Matthew 1:18–25
Background:
Luke prominently features Mary in his writings of Jesus' birth (Luke 1-2), but Matthew tells the story through Joseph's perspective. Joseph is important to Matthew's Gospel because Jesus becomes part of David's lineage through Joseph (1:1-17).
Joseph was living a normal, responsible and righteous life (vs 19) when he's all of the sudden given the news that Mary is pregnant and it's not from him.
Joseph's life plan just got flipped upside down! Now what?
Group Discussion Guide:
Who has a crazy story of when your life plan got interrupted?
Joseph responded pretty good in verse 19. Who can honestly say they're pretty good at dealing with major interruptions? What character trait do you have that you could advise the rest of the group to implement?
Not all interruptions are crazy and life altering. Most are actually more life inconveniences, frustrations, and unexpected events. Why are these kinds of things SO annoying though?
What's the danger in letting little things bother you?
Can you imagine how the story would've changed if Joseph got angry and didn't want to listen to God?! We've all done it, but would someone be willing to give an example of when they had an adult temper tantrum?
Why do we love to throw our own pity-parties? What do you think you're trying to accomplish when you do this?
Verse 20 reveals that even though Joseph was actually afraid, the Lord made this happen and it was part of His plan. While interruptions and unexpected things (minor or major) catch us off guard, they do not catch God off guard. Why does God allow these interruptions to happen? (God always has a plan and uses these interruptions to change us to be more like Christ.)
Slow traffic, a sick child, or a costly home repair may not seem like important tools in our sanctification, but they are. How? (We are given opportunities to rely on God, to obey him, and bring him glory.)
We won't be asked to be the earthly father of Jesus, build an ark, part the red sea, or sacrifice our only son, but we will certainly have a few major events in our life that cause us to trust God and obey him in some deeply profound way. Are any of you currently going through one of these major events? How are you being tested to trust God?
Joseph obviously had no control over Mary getting pregnant, but his response proved something. What is revealed when we are not in control? (When things don't go our way, our faith is stretched and it will be revealed whether we are standing on rock or sand.)
Can someone share a testimony of why they believe God is in control of all the details in their life?
Can someone make a case for why God's grace is actually sufficient to get us through the day?
How does the Gospel apply to life's interruptions?
How can Christ be enough to satisfy all the deepest needs of our heart?
Christmas reminds us that everything we need is provided by God through Jesus. (Close by sharing your story of how God's grace, Jesus, is everything you've ever needed.)
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
Best Christmas Ever: The Power of Silence
Luke 1 Summary:
A priest Zacharias, whose wife, Elizabeth, has not been able to get pregnant, has a visitation from an angel. The angel tells Zacharias that he will have a son, and to name him John. Zacharias doubts this and tells the angel he is too old. The angel tells him he will not be able to speak until the day of his son's birth. Elizabeth got pregnant, just like the angel said. When it came time to name the baby, Zacharias wrote down that his name will be John, and then his voice returned.
Why do you think the angel chose the method of silence for Zacharias?
Do you see it as a punishment, or a way to increase Zacharias' faith?
Practical Questions:
Why are coffee breaks so great?
Why are nice, long walks on the beach so relaxing?
Who is currently very overwhelmed by your to-do list?
How many of you are so easily distracted?
What's the importance of having quality time with someone you love?
Why does our culture feel the need to be productive all the time?
Why do most of us struggle to spend devoted time alone with God?
Why do we so easily give people our undivided attention, but not God?
What's the difference between prioritizing solitude and silence in our lives versus doing another Christian or spiritual activity? (It's about running into God's arms and knowing His love.)
Read Psalm 46:10
Let's be a group Thesaurus for a few moments.
What are some other words or phrases for "Be still"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What is the importance and benefits of "being still" or (whatever other words/phrases you listed)?
Why do you think God likes us to be in silence?
What are some other words or phrases for "Know"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What are the benefits of knowing?
What are some other names or words to describe God? (Brainstorm at least 10 answers.)
How does who God is help you realize that He is all you need?
When you're stressed, burned out, overwhelmed, discouraged, worried, lacking, sinning, etc., how does this verse's application help you?
5 Tips for Finding Solitude
1. Pick a Time
Think about the time that you can start taking today to listen for God's voice in silence. Maybe you could turn off your car radio during your daily commute to work, turn off your phone, use your lunch break, get up a little earlier, or use the time right before you go to bed.
2. Find a Location
If you only have a few minutes or a couple hours, think of a place that is nearby where you can disconnect from your "everyday life," and not be interrupted.
3. Let it Go
Accept the fact that you are not indispensable and allow the world to go on without you for these few moments.
4. Let God be God
Humble yourself, listen, pay attention, and be open to what God might be trying to show you.
5. Stick to the Basics
Space. Prayer. God's Word.
Who's ready to get started on this tomorrow? Make your plans and stick to it!
A priest Zacharias, whose wife, Elizabeth, has not been able to get pregnant, has a visitation from an angel. The angel tells Zacharias that he will have a son, and to name him John. Zacharias doubts this and tells the angel he is too old. The angel tells him he will not be able to speak until the day of his son's birth. Elizabeth got pregnant, just like the angel said. When it came time to name the baby, Zacharias wrote down that his name will be John, and then his voice returned.
Why do you think the angel chose the method of silence for Zacharias?
Do you see it as a punishment, or a way to increase Zacharias' faith?
Practical Questions:
Why are coffee breaks so great?
Why are nice, long walks on the beach so relaxing?
Who is currently very overwhelmed by your to-do list?
How many of you are so easily distracted?
What's the importance of having quality time with someone you love?
