Counter-Formation

CounterFormation

The Ongoing Journey of Being Formed in the Image of Christ

Introduction

Jesus calls us to live abundant lives full of freedom, purpose, and joy. That comes from knowing and living out the teachings of Jesus as He invites us to follow Him. Over the next six weeks, we will lean in and see what it means to be formed into the image of Jesus.

This series and study plan is all built around 3 activities:

1. Gathering together at church on a Sunday

2. Individual devotions during the week

3. Meaningful conversations with your Life Group

Our hope is that through these 3 activities you will experience Jesus in new ways.

Each section of this book is designed to help guide you as you engage with the Counter-Formation series:

Notes

This is open space for you to take notes during each week’s sermon or to jot down thoughts you have throughout the week as you engage with the series.

Deep Dive

Each week includes three readings as well as a few devotional activities to help you dive deeper on your own.

Group Discussion Guide

As you gather with your group each week, this guide will give you a text to read and discuss as well as plenty of questions to help spark conversation.

Week One

The Journey of Following Jesus

Group Discussion

Open Up

1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

2. What achievement are you most proud of?

3. What is the longest walk or hike you have ever taken? Was the destination worth the effort?

4. What is your go-to way of showing someone you love them?

As you think about this week’s sermon, was there anything that you heard/read for the first time, caught your attention, challenged you, or confused you?

Read 1 John 4:7-21 out loud.

• Verses 9 and 10 say that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection show us God’s love. How do these events help you to understand God’s love?

• Reread verse 13. What does it mean to have God live in us? What does it mean to “live in God”?

• What is the difference between claiming that “God is loving” and claiming that “God is love”? Why is the second more meaningful than the first?

• When it comes to the journey of following Jesus, what is there to be fearful of?

• According to this text, what does it look like to overcome fear?

• How does God’s love for us transform the way we see others?

• When we fail to love others, what does it reveal about our own relationship with God?

• This text speaks about a complete change that comes about when we accept the love of God. What is wrong with following Jesus part-way or holding onto pieces of our old way of life?

Pray

Everyone has a next step on their journey with Jesus. Whether you have not yet made the decision to follow Jesus or have been following for years, what do you believe your next step is?

Pray that God would help each person in your group recognize and take their next step.

Week Two Gospel: Know the Story

Deep Dive The Big Picture

Main Point: The Gospel is an ongoing story

Key Text: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Some decisions have a lasting impact on our lives. Where we live, where we work, and who we marry or spend most of our time with each play a role in determining what the course of our life will look like.

When Jesus encountered people, He offered a seemingly simple decision when He said the words, “Follow me.” Many of the people He spoke to already had an idea of what the rest of their lives would look like. They would likely always live in their hometown. Their careers were set. Their social circles were largely governed by the social, economic, and racial divides of the time. In fact, every day of life was probably very similar to the days and weeks that came before.

Then, Jesus offered something different: “Follow me.”

This was an opportunity to change their trajectory in life. This rabbi had chosen them to be a part of something new. A movement we now know changed the entire world.

Too often, the decision to follow Jesus is just seen as one of many decisions we make in life. Our relationship with Jesus is simply added to the already impossibly long list of tasks we face in a week. Eventually, following Jesus becomes something we decided to do a long time ago, but doesn’t really have any impact on the way we live our lives today.

What would happen if we were to act and live as though the Gospel of Jesus is a big deal? That the life, death, and resurrection is not just a historical event we believe happened long ago. It is the pinnacle of human history, impacting

everything that came before and everything that has come since. It is the story of redemption for the entire world. That changes things. That impacts far more than what I believe or how I behave. It changes the way I think about life, my values and priorities, and my approach to relationships. It challenges me to live in this story in every aspect of life; my home, friendships, and workplace. The Gospel is not just something we believe. It is a story we live.

DAY ONE

Saul, better known to us as the Apostle Paul, was a pharisee in the Jewish tradition. This meant he strictly followed the Jewish religious law and customs and led others to do the same. He was among many other Jewish leaders who were concerned about this new movement of Jesus followers called The Way and was committed to put an end to it.

Acts 9:1-9 (NLT)

1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

“Everything matters to God. The way of Jesus should permeate and influence and shape every facet of your life.”

– John Mark Comer Read

5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.

As Saul headed to Damascus, he was sure he was defending God from these Jesus followers. He was certain that he was doing the right thing. And then Jesus, God Himself, stopped Saul in his tracks. Saul was immediately changed. He had encountered God’s very presence and would never be the same.

• What was your life like before you began to follow Jesus?

• When did you fully decide to follow Jesus?

DAY TWO

God spoke to a Christian named Ananias, telling him to find and heal Saul. Ananias immediately recognized this man’s name. This was the man who was traveling around hunting for Christians and attacking the Church. However, God reassured Ananias that He had chosen Paul for a specific purpose to build His Kingdom.

