Bulletproof

Main Point of Discussion:
Relationships are risky, so we need to be wise and discerning when it comes to balancing boundaries and God’s command that we love others.

The Song: “Bulletproof”

“Bulletproof” is a song by the English group La Roux. It hit #1 on the UK charts, peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, and as of June 2010 it has been downloaded more than 800,000 times.

Introducing the Song:
While passing out a copy of the song lyrics, say, “We’re going to take a deeper look at the worldview behind La Roux’s hit song, ‘Bulletproof,’ because most of us at one time or another have probably wished for protection from the ‘bullets’ of emotional pain others shoot at us.”

The Music Video:
The song’s video can be found at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk8eJh4i8Lo

Song Lyrics:

Been there done that messed around
I’m having fun don’t put me down
I’ll never let you
sweep me off my feet

I won’t let you in again
The messages I’ve tried to send
My information’s just not going in

Burning bridges shore to shore
I’ll break away from something more
I’m not turned on to love
until it’s cheap

(repeat verse 1)

(chorus)
This time baby I’ll be bulletproof
This time baby I’ll be bulletproof

I won’t let you turn around
And tell me now I’m much too proud
To walk away from something
when it’s dead

Do do do your dirty words
Come out to play when you are heard
There’s certain things
that should be left unsaid

Tick tick tick tick on the watch
And life’s too short for me to stop
Oh baby, your time is running out

I won’t let you turn around
And tell me now I’m much too proud
All you do
is fill me up with doubt

(chorus 2x)

This time I'll be bulletproof
This time I'll be bulletproof

(instrumental)

(chorus 2x)
(http://www.elyrics.net/read/l/la-roux-lyrics/bulletproof-lyrics.html)

Transitional Statement:
La Roux has definitely connected with millions of people on many levels with “Bulletproof,” and the worldview behind the lyrics is very much worth discussing as the words portray an attitude that many either admire or have already adopted—being emotionally invincible.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: Before we dive in, everybody tell us your name and answer this question: If you could put a thought or message in a fortune cookie, what would it be?


2. ASK A FEW: How would you respond to a fortune cookie message that read “Today you need to be bulletproof”?
3. ASK A FEW: Why do you suppose La Roux uses the metaphor of being bulletproof in the context of relationships?
4. ASK A FEW: Does it sound like the singer’s been burned in the past? Why or why not?
5. ASK A FEW: What does she mean when she states that she’s “burning bridges shore to shore”?
6. ASK A FEW: Have you ever burned bridges with people? If so, what happened?
7. ASK A FEW: What would be good and bad about life if everyone was emotionally “bulletproof”?
8. ASK A FEW: Can you relate to how the singer feels? Why or why not?

   Read the following passage from the Bible:

   
   John 2:23-25 (The Message)
   During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.
   
   
9. ASK A FEW: Does Jesus’ reaction surprise you? Why or why not?
10. ASK A FEW: Why didn’t Jesus trust the people who trusted him?
11. ASK A FEW: What did Jesus know about people that caused him to keep his distance?

12. ASK A FEW: Does it sound like Jesus, in this passage, is trying to be “bulletproof”? Why or why not?
13. ASK A FEW: Did Jesus ever put trust in and connect emotionally with anyone while he was on earth? (Leader: see Matthew 9:36 and John 13:23. Jesus often displayed deep compassion, and he had a deep and trusting relationship with his disciple, John.)
14. ASK A FEW: Why did Jesus choose to trust and love some, and keep his distance from others?
15. ASK A FEW: Is it okay for Christians to be “bulletproof” with people who are motivated by hate and abuse? Why or why not?
16. ASK A FEW: How can we balance maintaining some emotional protection while still risking being hurt by others?
17. ASK A FEW: Where are Christians generally unbalanced: In being overly “bulletproof” or overly trusting?
18. ASK A FEW: What are some ways you could apply this discussion to your life?

Transitional Statement:
One of the more challenging tasks for the Christian is being wise and discerning in relationships, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy balance between loving others as God instructs us and refusing to be a doormat for people to walk all over. Jesus took emotional risks and loved people to the point of giving his life for us, but he was also careful because Jesus knew that human nature is fallen and often untrustworthy. Tonight I want to give you a few minutes to think through where you might be unbalanced and to pray for wisdom in this area. I want to close with a quote that will help us think about God’s calling for our lives.

Wrap Up:
Give the students a few minutes to think through and pray for discernment in this area, then read the following quote:

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”
— C.S. Lewis (The Four Loves)

Close in Prayer:
Close with a prayer that gives students a chance to trust Christ, then ask God to give everyone wisdom in relationships for his glory.

Written by Lane Palmer