Small Group Discussion Questions

Naomi God’s redemptive plan at work.

Small Group Discussion Questions

Samson: God redeems even when we fail.

Scripture Reading: Judges 15:1-20

1. Did you feel that God was speaking to you at any point during the sermon? Was there a particular point or application that stood out?

2. Samson’s moral weaknesses led to his downfall. It is important to recognize where you struggle and what temptations the enemy uses to tempt you. What steps can believers take to protect themselves against areas where they are weak?

3. Read Judges 16:20-22 and Read Romans 6:1. Samson took for granted that God would always be with him no matter how he acted. How can believers gauge if they are truly seeking forgiveness or just using God’s grace to live how they want?

4. If you could rewrite Samson’s story, what would his life look like if he truly lived to honor God? What great impact could he have had?

5. Consider your own life. Is there anything God is prompting you to do or believe based on the discussion today? Share this with your group.

Optional Questions:

1. Read Judges 16:28. Finally, at the end of Samson’s life he cried out to God. Read Hebrews 11:32. Samson is mentioned for his faith. What can you learn about God and His desire to use you despite your mistakes?

Prayer:

1. Pray for those facing temptation in this season of COVID. Pray that God will give them strength to not compromise.

2. Pray for someone that you know who is far from the Lord right now and needs to return to Him.

Challenge:

The story of Samson is found in Judges chapters 13-16. Take time this week to sit and read the whole story of Samson.

A copy of the above study material can be found here: Small Group Questions October 5th - October 11th.pdf

Small Group Discussion Questions

Lydia: Responding to God's Call

Scripture Reading: Acts 16: 1-40

1. What is one point of Sunday’s message that stood out to you? Take a moment to share.

2. In Acts 16:14 there is this statement “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message” (Acts 16:14). What was the work that God performed in her heart?

3. What have you learned in Scripture about how God calls people to believe in Jesus? What steps had to happen for Lydia to hear and receive the gospel message from Paul (Acts 16:6-15)? Ask one or two group members to share how God opened their heart to the gospel message (3-5 minutes max)

4. Lydia’s meeting with Paul took place when she was doing her job (Acts 16:13-14). Have you ever experienced God breaking into your regular work routine? Have there been any moments you can recall where God clearly used you at your workplace to minister?

5. One of the callings on Lydia’s life was to provide hospitality. She not only hosted Paul in her home but also brothers and sisters (Acts 26:40). What role did believer's homes play in the spreading of the gospel? Are we mandated to use our homes in the same way today? How critical was hospitality in those days? Share any stories were you have used your home to reach out to your neighbors or hosted missionaries. (Read Acts 5:42; 12:12-17, Romans. 16:5)

Optional Questions:

1. Lydia was able to provide for Paul out of what she had earned at her workplace. In what ways did Lydia take a risk by providing for Paul? Discuss the implications both good and bad of Lydia’s decision. Are we
   willing to risk in the same ways (Acts 16:16-40)?

2. What is one characteristic that we see in Acts 16 when believers join together (Acts 16:40)? What are some other benefits the Bible says happens when we meet with other believers to worship God (Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:25, Hebrews 13:16)? In what practical ways, individually and corporately, can each Christian and group of Christians be obedient to this instruction during this period of time?

3. We see clearly God’s guidance for Paul’s trip to Macedonia as illustrated in Acts 16:7-13. How has God guided you in your life?

Prayer:

1. Pray that God would use each one of us in our places of work. Name one co-worker that you can pray for as a group.

2. Pray that we would be generous with our resources.

Challenge:

Think of one way you can show hospitality to either another believer or a co-worker this week.

A copy of the above study material can be found here: Small Group Questions October 11th - October 18th.pdf

Small Group Discussion Questions

Elisha: Called by God

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21

1. What stood out to you from this week's message? Did God speak to you during any part of the sermon?

2. Read 1 Kings 19-21. Elisha’s initial response to being called by God was quite dramatic. He burned his plowing equipment and slaughtered his oxen. Ask if some members of your group could share their initial response to receiving Jesus. What feelings did you have? Was there anything that changed immediately? Was there anything you felt compelled to do?