Acts 9:17-21 (NLT)

17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained

his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

Saul’s sight had been restored both physically and spiritually. Finally, he could see that Jesus really was the Son of God. This dramatically changed Saul’s life. He had come to this city to arrest Christians and end the Church. Now he was leaving a Christian himself, dedicated to telling everyone what he had experienced.

• Think of a time you were headed in one direction in life and decided to turn a different way. What caused you to change your mind?

• How has your life changed after becoming a Christian?

DAY THREE

Now everyone in Damascus knew that Saul had been radically changed by his encounter with Jesus. But in a time without cell phones or social media, news traveled slowly. When Saul returned to Jerusalem, everyone there was still terrified of him.

Acts 9:26-31 (NLT)

26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the

Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.

31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

It took one person to take a chance and listen to Saul — one person to bring him in and share his story with the apostles. Then, the Church surrounded Saul with teaching, support, companionship, and protection. In fact, they had to hide him from the very kinds of people Saul used to be.

This is only the beginning of Saul’s story. He would continue to live out the Gospel as he traveled the entire region preaching the Gospel, planting churches, and training up new leaders who would carry on the work of building the Kingdom of God.

• Do you have a community of faith to support you as you grow in your relationship with Jesus?

• Do you think of the Gospel as something that happened in your past or as an ongoing story you are a part of?

The Gospel had an immediate impact on Saul and the way he lived his life. What does it look like to live out the Gospel in the following areas:

Your personal life: _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

Your family life: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

Your professional life: __________________________________________________________________________________

Your social life: _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

2 Corinthians 5:16-21 (NLT)

16 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Often, the Gospel is reduced to either something Jesus did in the past or the eternal life in store for our future. What does this text communicate to you about the Gospel’s impact on our life today?

Pray

Have you made the decision to follow Jesus and accept the Gospel as the way of life?

If so, thank God for the ways He has transformed you and impacted your life.

If not, ask God to reveal Himself to you and show you what it means to follow Jesus.

If you are ready to make that decision today, we would love the opportunity to walk alongside you on the journey.

Group Discussion

Open Up

• If you could be a part of one fictional story or world, what would it be and why?

• When was the last time you received a written invitation?

• Describe a time when you heard really good news. How did it make you feel?

• What is one thing you are looking forward to?

Review

• Do you have any further thoughts from last week’s discussion?

• As you think about this week’s sermon or deep dive, was there anything that you heard/read for the first time, caught your attention, challenged you, or confused you?

Read 1 Peter 1:3-12 out loud.

• Peter begins the letter by reminding his readers of the greatness of salvation. How does understanding and appreciating our salvation help us live the Christian life?

• Peter brought the Gospel to the people he writes to. Who brought the Gospel to you?

• Peter repeats the words rejoice and grief. Following Jesus comes with both extreme joy and deep (but temporary) pain. Have you found this to be true in your walk with Jesus?

• How do you usually respond when you face trials or challenges?

• What is the danger of trying to avoid or minimize trials and hard things in your life?

• Is rejoicing in trials an unrealistic expectation? If not, what would it look like in our lives?

• How have you seen God work for good through trials in your own life?

• How can placing our hope in God change the way we live now?

Pray

Since the Gospel is an ongoing story, it involves our past, present, and future. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for how He has already worked in your life, recognizing that He is still with you today, and asking for his continued help to live out the Gospel.

Finish the following phrases in your own words, then take time to pray these prayers out loud.

• “Lord, thank you for (your goodness, my family, my new life in Jesus, etc.) ”

• “Lord, you are (kind, patient, powerful, love, etc.) ”

• “Lord, help me (grow, love well, hear your voice, etc.) “

Week Three Identity

Deep Dive The Big Picture

Main Point: My identity is rooted in Christ

Key Text: Colossians 3:1-14

If someone asked you to describe yourself, what would you say? Perhaps you would talk about your job or school and what it is like to do what you do each day. Or maybe you would talk about your family, how many siblings you have, how long you have been married, or how many children you have. It could be that nothing comes to mind, so you recall things that others have said about you.

From the time we are born, we are given a name, family, and community that begin to shape our sense of identity.

The journey continues as we learn to pick up on the traditions and worldviews of our family and close friends. Then as we begin to develop skills, passions, and beliefs, we also develop our own religious, political, and vocational identities. Whether inherited or chosen, these pieces of our identity shape how we view the world and how the world views us. They also shape how we view ourselves.

