Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 6
The Relationship Question
There's a question you can ask yourself that will bring inescapable clarity to just about every relational decision you'll bump up against. But a word of warning: it's not for the faint of heart
Discussion Questions
Read John 13:33–35 aloud. What key phrases stand out to you and why?
What does love require of me? When you ask yourself that question, what relationship comes to mind? Why?
Questions to ask yourself related to the previous messages in this series:
Am I being honest with myself, really? You’ll never get where you want to be until you’re honest about where you currently are. Is there a specific decision or an area of your life that you've justified your way into? If so, what is it?
What story do I want to tell? Every decision you make is part of your story, so make it a story you are proud to tell. Is there a chapter that it's time to close? Is there a new one that needs to begin?
Is there a tension that deserves my attention? Sometimes things look good on paper, but you know internally that there's a reason to pause and take a second look. What's a time you're glad you hesitated? When did not paying attention to the tension cost you?
What is the wise thing for me to do? A decision can be "not wrong" and "not wise" at the same time. So in light of your past experience, your current circumstances, and your future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing for you to do? In what situation do you need to be asking yourself that now?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 5
The Maturity Question
It's human nature to snuggle up to the edge of irresponsibility or disaster and stay there as long as possible. But instead of wondering how close we can get before crossing the line, we need to ask ourselves perhaps the most important question we can ever ask.
Discussion Questions
“Our excuses escort us to the threshold of regret and abandon us there with little margin for error.” Does this statement ring true for you? Can you think of an example?
When making a decision, why are we more prone to evaluate options through the filters of legal, moral, ethical, and acceptable than through the filter of wisdom?
Read Ephesians 5:11–16. What key words stand out to you? Why?
Would you commit to asking—not acting on—but simply asking the wisdom question for seven days every time you make a decision? In light of my past experience, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 4
The Conscience Question
Sometimes an option we're considering creates tension inside of us. When that happens, it can be tempting to ignore the discomfort or brush by it. But instead ofdoing that, we need to pay close attention to it.
Discussion Questions
Do you have a name for your internal warning system?
Have you ever been really close to pressing GO on a big decision, but at the last minute bailed for no other reason than something about it just didn't seem right? Did more information surface after you hit PAUSE?
In what ways does our memory verse (below) support the habit of paying attention to the tension?
Is there a tension that deserves your attention? What is it?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 3
The Legacy Question
Your life is more than random, disconnected events. It’s a story being written. Whether it’s a thoughtful response or an emotionally fueled reaction, we write the stories of our lives one decision at a time.
Discussion Questions
Can you identify a decision in the past that served as the beginning of a new and better chapter in the story of your life? What decision introduced a chapter you would rather forget?
What was the catalyst for those decisions?
Read Genesis 39:1–10. What stands out to you about how Joseph handled this situation?
Do you know anyone whose story, through no fault of their own,set them up to write a story characterized by bitterness and resentment, but they decided their story in a healthy direction?
Think of an area of your life where the decisions you are making now could significantly impact your next five years. Would you say you are currently making decisions that will likely create the story you want to tell? Explain.
Is there a potentially catastrophic decision tempting you now? Are you willing to find someone to help you steer clear of it?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.– Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 2
The Integrity Question
The easiest person to deceive is the person in the mirror. But when we do the hard work of being honest with ourselves, we’re on our way to not selling ourselves on a potential regret.
Discussion Questions
Read Jeremiah 17:9. What stands out to you? How does it make you feel?
When was the last time you “sold yourself” in order to justify a purchase?
If a sales associate in a retail establishment said to you the kinds of things you say to yourself (when selling yourself), how would you respond?
Where do you struggle the most telling yourself the truth? What are your go-to justifications?
Jesus said that knowing the truth will set us free (John 8:32). But acknowledging what's true can be terrifying. Is it possible that the fear of what you might discover about yourself by being honest with yourself is an obstacle to the freedom you desire?
In what current circumstance do you need to ask: Am I being honest with myself... really?
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.—Proverbs 27:12
Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets | Week 1
Deciding Our Way Forward
We never know what or who hangs in the balance of the decisions we make. But we do know that our decisions determine the direction and quality of our life.
Discussion Questions
Do you know someone who’s a good decision-maker? What makes you think that about them? Would you consider yourself a good decision-maker? Would other people consider you a good decision-maker?
Can you think of a decision you regret that could have been avoided if you had either asked more questions or seriously considered questions someone else asked you?
What makes the salesperson in your head so convincing? Why do you know better but don't decide better?
Read Proverbs 27:12.
•What stands out to you?
•Have you ever “seen trouble coming” but kept moving in that direction anyway?
