Week 1: Introduction

Introduction:

  • Most Likely – Daniel will be on to open first meeting, welcome everyone, introduce the group leader & leave.
  • Introductions: Name, where are you from, (3) interesting things about themselves, anything else you want to share about yourself.
  • Reflection:

Lesson:

READ:

Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the waters; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted. A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. (John 5:2-9, NASB)

READ:

  • As we reflect on this passage it is important to recognize a few points:
    • First, the man had been ill for 38 years. Some of you have been grappling with this addiction for decades.
    • Second, Jesus recognized that the man had lost hope. When He asked the man “do you want to get well?” the guy responded with excuses.
    • Third, Jesus provided the healing but the man had to take the action. He had to get up and walk.
  • As you begin this journey today, I have one question for you: “Do you want to get well?”
  • Up to this point you have been living off of excuses:
    • I deserve this.
    • If only she were more responsive to my needs.
    • I am overly sexual. I can’t help myself.
    • Nothing is going to change so why bother trying?
    • Sound familiar?
  • Gentlemen, this is going to be the hardest thing you will ever do in your life. But if you are committed to change and practice transparency and accountability this will be the most transformational event in your life next to salvation.
  • Don’t kid yourself. This is going to take work.  As Dr. Ted Roberts likes to say, change comes one miracle a day.  From my experience each day is progressively easier than the previous one.
  • We are looking for progress not perfection. I know this grates against all of your Type A performance mentalities but trying harder doesn’t work.  There will be setbacks.  It is your job to keep moving forward.
  • I like to say it took me (Number Of Years) years to wade into the swamp. I can’t expect to walk back out in 18 weeks.
  • But this time around there will be other men to pick you up and help carry you forward. You are not alone.  Warriors often say that when in battle they do not fight for a nation or a cause but for the men to the right or left of them.  Look around your screen.  These men are your Band of Brothers for the next 10 months.

Review:

Do:

  • Personal Stories: 2 (Leader & (Co-Leader, if Applicable))
  • What you need:
    • Sexual Integrity 101 workbook
    • Available At Restored Warriors Store
  • Group Structure – 2 Hours
    • 5 minutes after the hour group starts… Don’t be late!
    • 25 minutes – Check in’s
    • 30-35 Minutes – Discussion About Previous Weeks Lesson
    • 30-45 Minutes – Video For Weeks Lessons
    • 15 Minute Prayer Request & Prayer
  • Group Guidelines – Found On Member Site Under Additional Tools
  • Memo of Understanding – REQUIRED – Found On Member Site Under Additional Tools
  • Covenant to Contend – REQUIRED – Found On Member Site Under Additional Tools
  • Sword Drill – Find Explanation On Member Site Under Member’s FAQ
  • Weekly Check-Ins:
    • Every two days
    • Group Text Chat – Done On RW App – Find on Member Site Under Member’s FAQ
    • Phone Roster – For Weekly Phone Calls
  • Covenant Eyes:
    • If they do not already have a Covenant Eyes account, they need to get one. – Have Them Contact Daniel – 888-697-9411 Option 1 or Ext 700
    • Add a Group Leader you will be added as an Allies to their Covenant Eyes account.  We DO NOT recommend that they add other group members to their Covenant Eyes Account!
    • Give your Restored Warriors Email Address & Restored Warriors Phone Number & Extension.  PLEASE… DO NOT give out your personal information!  This is for your privacy and protection!!

Homework:

  • Fill out Covenant to Contend & Memo of Understanding
  • Add group members to allies on Covenant Eyes
  • Group chat set up
  • Start weekly phone calls to Brothers
  • Week 1: Winning The War In Your Mind @ RW University
  • For group check in’s – always be prepared to report your week on these 5 questions:
  • 1) What is the lowest you got on the Faster Scale this week.
  • 2) Where are you on your commitment to change? (The final question from previous week)
  • 3) Have you lied to anyone this week, directly or indirectly?
  • 4) What have you done to improve your relationship with your, Wife, Family member or Friend?
  • 5) What are you going to intentionally do this week for your commitment to change. (follow up will be the following week, see question 2)
  • Sword Drill for the week:
    • “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20, NASB)

Communications:

Send out this email, after the first meeting:

(simply copy & paste into your email on Planning Center)

Hey Guys,

WOW!  That was a lot to go over!  I am so excited to be able to lead you in this Restored Warriors group experience.  I can’t wait to watch God work in your life, while you gain your freedom from this unwanted addiction.  So, I thought I would take a minute and send you and email with all the information we discussed.  This will help you to make sure everything is completed before next group meeting.

Here is your Sword Drill verse for the week:

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.” (Deuteronomy 30: 19-20, NASB)

Next group we will go over the discussion questions from Winning The War In Your Mind, plus the Sword Drill.  Be sure to have your workbooks handy next week.

Guys I hope you have an amazing week, stay strong, stay renewed and if you need help or encouragement during the week, please reach out to a fellow Brother or the Restored Warriors Relapse Prevention Hotline (888-697-9411 Option 1), or myself before it’s too late.

Text on day 2 or 3

(simply copy and paste into the group text in the RW App)

 

So, how is everyone doing today?   Are you enjoying Winning The War In Your Mind?

Text on day 4 or 5

(simply copy and paste into the group text in the RW App)

 

How is everyone doing on getting their Check In’s, Shut Downs & Positive Confessions done?  Any questions or problems?

Text on day 6

(simply copy and paste into the group text in the RW App)

 

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow during the meeting.  You should have received an automated email from Restored Warriors as a reminder about the group.  If you didn’t, let me know.  Please plan to be on time!  See you tomorrow!

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