Theologian Henri Nouwen identified three simple statements on identity that many of us have come to accept:

• I am what I do

• I am what I have

• I am what others say about me

Each of these falls short in describing who we truly are as followers of Jesus. If our identity is rooted in what we do, we will never be able to do enough. Instead, we will continue to

strive and prove ourselves. If our identity is rooted in what we have, we will never have enough. Instead, life will be an endless pursuit of more: more wealth, more influence, more stuff. If our identity is rooted in what others say, we will always be looking to others to validate our choices, views, and selfworth.

This life of striving and insecurity is not what Jesus has in store for us. Rather, when we choose to root our identity in Jesus, we choose to rest. Rooted in Jesus, we can rest in what He has done in His life, death, and resurrection. Rooted in Jesus, we can rest knowing He gives us all we need. Rooted in Jesus, we can rest in the knowledge of who He says we are: beloved, forgiven, and adopted into the family of God.

“You are not what you do, although you do a lot. You are not what you have collected in terms of friendships and connections, although you might have many. You are not the popularity that you have received. You are not the success of your work. You are not what people say about you, whether they speak well or whether they speak poorly about you. All these things that keep you quite busy, quite occupied, and often quite preoccupied are not telling the truth about who you are. I am here to remind you in the name of God that you are the Beloved Daughters and Sons of God, and that God says to you, “I have called you from all eternity and you are engraved from all eternity in the palms of my hands. You are mine. You belong to me, and I love you with an everlasting love.”

-Henri Nouwen

Read

DAY ONE

Genesis 25:21-26 (NLT)

21 Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. 22 But the two children struggled with each other in her womb. So she went to ask the Lord about it. “Why is this happening to me?” she asked.

23 And the Lord told her, “The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.”

24 And when the time came to give birth, Rebekah discovered that she did indeed have twins! 25 The first one was very red at birth and covered with thick hair like a fur coat. So they named him Esau. 26 Then the other twin was born with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. So they named him Jacob.

Jacob was given an identity when he came into the world. He was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham. This was a family chosen by God to become a great nation. God had a close relationship with both Abraham and Isaac. It only made sense that Isaac’s sons would continue the journey of their father and grandfather. Isaac had two sons: Jacob and his (slightly) older twin brother Esau. As the second-born, Jacob would always be dependent upon his older brother. Esau would inherit all their father’s wealth, livestock, and possessions. He was also the natural successor to Abraham’s divine promise of a chosen nation.

Beyond Jacob’s family identity, he also had an unfortunate name (apologies to all the other Jakes and Jacobs). The name

Jacob in Hebrew translates to “heel grabber.” In this case, Jacob literally came out of the womb grabbing his brother’s heal. In a less literal sense, heel grabbing was a figure of speech meaning to overreach, supplant, or even deceive.

All these pieces of Jacob’s identity were in place before he made a single choice. He came into the world with a family and a name that set him on a particular path.

• Does your name have a particular meaning to you?

• How has your family influenced your own identity?

DAY TWO

Jacob was eager to rise above the identity he was born into and get more out of life. Early on, he conned his brother, Esau, out of the family inheritance. Though he was the younger brother, Jacob would inherit all of Isaac’s belongings.

Much later, when Isaac had reached the end of his life, he called for his oldest son, Esau, to give his final blessing. However, Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, favored Jacob, and came up with a plan for Jacob to steal his brother’s blessing. With Isaac’s eyesight failing, Jacob would dress up as his twin brother and come to receive the blessing. The plan worked, and Jacob received his brother’s blessing. When Esau found out what had happened, he rightly pointed out that Jacob had lived up to his name.

Genesis 27:36-38 (NLT)

36 Esau exclaimed, “No wonder his name is Jacob, for now he has cheated me twice. First he took my rights as the firstborn, and now he has stolen my blessing. Oh, haven’t you saved even one blessing for me?”

37 Isaac said to Esau, “I have made Jacob your master and have declared that all his brothers will be his servants.

I have guaranteed him an abundance of grain and wine— what is left for me to give you, my son?”

38 Esau pleaded, “But do you have only one blessing? Oh my father, bless me, too!” Then Esau broke down and wept.

Then Jacob ran for his life. He had robbed his brother, deceived his father, and in doing so lost his home. He ended up living several years in another country, eventually earning an honest living and raising a family of his own. He became a masterful shepherd and gained a glowing reputation. However, his past still haunted him. How could he overcome what he had done? How could he ever come home again?

• What choices have you made in the past that continue to hold you back today?

• How have your own choices affected your relationships for better or for worse?

DAY THREE

The time finally came for Jacob to face Esau. He was frightened of his brother and sent his family and belongings away to keep them safe. While alone, Jacob had a fateful encounter.

Genesis 32:22-30 (NLT)

22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them.23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions.

24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.

25 When the man saw that he would not win the match, he touched Jacob’s hip and wrenched it out of its socket. >

26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is

breaking!”

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

27 “What is your name?” the man asked. He replied, “Jacob.”

28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

29 “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.

“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.

30 Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.”