•Have you “seen trouble coming” and taken refuge? What made the difference?
Tough as Nails | Week 3
Our Once Upon a Time
INTRODUCTION
Once upon a time . . . Jesus stood against the injustice of an empire and the hypocrisy of the temple. He introduced God as the father. He taught his followers to love their enemies and forgive everyone. Jesus never wrote a word or traveled farther than he could walk. But he taught a way of thinking, believing, and behaving that, though it was foreign and seemingly impractical, changed the world forever. Jesus isn’t finished changing the world. He calls on each of us to stand against injustice, love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and follow him.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you enjoy election season, or do you meet it with apathy or dread? Why do you respond the way you do?
2. During the message, Pastor said, “There was once a version of Christianity that was awe-inspiring.”What would it take for Christianity to be awe-inspiring in our culture?
3. Read Acts 4:12. Does this passage offend or disturb you? Why or why not?
4. What are some things you fear? How does that fear undermine your ability to follow Jesus?
5. Read Acts 4:24–33. During the message, Pastor said, “We pray little prayers. Perhaps that’s why so little happens.” Respond to that statement. Do you agree? Why or why not?
6. In what areas of your life do you need to pray more boldly and with greater confidence in God? What is one thing you can do this week to change the focus of your prayers? How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
As a nation trembles in fear, looking to the government for salvation, as rhetoric gets nastier and more dangerous, people take sides. Compassion wanes. Racial divides increase. But there are those who have no fear. They’re informed but not worried. The worse things get, the better they get. They are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, but above all, they are Christians. What will our Once Upon a Time... story be?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Acts 4:12
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Tough as Nails | Week 2
Fix Your Eyes
INTRODUCTION
The New Testament records that early Christians didn’t fear loss. They were selfless and confident. They weren’t arrogant or self-confident. They were humble because their confidence wasn’t in themselves; it was in Jesus. That faith in who Jesus was and what he had done for them freed them to boldly love others. Does our faith look like that? How would it change our world if it did?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word “Christian”? Why?
2. What are some things about our world that tempt you to view Christianity as fragile? Why do you think those things endanger the faith? How do you think those assumptions influence your relationship with Jesus?
3. During the message, Pastor said, “Faithfulness shines brighter during times of uncertainty.” Talk about a time when uncertainty made your faith shine brighter.
4. Read Hebrews 11:37–38. Does the idea of having the kind of faith that would make the world unworthy of you seem realistic or attainable? Why or why not?
5. In what area of your life are you successful at looking forward and being faithful? What are some practical ways you can you apply your approach to that area of life to an area of life in which you’re tempted to look backward and be fearful?
6. What is one thing you can do to fix your eyes on Jesus instead of safety, security, and comfort? How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Is your version of Christianity worth the price early Christians paid for it? The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, “They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.” What would that kind of faith look like for you and me?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Hebrews 12:1–2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Tough as Nails | Week 1
In the Beginning
INTRODUCTION
Life is full of danger and uncertainty. We see news reports almost daily about violence and terrorism. And sometimes it feels like faith is under siege. 2015 was the worst year in modern history for Christian persecution. More than 7,100 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons; 2,400 churches were damaged or destroyed. Surrounded by uncertainty, it’s difficult not to be afraid. But Jesus offers us another option.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you have a phobia? If so, what is it?
2. How do you usually respond to uncertainty? Do you try to control your circumstances? Do you feel overwhelmed and shut down? How effective has your approach been throughout your life?
3. Do you ever feel like Christianity is under attack in our nation? If so, how does that stretch your faith in God?
4. Read Matthew 10:28–31. What are some reasons it can be difficult for us to live as though God values us so much that he’s numbered the hairs on our heads?
5. Read Luke 9:23. Think of a person or group that views or treats you unfairly because of your faith. What would it look like for you to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus” in the way you respond to that person or group?
6. Talk about something—culturally, politically, professionally, or relationally—that makes you afraid. What is one thing you can do this week to replace fear with faith in your heavenly Father? What can this group do to support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Uncertainty is for certain. It’s unavoidable. It’s beyond your control. But living in fear is optional. Remember that Jesus—your Saviour—was born into, lived through, and walked into the jaws of uncertainty. A world too often defined by violence, arrested and crucified him . . . and then God raised him from the dead. That is the cornerstone of our faith. That’s why living in fear is optional.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Matthew 10:29–3
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Killin’ It | Week 3
Week 3 - Known Survivor
INTRODUCTION
We all want to be friended, followed, liked, and mentioned. We all want to be recognized, admired, sought after and envied. We hunger for approval. We want applause. We want to be known.
