Continue reading “Who am I when I feel insecure? – Discussion Guide”
I am Faith Promise Week 3 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
Faith Promise Value: We grow together. Because when we grow together, we invite God into our midst
Discussion Starter:
What are some things that a group working together can accomplish that one person working alone cannot?
Introduction:
As we see in Genesis 2, from the beginning God did not design us to live or do life alone. This does not only apply to the complementary design of men and women, but in God’s broader design for His Kingdom. The Genesis story lays the foundation for how God architects human flourishing, Kingdom expansion, and expression of His glory.
Encounter God
Primary Scripture: 2 Samuel 11
Discussion Questions:
1. David’s struggle began when he “sent” when he usually “went.” Discuss a time when (either because of fear, laziness, pride, or something else) you let someone else do what you should have done.
2. This world, the enemy, and our selfishness all work to separate and isolate us. What is one thing in your life that you can remove or reduce to become less isolated?
3. What is one area where you need your group to help you grow? Commit to each other to grow intentionally and humbly.
4. Read Hebrews 10:24-25 How can you work together to love others and perform good deeds?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
Read Proverbs 27:17 How can you sharpen someone in your group? How can you be sharpened by someone else?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Find an area at Faith Promise where others can stretch you to grow in your faith.
Engaging in Community: Find an area in your community where your group can do more together than one individual could.
Engaging the World: Read Zechariah 7:8-10 How can your group live out this Scripture?
Expand God’s Kingdom
The Faith Promise value that we are looking at this week is essential to expanding God’s Kingdom. Matt Chandler points out that human development and growth is not an individual pursuit. He says, “[…] God’s picture of human flourishing in the Scripture flies in the face of radical individualism.” He goes on to say, “God’s picture of human flourishing starts when your preference and my preference become secondary to God’s will and how God has revealed himself in his Word.” How are you pouring into someone to see and achieve God’s will?
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
Launchpad Week 2 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: A launch pad is the foundation for a successful liftoff and a stabilizing start for the mission.
Discussion Starter: At the beginning of each year, many of us set goals. Since we are almost half way through the year, are there any goals you set that you have already accomplished? Is there something you would like to accomplish before the end of the year?
Introduction: This week Michele walked us through the story of Ruth, showing us how families are the launch pad that ignites and transforms the next generation for a successful liftoff.
Encounter God
Primary Scripture: The Book of Ruth
Discussion Questions:
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 has become known as the Shema. In fact, in Hebrew, the first word of verse 4 is “shema,” literally translated in English to “listen”. However, Timothy Mackie points out that more accurately “in Hebrew, listening and doing are two sides of the same coin.” How can you more fully listen to God and do what He asks?
2. Michele said that Naomi thought the mission was scrubbed when she released her daughters-in-law. Has there been a time when you felt there was no hope? How did God bring you out of that? Or if you feel hopeless now, how can those around you help carry that burden and show you God’s hope and future for you?
3. How does your biological and church family act as a stabilizing launchpad for you?
4. Boaz called Naomi a “woman of noble character”. Read Proverbs 31:10-31. How can you move closer to the characteristics in this scripture? Or how can you support the women in your life to move closer to these characteristics?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Ruth 4 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
Discuss how God is at work in the ordinary and mundane details in our lives.
Engage the World Around Us
Naomi and Ruth were able to harvest because Boaz practiced grace extended to foreigners, orphans, and widows as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:19-22. God does not put caveats on whether someone from these 3 groups “deserves” grace and help. He does not say that we only offer help to foreigners if they have some sort of secular legal standing or pick a political side about the social benefits programs that orphans and widows receive.
Discuss how you can Embrace the world around you by making grace and love top priorities; at Faith Promise, in your community, and in the world at large.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Read Matthew 12:46-50. How can you help your brothers and sisters do the will of God?
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.