Jacob had lived his entire life wrestling with God and people. He struggled against his family’s legacy, his birthright, and even his name. God saw this struggle and addressed it by giving Jacob a new name. This name would redefine Jacob’s life. It would validate the struggles of his past and point to the destiny ahead. Jacob would now be called Israel, which means “Struggles with God” or “God contends.” Jacob, now Israel, would continue to struggle, but he would not be alone. Just like his father and grandfather, Israel would have a unique and beautiful relationship with God. In fact, he would be the one to see their family become a nation.

• What tensions or struggles are you experiencing with people or with God right now?

• What is the difference between struggling with God and struggling against God?

Like Jacob, many of us are given names or expectations that shape our identity. Take some time to consider how others have spoken about you and how you have spoken about yourself.

List the names or adjectives others have used to describe you.

List the names or adjectives that you have used to describe yourself.

Reflect

When we choose to follow Jesus, we also choose to set aside the identities placed on us by ourselves and others. Instead, we choose to embrace our true identity in Christ.

Read the following text from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, describing how God views us as followers of Christ. Circle or underline the words and phrases that describe our new life in Jesus.

Colossians 3:1-14 (NLT)

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. >

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Pray

Consider the false roots of identity:

• I am what I do

• I am what I have

• I am what others say about me

If you have been finding your identity in any of these, take some time in prayer to confess and ask God to remind you of your true identity in Christ, including the specific words and phrases you marked from Colossians 3.

Group Discussion

Open Up

• Which fictional character do you relate to the most? Why?

• What are two personality traits you would love to be known for?

• How does it make you feel when someone takes the time to really get to know you?

• What people in your life know you the best?

Review

• Do you have any further thoughts from last week’s discussion?

• As you think about this week’s sermon or deep dive, was there anything that you heard/read for the first time, caught your attention, challenged you, or confused you?

Read

Read Psalm 139:1-16 out loud.

Discuss

• Put the following phrases of the psalm into your own words. What do they mean to you?

• “You know when I sit down or stand up.”

• “You go before me and follow me.”

• “You place your hand of blessing on my head.”

• “Every day of my life was recorded in your book.”

If God already knows everything we’re going to say, what is the purpose of prayer?

• Which of the statements in verses 1-5 do you find most comforting? Are there any that make you uncomfortable? Why?

• What parts of your life, other than God, do you feel like you just cannot “get away” from?

• Even though we cannot “get away” from God, what do we do to hold him at a distance sometimes?

• Think of a time when you felt all alone. Did it help (or would it have helped) to know that God was with you? Why or why not?

• Psalm 139 emphasizes the great value God has for every person. What is one thing that keeps you from seeing how valuable you are to God?

• What is one thing that keeps you from seeing the value God has for other people?

Pray

In the space below, write three things you are thankful for about yourself.

As a group, take turns praying the following words from Psalm 139 out loud and thanking God for how He has made you.

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.”

“Thank you for making me 1. , 2. , and 3. “

Week Four Community

Deep Dive The Big Picture

Main Point: Life is better together

Key Text: Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

Have you ever considered why you have the friends you have? There are probably friends you have due to proximity. Whether they are co-workers, neighbors, or family friends, some friendships arise just because you are around each other all the time. Other friendships are just for fun. You like doing the same things or simply enjoy laughing together.

But what about deep friendships? The kind of friends that walk with you through life’s highs and lows. The friends that have your back and are ready to support, encourage, and challenge you as you learn and grow in your relationship with Jesus.

These kinds of friendships do not happen by chance, proximity, or just having fun together. It takes intentionality and trust to invite other people to be a part of your journey of faith.

Before Jesus began his ministry of healing the sick and preaching the good news of the Kingdom of God, He made it a top priority to gather a group of friends who would journey with Him. These disciples shared life with Jesus for three years, experiencing great joy and great sorrow together. The relationships they built with Jesus and one another would form the very foundation of the Church. This group of friends would change the world.

Sharing life with other people is a risk. It requires stepping into the messiness of someone else’s life and inviting them to step into yours. It means opening up about your struggles and shortcomings, as well as your strengths and achievements. It costs us comfort, time, and energy. But the rewards far outweigh the risks.

True, Christ-centered friendships spur us on to become more of who God designed us to be. They give us people to go to when we need to talk, pray, or just be with someone. They give us opportunities to use our talents, passions, and gifts to bless other people.

Jesus demonstrated the importance of walking side-by-side with others and told his friends that it would be their love for each other that would signify they were truly His followers.

“Christianity did not begin with a confession. It began with an invitation into friendship, into creating a new community, into forming relationships based on love and service.”