But what do you do when there is no amount of "known" that will satisfy your appetite?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What are some ways the appetite for being known is reflected in our cultural values?
At the end of your life, what would you most like to be known for? Why do you want to be known for that thing?
During the message, Pastor said we all hunger for approval from our fathers. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Read John 3:26–31.
Context: Jesus had appeared on the scene to begin his ministry and had begun to baptize people as John was doing, and it disturbed John's disciples.
26 They (John's Disciples) came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man (Jesus) who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." 27 To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.' 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less." [a]31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
In what ways do you need to "become less" so Jesus can "become greater" in your life? What are some obstacles to that happening?
From what audience do you most hunger for applause—your friends, your spouse, your children, your parents, your boss, your peers? How does that hunger drive your behavior and decision-making?
What is one thing you can do this week to stop seeking the applause of other people and begin to listen to the applause of your heavenly Father? How can this group help you follow through?
MOVING FORWARD
Work hard. Hone your craft. Broaden your influence. Build your career. Write great books. Move mountains. Change lives. But in the end, remember who it's from and who it's for. The applause of the One who knew you first, who knows you best, who gifted you and called you is the only applause that will matter. Your heavenly Father is the One you want to hear say, "Well done."
CHANGING YOUR MIND
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
John 1:35–36
Killin’ It | Week 2
Week 2 - Heaven Rules
INTRODUCTION
Maybe you're a "Three P" person—you have power, prestige, and possessions. You have influence. You are envied. People take you seriously because of what you've accomplished, what you look like, or who you're married to. There's nothing wrong with being a "Three P" person. But when it comes to pride,
"Three P" people face a unique challenge.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what ways do you see power, prestige, and possessions abused in our culture? In what ways does that shape our cultural priorities?
Talk about a time when you've seen someone treat his or her personal influence as a temporary stewardship from God.
How was that person unique?
How did other people react to him or her?
Read Daniel 5:26.
For context, these are the words that appeared on the wall at King Belshazzar's great banquet, where he mocked God by bringing out the God and silver goblet stolen from the Temple when he conquered Jerusalem.
"Here is what these words mean:
Mene (numbered): God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel [Weighed]: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
Peres [Divided]: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
What does it mean to you that God has numbered the days of your power, prestige, and possessions?
To what extent does that principle currently influence the daily decisions you make?
What is one area in which you're regularly tempted to look down on others—education, possessions, physical appearance, influence, experience, intelligence?
What is the cost of giving in to your pride?
Think about the areas of your life where you have the most influence, power, and prestige.
What would it look like for you to treat those areas like temporary stewardship from God for which you are accountable?
What is one thing you can do this week to remind your pride that you are just a steward of God's blessings?
How can this group help you follow through?
MOVING FORWARD
When you see someone with less—less sophistication, intelligence, education, money, or influence— you're tempted to think more highly of yourself. Pause for a moment and tell your pride, "The Most High is sovereign over all the kingdoms." Remind your pride that everything God has given you is a stewardship. It's temporary. You are accountable for how you use it.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.'"
Daniel 4:17
Killin’ It | Week 1
Week 1: Remote Controlled
INTRODUCTION
There is a sin that is so common to the human experience, and it is the gateway to all other sins. It promises to make us bigger, better, and more important but only makes us smaller and meaner. It strips us of our capacity to connect with others. It stands between us and our heavenly Father.
So, what is “it,” and how do we kill it?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what ways does our culture reward pride? In what ways have you seen that affect people’s lives?
Talk about a time when you knew the right thing to do but let pride prevent you from doing it. What did it cost you?
Read Philippians 2:5–8.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature (in the form of) God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature (or form) of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
What would it look like for you to have the same mindset as Jesus in your relationships with others? What are some practical obstacles to your treating others that way?
How does pride manifest itself in you? In what ways do you protect your own image?
What does pride masquerade as in you—confidence, intelligence, fashion, sarcasm, a commitment to excellence, or something else?
What is one relationship in which you need to initiate reconciliation? What can this group do to support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Pride crowds out other people. It crowds out God. Pride is a prison. Saying no to pride is saying yes to God. Root out the pride in your life. Kill it before it kills you. Why would you opt to follow something that is killing you when you’ve been invited to follow someone who died for you?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
In his pride, the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.
Psalm 10:4
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 6
When Dreams Can’t Come True
We all have hopes and dreams, but what are we supposed to do when our hearts are broken, and our dreams can’t come true? It’s tempting to take matters into our own hands, but is there a better way?
Discussion Questions
What is one dream from your childhood that didn’t work out the way you thought it would?
