From God To Us: Joy Robbers

"Joy to the world!"... right? But it SO hard to have joy sometimes.

What is one of your greatest challenges for living a daily joyous life?


Read Luke 1:26-38.
(Mary had a LOT to fear! She could've let fear rob her joy.)

Worry and fear are the rivals of joy in our heart. When worry wins, joy loses. Do you ever say you trust the Lord, but then think of a second option just in case the Lord does not come through?

What fear is stopping you from experiencing joy?

Worry causes us to waste the blessings of today by keeping us focused on the possible problems of tomorrow. How do your worries hinder you spiritually in your Christian walk?


Read Mathew 1:18-21
(Joseph could've let disappointment and resentment rob his joy.)

Disappointments often steal our joy because they shift our focus from the Lord to ourselves. How can maintaining an eternal perspective help us to deal with our disappointments?

We will never experience true abundant joy if we have seeds of bitterness, unforgiveness, or resentment in our hearts. How does it encourage you to know that the Lord has seen every hurt and offense ever committed against you?


Read Matthew 2:7-10
(The wisemen could've let confusion rob their joy.)

Share an example of when you had great joy even in the midst of uncertainty.

One of the main reasons we lose our joy is because we lose our focus, taking our eyes off the prize of Christ and losing ourselves in the problems of the world. If you were one of the wisemen, would you have stayed focused on pursuing the newborn King for as long as they did (2 years)? Why or why not?

Confusion and lack of clarity are joy stealers. Do you think you need to move forward out of your sense of unclarity? If so, what changes do you need to make in order to just start taking things one step at a time?


Next Steps:

Write down a major fear, resentment, or thing that is confusing you. What is the next step you can take to begin to find joy in the midst of it?

Ask your rGroup friends to pray and help you find joy where you need it most. Ask others how you can pray and help them, too.

From God To Us: Fake News

Luke 2:10-18

Read Luke 2:10.

Santa determines who gets gifts by whether someone's been naughty or nice. But the gift of Jesus is for everyone. How does this shape how you view everyone else?

How does this shape how you view yourself?

How do grace (the free and underserved favor of God) and the gospel (good news of Jesus) connect?

Explain why that is "great joy" to you, personally.

Read verses 11-12.

The Savior, the Messiah, the Lord has come! We know that Jesus is the only source of true, great joy. What kind of scenarios in your life make you start looking for joy in other people, places or things?

Read verses 13-16.

Imagine what that group of angels sounded like when they were praising God. What's your favorite way to praise God?

Notice how the angel's praise of God inspired the shepherds to pursue Jesus. What's one way you can praise God around others that would cause them to be curious, think about, or pursue Jesus?

Read verse 17.

The shepherds response to meeting Jesus was to tell others about him. They immediately spread the word. How well do you tell others about what God has done for you?

The shepherds all experienced the same event, but I'm sure they all told the story in their own way because of what it meant to them personally. What's one story about Jesus that you like to tell to others?

Read verse 18.

Are you amazed? What mindset or habits needs to change in order for you to see God for who he is, and truly be amazed?

--

Next Steps:

Who is one person you will commit to sharing the good news of Jesus with?

What is one step you could take in order to grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus and experience His great joy?

Messed Up Church: Temptation

What does the phrase "spiritual warfare" mean to you?
(the fight against spiritual evil forces)


Read Matthew 4:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 10:11-13


How does Jesus' temptation in the wilderness clearly reveal the nature and reality of spiritual warfare?

Why is it so important to stay connected to God, spiritual accountability, the church, and Christian friends during your lowest and weakest points in life?
(Satan knows when we're at our weakest, lowest point, when we're most likely to fail, and that is when he will attack you the hardest.)

How can we become more aware and alert of the spiritual attacks on us and our families?

How are temptation and being tested related to one another?
(God never tempts a person to evil, but He can use that temptation to build faith. See James 1:13)

How can we respond to temptation in a way that increases our faith in God and gives Him glory?

How does chasing our own desires (or following your heart) apart from God's will lead us to distrust God and His goodness and providence?

Knowing that God will never tempt us to evil, why do we often blame Him for sinful desires, which are outside of His will?

During what kinds of events or circumstances in your life do you most often question God's presence, care, love, or competence in your life?

There will certainly be times in our lives when we are facing struggle and are tempted to wonder if God cares about us. How can we combat those thoughts?

How does knowing the outcome of this war encourage us to resist Satan through the power of the Holy Spirit?


Move Forward / Next Steps:

What is the biggest truth that God wants you, personally, to know and apply from this study?

How will you move forward and apply that truth?

What is an action that you can start to implement today or tomorrow?

Messed Up Church: Things That Make You Want to Quit

Why do you think God does not allow people to know the future like he does? How could that be for your own good?


Read 1 Corinthians 16:5-7.

Paul is fully devoted to God's mission, but it's obvious he doesn't even know how tomorrow will go. Do you ever find yourself living the "Perhaps" in verse 6, and "if the Lord permits" in verse 7, like Paul? What's that like for you?

Why is Paul ok with this uncertainty? What can you learn from him?

Notes:
- Uncertainty (not reliant on self) becomes the norm when you follow God.
- Even Jesus submitted to the Father's will above his own.
- Don't trust the future, trust God.


Read 1 Corinthians 16:8-9.

Paul sees a great opportunity to be effective, and also sees many people oppose him. What does this tell you about opportunities and opposition?

Why is opposition (discouragement, burdens, setbacks, etc.) not a good reason to quit on opportunities God's placed before you?

So, what can you do in the midst of opposition? How can you handle it?

Notes:
Opportunities and opposition usually coexist. Nothing worth doing is easy.
Work hard, but trust (rely on) God.
Don't miss what God is trying to teach you through opposition.


Read 1 Corinthians 16:10-12.

Anything that involves people is difficult. Why is this?

Timothy is doing God's will, yet Paul knows that Timothy may run into difficult relationships or people that disagree with him on his journey. What would you do if you were Timothy?

Why should difficult relationships and disagreements not stop you from what God has called you to do?

We're often tempted to quit on ministry and people that God actually intends us to be involved with. How do you discern whether God wants you to quit or continue?

Notes:
We're all sinners, and we all need grace.
When we pursue God's plan, well-meaning people will not always understand our specific calling, and that may cause some people (even friends) to turn away.


Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-14.

What exactly are you watching out for? What are the benefits of being on guard?

Standing firm, and being courageous and strong are required for our faith. What does that look like in your life?

Do EVERYTHING in love. Jesus is the ultimate example of not quitting, and doing all that he did in love. Why is the "love" part so important to God?


Next Steps

If there are moments on your journey that you feel isolated while fulfilling God's calling, remember you have the power of the Holy Spirit in you and with you. You are not alone.

If you find yourself reluctant to continue to move forward with God's calling on your life, remember to look to Jesus.

If you're in a place of pursuing God's plan for your life and in the midst of uncertainty or lacking resources, remember that opposition and opportunity can coexist. God has already set provision in place for you to accomplish everything He's called you to do.

Messed Up Church: Gendered Lives Matter

1 Corinthians 11:3 and Genesis 1:26-27, 2:18-25


1. Do you agree or disagree that gender is in a state of confusion today? Explain.

2. How do you think Hollywood defines manhood? Womanhood?

3. In our society, what are some ways the lines of gender distinction are being blurred?

4. If you were to look around at adults in church on Sunday morning, how would you describe a Christian man? How would you describe a Christian woman?

5. Work as a group, and use your Bibles to come up with a definition of what it means to be a man or woman. How does your definition benefit others and glorify God in a way that is unique to your gender?

6. How would you explain to a woman that "helper" is not a negative thing to be called?

7. Why do so many men misuse the title "head" and what can Christians do to redeem it?

8. What should our response be towards people that have different viewpoints in sexuality and gender?

9. "But isn't loving, showing compassion, and opening up to transgender people an endorsement of their lifestyle and choices?" What's the right answer to that statement?

10. How did Jesus seem to be so close and personal with so many broken people and sinners, yet still remain firm in his convictions and sinless in his nature?

11. What are your action steps this week in response to the message, scripture, or this discussion?

Messed Up Church: The Amazing Race

When you wake up in the morning and start your day, what drives you? What's the biggest motivating factor in your life?

(Get people to think about WHY they do WHAT they do. Don't embarrass anyone for their answer.) 


Read 1 Corinthians 9:22–23.

Paul knew what he was competing for, and he knew why he was in the competition. He also knew who he was competing against. He was in it to win it. Do you have the same attitude? Why or why not?

Paul says his discipline and determination are "for the sake of the gospel" and that he wants to partake with others in its blessings. How does the gospel motivate you in running the race?

(Helpful Answer: The benefits of the gospel are so awesome and transforming that Paul gave up his life to share it with others. The gospel is the only power that can transform and save people. Because of that, we should be determined more than ever to run the race.)


Read 1 Corinthians 9:24–27.

We're all running some race. Would you say you're running the right race? How do you know?

(Helpful Answer: The pursuit of Jesus is the right.)

Think of someone who is running the race well or someone who has been sidetracked. What can you learn from them?

