|
Hello and welcome to the Small Group page. Below you will find our current weekly group questions and general layout for our current Small Groups.
The Game of Life!
Winning Over Discouragement - I Peter 1:1-12
Download this weeks Small Group notes
212 FAITH
Small Group Discussion Questions
March 7-13 / James 3:13-18
Prayer Requests:
Together create a working definition of wisdom. Where do we find it? What does it do? Who has it?
How is wisdom different from intelligence or academic achievement?
Read James 3:13-18 together:
What are the 2 identifiers of wisdom in a person’s life? (V. 13)
The word deeds means “to return or turn back to”. How do our deeds demonstrate wisdom to others?
How is humility different from weakness? How dose humility demonstrate wisdom to others?
Note: In Plato’s era, humility was used to describe brilliant teachers who could dialogue with their students and not get angry or frustrated.
What are the 5 characteristics associated with false wisdom from verses 14-15? How do they manifest themselves in every day life? Which one is most dangerous for your marriage, family, work, ministry and friendships? In verse 16, what does James say are the 2 product of these attributes?
What are the 7 expressions of true wisdom that James provides in verse 17? Can you think of others that James did not mention? Which one will you pick to work on this week and why? Looking around the group share with someone how you see one of these expressions being lived out in their life.
Note: If in a group with couples, have them share with each other.
What is righteousness? How do the 7 expressions of true wisdom create peace? How does investing in peace create righteousness in our lives and others?
Digging Deeper:
Look back over James 3:13-18. Make a chart with the 5 characteristics of false wisdom and the 7 expressions of true wisdom. Take time to ask God to show you which of the five you need to work to eliminate in your life. Write down tangible action points you can start doing now. Ask someone to hold you accountable. Remember… being a follower of Jesus isn’t just about not doing bad stuff. Now take time to look over the 7 expressions of true wisdom. Ask God to show you one or two that you can work to build up in your life over then next week. Share these with your accountability partner as well.
212 FAITH
Small Group Discussion Questions
Feb. 21-27 / James 3:1-12
Prayer Requests:
Read James 3:1-12 together (1-2, 3-6, 7-8, 9-12)
What part of these verses did you find most interesting/challenging? Why?
What is the “big idea” of Pastor Ed’s sermon? How does this relate to our life?
Look up the following verses from the Book of Proverbs and summarize each in a statement.
12:19
13:3
15:1-2
15:23, 28
17:27-28
18:13
21:23
23:15-16
*note – In verse 6 the word “hell” does not refer to Hades, (aka the bad place down stairs) it is the word Gehenna. In James time this was a constantly burning garbage dump outside of Jerusalem into which all of the city’s filth was thrown. Today this dump has been filled in and a children’s playground built on it!
In light of this imagery share how you use your words to encourage and inspire your family, friends and co-workers. How have you found success in building others up?
Digging Deeper: Read Psalm 39. What does it mean to you? How do you relate to David’s struggle? Put this psalm into your own words. Where is God asking you to challenge the status quo of your life? What are you going to do about it?
212 FAITH
Small Group Discussion Questions
Feb. 14-20 / James 2:14-26
Prayer Requests:
Would you rather meet George Washington or Abraham Lincoln? Why?
Read James 2:14-26 together
In your own words, what is the “Big Idea” of Pastor Ed’s sermon from Sunday?
What are some of the reasons that both purpose (faith) and goals (works) necessary in our lives?
What are the 4 characteristics of genuine purpose/faith that James focuses on in v. 15-20?
(v.15-16) It is not indifferent, but...
(v.17) It is not independent, but…
(v.18) It is not invisible, but…
(v.19) It is not just intellectual, but…
* did you know that the term “demon” has its roots in the Greek word for “intelligence”?!?
Looking over the above 4 characteristics share some of the personal implications these verses should have on our lives? Which one of the four most challenges you?
Digging Deeper: Read Romans 4 and take note of all the statements concerning faith and works. Now reread James 2:14-26 and do the same. How are they different? How are they similar? What is/are the “Big Ideas” that Paul and James are expressing about purpose (faith) and goals (works)?
