Tough as Nails | Week 2
Fix Your Eyes
INTRODUCTION
The New Testament records that early Christians didn’t fear loss. They were selfless and confident. They weren’t arrogant or self-confident. They were humble because their confidence wasn’t in themselves; it was in Jesus. That faith in who Jesus was and what he had done for them freed them to boldly love others. Does our faith look like that? How would it change our world if it did?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think comes to most people’s minds when they hear the word “Christian”? Why?
2. What are some things about our world that tempt you to view Christianity as fragile? Why do you think those things endanger the faith? How do you think those assumptions influence your relationship with Jesus?
3. During the message, Pastor said, “Faithfulness shines brighter during times of uncertainty.” Talk about a time when uncertainty made your faith shine brighter.
4. Read Hebrews 11:37–38. Does the idea of having the kind of faith that would make the world unworthy of you seem realistic or attainable? Why or why not?
5. In what area of your life are you successful at looking forward and being faithful? What are some practical ways you can you apply your approach to that area of life to an area of life in which you’re tempted to look backward and be fearful?
6. What is one thing you can do to fix your eyes on Jesus instead of safety, security, and comfort? How can this group support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Is your version of Christianity worth the price early Christians paid for it? The author of the book of Hebrews wrote, “They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted, and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.” What would that kind of faith look like for you and me?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Hebrews 12:1–2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Tough as Nails | Week 1
In the Beginning
INTRODUCTION
Life is full of danger and uncertainty. We see news reports almost daily about violence and terrorism. And sometimes it feels like faith is under siege. 2015 was the worst year in modern history for Christian persecution. More than 7,100 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons; 2,400 churches were damaged or destroyed. Surrounded by uncertainty, it’s difficult not to be afraid. But Jesus offers us another option.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you have a phobia? If so, what is it?
2. How do you usually respond to uncertainty? Do you try to control your circumstances? Do you feel overwhelmed and shut down? How effective has your approach been throughout your life?
3. Do you ever feel like Christianity is under attack in our nation? If so, how does that stretch your faith in God?
4. Read Matthew 10:28–31. What are some reasons it can be difficult for us to live as though God values us so much that he’s numbered the hairs on our heads?
5. Read Luke 9:23. Think of a person or group that views or treats you unfairly because of your faith. What would it look like for you to “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus” in the way you respond to that person or group?
6. Talk about something—culturally, politically, professionally, or relationally—that makes you afraid. What is one thing you can do this week to replace fear with faith in your heavenly Father? What can this group do to support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Uncertainty is for certain. It’s unavoidable. It’s beyond your control. But living in fear is optional. Remember that Jesus—your Saviour—was born into, lived through, and walked into the jaws of uncertainty. A world too often defined by violence, arrested and crucified him . . . and then God raised him from the dead. That is the cornerstone of our faith. That’s why living in fear is optional.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Matthew 10:29–3
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Killin’ It | Week 3
Week 3 - Known Survivor
INTRODUCTION
We all want to be friended, followed, liked, and mentioned. We all want to be recognized, admired, sought after and envied. We hunger for approval. We want applause. We want to be known.
But what do you do when there is no amount of "known" that will satisfy your appetite?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What are some ways the appetite for being known is reflected in our cultural values?
At the end of your life, what would you most like to be known for? Why do you want to be known for that thing?
During the message, Pastor said we all hunger for approval from our fathers. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Read John 3:26–31.
Context: Jesus had appeared on the scene to begin his ministry and had begun to baptize people as John was doing, and it disturbed John's disciples.
26 They (John's Disciples) came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, that man (Jesus) who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." 27 To this John replied, "A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.' 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less." [a]31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all.
In what ways do you need to "become less" so Jesus can "become greater" in your life? What are some obstacles to that happening?
From what audience do you most hunger for applause—your friends, your spouse, your children, your parents, your boss, your peers? How does that hunger drive your behavior and decision-making?
What is one thing you can do this week to stop seeking the applause of other people and begin to listen to the applause of your heavenly Father? How can this group help you follow through?
MOVING FORWARD
Work hard. Hone your craft. Broaden your influence. Build your career. Write great books. Move mountains. Change lives. But in the end, remember who it's from and who it's for. The applause of the One who knew you first, who knows you best, who gifted you and called you is the only applause that will matter. Your heavenly Father is the One you want to hear say, "Well done."