3. Read 2 Kings 2:1-14. Can you remember a time when you were hungering after more of God? Share your experience with your group.

4. During the sermon, Pastor Jordan referenced several stories of Elisha’s life. Do you have a favorite story and why? Which story stood out to you?

5. In what ways does passivity show up in our Christian life? What are some ways we can keep our desire for the things of God strong in our life? (Read 2 Kings 13:14-20)

Optional Question:

1. What step will you take this week to battle passivity in your walk with God? Tell your group about it and ask that they keep you accountable next time you meet.

Prayer:

1. Pray that God would rekindle a passion in our lives for Him and His kingdom work

Challenge:
Read 2 Kings Chapter 2 - Chapter 6

A copy of the above study material can be found here: Small Group Questions October 18th - October 24th.pdf

Small Group Discussion Questions

Deborah: A Woman of Faith and Power

Scripture: Judges 4-5

Questions:

1. What is one point that stood out to you in the message on Deborah? Did God speak to
you about anything through the sermon?

2. Read Judges chapter 4 as a group. In what ways did Deborah influence Israel?

3. In Judges chapter 5, Deborah mentions several tribes who didn’t go to battle. Read
Judges 5:16-18. What are some of the issues she mentions among those who decided not to go to
battle? Are there any distractions in your life that may be holding you back from serving God?

4. God asked Barak to step out in faith to go to battle against Sisera, Jaban’s Army
Commander. The odds were stacked against Barak and Israel but God brought a great victory. Share a
time when God asked you to step out in faith.

5. Judges 4:14-16. Deborah told Barak to go and fight because the Lord had gone ahead of
him. If you heard this same phrase spoken over your life/situation, what would the phrase “Go, the
Lord has gone ahead” mean for you?

6. God called Deborah and Barak to partner together to bring about a victory for Israel. In what
ways has God gifted you to partner with other believers for the furtherance of God's Kingdom?

Optional Question:

1. Barak was encouraged by Deborah to gather an army and also to go to battle. In what ways has
your life been influenced by the spiritual encouragement of another believer?

Prayer:
1. Pray that God would use you to be an encouragement to someone in their walk with the
Lord.

2. Pray for those that may have allowed fear or distractions to hold them back from doing
the will of the Lord. Ask God to fill them with faith.

Challenge:
Read Judges 4-5

Small Group Discussion Questions

Mordecai: A man of Principle and Integrity

Scripture: Esther 3:1-15

Questions:

1. 1. What part of the message stood out to you? Was there one part that God used to speak to you?

1. 1. Read Esther 2:17-23: By the end of chapter 2, Esther is Queen and Mordecai has saved the King’s life. By all outward appearances they are safe and secure. Share a time when you found yourself tempted to trust in your circumstances instead of in God. How do we remind ourselves to trust in God, both in times of crisis and in times of security?

1. 1. Read Esther 2:19-20, 3:1-4, 4:1-17, 5:9, 9:4, 20, 10:3. These verses give us insight into what kind of person Mordecai was. Describe the type of person you believe Mordecai was. What did he value?

1. 1. Read Esther 3:1-11. Have you ever witnessed anti-Semitism or ethnic hatred of any kind? What can we do as Christians to stand up for Jewish people or any ethnic group targeted by others? Are there any current conflicts between ethnic groups we need to be praying for?

1. 1. Mordecai encouraged Queen Esther to risk her life to save her people. Can you share a time when you took a risk to do what was right?

1. 1. Esther was encouraged by Mordecai and by the support of the Israelite community through fasting. What are some ways you can encourage other
      believers facing challenging times?

Optional Questions:

1. 1. Read Esther 4:9-14. "How does the story of Esther, Mordecai, and Haman Relate to the injustices we see in our world today?"

1. Read Esther 9:20 -23. According to this passage Mordecai initiated Purim “as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration.” When is the last time you reflected or celebrated a victory God performed in your life? Why is remembrance and celebration important to our faith?