212 FAITH
Small Group Discussion Questions
Feb. 7-13 / James 2:1-13
Prayer Requests:
Brainstorm (and write down) a list of every area of favoritism you can imagine. Think about work, community, church, friends and family. Come up with at least 10-12.
Why is it impossible to judge a person’s motives in a first time encounter? How are prejudice and partiality different from discernment?
Read James 2:1-13, what is the “big idea” of these verses?
*Historical Note: The term favoritism used by James comes from 2 Greek words which mean “welcoming someone by face value alone”. Favoritism is found only 4 times in the New Testament and all instances make it clear that God does not respect faces. Why?
Summarize the story in verses 2-4. How (and why) does this happen in today’s church? What can I do personally, both internally and externally to not let this happen?
What are the 3 reasons that James gives as examples of why favoritism is wrong? (v.5, v.6-7 and v.8-9)
If God were welcoming men and women to be part of His family on face value alone, would he have accepted me? What does God look at? How do we develop “God’s eyes” in our own life as we relate to others? (see v. 12-13)
Looking back at the list of favoritisms from above, circle any areas where I am not using “God’s eyes”. This week, take time to confess, repent and seek God’s guidance for your future attitudes and actions in these areas.
Digging Deeper:
Read 1 Samuel 16:1-13. Apply the principals of James 2:1-13 to this story.
212 FAITH
Small Group Discussion Questions
Feb. 28 – March 6th / Jeremiah 29:10-14
Prayer Requests:
Is there as difference between hoping and making a wish? Together, create a working definition of “hope”.
Read Jer. 29:10-14
Summarize together the historical and cultural backdrop when God speaks in Jer.29. What are the attitudes and actions of the people? Is this different or similar to our culture today? How do these verses speak to the Church today?
What did Gil provide as the strategy for building hope in our lives? How does this challenge you? Why is hope so important and how does it impact and influence us, our families and our church?
Gil shared 3 key points to building hope, (embrace, believe and seek) which one is most natural for you? Why? Which one do you struggle with the most? How does this impact your life, family, work and faith?
Read Rom. 8:28-39. Together list out the different things God is doing. List out how we should respond to God’s actions. (mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually) Individually, pull these verses into one sentence and share it with the group.
Choose one or two of the action steps for building hope that you will work on this week. Briefly share with the group why you choose these and what you inspire to accomplish through your effort in the next 7 days.
Digging Deeper:
With a little effort and Bible study methods, find other areas of scripture that talk about hope. Write down 4 or 5 different sections of verses . Summarize what they say. Now create a practical application for your life (right now). Ask God to guide you in creating your own action steps for your own life. Use SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, repeatable, time sensitive) to help you in the journey of discovering more hope for you life!
212 FAITH
“because one degree matters!”
Jan. 17th - Bill Butterworth
Prayer Requests:
Share something fun, funny or encouraging that happened to you this week.
What was Bill’s main point? (the big idea)
What are some view points on crises in life that you have encountered through out the years? (friends, TV, music, movies, ect.)
What are the 4 events leading to a crises that Bill shared? Which one was most interesting, challenging or impactful to you? Why? Of the 4, which one gives you the most challenge in life?
What were Bill’s 4 principals for getting through a crises? Which one is the easiest for you? Why? Which one requires more discipline and/or faith on your part? Why?
How does what Bill shared relate to living with 212 degree faith? How does it relate to us as Bayside Church of Lincoln?
Get Smarter
Attitudes That Battle The Kaos Of Life
Nov. 22nd
Small Group Discussion Questions
When we are forced to work overtime for our company, how do we feel? How do we act? What about when we are asked to give more time to a Church event?
Do you ever feel that God owes you something for your work for Him?
What has Jesus taught you about righteousness vs. rule-keeping? Internal vs. external righteousness?
Why do some people say that the Old Testament Law is savage and bloodthirsty? How is the Law the beginning of mercy?