Diana Butler Bass

Read

DAY ONE

The book of Daniel begins with the people of Judah being taken into exile in Babylon. Once there, several young men were selected for service in the royal court. The selection was based on nobility, health, and level of education. The king of Babylon ordered these men to be trained in Babylon’s language, customs, and literature and provided them with daily food and wine from the royal kitchens.

Daniel was one of the men selected, along with his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. When Daniel saw the food and wine provided from the king, he noticed that some of it was unclean according to the Law of Moses and asked for permission not to eat it. When permission was denied, he made a deal with the king’s servants. Daniel and his friends would eat only vegetables and drink only water for ten days. If they were still healthy after ten days, they would be allowed to eat and drink according to their own customs.

Daniel 1:15-20

15 At the end of the ten days, Daniel and his three friends looked healthier and better nourished than the young > men who had been eating the food assigned by the king.

16 So after that, the attendant fed them only vegetables instead of the food and wine provided for the others.

17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams.

18 When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. 20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom.

• How quickly do you look for friends when you find yourself in a new environment or group of people?

• Have you ever had friends join you or support you in something difficult? How did their companionship help you see it through?

DAY TWO

Daniel and his friends were now among the king’s wise men, who he would call for political, economic, and even spiritual advice. After the king had a disturbing dream, he gathered the wise men to interpret what it meant. When no one could answer him, he became furious and ordered the king’s guard to kill all the wise men of Babylon.

Daniel 2:14-19

14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. 15 He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. 16 Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant.

17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.

When faced with dire circumstances, “Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion.” After asking for more time, Daniel immediately went to his friends and asked them to pray with him. God then provided Daniel with a vision to explain the king’s dream and, in doing so, saved the remaining wise men.

• Why is it important to ask people to join you in prayer?

• When you are faced with difficult circumstances, do you tend to seek out friends or try to handle things yourself?

DAY THREE

During their time in Babylon, Daniel’s friends had been given new Babylonian names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar had set up a new golden statue and decreed that everyone in Babylon bow to worship it. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, the king ordered them to be thrown into a flaming furnace. The friends told the king that their god would save them.

The three men were tied up and placed in a furnace so hot that the guards escorting them were consumed by the flames. When the king looked closely at the furnace, he saw something unbelievable.

Daniel 3:25-29

25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!”

Not only had God saved these three friends from the furnace, but His very presence also joined them in their time of greatest need. Their commitment to worship only the God of Judah led the king of Babylon to praise God and allow the exiled people of Judah to worship freely under his reign.

• How have you seen God move or heard God speak through other people?

• How can walking through difficult trials together help a relationship grow?

Discover

Many of us want more friends and deeper relationships but are unsure where to start. Take some time to consider the following questions:

• What is getting in the way of you building relationships with other people?

• List two plans you already have for this week that you could invite someone to join you for. Then, list two people you could invite.

Reflect

Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.

9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

• What does this text say about someone who is alone?

Have you experienced this kind of loneliness?

• What does this text say about someone who has a friend to walk through life with?

Have you experienced this kind of friendship?

Pray

Daniel had three close friends to help him in the most difficult of times. Who are the three friends you could call in a difficult season?

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________

3.

If you were able to name some friends, pray for each one by name.

If you were not able to think of some friends, pray that God would help you identify and build friendships that can support and encourage you.

Group Discussion

Open Up

• If you could have a conversation with one historical figure, who would it be and why?

• How would you describe your friend group from your teenage years?

• Which activities can you do alone but are always more fun with friends?

• What are the traits of a good friend?

Review

• Do you have any further thoughts from last week’s discussion?

• As you think about this week’s sermon or deep dive, was there anything you heard/read for the first time, caught your attention, challenged you, or confused you?

Read

Read Acts 2:42-47 out loud.

Discuss

• What did the early church do when they gathered together?

• Which of these practices have you seen practiced really well in the church today?

• Which of these practices could the church work to develop?

• Where did the early church gather? What is significant about these locations?

• The early church shared everything amongst themselves. Have you experienced sharing a home or bank account with someone else? If so, what was that experience like?

• What are some of the upsides of having community? What are some of the risks?

• Acts 2 describes the early church’s daily devotion to growing in their relationship with God and one another. Is this daily devotion unusual today?

• How can a faith community help us grow and thrive in our relationship with God?

Pray

Break your Life Group into groups of 3 or 4 people. In these smaller groups, have each person share either:

• One thing they are thankful for this week, or

• One thing they need help with this week.

Pray over each other, either joining in thanksgiving or asking God for help.

Week Five

Spirit-Formed

Deep Dive The Big Picture

Main Point: The Holy Spirit is for all who believe

Key Text: Galatians 5:16-26

Have you ever left a present for someone to remember you by? A memento that reminds them of you or a memory you shared? When someone close to you lives far away, it can be incredible to feel as though you have a piece of them to hold onto.