Top athletes exhibit self-denial, self-control, and self-sacrifice for a prize that will fade. If an athlete is that self-controlled for a prize that is temporary, shouldn't Christians be just as disciplined for what is eternal? What does that kind of biblical discipline/training look like in our daily lives?

Being missional with a passion to "spark a revolution of life change through Jesus" is hardly natural for us. What are some roadblocks that the Devil, culture, and our flesh can put up when we try to run this race and fight for people's souls?

What are the temporal things that you spend a bulk of your mental attention, time, and money on? Where do those priorities get placed in regards to God and His purpose for you?

What can we do to keep the eternal at the front of our minds, so we do not waste our lives and waste opportunities to share the gospel?


Next Steps:

If you're alive, you're in this race. If you're in this race, then that means you constantly need to put one foot in front of the other. At REVO, we call these "next steps", and it's why one of our core values is to "move forward."

1. What is your next step in this race? What do you need to do right now in order to move forward with the gospel?

2. What weights, distractions, or sin is God asking you to give up today for the sake of the gospel?

3. Moving forward, what needs to change in order for you to either start running, get back in the right race, or continue running hard in order to finish well?

Messed Up Church: To Do or Not To Do?

This discussion could get heated. We're doing it wrong if it does. Be wise in how you lead this discussion, and help people move forward.

1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 10:31-32

What kind of process do you typically go through in order to discern whether gray areas are right or wrong for you? (for instance: evaluate pros vs cons, seek counsel, just try it out, do what's comfortable, search scripture, do what your parents taught you, go with the flow, etc.?)

--

5 Questions to ask ourselves as Christians when we begin to decide about gray area matters:

(For each question, ask your group to give an example in their life of when they've had to or should have asked these questions in order to discern the correct decision for something.)

1. Can I? - Does it violate Scripture? (8:4-6)

2. Should I? - It becomes a matter of personal conscience.

3. Is it my weakness? - Do I struggle with ____? (i.e. drinking too much, addiction, control, pride, putting this before God, etc.)

4. How will this affect others? - Will it cause another person to stumble, to sin, or push them away from Jesus? (10:32)

5. Does it honor God? - If it doesn't bring glory to God and point people to Jesus, then why would we do it? (10:31)

--

How could the action of a believer's freedom hurt a weaker Christian? (8:9)

How can a Christian's "superior knowledge" (pride) destroy someone? (8:11)

Read 1 Cor. 8:13. Do you think Paul is going overboard? Why or why not?

How did you come to your decision of whether or not it is appropriate to participate or not participate in traditions like Halloween, Santa at Christmas, the Easter bunny, etc?

Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and marijuana is legal within certain age limits and states. When is it ok or not ok for you, personally, to do these things?

There are many areas (politics, lifestyles, habits, finances, etc.) that Christians disagree on. At the end of the day, what is the most important issue, and what is the danger in letting other secondary issues come before it?

--

Next Steps:

What decision or choice do you need to reevaluate in order to honor God and bring people closer to Him?

What issue have you placed above your identity in Christ, or have let become an idol before God? How will you go about repentance?

How can you help, encourage, or show love to another Christian who needs to apply these principles from scripture?

Messed Up Church: Gifts That Freak People Out

1 Corinthians 13:1-13, 14:1


Check out the Facebook Live video posted on REVO Church's Facebook page. There may be something discussed in the video that you'd like to talk about as a group.


Discussion Questions:

Would people describe me as "loving" (13:4-7)? Why or why not?

Read Galatians 5:22-23. Which of these 15 characteristics describe me? What ones are lacking?

Read 1 Cor. 13:7-8a. The love that people give tends to be fickle and contingent on many outside things; yet Paul says, "Love never ends" (13:8a). Why is it so hard to love no matter what (13:7)? How can you be a person who is known for perseverance in love?

When you attend REVO, how do you express love for the people that are there?

Read 1 John 3:18. How would you describe the culture of our church? Is it warm and welcoming? If so, can you identify what you have done personally to contribute to this? Today, what commitment will I make to show greater love?


Next Steps:

Think of one person who is hard for you to love. What is one concrete way you can show that person love this week?

What is one specific way you can love the church with your spiritual gifts? How can you serve others in a way that reflects Jesus' loving character?

How will your rGroup love each other better going forward? What are practical steps you can take?

Messed Up Church: Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:1, 7, 8–11, 18–22
Romans 12:3, 6–8, 13

Theme: God gave us spiritual gifts so we can help each other.

What is or has been your attitude toward spiritual gifts?
a.) For pastors only
b.) For all believers
c.) For mature believers
d.) Those were for Bible times
e.) I've never really had a clear understanding of spiritual gifts.

How are spiritual gifts different than:
• Talents or skills?
• Personality traits or characteristics
• Christian roles?

How would you define spiritual gifts? (1 Cor. 12:1, 4–7)

There are online surveys to help you discover your spiritual gifts. What is the risk of relying solely on surveys to discover your spiritual gifts?

Do you see a connection between how God has gifted you and how you can influence your world? In what ways are you using your gifts to influence your world?

How are spiritual gifts a responsibility?

In Ephesians 4:13–16, Paul says that when people serve and use their spiritual gifts, the church will become unified, mature, healthy, growing, and full of love. When have you seen examples of this?

How are you using your gifts for the common good of REVO Church? What can you do to make this a more accurate description of our church? What can our rGroup do?

Share with our group ways in which you think God has given you a special ability to use for ministry.

If you already know or strongly believe you've been given certain spiritual gifts, how are you developing or using these gifts?

If you haven't been using your spiritual gift(s) to advance the kingdom, why not?


Prayer/Next Steps

What is one or more specific things that God is speaking to you from this study about spiritual gifts? Write these things down.

Think of ways that God has used people to make a difference in your life because of their abilities. Thank God for them.

Pray that God would help you know how to use the natural abilities and spiritual gifting that he has given to you.

Make a plan to use your spiritual gift(s) in some way, every day this week.

Messed Up Church: Who is the Holy Spirit?

John 14:15–29, 15:26, and 16:5–15


The goal for our Bible discussion: to help convey some basic truths about the Holy Spirit, and how to apply them to our daily lives.


Intro Questions:

What comes to your mind when you hear the words, "the Holy Spirit"?

Most people can understand the Father and the Son, but the Holy Spirit is another matter. Is it easier or harder for you to relate to the Holy Spirit, and why?

If someone asked you what was the most important reason why Jesus (the Holy Spirit) is here in you, what would you say?


Facts from the Bible about the Holy Spirit:


1. He is with you. (John 14:16)

How does it make you feel knowing the Holy Spirit will never leave you? How does it empower and reduce your stress knowing that He will never leave or forsake you?

Jesus said that the world could not accept the Spirit (v. 17). Why do you think that is?


2. He is the translator. (John 14:26)

Have you ever received such an impression, or sensed that God was speaking to you about a specific situation? Explain.

Why is it SO important to seek the Holy Spirit's interpretation and discernment in your life?


3. He convicts me of sin. (John 16:13)

How has the Holy Spirit brought God's truth into your life?

Give an example of when the Holy Spirit taught you to say "no" to ungodliness and worldly passions.

Is there sin in my life for which confession and repentance is needed?


4. He guides my life. (John 16:13)

What has caused you to resist asking for more of the Spirit in your life?

Where today do you specifically need the guidance of the Holy Spirit?


5. He points people to Jesus. (John 15:26)

Why does the Holy Spirit testify about Jesus Christ? What is the value in the Holy Spirit doing that for us?

Sharing the Gospel (pointing people to Jesus) is not easy. Knowing the Holy Spirit is in you, how does this empower you to live out this mission?


Next Steps:

Take a moment and thank God for his Holy Spirit that he has given to help you. Thank God for the strength, peace, comfort, and leading that the Holy Spirit provides in your life.

I believe that Jesus is coming again, but until he does, I know I have a helper – the Holy Spirit.

I am so thankful that we can know peace even during turbulent times.

Ask the the Holy Spirit to teach you where you need to be more submissive to his Word.

Messed Up Church: What's the Deal with Generosity?

Announcement: Communion is next Sunday, October 8th. We encourage your rGroup to take that week to find an opportunity to serve the community together, or use the time to host a party and invite guests to it. No blog will be posted in hopes that you'll use your time to serve others, hang out, and enjoy your friends.

----

We're going to talk about how Christians are to be generous with their money. Let's be real... why do we dread these kinds of discussions, Bible verses, and sermons? (Probably because we know we've failed in this area, need improvement, or simply just find it hard to be generous.)

Money is important, and God knows this. That's why He's given us instructions on how to be successful with it.

Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Verses 1-2 presents the expectation that EVERY believer is supposed to give. For youth or those who struggle financially, it seems like it would be easy to say economic difficulty is a reason not to give, but what beliefs or thoughts are the real root of this excuse?

Why is it important that EVERY believer contribute financially?

How does giving in the church reflect a commitment to the church and build unity in the church?

In verse 3, the word for "gift" in the original language is the same word as "grace." How does this picture affect your understanding of giving? How does this understanding influence your motivation for giving?