In your own words, explain the phrase “do not resist an evil person”. Does that mean we should let thieves, murderers and terrorists have their way in society?
How are we to deal with those who do evil to us? Can we retaliate? Discuss the 4 ways that Jesus teaches us to deal with others who treat us wrongly. Which is the easiest for you? Hardest?
Can a spirit of generosity towards those who hurt you encourage someone to wrong you again? Why risk it?
Give a brief example of a situation you found yourself in where you applied one of these four methods that demonstrate a generosity of spirit?
Prayer Requests:
GET SMARTER-ER:
Pick one of the four examples Jesus gives and use it this week as much as possible.
GET SMARTER Nov-22-09.doc Get the Word Document
Get Smarter
Attitudes That Battle The Kaos Of Life
Nov. 15th
Small Group Discussion Questions
Remember back to a time, event or thing in your life that because of its simplicity made life just that much better. Briefly share why.
What is righteousness? How does it impact the way we relate to simplicity?
What were oaths used for in ancient times? What different kinds of oaths were used? Do we use “oaths” today? How? Why?
How did culture impact the intended meaning and weight of oaths?
How did Jesus challenge his culture and the leaders of his time concerning oaths? What is the point he is trying to make? What is significant about Jesus statement “hair on your head”?
Read the following passages:
Matthew 26:63-64
Galatians 1:20
II Corinthians 1:23
When Jesus says, “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” What was he saying to the people of his time? How does this relate to us today? Why is it that anything beyond yes or no comes from the evil one?
What are the reasons why we tell the truth? (if not because we are bound by an oath)
Prayer Requests:
GET SMARTER-ER:
What is one thing, relationship or area of your life you can simplify right now that would allow you to strengthen your relationship with God and/or your family? Do it now!
GET SMARTER Nov-15-09.doc Get the Word Document
Get Smarter
Attitudes That Battle The Kaos Of Life
Nov. 8th
Small Group Discussion Questions
Answer the following:
I feel loved when…
I express love towards others when…
What stands at the heart of Christian marriage? Is love all that is required?
In your own words, how did Jesus describe marriage?
Is it easier to understand Moses’ provision for divorce after we understand God’s design for marriage? Why?
Divorce comes easily in our society. Should we make it harder to get a divorce? What impact would this have?
Compare the type of marriage Christ proposes and the marriages you have come into contact with over the past 5 to 10 years. Do you see any marriages similar to the one Jesus desires for people? What makes them unique? How can you tell?
Read Ephesians 5:21-33.
Describe what the attitudes, character traits and actions of a Husband/Wife who genuinely loves their spouse look like.
Prayer Requests:
Next Step: What is one thing I can do to show love to my spouse/child/friend/neighbor in the next 24 hours? Week? Month?
GET SMARTER Nov-8-09.doc Get the Word Document
Get Smarter
Attitudes That Battle The Kaos Of Life
Nov. 1st
Small Group Discussion Questions
Imagine a "best day ever." What kinds of things would you do?
Review the 5 views of the Sermon on the Mount. What are the difficulties of our culture that impact the 5th view?
Covetousness isn’t really a word we us today, what other words represent this concept?
How are lust and covetousness similar? How are they different? If adultery is their product, what is it that they are rooted in?
Why does Jesus associate lust and covetousness with adultery? What’s the connection?
Share a time when you got caught up in coveting something and then made the choice to let it go. How did it impact your life before and after letting go?
Have you ever experience buyer’s remorse over something you bought just because you had to have it? What did you do?
Why does Jesus use absurdity and exaggeration to demonstrate the seriousness of sin?
How does Jesus teaching on lust and covetousness fit into the teaching of the Beatitudes? Which of the Beatitudes speak to this issue best?
How will becoming Beatitude people change the nature or outcome of our struggles?
Prayer Requests:
GET SMARTER-ER:
Read Gen. 39:5-18. How do the different characters, attitudes and actions of this story relate to Jesus teaching? How do they relate to our lives?
GET SMARTER Oct. 25.doc Get the Word Document
|
Ministries 