As Jesus prepared to leave his disciples, he made them a promise:

John 14:25-26

“I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”

After Jesus left disciples, the Holy Spirit would come and dwell with them. This was more than a memento to remember Jesus by. It was the very presence of God. Now, instead of Jesus walking alongside them, the disciples would have the Spirit filling them and empowering them to continue Jesus’ mission.

The Holy Spirit is the oft-forgotten person of the Trinity, though it is only through the Spirit that we are truly able to experience God.

It is through the Spirit that God prompts us, speaks to us, encourages us, and empowers us to continue to build His Kingdom on earth.

When we choose to follow Jesus, we also accept the gift of the

Holy Spirit, enabling us to live the life God is calling us to. The Spirit guides and encourages us to become more of who God created us to be. Just like Jesus, and God the Father, the Holy Spirit never imposes or forces us to take our next step. Instead, the Spirit echoes the words of Jesus calling us to follow Him to see what God has in store.

“Although we are dependent on the Spirit to produce fruit, we are not passive. As a sunflower turns its head to seek out the sun, so we can orient our lives toward God through prayer, Bible study, repentance, praise, and other habits. As Paul said, “If we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). We are free to put one foot in front of the other, confidently seeking faithful obedience while resting and remaining in the promise that God fuels our movement by His Spirit at work in and through us.”

-Patti Sauls

Read

DAY ONE

The Church began among a small group of Jewish people. In fact, most followers of Jesus would gather at the synagogue with their fellow Jews on Saturday before gathering with their Christian brothers and sisters on Sunday. How surprising it was, then, when the Apostle Peter received a message from a Roman military commander asking to hear about the good news of Jesus.

Cornelius was a centurion, a commander of 80-100 soldiers, who was well known for his good deeds. He and his family were generous to those in need and prayed regularly to God even though they were Gentiles (which means they were not Jewish). Jews were not supposed to socialize with Gentiles, but God had begun to show Peter that the Church He was building was larger than any social divide.

Acts 10:28-33 (NLT)

28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 31 He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”

• Is there a “wrong crowd” the Church avoids today? What group is hardest for you to imagine sharing a meal with?

• When was the last time you were eager to hear a message from God?

DAY TWO

Since no one in Cornelius’ household was Jewish, Peter taught them about the ancient Israelite prophesies of a Messiah and how Jesus fulfilled them. He shared his first-hand account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and how “everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” What happened next shocked Peter and his friends.

Acts 10:44-48 (NLT)

44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. 45 The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. >

For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God.

Then Peter asked, 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.

This was God making a statement to the early Church. This movement would not be limited by geography or nationality. God’s plan was to offer redemption, forgiveness, and love to people from every nation. He called Peter to share the Gospel with this family of Gentiles and then sealed it Himself with the giving of the Holy Spirit. So, for the first time, gentiles were baptized and invited to become a part of the Church.

• Have you ever experienced God sending you a clear sign or answer to prayer? What was that experience like?

• Peter gave Cornelius’ family clear directions to be baptized after they received the Spirit. Did you have clear direction after you made the decision to follow Jesus?

DAY THREE

Acts 11:1-4, 15-18 (NLT)

1 Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said.

4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened…

… 15 “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. 16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”

18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”

When Peter returned to the other apostles, they couldn’t believe what happened. They knew who Cornelius was. Even though he was a good and generous person, he was a gentile. Peter should know better than to associate with Gentiles.

So what caused the other apostles to finally accept Cornelius and his family as fellow believers? Peter told them, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning.” The Holy Spirit was seen as the sign and seal of a follower of Jesus. A common experience every Christian had when they chose to believe.

Once the apostles heard that God had given His Spirit to Gentiles as well as Jews, it changed the entire trajectory of the church. The message of the Gospel now needed to be preached outside of the synagogue. This wasn’t just good news for the Jewish people. It was good news for everyone!

• What can we learn from Peter about responding to critics?

• How do you see the meaning of “Christian” being more fully discovered and lived out in a multicultural church?

We often forget that everything we experience from God in our lives is through the Holy Spirit. Take some time to consider the following questions:

• What words, thoughts, or dreams have you received from God?

• What opportunities have you had that can only be explained as a gift from God?

• How does the knowledge that these messages and opportunities were from the Holy Spirit help you better understand the Spirit’s activity in your life?

Reflect

Read the following text from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia, describing how the Holy Spirit guides our lives as Christians. Circle or underline the words and phrases of what it looks like to live by the Spirit.

Galatians 5:16-26

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,

envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Pray

When we pray, it is often directed to God the Father or Jesus, God the Son. Rarely do we address our prayers to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a mystical force or energy we tap into. The Holy Spirit is a person to relate to, just like the other persons of the Trinity.

• Take some time to thank the Holy Spirit for speaking, guiding, and empowering you to live out God’s story.