How do we make sure that giving does not become an obligation instead of a grace?

Read Matthew 25:14-26. Tithing reminds us of the responsibility of our stewardship. What does it mean to be a faithful steward? (Consistent and responsible manager of God's gifts.)

According to verse 2, what should we do first with our money?

Why does it need to be first? What is God's purpose for this?


Application:

(Head) What does God want you to KNOW from these scripture verses?

(Heart) What does God want you to DESIRE and VALUE?

(Hands) What does God want you to DO?

Messed Up Church: Spiritual Babies or Adults?

Announcement: Communion Sunday is October 8th. We encourage your rGroup to take that week to find an opportunity to serve the community together, or use the time to host a party and invite guests to it.

----

What are some things you do to maintain or improve your physical health?

What about your spiritual health? What routines and habits improve your spiritual health?

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1–4.

Being "controlled by our sinful nature" (v 3) is a sign of spiritual immaturity. What can someone do in order to NOT be controlled by sin and begin to mature?

Why is it so important for Christians to become mature in their relationship with God?

What was the proof that the Christians in Corinth were not yet mature?

How should our attitudes and behavior change when we become mature Christians?

Read vs 5–8.

What does it mean to plant and water God's Word in others? What are practical ways you can do this?

Who is responsible for your spiritual growth? Who does the Lord hold responsible? How does this reminder change your priorities?

Read vs 9–15.

Why must Jesus Christ be the foundation (strong base) for people's lives?

How can we develop our lives in the way that pleases God?

What does Paul mean by the fire that tests the quality of our work? What would fail that test?

Read vs 16–17.

Christians are temples of the Holy Spirit – God's presence dwells within us. What does that mean to you? What do you think God's purpose for this is?

Note the warning in verse 17. How should this affect our attitudes and actions toward other Christian groups and individuals with who we may not agree with?

How will you apply these verses to build your spiritual strength this week?

Messed Up Church: Weird Christians

1 Corinthians 1:10-31

Read vs 10-13.

Do you ever find yourself following other people or things in church more than Jesus? Explain how this messes up the church.

What often divides us in our churches? (Don't let it get out of hand. Stay on point!)

What is the solution to divisions, according to this passage? (An attitude of humility to pursue harmony.)

Look at verse 10 again. How do we "be of one mind, united in thought and purpose"? (We overcome divisions by seeing Christ and his mission as more important than our preferences.)

Ever notice how much we make Christianity and church all about us? What's one thing you can do to switch the focus off yourself and back onto Jesus and his mission? (Remember vs 9 says we are partners with Jesus on his mission.)

Read vs 18.

I'm sure you've come across many people who want the message of the cross to be more inclusive, but rejecting the cross means rejecting Christ and remaining in one's sin. Do you have an ongoing conversation with someone who "despises" the cross? How can we pray?

"Religious unbelievers" add their works to Christ's cross. "Secular unbelievers" deny the power of the cross (they think it is irrelevant). How can you approach these opinions with grace and love?

Read vs 19-21.

In what ways has trusting the "wisdom of this world" led to trouble in your life? How has God's Word led you into blessing?

Read vs 22-28.

Where do people search for significance?

How can you become more satisfied with our status in Christ so that we don't search for significance outside of him?

Messed Up Church: How to Know if You're Messed Up

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

1. (vs 1) Paul begins his letter by identifying himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus. Why should that carry weight to whom the letter is written? How does that apply to you and our church? (Aim to get a discussion going about spiritual authority, leadership, or discipleship.)

2. (vs 2) The church belongs to God, but it's full of imperfect Christians. How can this possibly work out? (We are called by God to be holy people, set apart for God... now live like it.)

3. (vs 4-6) We are blessed! What has God blessed you with that you use to bless others?

4. What needs do you know of for which you can use your gifts to be a blessing?

5. (vs 7) We are equipped with spiritual gifts, too. What do you think yours is? How do you know? (One practical way to find out is try doing what you're passionate about. Also, ask others how you've helped them. Spiritual gifts are to benefit others)

6. What keeps you from using the abilities God's given you? What hurdles do you need to overcome?

7. (vs 8) God sustains us! Why is it difficult to admit that we can't control our lives, or that we need help?

8. Read James 4:6-8. What does being humble look like? (When we give ourselves completely to God, instead of ourselves)

9. (vs 9) We're sent out! We're on a mission with Jesus. What priorities need to change in your life to ensure you focus on the mission?

10. What if I told you that money, cars, houses, and careers are temporary; but God is eternal? How does that change your heart (what you treasure)?

Sermon on the Mount: Building on a Strong Foundation

Read Matthew 7:24-27

Have you ever built something or cooked food and realized after it was completed that the materials used were very low in quality or you forgot a key ingredient? How did that turn out?

What do the wise and foolish builders have in common, and what distinguished the two builders from each other?

The rain, streams and wind eroded the foundation of the foolish man's house causing it to crash down. In your life, what would represent a foundation made of sand?

What does it look like to build your house on the rock (a solid foundation)?

Why do people "hear" Jesus' words of encouragement to build their lives on Him, and yet choose to build their lives on "sand"?

Have you ever endured a "storm" in life that you can share with the group? How did you endure it, and what was the end result?

What needs to change for you to be more like the wise man and less like the foolish man?

What have you currently been doing to lay solid bricks (prepare) for "storms" that will come in your future?

Explain why Christ is the only foundation that will never fail and always last.

What commitments are you willing to make to be more like the wise man who built his life on Christ?

Sermon on the Mount: Principles of Prayer

Read Matthew 7:7-12

When you prayed as a child, what were the things that you asked God for? How did that work out for you?

In what ways have your prayers changed as you've matured?

Do you tend to easily ask God for things, or do you hesitate to ask God for things? Why?

What kind of doubts do you face when you're waiting (needing to be persistent) for God to answer your prayers?

What are you pleased or encouraged about regarding your prayer life? What area do you struggle with?

What have you prayed for that in hindsight would have been a "stone" or a "snake" had God given you that which you requested?

Imagine that your prayers were recorded for others to read. (Yikes!) What would people learn about your view of God?

If you could ask God to do something significant in your life today and knew that He would grant your request, what would your request be?

What way does God want to use you to answer others' prayers? (Think about your passions and gifts.)

Summer on the Mount: Judging Others

Matthew 7:1-5

1) Imagine somebody walked through the door right now and they were openly against your views, and wanted to join our rGroup and participate in the discussion. What is your response?

• Would your response be the same for a non-believer and believer, or different? Explain.

2) Have you judged people in the past that made you look like a Pharisee? What were your intentions? What would you do differently?

3) If we are required to remove the "log from our own eye" before we remove the "speck from our brother's eye" when do you suppose it is necessary to "judge" our brother (or sister)?

• What is the objective in our judgments?

• Give an example of when you did this? What was the outcome? How was it received?

4) Matthew 18:15-20 says that judgment of our brother in Christ's sin is necessary for edification of the body. Discuss why this is important.

5) Discuss with the group a practical approach to how we should "judge" all people. What is the biblical protocol to these situations?

Homework:

1) Who have you been judging that you shouldn't have been? Approach that person and apologize for your sin.

2) Who is openly sinning that you feel you should lovingly approach so they can repent? Approach that person and explain to them biblically why it is necessary.

3) Do you still feel like you have "a log" in your eye, and are in no position to do either of these two things? If so, talk to a trusted friend, your rGroup leader or Elder to help work through these issues. Strive for a lifestyle that is holy and reflective of our God and Savior, Jesus.

Summer on the Mount: View of Money

Read Matthew 6:19–20

What is Jesus so concerned about our perspective of money?

How do we invest in eternal things?

What are the purposes of money?

What are treasures in heaven? How do you know if you have treasure there?

How can your time be used for eternity?

How can your money/stuff/resources be used for eternity?


Read Matthew 6:21–23

What does a satisfied heart look like in practicality?

How can you be satisfied with little? Do you think you'll be satisfied with much?

What are you focused on from Monday thru Saturday? Why does your daily focus effect eternity?


Read Matthew 6:24

What does serving money look like? How do you serve money?

What does serving God look like? How do you serve God?

Why can't you serve both God and money?

Why is Jesus better than anything this life could give you?

Summer on the Mount: Fake Christians

Matthew 6:1–18

1. Fake faith gives to get noticed. (vs. 2–4)

The key is: why do you give? What's your motive?

Why should you give without fanfare (in secret)?

Does this mean that you should never tell anyone what you give and who you give to?


2. Fake faith performs prayers for people. (vs. 5–15)

Which side of the spectrum do you find yourself: Afraid OR Proud to pray in front of others?

How does your pride get in the way of your prayers?

What are the advantages of private prayer?

If God/Jesus walked into the room right now, how would you talk to Him? Do you find your answer to be the same way that you usually pray to Him? Why or why not?


3. Fake faith sacrifices to impress others. (vs. 16–18)

How did hypocrites fast (sacrifice)? What was wrong with this?

Why should we fast? What's the purpose?


Closing:

Why does Jesus put the emphasis on the motive of giving, praying, and fasting but not just the practice?

