Iron Man - Week #4

1 Timothy 6:6-12 - A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before
God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and
shoes on our feet, that's enough. But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no
time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing
in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. But you, Timothy, man of God: Run for your
life from all this. Pursue a righteous life—a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and
fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the
presence of so many witnesses.

Mixer

Choose a character that is still alive from this movie and talk about how you think
this character will be different in the next movie? Think about how Tony Stark’s
conversion into seeking justice has impacted their life?

Going Deeper

1.) Consider Obadiah Stane (Jeff Bridge’s character) What is this character’s
motivation in the film? The obvious answer to the first question is jealousy or greed.
All of these things essentially stem from a lustful or covetous heart. Is he a bad person?
(No. Not as one made in God’s image, but he does bad- a lot) What makes him “go
bad”? Ever feel that same pressure in your life? Where?

2.) Re-read the 1Timothy verse again as a group. Where do you see connections
between Obadiah Stane’s character and the warnings of the passage? What about
Tony Stark? Could you make the case that he is an example of one who “pursues
the righteous life,” describes in verse 12? (Could be a cool exercise to take each of the
categories listed by Paul and look for some ways Tony Stark is living toward them. Here
one you could discuss:

- Righteousness (this is not personal moral do-gooding it is better described as “being on

God’s side” of things as God sets things to right in Jesus. Being righteous is like being
part of the family.) How does Tony act in ways that would get him accused of being
on God’s side? How about you?

3.) Read this passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 3:1-2
Since God has so generously let us in on what he is doing, we're not about to throw up our hands and walk
off the job just because we run into occasional hard times. We refuse to wear masks and play games. We
don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather,
we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to
can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.

© Dixon Kinser 2009

Why do you think Tony Stark admits that he is Iron Man? Why doesn’t he keep his
identity a secret like other super heroes? (You could make the case that he’s an
egomaniac –he is – but we think it goes a layer deeper. Remember at the press conference
in act 2. He claims he’s become part of a system that is comfortable with zero
accountability – and has therefore wants to change things. It’s our opinion that disclosing
his identity as Iron Man is the ultimate last move in the process of undoing that system of
secrecy. Before the technology was made in secret, it was sold to generate profits, which
leads to more greed, which leads to more secrets, which leads to Stark Industries dealing
under the table, which leads to Tony’s attempt assassination etc. etc. Tony’s “coming
out” takes all the tech public, puts it in the hands of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the people (to a
certain degree) and breaks a cycle of darkness begetting bad behavior.

4.) Bringing dark things into the light breaks their power. This is true both personally and
systemically. Redemption is possible when there is transparency, not plausible
deniability. What in our own lives are we hiding from people? What are the dark
places in your life that are leading you down a path of corruption? How can being
transparent to your community move you into the direction of the Kingdom of God
rather than sin and death and why is this hard. Why is this hard?

Close with a time of silent reflection and prayer.

© Dixon Kinser 2009