• If you are not sure where to start, look back to the words and phrases you marked in Galatians 5.

Group Discussion

Open Up

• What is one skill or talent you have that few people know about?

• Do people typically enjoy the things they are good at? Why or why not?

• What is the most meaningful gift you have received from another person? What made it meaningful?

• Describe a time you were part of a department, unit, or team where everyone worked together toward a common goal.

Review

• Do you have any further thoughts from last week’s discussion?

• As you think about this week’s sermon or deep dive, was there anything you heard/read for the first time, caught your attention, challenged you, or confused you?

Read

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 out loud.

• What has been your experience with the Holy Spirit and/or spiritual gifts?

• What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? What are we to use them for?

• Share an experience where you witnessed someone using their spiritual gift to bless others. How did it inspire you?

• Have you ever been jealous of the gifts, opportunities, and/or impact of someone else? If so, why do you think you became jealous?

• What would it be like to have a church where everyone had identical passions, talents, and spiritual gifts?

• What is the significance of Paul emphasizing the “one Spirit” and “same God” who distributes spiritual gifts? Why is oneness important in this conversation?

• What does it say about God that (1) we would be given gifts and (2) they would be personal, specific to who we are?

• When discerning your spiritual gifts, why might it be important to get input from people who know you well?

Consider the spiritual gifts found in Scripture: Administration

Being an apostle

• Every follower of Jesus is gifted by the Holy Spirit to glorify God and bless others, with no exceptions. What do you believe your spiritual gift(s) is (are)?

If you know your gifting, share how you discovered it.

• Which gift(s) have you recognized in the other people in your Life Group?

Pray that God would continue to reveal how He has gifted each person in your group.

Pray that God would give you opportunities to practice your gifts for the benefit of others.

Week Six Mission

Deep Dive The Big Picture

Main Point: God’s mission is right in front of you

Key Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-21, 29-31

What do you think of when you hear the word “mission”? Maybe the Mission Impossible movies come to mind with their over-the-top action and world-ending stakes. Or perhaps you think of Christian missionaries doing amazing work around the world. We often think of mission as something grand and important happening somewhere else with other people. In doing so, we miss the mission right in front of us.

During His time on earth, Jesus was a man on a mission. He spent three years going from town to town, healing people and preaching about the Kingdom of God. Along the way, Jesus continually invited people to join Him on His mission. These weren’t the most qualified people. They weren’t teachers, scholars, or priests. Rather, they were fishermen, tax collectors, and activists—people with very little money or fame to their name. And yet, it was to these that Jesus said, “Come, follow me.”

It was this calling from Jesus, along with the time they spent with Him, that motivated this small group of disciples to continue His mission: to love God, love their neighbor, and make more disciples. They did so by forming small, local communities of Jesus-followers called the Church. This Church has endured to this day because of the faithfulness of ordinary people, each unique in their gifting and calling. God has a calling for each one of us. For a few of us, this calling is to go somewhere new. For many of us, it is to be faithful right where we are. To use the gifting and passion God has given us to bless our families, communities, and churches. In doing so,

we continue Jesus’ mission. We become part of this incredible story that began with this small group of disciples.

So what is the mission right in front of you? Consider your daily routine and the people you interact with. How might God be calling you to reflect His love in your home or workplace? Are they people you pass by each day that might need to simply hear that someone cares how they’re doing? When we take time to do these small things, we participate in the great and wonderful story God is writing.

“What I do, you cannot do; but what you do, I cannot do. The needs are great, and none of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”

- Mother Teresa

Read

DAY ONE

Ruth lived in a country called Moab. She was married to a man from Israel whose family had fled to Moab to escape a famine. This man lived with his parents, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Orpah. Tragically, after a short time together, the men of the family all passed away, leaving Ruth, Orpah, and their mother-in-law Naomi alone.

When the famine in Israel ended, Naomi prepared to head back to her hometown but told her two daughters-in-law they should return to their own families and hopefully find new husbands. At that time, women could not earn their own income. It would be through marriage that they would find financial security.

Orpah agreed to return to her family, but Ruth refused:

Ruth 1:14-18 (NLT)

14 And again they wept together, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-bye. But Ruth clung tightly to Naomi. 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.”

16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!” 18 When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she said nothing more.

Ruth recognized that as a widow, Naomi’s future was also uncertain. Even upon returning to Israel she would have a difficult road ahead. So out of love for her mother-in-law, Ruth committed to share her life with Naomi in Israel. Neither Ruth or Naomi had much, but what they did have was each other.

• How have times of loss or struggle affected your relationship with God?

• How can you recognize the needs of others, even when you have your own needs?

DAY TWO

Ruth and Naomi returned to Israel with no husbands and no way to earn an income. The Law of Moses allowed the poor to collect anything left behind after the harvest, so Ruth offered to go out and see if anyone would let her collect discarded grain.