How might you pray, give, and fast differently as a result of Jesus' teaching?

Do you think you can apply this passage in your life without the help of other Christians? Why or why not? How can we help each other in these areas?

Summer on the Mount: Friends and Enemies

Summary:  There are times when people hurt you, abandon you, treat your poorly, and persecute you in life.  So how should Christians respond?  The Old Testament speaks of consequences and justice to be served, but Jesus flips the script.  Why?  The proper response helps to remind others what our Father is like and what He has done for all of humanity.

Text: Matthew 5:38-48


1.  Share a time in your life where you were the victim of injustice, pain, or harm.  Maybe it was from a parent, spouse, boss, coworker, close friend, or complete stranger.  Maybe it was online, in person, something that happened behind your back, in your family, or in the workplace.

2. What does our response tend to be when that happens to you?  (anger, hurt, retaliation, cut them off, badmouth them, loss of trust)

3. Jesus says our first step in the process should be reconciliation.  Why is that so hard?  (takes humility, goes against human nature, involves a positive outcome for the person that hurt you)

4.  There are times in life where we do someone wrong, make a mistake, say something inappropriate, or hurt someone.  What does Jesus say our response should be?

5.  Is there an example in your life where you went "above and beyond" to right a wrong in your life? What was the response of the person you were dealing with?

6.  Jesus even instructs to love our enemies.  Who are your enemies?  Who are the people in your life that you find it very difficult to love, show compassion to, and accept?

7.  What are some practical ways that you can love people in your life, even your enemies?

8. Has an "enemy" of your ever loved you when you didn't deserve it, or treated you in a way that really surprised you positively?

9.  Ultimately, Jesus wants our lives to reflect what God has done for us.  What exactly do you have to do to/for your enemies in order to paint a proper picture of what God has done for you?

Summer on the Mount: Scared of Commitment

Matthew 5:33–37

1. Does our city take the Church seriously? What about OUR church? Does the church in WS and Rural Hall stand with integrity and trustworthiness to lost people?

2. Are there promises that you have made to God that you have left unfulfilled? What should you do about them?

3. In what ways do people trust you?

4. In what areas of your life do you need improvement? What kinds of commitments do you find the hardest to keep?... for example, commitments to friends, spouse, children?

5. Has your trustworthiness ever hindered you from sharing the Gospel? Does your mouth say one thing and your life saying another?

6. What can your rGroup do to bridge the trustworthiness gap between lost people and Christians in our city?

Summer on the Mount: Jesus Redefines Adultery & Divorce

Matthew 5:27–32


ADULTERY

(Matthew 5:27–30; Exodus 20:17) What is the point of similarity between adultery and lust? What is the difference? How does lust break the 10th Commandment?

God purposely created us with a good and natural sexual desire. How do we distinguish between that God-given sexual desire and forbidden lust?

(Matthew 5:28) What is wrong with pornography? What is wrong with going to prostitutes? Who are the victims of this "victimless" activity?

(Matthew 5:28) Sex is very closely tied to our core sense of person. This means that as we are healed in our view towards sex, it goes a long way toward making us whole inside. How would you counsel someone who shared with you that he/she had trouble with pornography?

(Matthew 5:29–30) We're not supposed to take verses 29–30 literally, but how does Jesus want us to apply His warnings?

How can you protect yourself against temptation over the Internet?...at the beach or pool?...with your TV?

The world is very accepting and approving (even promoting) of lust. According to Jesus' words, how seriously are we to take lust? How does Jesus' (agape) love help us combat lust?


DIVORCE

Warning: Christians disagree on some aspects of divorce and remarriage. Many have been hurt in bad marriages and divorce. Be gentle, sensitive, and loving as you lead this discussion – even if someone disagrees!

(Matthew 5:27–32; 19:1–12) With whom did Jesus side: Rabbi Hillel or Rabbi Shammai? What exception does Jesus give to prohibition of divorce?

Marriage is intended to be a picture of the Gospel. What aspects of the Gospel grow, strengthen, and even save a marriage?

Does a person who has been remarried after a divorce that wasn't caused by marital unfaithfulness live in a perpetual state of adultery? Should that person divorce or separate in order to get back into God's will? How can he/she get back into God's will, or is that no longer possible?

The church has always been supportive of those who are hurting or scarred. In Christ, we help people make the best of what is sometimes a very difficult situation. What can you do to extend Christ's healing love to someone who is struggling in his or her marriage? What can you do to bring healing to someone who is or was divorced?

Summer on the Mount: Stop Following the Rules

Matthew 5:17–20

As a child, what rule did you break that got you into the most trouble? What about this ole made it so difficult to follow?

What is your basis for the moral decisions you make?

How does Jesus emphasize His high view of Old Testament Scripture? Is Jesus' attitude toward Scripture significant to you? Why?

How would you describe how Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets? (5:17)

What's your view of the Old Testament? Do you regularly read from the OT? Why or why not?

Is it possible or impossible to have the righteousness that Jesus describes in Matthew 5:20? Why?

How does this passage confront both our temptation toward legalism and toward licentiousness?

Do you value Scripture like Jesus does? How can you grow in your love and appreciation for God's Word? What worked for you in the past?

What or who am I trusting in for eternal life? (5:20) How would you tell your coworker, neighbor, classmate, friend, or family member how to enter the kingdom of heaven?

Is your gospel presentation crystal clear in your own mind? Is it true to Scriptures?

Discuss the correlation between a person's view of Scripture and their spiritual health. (Remember, the goal of Scripture is not just to inform, but to transform.)

Summer on the Mount: Communion

Introduction:

Describe a time when you desperately wanted to fit in and what happened.


Read Matthew 7:13–23

Who is Jesus speaking to, and what does He mean when He says, "Enter through the narrow gate"?

What are the "road to destruction" and the "road to life" that Jesus is talking about in this passage?

Read Proverbs 14:12. Why does that road (that leads to destruction) appear to be so right to so many people?

Why is it appealing to be open-minded to the point that everything is acceptable and permissible as long as no one is hurt? How does this philosophy destroy?

How do you answer someone who says, "I don't believe that a loving God would send anyone to hell"?

What is the price for choosing the wrong, or big gate? How can you help motivate others not to make that big mistake?

When we take away essential truths of the faith, and believe what we want, how does this neutralize the Majesty and holiness of Jesus, His teachings, how much we have been forgiven, and cheapen His Gospel?

How do you know which of the two paths you are on?

What type of fruit do you exemplify because your heart has been changed by God?

What happens to the church, neighborhood, rGroup, and relationships when you produce fruit to nourish and impact others?


Move Forward:

How will you bear good fruit in your life this week?

Make a list of people who you know who are on the "broad road" and begin praying every day that God would begin to soften each person's (on your list) heart to the Gospel, and that God would give you the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

I Just Want To Be Happy: Benefits of Generosity

Vs 14–16 - Share an example of someone that has invested in or generously given to you. What's your response to them?

Who/what have you generously invested in?

Vs 17 - In what sense will the spiritual victories of Paul's ministry be "credited" to his financial spiritual partners? What does this make you realize about your own giving?

How does giving strengthen you? What does it strengthen, increase, or grow? Why are these important?

Why is it so much easier to give when you are aware of others around you, and not just focused on your own self?

How can you literally/practically invest in eternity (store up treasures in heaven) this week?

Vs 18 - In what sense is financial giving a "fragrant offering" and an "acceptable sacrifice"? What can keep financial giving from being seen in this exalted way?

Why does God enrich us financially? What are our responsibilities concerning financial blessings?

How, or in what way, are we tempted to give to the Lord and others only when we believe we can afford to do so? How does our love for God and others help us to overcome this temptation?

Read John 3:16. Did God give out of his abundant supply? (No, He gave his ONLY son.) Why did God give? (God LOVED the world, so He gave.)

The gifts that were given to the Apostle Paul were collective, unified gifts from the church at Philippi. What advantages are there in uniting together to collectively give as a church? What are some ways that you can in unity collectively give as a rGroup?

Examine the reasons why you give, or why we don't give, to the Lord and to others.

What is God showing you about your financial partnership with Him?

I Just Want To Be Happy: Habits of Happiness

Philippians 3:1–14

5 Habits of Happiness

Read vs. 1–6

1. Embrace Grace

Just think about those two words for a moment, and then explain the powerful affect they have on your life and happiness.

Why does God want you to embrace grace instead of your performance?

In 3:4–6, Paul explains what it means to "put confidence in the flesh." According to those verses, what sorts of things could have made Paul feel worthy of God's approval? What sorts of things in your life are you tempted to put confidence in?

2. Remember What Matters Most

Read vs. 7–8

What are some of the things that culture (and your sinful flesh) tell you matters most, and that you've fallen for?

Paul was so happy, despite being in jail, being tortured and beaten, being alone, having the worst luck, having no friends and countless enemies. How can you possibly be happy in that?

3. Know Jesus More

Read vs. 10–11

How do you think your life would be different if knowing Jesus was your primary goal?

What is one thing that you can do to help you know Christ more deeply?