Prayer:
Pray for those that need encouragement to step out in faith.

Challenge:
Read the book of Esther

Small Group Discussion Questions

Jeroboam: A man who failed in his faith

Scriptures:
1 Kings 11:26-40,
1 Kings chapter 12

Questions:

1. What part of the sermon ministered to you? Did any particular part stand out to you?
2. Much like how Jeroboam ends up as king over Israel - is there an instance in your life where you know God has intervened and blessed you? Please share. If you're unsure, consider a time when something seemed like it could be more than just a coincidence.
3. Jeroboam introduces idols for the Israelites to worship to detract them from making the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the fear of losing his kingship. Sometimes things in our lives that are good or neutral to begin can become unhealthy or even sinful. Discuss or list things that can become idols in our lives. When do dreams/goals/desires/wants/aspirations become idolatry? If you feel bold to do so, please share what may be idols in your own life.
4. Read 1 Kings 12:25-33. Jeroboam begins his reign by responding to fear and then listening to ungodly advice. Would you say you are someone who tends to seek out the wisdom of others or do you try to figure it out yourself? How can we make sure we are surrounding ourselves with Godly advisors?
5. Read 1 Kings 11:32- 38. God had promised Jeroboam an “enduring dynasty” if he will follow the Lord, but instead of resting in this promise, he is shaking from his insecure belief the tribes will be tempted to return to Rehoboam. Have you ever been through a similar situation where you tried to control a situation in your own wisdom?
6. Jeroboam had a great opportunity to succeed, even during a time of great division in Israel. He was talented, ambitious, and trustworthy in his responsibilities. Though Jeroboam showed himself diligent in his early duties, his weaknesses eventually grew apparent. How can we be proactive to identify and deal with sinful tendencies in our lives?

Optional Questions:

1. Read 1 Kings 13:1-6. King Jeroboam was angered by the pronouncement of judgment and sought to harm the man of God. What does this passage teach us about the effects of sin and idolatry?
2. Read 1 Kings 11:37-38. What promises are outlined in this passage about Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah. Read 1 Kings 14:6-16. Contrast the list above with what God promises would happen to Jeroboam at the end of his life? Read 2 Kings 17:7-23. After 200 years we read about the legacy of Jeroboam. How does someone who starts with so much promise have their life end in disaster? What happened that caused his downfall? Jeroboams legacy is one of sin and rebellion. What do you desire to be remembered for?

Prayer:

1. Sit and ask God to reveal to you if there are any idols in your life that you are not aware of. Then confess to God the idolatry that you are now aware of. Ask God to help you remove these idols in your life so that you can place God first rather than these other things. If you're comfortable, confess to each other and pray for each other as well. Encourage each other with words of encouragement and assurance for the forgiveness of sins.
2. For those that don't have experience(s) with God, ask God that you would experience Him. Not for the sake of receiving something, but rather for the sake of deepening and knowing God more - to familiarize yourself with His presence.

Challenge:
Read 1 Kings chapters 11-13

Small Group Discussion Questions

PAUL

Scriptures:
Galatians 1:10-2:11
1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Questions:

1. What part of the message impacted you or challenged you?
2. Paul's life was dramatically changed by encountering Jesus. Do any stories come to mind of someone's life who was impacted the gospel? Feel free to share your own story.
3. Read Acts 8:1-3. What should our response be towards persecution of Christians? Do you think the church does a good job of speaking up for those that are persecuted around the world? What do you think we can do better?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Paul mentions here that he has become a slave to win some to Christ. What does this mean in our context today?
5. Read Acts 26:9-29. Paul was not shy to share his testimony. How do you think he was able to overcome the shame of his past? What advice would you give to someone that struggles with shame because of their past?

Optional Question:

1. What characteristic of Paul's life do you find most noteworthy and why? What can you apply in your own life from Paul and How God used him?

Prayer:

1. Pray that God would bring people into your life that are ready to hear the Gospel. Pray for courage and faith to share the good news with them.

Challenge:
Read either Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, or Colossians this week