Why does our culture feel the need to be productive all the time?
Why do most of us struggle to spend devoted time alone with God?
Why do we so easily give people our undivided attention, but not God?
What's the difference between prioritizing solitude and silence in our lives versus doing another Christian or spiritual activity? (It's about running into God's arms and knowing His love.)
Read Psalm 46:10
Let's be a group Thesaurus for a few moments.
What are some other words or phrases for "Be still"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What is the importance and benefits of "being still" or (whatever other words/phrases you listed)?
Why do you think God likes us to be in silence?
What are some other words or phrases for "Know"? (Brainstorm at least 5 answers.)
What are the benefits of knowing?
What are some other names or words to describe God? (Brainstorm at least 10 answers.)
How does who God is help you realize that He is all you need?
When you're stressed, burned out, overwhelmed, discouraged, worried, lacking, sinning, etc., how does this verse's application help you?
5 Tips for Finding Solitude
1. Pick a Time
Think about the time that you can start taking today to listen for God's voice in silence. Maybe you could turn off your car radio during your daily commute to work, turn off your phone, use your lunch break, get up a little earlier, or use the time right before you go to bed.
2. Find a Location
If you only have a few minutes or a couple hours, think of a place that is nearby where you can disconnect from your "everyday life," and not be interrupted.
3. Let it Go
Accept the fact that you are not indispensable and allow the world to go on without you for these few moments.
4. Let God be God
Humble yourself, listen, pay attention, and be open to what God might be trying to show you.
5. Stick to the Basics
Space. Prayer. God's Word.
Who's ready to get started on this tomorrow? Make your plans and stick to it!
Monday, December 5, 2016
Best Christmas Ever: Simple
Read Luke 10:38-42
Ask someone to briefly summarize the story from these verses.
Group Discussion Questions:
Who do you identify more with, Mary or Martha?
What are the strengths of being a "Martha" in life and ministry? What are the weaknesses?
Was what Martha doing wrong?
Sometimes our choice is between the good and the bad. Other times it is between the better and best. Give examples of better vs best decisions you face.
What was it about Mary that impressed Jesus so much?
How much of your time is spent with church activity vs time with Jesus? (i.e. 50/50, 70/30, etc.)
What's wrong with never spending time sitting before, adoring and listening to Jesus?
Could someone tell us about a time when you became so caught up in the work of the kingdom you forgot to have a relationship with the king?
Jesus stated "that only one thing is really needed." What was it?
Martha didn't realize what she was doing was the wrong choice. She just had her priorities mixed up. She was "worried about many things." Worry elevates minor things to the highest priority. What minor things have the wrong priority in your life?
Is busyness attractive to you? Why?
Why do we find it difficult to slow down and "be still and know that I am God"?
When have you found yourself recently in a Martha-like frenzy? What was your source of worry?
What are the advantages to spending time regularly "at the feet of Jesus"?
Verse 42 mentions that Jesus is to be our portion. What does that mean? Hint: think about what food is intended for.
What happens when busyness and worry are our portion? Discuss how this daily portion can effect you each day, and especially over time.
What are the common results you experience when you lose your focus on God?
Who, or what, do you blame when your life becomes chaotic?
Can "the Mary thing" be overdone? Explain.
How can we slow down our lives so that we take time for the greatest things?
How has this discussion on this story in scripture invite you to read your Bible differently?
What time of day have you found to be best for you to be able to really sit, listen, and hear from the Lord?
What things do you do in your times of prayer and Bible study to focus your mind and thoughts on the Lord?
Let's close by taking time – five minutes or more – to spend in adoring the Lord in prayer. Tell the Lord why you love him, how you appreciate him, and then let him speak to you.
Ask someone to briefly summarize the story from these verses.
Group Discussion Questions:
Who do you identify more with, Mary or Martha?
What are the strengths of being a "Martha" in life and ministry? What are the weaknesses?
Was what Martha doing wrong?
Sometimes our choice is between the good and the bad. Other times it is between the better and best. Give examples of better vs best decisions you face.
What was it about Mary that impressed Jesus so much?
How much of your time is spent with church activity vs time with Jesus? (i.e. 50/50, 70/30, etc.)
What's wrong with never spending time sitting before, adoring and listening to Jesus?
Could someone tell us about a time when you became so caught up in the work of the kingdom you forgot to have a relationship with the king?
Jesus stated "that only one thing is really needed." What was it?
Martha didn't realize what she was doing was the wrong choice. She just had her priorities mixed up. She was "worried about many things." Worry elevates minor things to the highest priority. What minor things have the wrong priority in your life?
Is busyness attractive to you? Why?
Why do we find it difficult to slow down and "be still and know that I am God"?
When have you found yourself recently in a Martha-like frenzy? What was your source of worry?
What are the advantages to spending time regularly "at the feet of Jesus"?
Verse 42 mentions that Jesus is to be our portion. What does that mean? Hint: think about what food is intended for.
What happens when busyness and worry are our portion? Discuss how this daily portion can effect you each day, and especially over time.
What are the common results you experience when you lose your focus on God?
Who, or what, do you blame when your life becomes chaotic?
Can "the Mary thing" be overdone? Explain.
How can we slow down our lives so that we take time for the greatest things?
How has this discussion on this story in scripture invite you to read your Bible differently?
What time of day have you found to be best for you to be able to really sit, listen, and hear from the Lord?
What things do you do in your times of prayer and Bible study to focus your mind and thoughts on the Lord?
Let's close by taking time – five minutes or more – to spend in adoring the Lord in prayer. Tell the Lord why you love him, how you appreciate him, and then let him speak to you.
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