What priorities to do you need to rearrange in order to know Jesus more every single day?

4. Evaluate Your Life

Read vs. 12–13

What are some literal ways/methods that you can accurately evaluate your spiritual life?

Pride keeps us from continuing to follow Jesus throughout our life. Look back at the last 3 habits of happiness, and then share how pride will keep you from them.

5. Forget and Focus

Read vs. 13–14

What kind of regrets (things you've done or things that have been done to you) are holding you back from focusing on what God has for you today?

Why is it so important to be laser focused on the step that God has for you to take?

Is anything more important than listening to God and doing what He says?


Live It Out

God cares about the transformation happening within us. Make a list of situations, events, or choices over the past six months that show God is transforming you from the inside out. Thank God for working in and through you.

Think through what yo've lost as a result of following Christ. Then write down all the things you've gained by following Him. Praise God for the ways He is blessing you.

Pray that you may know peace and happiness and be able to speak the words of Paul: "I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ."

Repent of the idea that you've "arrived" spiritually. Ask God to show you the areas in which you need to grow. Then form a plan for opening that area of your life to God this week.

I Just Want To Be Happy: Happiness in Disguise

Announcement: Summer Break

Thanks for being so faithful as a disciple and leader to others in our church. The scripture we cover this week reminds me that you are described as a Paul, Timothy and Epaphroditus – consistently serving God and genuinely caring about others.

As summer approaches, we (church leadership) would like to offer you to take a break from your regular weekly rGroup meetings. Attendance can be very inconsistent during the summer, and we would like to offer you some valuable time to be re-energized as a leader.

This is not mandatory. You are welcome to continue your regular schedule throughout the summer if you wish. In fact, you may grow in numbers if you continue since other groups may not be available for others.

If you do decide to take a summer break, I highly encourage you to do 2 or 3 social activities as a community in order to stay in touch and use the time to build relationships. Don't limit these to only a few people in the group, but make sure everyone in your rGroup is invited.

The summer break will be consistent with the Forsyth County Schools summer break – beginning the week of June 11, and starting up again on the week of August 27.

If you have any questions, please email me at stephenlockwood123@gmail.com. Thanks!

----

Intro:

Here are some quotes you may have heard before:

"Teamwork makes the dream work."

"Teamwork is the beauty of our sport, where you have five acting as one. You become selfless." - Coach K (Duke Basketball)

"If selfishness is the key to being miserable, then selflessness must be the key to being happy." - Joyce Meyer

"I think a role model is a mentor – someone you see on a daily basis, and you learn from them." - Denzel Washington

Why are these statements so true?


In the New Testament, there is a constant emphasis on imitating other Godly Christians (1 Cor. 11:1; Titus 2:2–4). In Philippians 2:19–30, we are instructed to emulate those who are interested in the well-being of others, and those who have proved themselves faithful through hardship.

Read Philippians 2:19–30


Bible Discussion:

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Do you have a model or mentor in the Christian life that is showing you what it looks like to follow Christ in everyday life?

Who in your life has been there for you through thick and thin – like Timothy was there for Paul?

Who have you been able to mentor and invest in like Paul did with Timothy?

Who has invested in you? How does that affect how you see your responsibility as a follower of Jesus?

Paul is pretty blunt (throws some shade) in verse 21. What does Paul mean in verse 21, and why is this so unfortunately true?

Timothy is concerned with the well-being of the Philippians (2:19–24). What are ways in which you show concern for others in the church?

Who has been a co-worker to you in ministry? How have you served together?

What qualities make Epaphroditus so special to Paul?

Epaphroditus is characterized by deep empathy and compassion (2:25–30). What does it mean to have empathy and compassion? How do these characteristics build up community?


Move Forward:

If you depend on your own strength to grow and transform, confess this to God. Ask him to show you the right balance between opening yourself to his work and depending on him to do the work.

Thank God for the people who have invested in you over the years. Ask God to show you who you can invest in.

Keep a journal of blessings and things you're grateful for. At the end of each day, thank God for working in your life to allow these blessings. Give God the credit.

I Just Want To Be Happy: Mother's Day

Opening Question: Who are the most fulfilled and happy people that you know? Are these people usually selfish or not?

Read Philippians 2:12–18

Vs 12 - In what specific ways have you "worked out" your salvation with the body (church) of Christ?

How do you respond to the word "obedience"? Do you take obedience seriously?

Read 1 Samuel 15:22. Why do you think God values our obedience over worship and sacrifice?

Vs 13 - How have you sensed God working in you?

In what ways has God increased your desire and obedience?

In what practical ways have you grown spiritually in the last six months? What step of obedience have you taken recently?

Vs 14 - Why is it so hard to "do all things without complaining"?

How have you violated this command this week? Have you confessed your sin of whining to God and the person you shared with?

Vs 15 - Paul tells Christians to "live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." What can you do to ensure that your light shines bright to the world around you?

Vs 16 - As Christians, we are to learn and live God's Word. In what way has the world noticed your godly behavior (light)? How has this served as a witness? How can you improve?

Vs 17–18 - How do I sacrifice myself for my local church? How/why did you begin serving in the church? What brought you to that decision?

What has God taught you through your service?

How has serving in ministry brought others to joy? How has your service brought you joy?

What would you say to others who are contemplating whether or not to serve?

I Just Want to be Happy: Key to Happiness in Conflict (Humility)

Read Philippians 2:1–11.

Also read Matthew 20:26-27 and Matthew 23:12.

It seems these days that the word "great" is used for everything. Because the word is used so loosely, it is important to know what Jesus had to say about being "great". We're going to discuss the path to greatness (happiness), and it just might surprise you.

Why is it so easy to talk about our strengths and successes but hard to talk about our weaknesses and failures?

In Philippians 2:1-2, list all the words that describe the results of being "in Christ". What do you think it means to be "like-minded?" With your husband? With the men/women in your group? With your church?

Pride is the root of most conflict and frustration. Humility is the root of most peace and happiness.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul challenges us to "consider others better than yourselves". From your every day life, what are some ways you could put this into practice? Get specific.

How did Jesus exemplify the teachings of Philippians 2:4? (Answer is in vs 6-8.)

What is the reason Paul gives for humbling ourselves and seeing others as above us? (Because that's what Jesus did for you... See vs 5)

In Philippians 2:5-8, make a list of all the words and phrases that paint a picture of Jesus' humility.

What are some other passages or stories that demonstrate the humility of Jesus?

How can we have the mindset of Christ?

Who do you know that is a good example of humility? How is that evidenced in their life?

Read Philippians 2:5-11. What in this passage helps us see that Jesus was both fully God and fully man?

What would it look like for you to demonstrate humility...to your family?

...on the job?

...in your most difficult relationship?

Live It Out:

Identify someone who has humbled themselves to serve you. Reach out to them this week and thank them for serving you.

Identify a person in your life you could serve. Find a way to unselfishly serve that person this week. Come prepared next week to share what you did.

Pray about ways you can show more humility in your day-to-day routine. Ask God to show you any areas where there needs to be more humility.

I Just Want To Be Happy: When and Then

Philippians 1:12–30

"When and Then" thinking: When I get _________, THEN I will be happy. Problem with that is, whenever we fill in the blank, we realize that we still aren't happy or it only makes us happy temporarily, and so we try to put another word in the blank.

What are some of the things you've placed in the "When" blank? What was it like in the short and long term when that thing happened?

Our unhappiness stems from 4 main areas in our lives:
• Pain in our life
• People in our life
• Pressures in our life
• Problems in our life

Read vs 12–14. How can you possibly be happy during pain in your life?

(Look at life through a godly perspective. Ask God to help you see problems through HIS perspective.)

Can anyone share an example of how their perspective of the pain they've dealt with changed after they realized God's perspective and purpose?

Read vs 15–18b. How should you behave when other people criticize, compete with, or tear you down?

What perspective do you need to have in order to not allow other people to control your attitude and responses?

(Don't let PEOPLE–good or bad–determine your joy or happiness.)

Read vs 18b–20. How do you deal with pressure?

What's your first instinct when you are pressured or overwhelmed? What's your last?

How does God want us to deal with pressure?

(Trust God to work things out. Have faith. Work like it depends on your, pray like it depends on God.)

Read vs 21–25. Problems are real. We have them all the time. How can you not let your problems rob your happiness?

(Never let problems trump your purpose. Purpose will make you go farther, push further, sacrifice more, dig deeper, and be happier EVEN when you face problems and barriers in life.)

Read v 27. "The one thing I would stress is this: your public behavior must match up to the gospel of the King."

Share how God can use a problem you find yourself in to witness to others or encouraging other believers.

What's the #1 thing you need to change about how you deal with pain, pressures, people or problems in your life? How will you change it? How does God get the glory?

I Just Want To Be Happy: Relationships

Philippians 1:1–11

(Please keep in mind that when we talk about relationships, we are not only referring to significant others. Relationships are with anyone you're around often (friends, coworkers, neighbors, kids, parents, family, spouse, etc.)

On a scale of 1–10, how happy are you with your relationships (friends, family, boy/girlfriend, husband/wife)?