Unknowingly, Ruth ended up collecting grain in a field belonging to a Boaz, a relative of her father-in-law. Boaz came out to greet his workers and took notice that Ruth was following them.

Ruth 2:8-12 (NLT)

8 Boaz went over and said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Stay right here with us when you gather grain; don’t go to any other fields. Stay right behind the young women working in my field. 9 See which part of the field they are harvesting, and then follow them. I have warned the young men not to treat you roughly. And when you are thirsty, help yourself to the water they have drawn from the well.”

10 Ruth fell at his feet and thanked him warmly. “What have I done to deserve such kindness?” she asked. “I am only a foreigner.”

11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

Boaz had heard of Ruth’s love for Naomi and spoke a blessing over her. But notice that he didn’t only speak a blessing. He also actively blessed her by offering her better grain, physical protection, and all the water she needed. In doing so, Boaz participated in the very blessing he prayed over Ruth.

• What obstacles did Ruth face as a poor foreigner in a new land?

• Has someone ever blessed you with more than just words? What was that experience like?

DAY THREE

According to the Law of Moses, relatives were to care for one another. In fact, in times of great need, the closest male relative was called to be a “kinsman redeemer.” This redeemer

would purchase land from his relative’s widow and commit to providing for her in the absence of her husband. As it turns out, Boaz was a close relative of Naomi’s husband, and after getting permission from the only closer living relative, Boaz committed to redeem Naomi’s land. Even further, he committed to marry and provide for Ruth for the rest of her life.

Ruth 4:9-11 (NLT)

⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and to the crowd standing around, “You are witnesses that today I have bought from Naomi all the property of Elimelech, Kilion, and Mahlon.

10 And with the land I have acquired Ruth, the Moabite widow of Mahlon, to be my wife. This way she can have a son to carry on the family name of her dead husband and to inherit the family property here in his hometown. You are all witnesses today.”

11 Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.

With her own future uncertain, Ruth had committed to care for her mother-in-law and travel to a land she had never seen. This widow from a foreign land would find refuge in the home of Boaz, all because she remained faithful to Naomi. Ruth’s faithfulness, love, and care resulted in a home and future for both her and Naomi.

• Boaz is following the Law of Moses by letting the poor collect grain and redeeming his relatives in need. What do these laws tell us about God’s heart for the poor, foreigner, and widow?

• This story includes several phrases like “as it turns out” or it just so “happened.” Do you believe these events were just good luck or that God had a role in them?

Discover

Each of us was designed by God with particular talents, passions, and gifts to help us take on the mission right in front of us. Take some time to consider the following questions:

What are you naturally good at or have acquired a skill for? __________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

What do you have a passion for or simply love to do? __________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________

What gifts do you believe you have been given by the Holy Spirit? _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________

Reflect

In one of His final conversations with His disciples, Jesus gave them a vision of God separating those who followed Him and those who did not. The true followers of Jesus were marked not by their perfect doctrine or moral standards, but rather by their love and care for others.

Matthew 25:34-40 (NLT)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come,

you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.

36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Notice that the people here saw a direct link between seeing those in need and serving those in need. If we are going to intentionally serve those around us, we first have to see them and recognize their need.

What needs do you see in the following areas of your life?

Your family __________________________________________________________________________

Your neighborhood __________________________________________________________________________

Your church community __________________________________________________________________________

List three ways you could use your skills and passions to be a part of addressing those needs:

Pray

List the names of the five people you interact with the most:

4.

5. Take some time to pray for each person, including any needs or concerns you know they have right now.

Group Discussion

Open Up

• If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• What is one skill you have always wanted to learn?

• As you read the news or scroll through social media, what kinds of stories really catch your attention?

• Have you ever been a part of a ministry or program serving those in need? If so, what was that experience like? Review

• Do you have any further thoughts from last week’s discussion?

• As you think about this week’s sermon or deep dive, was there anything you heard/read for the first time, caught your attention, challenged you, or confused you?

Read

Read James 3:13-18 out loud.

Discuss

• Who is the wisest person you have known personally?

• What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

• According to verse 13, how are we supposed to recognize a wise person? How is this different than what our world sees as wise?

• Of the characteristics of wisdom listed in verse 17, which do you feel you need to grow in the most?

• What effect can bitter jealousy and selfish ambition have on a person’s life?

• How do we receive wisdom from above? How do we grow in wisdom?

• How would practicing wisdom in this way affect your personal relationships (family, friends, co-workers, etc.)?

• Verse 18 refers to “peacemakers who sow in peace.” How can you be a peacemaker in your home, community, and workplace?

Pray

Pray over each home and/or workplace of each person in your group.

Specifically pray that God would help them practice wisdom and sow peace in each place.