Proverbs: How can I glorify God in my friendships?

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Proverbs 19:4,6 and Proverbs 17:17. Discuss the differences between the two different types of friends being described here.

2. How does Jesus’ actions demonstrate to us how a true friend should act (Jn.15)?

3. Proverbs 18:24 teaches us that, when it comes to friendships, quality is better than quantity. Why is that such an important truth for us to embrace?

4. Proverbs 25:17 teaches us about the importance of boundaries. What is a health balance between living in community and spending time alone?

5. Proverbs 27:6,9,17 teach us that Godly friends are willing to wound with truth. Why should we deliver difficult truths to our friends? How should we deliver difficult truths to our friends?

Proverbs: Giving and Receiving Advice

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important that we seek counsel from others? Why is it so difficult to receive advice sometimes?

2. Read Proverbs 12:5, Proverbs 15:22, and Proverbs 24:6. Who should we take counsel from?

3. What is the importance of the Holy Spirit being considered a “counselor?”

4. Is there ever a time that we should act against the counsel given to us? Why or why not?

Easter Service: He is Risen!

[1] Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. [2] And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. [3] His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. [4] And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. [5] But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. [6] He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. [7] Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” [8] So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. [9] And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

Proverbs: How can I glorify God with my words?

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean in Proverbs 18:20-21 that “death and life are in the power of the tongue?”

2. Why is it important to “guard our mouths (13:3)” and “restrain our words (12:27)”? Why is this so difficult?

3. In looking at Proverbs 31:8-9, what does it practically look like to “open our mouths for the mute” and “defend the rights of the poor and needy?”

4. Why is being gentle and honest with our words so important to the Christian faith?

Proverbs: Fear

“[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

        and do not lean on your own understanding. 

    [6] In all your ways acknowledge him,

        and he will make straight your paths. 

    [7] Be not wise in your own eyes;

        fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 

    [8] It will be healing to your flesh

        and refreshment to your bones.”

…

 “[21] My son, do not lose sight of these—

        keep sound wisdom and discretion, 

    [22] and they will be life for your soul

        and adornment for your neck. 

    [23] Then you will walk on your way securely,

        and your foot will not stumble. 

    [24] If you lie down, you will not be afraid;

        when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 

    [25] Do not be afraid of sudden terror

        or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 

    [26] for the LORD will be your confidence

        and will keep your foot from being caught.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Proverbs 3:5-7 calls us to both fear the LORD and trust the LORD with all our heart. How is it possible to trust something that we fear?

2. What does a healthy fear of the LORD practically look like within the life of a believer?

3. Dr. Allender, in his book The Cry of the Soul, communicates that “every emotion is a theological statement.” Ponder your most common fears for a moment. What do your fears communicate to you about what you believe about God?

4. How does God give us a reason to be confidence even in the midst of our weakest moments?

5. What ought we do whenever we’re afraid?

Proverbs: How can I glorify God with my anger?

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to be “slow to anger?” Why do you think God calls us to be “slow to anger?”

2. What is it that prompts God to anger? Why is it a good thing that God gets angry? Why is it a good thing that God is slow to anger?

3. Is there ever a right time for us to get angry? If so, how ought we practically act on this emotion?

4. In reflecting on your own heart this week, have you found yourself getting frustrated or angry? What are some things that have stirred up this emotion?

Proverbs: Emotions

Discussion Questions:

1. On Sunday we learned that we are emotional beings because we have been made in the image of an emotional God. How does the fact that God is emotional offer us comfort throughout our life?

2. How does belief in Jesus lead to a transformation of emotions?

3. How does the gospel teach us that God is for our joy and gladness? Why is that such a difficult truth for us to embrace sometimes?

4. Do you find that you consistently have joy throughout your life?

Proverbs: Shame & Honor

Discussion Questions:

1. When you think of honor and shame, what do you think of?

2. Why do you think the word “inherit” is used in verse 3:35 of Proverbs?

3. When it comes to horizontal and vertical honor and shame; Do you think you can have one without the other? (i.e. receiving horizontal honor but not vertical honor)

4. Do you believe that the cross is both honorable and shameful?

Proverbs: Extraordinary Wisdom for Ordinary Life

1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth-

5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,

6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Discussion questions:

1. The book of Proverbs addresses the small matters of life, teaching us how to walk through life in a God glorifying manner. Why is it comforting to know that God cares about the small details of our life?

2. Ray Ortlund says, in describing a proverb, “The world says, ‘Live and learn.’ God is saying ‘Learn and live.’” Why is that such an important distinction to make?

3. What is the difference between “wisdom” and “understanding?”

4. Who is the “simple?” And what does it mean to “give prudence to the simple?”

5. What does it mean to “fear the LORD?”

Who is Jesus?

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some misconceptions that you have heard about the gospel of Jesus?

2. Why does Mark use a quote from Isaiah to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ the Son of God (Mk. 1:1-3)?