What's one thing you've learned from someone else in the group that demonstrates what happiness in relationships looks like?

Read Philippians 1:1–11

How do you think Paul maintains an attitude of joy and thankfulness while in the worst of situations (tortured in prison)?

Read verse 3. What is linked to Paul's happiness? (Thankfulness) Discuss what happens to a relationship when this characteristic is missing?

Discuss how the difference between gratitude and expectations can lead to different paths in a relationship.

Read verses 4–5. How does praying in love change everything in relationships?

What do you often do instead of praying? What does that lead to?

Read verses 9–11. What 4 things are listed that you can pray about?
(grow in love, make the best choices, become pure and blameless like Jesus, live with integrity/fruits of the spirit)

How should the relationships and community within a church be different than relationships and community that is built in other clubs or organizations?

Read verse 6–7. How does this verse positively affect you when you are feeling discouraged by your or others faults?

Read verse 8. We are to love people like Jesus loved us. What's one relationship where you need to apply this most?

What are the biggest barriers to you experiencing happier relationships? How can you change that?

What would you like others in your group to pray for and keep you accountable with regarding your relationships?

He is Here: Easter

John 11:17–44

Start by reading verses 17–22.

1. Why did Jesus not immediately go to Bethany?

Do you think it was difficult for Jesus to wait two days?

2. Have you experience times when the Lord seemed "slow" to respond to your prayers? Explain how you felt and acted.

How can these scriptures help us when we feel this way?

3. In verses 21–27, what does Martha say that shows she had faith?

What does she say that exhibits doubt?

Which one of those responses do you find yourself feeling the most often, and why?

4. What does Jesus tell Martha (v. 25) that stretches her faith? How does she react?

Can you remember a time when your faith was stretched?

How did you respond?

Why does Jesus do this?

5. Do you believe Jesus' statement in v. 25?

What does it mean to you?

6. What was Martha's objection when Jesus told them to remove the stone (v. 39)?

Can you think of a time when your natural understanding kept you from seeing a miracle?

7. According to Jesus' statement in v. 40, what do we do to see the glory of God?

Many people say: "Seeing is believing." Jesus tells Martha, "if you believed, you would see the glory of God" (v. 40). What does this mean? Does this have any implication for your life?

8. Does believing in Jesus mean we will never grieve? Explain.

9. What might the grave clothes (v. 44) represent in your life? Where might Jesus be asking you to "take off the grave clothes and let him (her) go"?

10. How does the story of Lazarus' resurrection give you hope?

He is Here: Palm Sunday

Read John 12:12–19

Scripture Summary:

Jesus' so-called "Triumphal Entry" into Jerusalem at the beginning of Passion Week should perhaps be called His "Tragic Entry," because it triggered events that led to His death. Luke 19:41 says that when Jesus approached Jerusalem, He cried over it. The crowds lined the street and cheered for Jesus as the long-expected King of Israel, but they were hoping for a political king, who could lead a military victory against Rome and provide eventual peace and prosperity for their nation. They were not so interested in a Messiah with a spiritual kingdom, who would provide forgiveness for their sins and who would be Lord of every aspect of their personal lives. So within a week, the shouts of "Hosanna!" turned to "Crucify Him!" The fickle crowd was following Jesus for the wrong reasons.

Group Discussion Questions:

John 12:12–13 reveals that the crowd's perspective about Jesus was "What's in it for me?" Why is that perspective so easy to fall into?

How has that same perspective of focusing on how you're going to benefit left you empty before?

Think about what Jesus did with his life. How is it so different from "What's in it for me?"

John 12:16 reveals that the disciples perspective about Jesus was "I don't trust Him!" What happens when you feel this way?

What do you need to do in order to go from fear to trust in Jesus?

John 12:19 reveals that the religious leaders perspective about Jesus was "I want to be in control!" Jesus was a threat to their own kingdom. Have you ever related to this?

So, what is the right perspective to follow Jesus?
(See closing point for some answers)

Have you experienced disappointment with God? What was the source of your disappointment? How do you deal with it?

Are there any areas of your life (work, finances, relationships, goals, use of time, etc.) where Jesus is not your King?

What specifically do you need to do to yield these areas to Him?

Closing Point, Challenge or Prayer:

The right reason to follow Jesus is because of who He is: God's annointed one, the rightful King over every heart and life. He died for your sins, arose from the grave, and is coming back in power and glory to reign over all. Follow Jesus because of who He is, not for the temporal benefits that He might give you!

Jonah: Jesus is a Better Jonah

The Gospel and Jonah:

Jonah pictured the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Jonah boarded a ship to run from God. God sent a great storm that threatened the lives of all that were on board. The seamen attempted to save themselves, but failed. When the seamen asked how to be saved from the storm, Jonah said, "Pick me up and hurl me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you (Jonah 1:12)." Jonah had to die for those on the ship to be saved. Jesus had to die for those on the earth to be saved. Jonah gave up his life. Jesus gave His life.

Jonah's body was in the fish's belly for 3 days. Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days. Jonah was then seen alive and preached to the people of Nineveh. Jesus was also seen alive and preached to His disciples.

The one sign that Jesus gave to prove His identity was the sign of Jonah. His critics demanded a sign. (Matthew 12:38-40, Luke 11:30)

Group Discussion Questions: (Possible answers are in italics)

The book of Jonah is filled with valuable information and lessons for our lives. Discuss how the following points are reflected in the book of Jonah, and how they relate to you:

• The Sovereignty of God
God employs his creation to accomplish His divine plan. The Lord controlled the elements of weather, and he prepared a large fish, a vine, and a worm to do his work.

• God's Interest in All People
God has compassion for all of the people of the earth. The sending of the missionary, Jonah, to these Gentile Ninevites was a clear demonstration of this.

• God is in Control
The Lord is in control of the destiny of nations. Nineveh was given forty days to repent. As a result, the nation was spared destruction for about a century and a half. Later, however, when Assyria degenerated again, she was destroyed and the prophet, Nahum, addresses this very matter. Nineveh fell to the Babylonians in 612 B.C.

• Mankind is Accountable to the Lord
The book of Jonah demonstrates that people who were outside of the Mosaic covenant relationship with Jehovah were still accountable to Heaven's moral law. Jehovah looked down upon Nineveh and observed the wickedness of this people.

• People Can Change
Jonah ran, then repented. The people of Nineveh were enemies of God, then saw their need for Him.

• Repentance Requires Work
Repentance requires a turning away from evil conduct. Jesus declared that "the men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonah" (Mt. 12:41), while the book of Jonah says that God "saw their works, that they turned from their evil way" (Jonah 3:10).

Why is it important to see how the book of Jonah points to Jesus?

The past 4 weeks, we've placed ourselves in Jonah's shoes, and have realized how our sin is just like Jonah's. But when we compare Jonah to Jesus, we see that Jesus accomplished the mission without sin. What does this tell you about Jesus?

The Ninevites were lost, far from God, and enemies of Him. But God sent Jonah to them. What does this remind you about God, Jesus, and yourself?

We'll completely miss the importance of Jesus in the story of Jonah if we're not looking for it. We'll also completely miss what God is telling us if we're not searching and listening for Him. What have you seen/heard/learned/applied from the book of Jonah that has drawn you closer to God?

If you were to tell someone why God's Word (from the scriptures of Jonah) has been important for your life, what would you say?

Jonah: In You and Through You

Jonah 3:10 – 4:11

Scripture Summary:

Jonah and Nineveh are more alike than Jonah wants to admit. Jonah, in the belly of the fish, cries out for God's grace and mercy, and God delivers him. Nineveh cries the same cry to the same God and God responds in the same way. Grace. Jonah and Nineveh are in need of the same thing from the same God.

but Jonah can't accept that he is his enemy, and his enemy is him. So he finds himself in a place he is familiar with, feeling that same itch to get away–wanting to escape it all. Jonah wants to die, which is really just another form of escape. In the same way that Jonah ran to Tarshish, he is still running.

When we begin to take a long hard look inside ourselves for the root of our sin, we start to see things we may or may not like. Jonah is not running from God; he is running from himself. And no matter how far he runs, he will always have to keep running until he finally submits to the work that God wants to do in his own life.

Group Discussion Questions:

Are you surprised – like Jonah – that God did not destroy Ninevah?

How does remembering God's love and mercy help your relationship with God and others?

What things have you seen in others that made you angry only to later find those same things in yourself?

If you look at the root of your anger, what's the real source of it?

Where or to whom in your life have you been showing anger where instead you should be extending grace?

The story of Jonah is ultimately about God and what He is like. What His desires for the world are. It's a story that puts Jonah's desire alongside God's desire and build to a question: Will God's desire become Jonah's desire? Will God's hope for the world become Jonah's heart for the world?

Would you say that you want the same things God wants? Are His desires yours, too?

What calling has God placed on your life? Are you pursuing it?

What is one thing that you need to start letting God have control of?

What's one thing that God is concerned about that you have no concern for?

What are a couple of things you can do personally to align your dream for the world closer to God's dream for the world?

What are a couple of things your rGroup can do together to align your dreams for the world closer to God's dream for the world?

