Text: John 6:22-40
Summary: Many people were seeking Jesus and wanted what he had to offer. Jesus very clearly tells them how to obtain what they are seeking: just believe. He starts with 1,000's of years worth of religious traditions that focused on outward motions of religion and transitions to an inward change in our lives. It's no longer what WE must DO to get to God, but about what JESUS has DONE for us.
1. Why is it so difficult for people to "just believe?" It sounds and looks so simple. But many times we would prefer to do it ourselves, to try to earn our way to Jesus, to simply ask for a checklist of things that we can do to get to God. You would think that simply "accepting a gift" would be a huge upgrade from "work hard and hope you do enough." So what are the hang-ups with just believing in Jesus?
2. The people in this text wanted to know what must we do to get to God? What are some of the things that people are trying to do to get to God and earn his favor? What would your response be if someone came up to you and asked that question? What must they do in order to know God?
3. "You don't have to know EVERYthing to believe in SOMEthing." When you "just believe" there are still questions to be answered. There are still things that you don't know. There are still details of the journey that have not been laid out yet. What were some of the unanswered questions and unclear details that you had when you first decided to believe in Jesus? How did you get over those questions in order to take the first step? (Someone in your group may be struggling with some questions right now, and it's keeping them from taking the first step and believing in Jesus).
4. Sometimes we base our faith in God on signs and wonders that He has done for us. The people in John 6 demanded that God give them a sign or do something before they would believe. Have you ever asked God for a sign? What's the danger of making God prove Himself? (You'll never be satisfied. One sign always leads to the demand for something bigger and better). These people just witnessed Jesus feed 5,000 people, and yet they needed more "proof." Do you ever catch yourself requesting more "proof" from God in order for you to follow Him and believe?
REMINDER: Next week is baptism at Winston-Square Park! 11am. Cookout, games for kids, celebrating life change through Jesus!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Saturday, April 12, 2014
We've Got Spirit: The Gift Giver
REMINDERS:
*EASTER is next Sunday! Who are you bringing with you?!
*Also, BAPTISM is in 2 weeks (April 27th). Remind your group about the location, time, and to show up ready to celebrate like CRAZY!
Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-11; Romans 12:6-8
Summary: We close out our series on the HS with Paul telling us about the best gift giver ever! The HS gives every follower of Jesus gifts to use in order to help others, to advance the kingdom of God, and get other people to Jesus.
1. In this text, Paul makes it clear that EVERY follower of Jesus has been given a gift (passion/ability/gifting) by the HS. Take a minute and ask your group what they think their spiritual gift is. Allow other groups members to chime in and share the gifts that they see in other people. Use it to challenge and encourage one another!
2. Now that you've had some time to identify your God-given talents and gifts, how are you using them for the common good? How are/can you use them in the local church setting so that more people can know Jesus? How can your gifts be used for more than just your own personal benefit?
3. Read Matthew 25:14-30. What happens when people don't use the gifts/passions/talents that God has given them? In Romans 12:6-8, Paul instructs the people to be faithful and use the gifts that God has given them! So, are you being faithful to use the gifts?
4. Take a moment and reflect on the We've Got Spirit series. What were the most helpful aspects of this series? What did you learn that you didn't know? What has helped you the most? What are some concrete ways in your life that you can turn this information into action?
Saturday, April 5, 2014
We've Got Spirit: You've Got the Power
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-19
Summary: Scripture is filled with descriptions of how followers of Jesus should talk, act, and treat other people. Paul lays out a list of things that we're called to do in this text. That's when we realize that there is no way that our lives will look like that if we don't have the power of the HS.
1. Are you capable of accomplishing what God has called you to do on your own? Why not?
2. Here is a list of things that Paul lays out in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 that we should do for others and also in our lives:
a. Respect Others
b. Love Others
c. Challenge People to Grow
d. Encourage Others
e. Help Meet Needs
f. Be Patient With People
g. Treat People Fairly
h. Do Good to Other People
i. Rejoice in Everything
j. Pray Without Ceasing
k. Be Thankful in Everything
Do these things come naturally for you? Which are the hardest for you? Which are the easiest? Will you ever be able to accomplish these in your life everyday without some help? (So now we're learning our need for the power of the HS more and more).
3. So how are you going to accomplish those things? Paul gives us another great example in Ephesians 3 to instruct us on what steps we need to take in order to live the lives that God has called us to live. Read Ephesians 3:14-21
vs 14-15 Approach God with humility. Any time you ask for help, you are admitting that you can't do it on your own. Are you willing to swallow your pride and seek God for help?
vs 16 Your power to accomplish God's plan comes from the Spirit. What other areas of life are you looking towards to gain the power for life? (ourselves, our money, our abilities and talents, our jobs, our experience, etc.)
vs 17-19 When you start to get tired of giving, serving, loving, forgiving, encouraging, and helping others, it's great refocus on Jesus and remind yourself of what he did for you. Nothing helps you to keep going like being reminded of how much has been done and given to you already by Jesus!
vs 20 What does it mean that God can do abundantly more than we can ask or think? Think of the absolute best solution to all of your problems, and Scripture says that God knows and can give you MUCH more and EVEN better than that! What do you think about that? (Wouldn't you rather lean on and trust in Him?)
vs 21 Why do we do all of this? To bring God glory and get other people to Jesus. That's the whole reason the HS wants to help and encourage and comfort and empower, so that more people can know Jesus.
Summary: Scripture is filled with descriptions of how followers of Jesus should talk, act, and treat other people. Paul lays out a list of things that we're called to do in this text. That's when we realize that there is no way that our lives will look like that if we don't have the power of the HS.
1. Are you capable of accomplishing what God has called you to do on your own? Why not?
2. Here is a list of things that Paul lays out in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 that we should do for others and also in our lives:
a. Respect Others
b. Love Others
c. Challenge People to Grow
d. Encourage Others
e. Help Meet Needs
f. Be Patient With People
g. Treat People Fairly
h. Do Good to Other People
i. Rejoice in Everything
j. Pray Without Ceasing
k. Be Thankful in Everything
Do these things come naturally for you? Which are the hardest for you? Which are the easiest? Will you ever be able to accomplish these in your life everyday without some help? (So now we're learning our need for the power of the HS more and more).
3. So how are you going to accomplish those things? Paul gives us another great example in Ephesians 3 to instruct us on what steps we need to take in order to live the lives that God has called us to live. Read Ephesians 3:14-21
vs 14-15 Approach God with humility. Any time you ask for help, you are admitting that you can't do it on your own. Are you willing to swallow your pride and seek God for help?
vs 16 Your power to accomplish God's plan comes from the Spirit. What other areas of life are you looking towards to gain the power for life? (ourselves, our money, our abilities and talents, our jobs, our experience, etc.)
vs 17-19 When you start to get tired of giving, serving, loving, forgiving, encouraging, and helping others, it's great refocus on Jesus and remind yourself of what he did for you. Nothing helps you to keep going like being reminded of how much has been done and given to you already by Jesus!
vs 20 What does it mean that God can do abundantly more than we can ask or think? Think of the absolute best solution to all of your problems, and Scripture says that God knows and can give you MUCH more and EVEN better than that! What do you think about that? (Wouldn't you rather lean on and trust in Him?)
vs 21 Why do we do all of this? To bring God glory and get other people to Jesus. That's the whole reason the HS wants to help and encourage and comfort and empower, so that more people can know Jesus.
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