• Icebreaker Question: Share about a time when you were physically in complete darkness. What was that experience like? How did you feel when the lights came back on?

• John 9:1-41 (Focus verses: John 9:1-7, 25, 35-38)

• "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." - John 9:5

• 1. 1. 1. Light is necessary to live out God's purposes - Jesus came as the light of the world to illuminate our path and reveal truth.

        2. Jesus brings light to our darkness and enables us to finally see what we've been missing.

        3. Unbelief is often supported by underlying motives or assumptions that people construct to resist placing faith in Jesus.

        4. Your light shines when you simply share your story with those in your relational networks (oikos).

        5. Value the fact that God's light has made it into your life and keep walking according to the light of God's truth.

1. What stood out to you most from this passage or the sermon?
2. Why do you think the disciples immediately assumed that sin caused the man's blindness? What does this reveal about their understanding of suffering?
3. The Pharisees were more concerned about Sabbath rules than a man's healing. What does this tell us about religious legalism versus genuine faith?

• Read 1 John 1:5-7. What does it mean practically to "walk in the light" in your daily life?

• Pastor Todd mentioned that many people in Rooted had never shared their story before. Why do you think Christians often hesitate to share their testimony?

• What are some common "smokescreen arguments" people use today to avoid surrendering to Jesus? How can we lovingly address these with friends or family members?

This Week's Challenge:

Choose ONE of the following to put into practice:

1. 1. Write Your Story - Take 30 minutes this week to write out your testimony in three parts:

   • Where you were (before Christ or in a difficult season)
   • How God interrupted that
   • Who you are today because of Him

   2. Share Your Story - Identify one person in your oikos (your 8-15 relational network) and look for an opportunity this week to share something God has done in your life.

   3. Examine Your Motives - Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any areas where you might be resisting His truth or light because of underlying assumptions or unwillingness to surrender control.

   4. Light Inventory - Make a list of ways you can be "light" in your everyday environments:

   • At work
   • In your neighborhood
   • With your family
   • Online/social media

•  Prayer Prompts:
  • Thank God for bringing light into your darkness and opening your spiritual eyes
  • Pray for boldness to share your story with others
  • Ask God to reveal any areas of spiritual blindness that still exist
  • Pray for specific people in your oikos who are walking in spiritual darkness
  • Ask for opportunities this week to let your light shine