Jonah: The God of Second Chances

Text: Jonah 3:1-10

Summary:
God proves to be a God of second chances, not only for Jonah but also for the Ninevites.  Jonah preaches a message of repentance, the people turn from their sin, and the city is spared.


Icebreaker: When was a second chance last given to you?  (warning from a police officer, retake a test that you may have failed the first time, boss let you try a project again after you dropped the ball the first time)


#1. Starting in Jonah 1, how many "second chances" do you see in this text?
1:2- God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh but he says no
a. God sends a storm to stop Jonah (2nd chance)
b. The sailors tell Jonah to pray to God (3rd chance)
c. God provides a whale to save Jonah's life (4th chance)
d. God tells the fish to spit Jonah out on dry land (5th chance)

1:5- When the storm was raging, the sailors cried out to their own gods.
a. God spared their life when they threw Jonah over and they started to worship even though they chose their own gods the first time. (2nd chance)

3:4- God tells the Ninevites that destruction is coming
a. They repent and turn back to God, so in 3:10 God spares their life (2nd chance)


So what 2nd chances has God given you in your life?


#2.  So why did God allow Jonah, the Ninevites, and YOU to have a second chance?  Why didn't he just make them pay for their sins?  Why didn't he just find another prophet to use since Jonah was so reluctant?  Why doesn't God just turn His back on us?


#3.  In 3:5-9, we see that the King went ALL-IN on turning back to God.  He even made the animals fast!  Such a harsh message proves a few things:
a. God is very serious about our sins.
b. That we need to take drastic measures to turn from our sin and back to God.

-So why are so few people (including Christians) so nonchalant about their sins?  What are some common reactions to sins in our lives?  (ignore it, blame someone else, pretend like its not really that big of a deal).

-What does "sackcloth, ashes, and fasting" look like for you today?  In essence, what would it look like for you to get serious about your sin like Nineveh did?


#4- Jonah's second chance led to a decision, and his decision to obey God led to life change for the people of Nineveh.  How does it make you feel to know that your YES or NO to Jesus could impact your entire family, coworkers, neighbors, friends, and all of REVO? (sense of urgency, huge responsibility, need to get serious about it, weight on your shoulders)


#5- 3:10 closes with Scripture saying "God SAW what they DID."  Too often, we make verbal commitments to God in our prayers, but don't follow through with them in our lives.  What promises have you made God in the past that you need to put into action this week?  Knowing that everyone has a next step to take, what is your next step this week in lieu of this text?

Jonah: Prayers from the Gut

Read Jonah 2:1–10

Scripture Summary (read or paraphrase to your group):

In Jonah 2, we find the prophet in the belly of a great fish–where he spent three days and three nights. Often, we read Jonah's story and consider the fish to be an instrument of judgment. We think, "If Jonah had not disobeyed, then he would not have wound up in such a bad position." However, had God not provided the fish, Jonah would certainly have died (v. 5). Just before drowning, Jonah cried out to God in repentance (v. 7). In verse 7, Jonah "remembered" the Lord. This term is used frequently throughout Scripture. To remember does not simply mean to call to mind something that was forgotten. It is a call to action. A call to remember is a call to act on that which is remembered (see also 1 Cor. 7:23-32 for the role of remembering in the Lord's Supper). Jonah remembered what the Lord was like and acted on that knowledge by crying out to Him!

Even while Jonah was in the belly of a great fish, god heard and responded to his prayer. No one's rebellion places them beyond God's redemptive reach. In response, god provided the fish to rescue Jonah from the consequences of disobedience. The fish is a surprising instrument of salvation! Jonah realizes this and prays the prayer contained in this chapter. Its theme is captured in the last phrase (v. 9): "Salvation belongs to the Lord!" In Matthew 12:40-41, Jesus associates his death, burial, and resurrection with Jonah's time spent in the belly of a great fish. People, like the Pharisees, viewed the cross as an instrument of divine judgment. Anyone who died on a cross was considered cursed by God. However, God sent Jesus to die on the cross in order to save people from their rebellion. As God brought Jonah's life from the pit (v. 6), God would vindicate His Son, securing salvation for all who believe. He would raise Jesus from the grave after three days in the tomb. The message of the Gospel shows the world that "Salvation belongs to the Lord!"

Group Discussion Questions:

Jonah avoided talking to God because he was running from God. What kinds of things keep you from praying?

By the time Jonah prayed, he had been in the middle of a storm, tossed into the sea, swallowed by a large fish, and in the belly of it for 3 days and nights. How can you relate to this? What do you need to surrender in order for you to seek God first and at all times?

What happens when God wants a person to do something, but the person doesn't want God to do it?
(Jonah shows us that God has a way of bringing us to the place where we want what He wants.)

In chapter 1, the sailors literally cast Jonah overboard into the sea. But who does Jonah say cast him into the deep in Jonah 2:3? Why is that a crucial so crucial for Jonah, and to your life?
(Jonah sees that he has never been out of God's hands, though he tried to run from Him.)

What does it mean to remember the Lord?
(To act on that which is remembered.)

Why is it important to act on that which is remembered rather than to just think about it?

In what ways is the Gospel a surprising instrument of salvation?
(We've done so much wrong, yet God's salvation is free to us, but paid through His own son, Jesus.)

Why didn't God give up on Jonah? Why hasn't He given up on you?
(Because He had a plan for Jonah, and has one for you! He cares about the message and the messenger.)

How does knowing that no one is beyond God's redemptive reach shape your confidence in approaching and executing the Great Commission?

When Jonah decided to turn to God (repent), he prayed (2:1–9). As you look to God right now, what is your prayer?

Jonah: Hide and Seek

Jonah 1:1–17

Introduction:

Why do adults often think that stories in the Bible (like Jonah) are for children?

Vs. 1–3

What is it in your life right now that God has called you to do – and trust Him with it – that you're running away from?

What was Jonah's view of the Ninevites and why? Who do you tend to view in the same way?

How do you run or escape from God's commands? What is your Tarshish?

Vs 4–5

What simple "next step" are you falling asleep on?

Have you given up on God's plans because you've settled for the storms? What needs to change in order for you to realize God does have a better plan for you?

What's the danger in pretending we don't know what God is calling us to do? Is procrastinating disobedience?

Vs 6–15

Others are affected when we sin; especially those closest to us. How does this reality help you make the right decisions?

Who do you need to communicate with in order to restore the broken relationship because of your sin?

Vs 16–17

What people in your life do you think God wants to reach, and can use your confession and repentance in order to do so?

When was the last time God nudged you to speak his truth to someone who needed to hear it? How did you respond?

What storms have you faced in your life that reshaped how you understood God and the world?

Conclusion:

What step are you going to take as you leave rGroup today/tonight? Share how the group can support you.

Annual Growth: Don't Stop Running

Read Hebrews 12:1–3.

Scripture Context:

Believers under persecution had to continue trusting Jesus. The writer of Hebrews provided a list of individuals in the Old Testament who had been faithful to God in Hebrews 11. In Hebrews 12, he instructs Christians to follow the examples of those heroes of the faith, and to keep trusting Christ. He compared trusting the Lord to running a race.

We (Christians) have no better choice than to keep on moving ahead our relationship with Jesus. Instead of being paralyzed by difficulty, we should be determined to keep trusting Him in all trials and difficult times (Hebrews 12:12-13).

Group Discussion:

What would you find the most difficult about running a marathon? Would you rather run a marathon or series of sprints? Why?

What is the "therefore" there for?
(Refer to context of chapter 11 above.)

Explain the phrase "we have so great a cloud of witnesses." Who are they? Are they watching us?
(The Saints who have gone before us, the heroes of the faith that have given their lives for the sake of Christ, are surrounding us and cheering us on! Their lives stand as a testimony of faith and encourage us to run the race with vigor and endurance.)

What is the difference between a "weight" and "sin?" What kinds of things could be weights, but perhaps not sin?
(We often focus on the "BIG" sins that we tend to avoid, but the small ones that we do not pay much attention to, like lying, gossiping, envying, worrying, any hobby more important than God, etc. really slow us down, too. Weights are burdens that impede us from running like we should.)

What impression do you have of the word "entangle?"
(caught in, stuck, difficulties or complicated circumstances which are difficult to escape)

How do these weights and sin slow us down?

What is the race that we are in? What does it mean that the race is "set before us?"
(The Christian life that we are called to stay the course and remain faithful to the end. God established it, and so we run for Christ.)

What kind of race needs endurance? What's the spiritual metaphor here?

Where are we to keep our eyes focused? Why is this so important?
(To pursue something, you have to know what the goal is.)

What does it mean that He is the "author" of our faith? How about "perfecter?"
(An author is an originator, creator, captain, chief leader. Jesus is the originator of our faith in that he begins it. "Perfecter" means "completer" or "finisher" and speaks of bringing something to conclusion. Jesus as God, both creates and sustains our faith.)

What do you think was the joy that was set before Him?
(Fulfilling the will of His Father. Everything Jesus did while on earth was about the glory of God. His joy was found in the Father. Also, who He was doing this for – you and me! We were His joy and still are.)