Have you ever known someone to respond to broken dreams in a positive way? To what do you think they would attribute their response?
The prosperity gospel assumes if you do something for God, God will do something for you. When have you tried to negotiate with God? Explain.
Read 2 Samuel 15:25–30. Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Do you understand? Go back to the city with my blessing. So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot.
• What do you notice about David’s behavior as he leads his family out of Jerusalem into the wilderness?• How might you view your current circumstances differently if, like David, you stopped negotiating with God and allowed him to work in your life as he wishes?
Do you believe there’s a purpose for you even when your dreams can’t come true? Why or why not?
What can you practically do this week to remain faithful despite a broken heart or a dream that can’t come true?
Moving Forward
When your heart is broken, and dreams can’t come true, that’s the time to lean in, look up, and reach out.
Pray: “I offer you my dreams and plans. Do to me whatever seems good to you. I acknowledge your right to rule. Your will be done in me.”
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 5
Five Rules for Dating
If you don’t want a relationship like the majority of relationships, don’t date like the majority of daters. In this message, Pastor gives five rules for dating.
Discussion Questions
If you could use one word to describe dating in today’s culture, what would it be?
If you find dating to be complicated, why is that?
Look over and discuss the five rules Pastor gives in this message:
• Rule #1. Guys: Ask girls on dates.
Ask someone to do something specific on a specific day and time. Clarity is honoring.
• Rule #2. Ladies: Agree to dates.
Don’t agree to just “hang out.” If he asks you to “hang out,” ask if he has a specific plan in mind.
• Rule #3. Don’t ever mistreat anyone, even if they don’t seem to mind being mistreated. Be truthful. Don’t mislead.
• Rule #4. Don’t allow yourself to be mistreated.
If you saw a relative being treated the way you are being treated, would you be upset?
• Rule #5. Don’t do anything that makes you a liar for life.
You are writing your story. Write one you aren’t afraid to be asked about.
Changing Your Mind
It can be easy to blend, bend, and pretend in order to get in or stay in a relationship. But we need to ask ourselves: Am I losing myself in order to do so? If so, it may be worth considering taking a break from dating. Next time around, you’ll be more prepared to exercise your muscles of courage, self-control, honor, and intentionality.
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 4
Groundhog Date
Many times, we learn from our mistakes in the areas that matter least, but we repeat our mistakes in the areas that matter most. So how can we ensure that the next time won’t be like the last time? Instead of being a conformer, it’s time to be a transformer.
Discussion Questions
Name some areas in life where people quickly learn from and correct their mistakes.
In relationships, why is it difficult to correct many of our behavior patterns?
Check out these myths. Do you need to undo any of these beliefs? If so, which ones?
• Experience Myth: Experience will make me wiser.
Truth: Evaluated experience will make you wiser.
• Know-Better Myth: Since I know better, I’ll do better.
Truth: Know better ≠ Do better.
• Time Myth: Time is against me.
Truth: Time is your friend.
What’s your initial reaction to the notion “Time is your friend”?
Read Romans 12:1–2. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
• Why would Paul use the word “urge” here?
• Would you characterize yourself as a conformer or a transformer?- Conformer: Repeats the same patterns, particularly patterns that have been culturally accepted as standard behavior.
- Transformer: Intentionally chooses to learn from the past and change regardless of cultural norms. Will take the time to evaluate the past and own their mistakes.
To be able to renew your mind, it may be healthy to take a year off from dating. What would be your biggest reservation about doing that?
Changing Your Mind
If you don’t want the next time to be like the last time, do something different in the meantime.
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 3
Week 3: Grownup Love
From elementary school through high school, many of us had ideas of what the perfect relationship would look like in the future. While those dreams may not represent our current reality, a step in the right direction could be to follow the apostle Paul’s advice—move from our childish ways and start being grownups.
Discussion Questions
Who was your first crush?
What “childish” notions or assumptions about love did you carry into adulthood?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:6–7.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
• What are some ways we can protect the ones we love?
• Are you able to believe the best and overlook the rest? What makes you say that?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:11.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
Where do you have work to do? Are you self-seeking? Easily angered? A scorekeeper? Not protective?
5. What couples do you know that seem to have put most of their childish ways behind them? What about them makes you think that?
6. For your current or future relationships, if you could work on one thing about yourself to transition from child to grownup, what would it be?
Changing Your Mind
Look over these words that describe what it means to demonstrate love. For each one, are you more interested in becoming more like these or for someone else to?
