and light through the power of proximity.

In Jesus' name, Amen