3. Why does Jesus say the kingdom of God is at hand (Mk. 1:14-15)?

4. How is Jesus getting the sin (or hell) out of us good news?

Family Discipleship (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

“4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Family discipleship:

“Family Discipleship is the family of God partnering with and equipping parents/guardians to help build in their children an authentic faith in Jesus.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Often times whenever we hear the words “evangelism” and “discipleship,” our default mode is to think outward (something we do with those outside of our homes). Why is it important to think about these things as something we do within our home, as well as outside of our homes?

2. Why is it important to see that God calls us to “love him” and “learn his commandments” before he commands us to teach our children?

3. Where and how can we teach and disciple the next generation?

4. How is family discipleship a church wide endeavor?

The Final Scene (John 21:23-25)

“23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?"

24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.”

Discussion Questions:

1. We learned on Sunday that words matter whenever we study the Bible. Can you think of any times where verses in the Bible have been taken out of context or interpreted wrongly within our culture?

2. What are some challenges that come from confronting falsehood and presenting truth? Why should we confront falsehood and present truth? How should we confront falsehood and present truth?

3. How should we respond whenever someone confronts or seeks to correct something that we believe is true?

4. One unique feature of the Gospel of John is that John omitted more than he included. What does that reveal about the vastness of Jesus' nature, character, and grace?

The Danger of Comparison in Following Jesus (John 20:20-22)

20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!"

Discussion Questions:

1. Jesus quickly corrects Peter whenever Peter begins to compare himself with John. Why is comparing your life with the life of those around you so dangerous?

2. Have you ever compared yourself to other believers and questioned God's intentions or plans for you? 

3. What does it mean to follow Jesus?

4. In verse 18 we see Jesus telling Peter about the death he was going to die. In verses 19 and 22 we Jesus invite Peter to follow him. This tells us two things: (1) following Jesus will not always be easy and (2) Jesus will be with us in the midst of trials. How does this bring us comfort as we follow Jesus?

Gospel Confrontation: Fully Known and Fully Loved (John 21:15-19)

“15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, ‘Follow me.’”

Discussion Questions:

1. Many of us are afraid to be fully known because we’re afraid that we won’t be fully loved. How does today’s passage push back against that fear?

2. We saw in Jesus’ response to Peter that “those who love Jesus will serve those who belong to Jesus.” How can you and your community group practically live this out on a daily basis?

3. What encouragement and good news is found in Jesus' conversation with Peter? 

4. How does the way Jesus confronts Peter sin teach us how to handle conflict?

The Final Scene (John 21:1-14)

1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." 6 He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.

9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

Discussion Questions:

1. On Sunday Ryan talked about how the disciples decision to go fishing with Peter was a picture of discipleship. How can your group do a better job at walking through life together with one another?

2. What does verses 9-14 tell us about the character of Jesus?

3. The only other time we see a charcoal fire in the gospel of John is John 18:18. In comparing these two accounts (Jn 18:18 & Jn. 21:9), what is John trying to show us?

4. We saw in this passage that it wasn’t until Jesus intervened that these professional fishermen caught any fish. This tells us that if we want to be effective in our evangelism, then we need God to lead us. Spend some time today specifically praying that God would open up door for you to be able to share your faith with others (Col. 4:2).
   

Believe (John 20:31-32)

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it say about Jesus that he did many other signs than the ones recorded here in the gospel of John?

2. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Christ?

3. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

4. When we confess that Jesus is the Christ, what are we also confessing about ourselves?

5. What are the implications of belief leading to life in Jesus’ name?

Authentic Community (Hebrews 10:23-25)

“23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Weekly Reflection:

1. Reflect on the grace of God extended to you.

2. Draw near to God and sit underneath the waterfall of God's mercy and meditate on who he is.

3. Plan this week, after you have sat under the grace if God, how you can actively spur on a brother or sister to love and good works.

4. What can you do to encourage others to love and good works?

The Coming King (Matthew 2:1-12)

 “1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.”

The Risen King (John 20:24-29)

24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Discussion Questions:

1. On Sunday Wayne mentioned how, for some unknown reason, Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus appeared bodily the first time. How does isolation from the body of Christ lead us to doubt and disbelief like we see in verses 24-25?

2. Should we, like Thomas, make demands of Jesus to show himself to us to prove himself?

3. How did Jesus respond to Thomas' doubts and unbelief? (Vs 26-27)

4. Do we respond as people of peace to those around us who are struggling to see and believe in the real Jesus? If not, how can we?

The Risen King (John 20:19-23)

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if ou withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think caused the disciples fear to turn into joy/gladness? What application can we draw from this?

2. The first thing Jesus does when he arrives inside is extend to his disciples peace. What is the significance of Jesus extending to his disciples peace twice before he sends them out in verse 21?

3. Jesus is sending out his disciples in the same way that the Father sent him. How was Jesus sent? What implications does that have for how we are sent?

4. Our passage today is the fulfillment of all of Jesus’ previous promises (John 14:18-20, 25-29; 15:18-19, 26-27, and 16:19-22). What does that mean for the truthfulness and trustworthiness of Jesus’ word?