Patient
Kind
Not jealous
Not arrogant
Honoring
Self-less
Not easily angered
Not a scorekeeper
Protective
Trusting
Hopeful
Persevering
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks |Week 2
Week 2: The Fine Print
If becoming the right kind of person is key to a great relationship, how do you do that? Is there something you can do to prepare? Does it just happen? Sure, we’re supposed to love others, but what does that really mean? Let’s lean in and read the fine print.
Discussion Questions
What is something you’ve trained for? What did you do to prepare?
Looking at culture, would you say dating is preparing people for great relationships? Why or why not?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–5.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
What stands out to you from these verses? How would relationships look different if more people loved this way?
Relationally, we may run at different paces. When you find yourself at a faster pace, how can you make sure you aren’t leaving the other person behind? What are some indicators that you are pushing rather than accommodating?
In your family, was kindness seen as a strength or a weakness? How did you see this play out?
Is it hard or easy for you to celebrate those closest to you? What are some ways you can celebrate them this week?
Honor is at the heart of every satisfying relationship. What makes you feel honored? What makes those closest to you feel honored?
Changing Your Mind
A promise is no substitute for preparation. If we want to have great relationships, we must do some work. We need to look at ourselves and see where we may need more practice.
Where do you have work to do?
Patience?
Kindness?
Public celebration of others?
Honor?
What is one thing you can do this week to take a step?
Love, Dates & Heartbreaks | Week 1
The Right Person Myth
In relationships, we often believe if we find the right person, it will make everything right. So we ask ourselves, “Is this the right person for me?” Maybe we need to be asking a different question—a question that shifts our focus from seeking the right kind of person to becoming the right kind of person.
Discussion Questions
When you think of romantic comedies, what movies come to mind?
While we know that real life is not like the movies, what is it about romantic movies that are appealing?
Have you found yourself believing either of these two myths? If so, which one?
The Right Person Myth: Once you meet the right person, everything will be all right.
The Promise Myth: A promise replaces the need for preparation.
What statements would you make that are more accurate versions of those two myths?
4. Read John 15:1–2, 4–5.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
What does Jesus mean to be “plugged into the vine”?
What is the result of doing this, and what would it mean for our current and future relationships?
5. Read John 15:9–10.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love.”
In this passage, Jesus sums up the commands with one. What is this one command? What does that command look like in a romantic relationship?
6. List three things that come to mind when you think about God’s love for you. What would it look like to extend those same three things to someone else?
Changing Your Mind
The kind of person Jesus leads his followers to become is the kind of person we are looking for and, ultimately, want to become. This week, evaluate the type of person you are looking for and ask yourself, “Am I becoming that type of person?” How can this group help you remain plugged into “the vine”?
A King Like No Other
People ultimately weren't convinced to follow Jesus because of what he taught. They became convinced because of what they saw!
Discussion Questions:
What's something you remember happening that you would have never believed had you not seen it with your own eyes?
If you weren't a firsthand witness to something incredible (for instance, the moon landing), what would it take to convince you it happened?
Jesus's followers disengaged but then re-engaged after many people saw him resurrected. Talk about the emotions they would have experienced as they saw Jesus die, then saw him alive, saw him leave again, and then heard him promise he would one day return.
Read Luke 24:1–12
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
4. What are some details in this account that give it credibility?
5. In your own words, what makes Jesus a king?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
—John 3:16–17
Investigating Jesus | Week 6
Week 6 - Wide Open
Jesus didn't ask for people to just believe in him. He invited people to follow him.
Discussion Questions:
On the evening of June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where Myra Thompson was leading a Bible Study. He wasn’t known to any of the twelve attending the study, but he had been welcomed by all. He sat quietly as Myra shared. An hour later, as they finished in prayer, and while everyone else’s eyes were closed, Roof took out his concealed gun and opened fire, killing 8 of the 12 church members, including Myra Thompson, the pastor’s wife.
Read Rev. Anthony Thompson’s courtroom speech to Dylann Roof, who murdered his wife.
‘Son, I forgive you. My family forgives you.’”
What emotions does it evoke? Why?
Luke 23:33–43
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
What are some characteristics about Jesus that Luke was trying to highlight in this passage?
How do you justify accepting the forgiveness of God while resisting the Lordship of Christ?
Are you more of an admirer than a follower?
If so, what’s keeping you from going all-in?
Luke 9:24–25
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
4. What keywords stand out to you?
Would you say your faith is costing you anything presently? If so, what? If not, should it be?
5. We all fall short in at least one area of our lives. While we and those around us need grace, we can't neglect that hypocrisy is a big reason Christianity is not taken seriously by those outside the faith.
What's one way you're currently being a hypocrite?
With the help of God and others, how could you change that?