How does considering the persecution Jesus faced help us not grow weary?

Action Steps / Personal Decisions

What sins entangle you and keep you from running the race for Jesus? Confess those sins and strive to run in God's freedom.

Up to this point, what has been your finish line? Confess these things you've put before God.

What do you need to do to change your finish line and begin running after Jesus?

Annual Growth: For Those Not Yet Here

When did you guys put your faith in Christ? Childhood, before high school, college, afterwards, etc.? Share a couple of stories.

Before we look at the text and discuss it, what are some of the ways that unbelievers are described in the Bible? Terms, descriptions?

Read Luke 15:1–2.

What were the Pharisees complaining about? Why would they be complaining about this?

If this story were retold today with you cast as a Pharisee, who might you be complaining about? Where is Jesus working that you are not willing to?

As Jesus often did, He skipped the direct attack and told a story. Why do that? What's the value of a parable?

Read vs. 3–7.

The key to understanding a parable is to realize it has one main point. Could somebody retell the story and emphasize the main point?

What does this story teach us about the character of God?

What does this story teach us about ourselves?

What does this story suggest about how Jesus would feel if you were to repent?

What are you doing to reach the lost sheep like the Good Shepherd does?

What would have happened to the lost sheep had the shepherd not looked for it? (It would die.) Do you ever see the lost as dying? How does that perspective urge you to seek the lost?

Jesus intentionally went out to seek and surround himself with lost people. How can you do the same this week and from now on?

What happens to a church (a body of believers) if they are happy with the 99 and don't care about the 1?

Discuss some ways that can make it as easy as possible for people to find and follow Jesus?

Pray: Confess and repent of how you've strayed from God's direction. Ask God to burden you for the lost and dying the same way the Good Shepherd is.

Annual Growth: On Top or In the Middle?

1 Samuel 1:1–28

Since you're at rGroup right now, it's safe to say that Jesus is probably part of your life. There are probably times where God is even the most important or top priority in your life, too. But in order to experience real spiritual growth, we need to place God at the center of our lives and let everything else extend from Him. He's the hub of the wheel, and everything else is going on in our lives flows from who we are in Him.

Hannah's story in 1 Samuel 1 shows us the healthy picture of how God is at the center of everything.

Context: Each year, Elkanah would take his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, to Shiloh to present a sacrifice to God and worship the Lord at the Tabernacle there. And every year it was the same for Hannah: the same insulting comments from Peninnah; the same emptiness that her husband could never fill. She walked away with her deepest desire unmet. She desired children, but God had not opened her womb.

Childbearing was a very important part of Middle Eastern culture during the Old Testament times. Children were a source of labor for the family and a sign of success for the women who bore them. Having no children was a sign of failure, so Hannah was a marked woman, a social outcast, a loser.

Let's read Hannah's story, and discuss 4 ways she demonstrated real spiritual growth.

Read Vs 1–5.

4 Ways to Grow:

1. Trust in God

Vs 5 - God had a different plan than Hannah, so Hannah trusted God.

What does it mean to trust God?

What's the difference between passive trust and active trust?

Give an example of a scenario in which you are fully trusting God with right now.

Just because you're facing hardships, it doesn't mean you're not where God wants you to be.

When God's in the center of our lives, our faith is focused and doesn't shift easily. That's a sign of growth.

2. Communicate with God

Vs 9–11 - Hannah went to the temple (the dwelling place of the presence of God). She didn't hold it within, turn to others, rely on coping mechanisms, or her own abilities and intellect. She went to God.

Why should we always go to God first?

When we don't communicate with God, what does that reveal about our spiritual health?

Why do you think that so many Christians struggle to see God as a personal reality in their lives?

What counsel would you give to a Christian who finds themselves lured to distractions when they're trying to pray?

When you understand and see God for who He truly is, what happens to you when you enter into His presence? And how does that change you?

3. Trust in God's timing

Vs 12–16 - Hannah's been asking, knocking, and seeking God for a long time! Her prayer had fervency, repetition and urgency behind it. It wasn't impatient, or one-and-done.

Vs 17–20 - God gave Hannah peace FIRST, even before He answered her prayer. Why?

Do you know people who exude peace? If you know their story, what can you learn from them?

What's the correlation between God's purposes and His timing?

What's the consequential difference between impatiently complaining and intentionally learning? What's the spiritual difference between those?

4. Keep Your Commitments to God

Vs 26–28 - Hannah followed through with her sacrificial commitment to God.

Do you think that Hannah's commitment to God had anything to do with why she received the blessing from God?

What commitments have you made to God?

What commitments do you need to make to God right now?

Annual Growth: #SquadGoals

Read Ephesians 4:1–6

Introduction and Summary:

The first three chapters of Ephesians mention "in Christ" 27 times. Paul repeatedly makes the point that when we decide to follow Jesus, we take on a new identity in Christ. Chapter 4 now transitions to "if that is who you are, then (THEREFORE...first word of chapter 4) this is how you should live."

One real problem I think we all would agree with is that Christians do not always act like Christians or as the name means, "Christ ones."

In order for a believer to grow and mature in their faith, they must live inside the instructions and blessings of God. Unfortunately, many believers' lives are marked by not experiencing the peace, joy and satisfaction that comes from living for the Lord.

Paul wrote this epistle to the early churches to urge believers to walk worthy of their vocation. In other words, to live like what God has called them to be.

Group Discussion:

How is a "worthy life" defined and measured in verse 1?

What are the 4 things listed in verse 2 that we as Christians are called to do? (Humble, Gentle, Patient, Forgiving)

1. Humble (put others before self)

What is humility?

What's a real example of how you can humble yourself?

How does your perspective towards others change when you humble yourself?

How would you begin to be more like Christ if you humbled yourself daily?

Other verses to discuss - James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:5-6

2. Gentleness (strength under control)

How can you gently use the gifts, abilities and strengths that God has given you?

What happens when you use those same gifts, abilities and strengths with reckless abandon?

What's one or two areas that you need to immediately apply the trait of gentleness to? How will you do this?

3. Patience (long-suffering; enduring discomfort without complaint)

How does your relationship with God affect how patient you are?

Why is patience a virtue? (Galatians 5:22-23)

Control freaks, what are you going to do about this? How can you change?

4. Forgiveness (making allowance for the faults of others)

Why is forgiveness one of the hardest things to do?

What does not forgiving someone else say about you?

How could extending forgiveness heal a relationship? How might it heal the other person? How might it heal you?

Closing Question and Thought:

Those are the 4 WHAT TO DO's, but what is the WHY behind the WHAT? WHY do we do these? (Because of what God has done for us.)

Praise and worship God for all He has done for you!

Annual Growth: The Same or Different?

Read Acts 2:42

This verse of Scripture is a beautiful picture to us of what ordinary life looked like for the early church. Once they became followers of Jesus, their lives changed, and they became devoted to new things.

Before we go all spiritual, let's just talk about "devotion" in general. What's one thing you would say you're totally devoted to?

If you weren't so devoted to the thing you mentioned (assuming it's a good thing), why would it not be nearly as fun, effective or rewarding?

Now, let's get back to Acts 2:42 and discuss what we as Christians should be devoted to.

What were the 4 things the church became devoted to?

1. The apostles' teaching (which is now scripture, and to discipleship)
2. Fellowship (community with other followers of Jesus)
3. Breaking of bread (sharing/hospitality with all people)
4. Prayer (constant communication with God)


Devoted to the Apostles' Teaching

Do you meet with God on a regular basis?

What is your routine of devotion to scripture? What kinds of things do you do to be devoted to reading and learning from God's Word?

Would you say you are devoted to scripture? Would anyone that knows you well say that you are devoted to reading and depending on God's word?

If you're devoted to God's Word, at what point would you say you should start intentionally discipling others from the knowledge and experience you've gained?


Devoted to Fellowship

What is fellowship? And what is the value of it?

Why does the church break down if it is not devoted to fellowship?

Do you know what the definition of an rGroup is? What's an rGroup?
People who regularly meet and participate in activities together with the goal of experiencing spiritual growth.

What's the vision of rGroups?
Communities (aka fellowship) that change lives.

How can your devotion to fellowship/community with your rGroup be vital to one another's walk with Jesus?


Devoted to the Breaking of Bread

We break the bread to split it up and share with those around us. So, how do you share your life with those around you?

Should we only spend our life with Christians? Why not? Jesus didn't. Why?

Jesus loved hanging out with sinners, and they loved hanging out with him! Would you say you are like Jesus?

How can you be more like Jesus in this area?


Devoted to Prayer

Why did they devote themselves to prayer?

What would you say is the opposite of being devoted to prayer?

Self-reliance is the opposite of a prayer to God. What areas in your life do you need to stop relying on yourself to achieve and devote to prayer?


Conclusion:

Which of the 4 areas of church life are you strong in?

Which of the 4 areas of church life do you need to grow in?

In light of this picture of what the church is to be about, is there anything God is calling you to do or engage in?

What will you do to go from dabbling to devoted?

Who will you ask to keep you accountable to these things?