CHANGING YOUR MIND
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"
John 1:35–36
Killin’ It | Week 2
Week 2 - Heaven Rules
INTRODUCTION
Maybe you're a "Three P" person—you have power, prestige, and possessions. You have influence. You are envied. People take you seriously because of what you've accomplished, what you look like, or who you're married to. There's nothing wrong with being a "Three P" person. But when it comes to pride,
"Three P" people face a unique challenge.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what ways do you see power, prestige, and possessions abused in our culture? In what ways does that shape our cultural priorities?
Talk about a time when you've seen someone treat his or her personal influence as a temporary stewardship from God.
How was that person unique?
How did other people react to him or her?
Read Daniel 5:26.
For context, these are the words that appeared on the wall at King Belshazzar's great banquet, where he mocked God by bringing out the God and silver goblet stolen from the Temple when he conquered Jerusalem.
"Here is what these words mean:
Mene (numbered): God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel [Weighed]: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
Peres [Divided]: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
What does it mean to you that God has numbered the days of your power, prestige, and possessions?
To what extent does that principle currently influence the daily decisions you make?
What is one area in which you're regularly tempted to look down on others—education, possessions, physical appearance, influence, experience, intelligence?
What is the cost of giving in to your pride?
Think about the areas of your life where you have the most influence, power, and prestige.
What would it look like for you to treat those areas like temporary stewardship from God for which you are accountable?
What is one thing you can do this week to remind your pride that you are just a steward of God's blessings?
How can this group help you follow through?
MOVING FORWARD
When you see someone with less—less sophistication, intelligence, education, money, or influence— you're tempted to think more highly of yourself. Pause for a moment and tell your pride, "The Most High is sovereign over all the kingdoms." Remind your pride that everything God has given you is a stewardship. It's temporary. You are accountable for how you use it.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.'"
Daniel 4:17
Killin’ It | Week 1
Week 1: Remote Controlled
INTRODUCTION
There is a sin that is so common to the human experience, and it is the gateway to all other sins. It promises to make us bigger, better, and more important but only makes us smaller and meaner. It strips us of our capacity to connect with others. It stands between us and our heavenly Father.
So, what is “it,” and how do we kill it?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what ways does our culture reward pride? In what ways have you seen that affect people’s lives?
Talk about a time when you knew the right thing to do but let pride prevent you from doing it. What did it cost you?
Read Philippians 2:5–8.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature (in the form of) God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature (or form) of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!
What would it look like for you to have the same mindset as Jesus in your relationships with others? What are some practical obstacles to your treating others that way?
How does pride manifest itself in you? In what ways do you protect your own image?
What does pride masquerade as in you—confidence, intelligence, fashion, sarcasm, a commitment to excellence, or something else?
What is one relationship in which you need to initiate reconciliation? What can this group do to support you?
MOVING FORWARD
Pride crowds out other people. It crowds out God. Pride is a prison. Saying no to pride is saying yes to God. Root out the pride in your life. Kill it before it kills you. Why would you opt to follow something that is killing you when you’ve been invited to follow someone who died for you?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
In his pride, the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts, there is no room for God.
Psalm 10:4
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 6
When Dreams Can’t Come True
We all have hopes and dreams, but what are we supposed to do when our hearts are broken, and our dreams can’t come true? It’s tempting to take matters into our own hands, but is there a better way?
Discussion Questions
What is one dream from your childhood that didn’t work out the way you thought it would?
Have you ever known someone to respond to broken dreams in a positive way? To what do you think they would attribute their response?
The prosperity gospel assumes if you do something for God, God will do something for you. When have you tried to negotiate with God? Explain.
Read 2 Samuel 15:25–30. Then the king said to Zadok, “Take the ark of God back into the city. But if he says, ‘I am not pleased with you,’ then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.” The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Do you understand? Go back to the city with my blessing. So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there. But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot.
• What do you notice about David’s behavior as he leads his family out of Jerusalem into the wilderness?• How might you view your current circumstances differently if, like David, you stopped negotiating with God and allowed him to work in your life as he wishes?
Do you believe there’s a purpose for you even when your dreams can’t come true? Why or why not?
What can you practically do this week to remain faithful despite a broken heart or a dream that can’t come true?
Moving Forward
When your heart is broken, and dreams can’t come true, that’s the time to lean in, look up, and reach out.
Pray: “I offer you my dreams and plans. Do to me whatever seems good to you. I acknowledge your right to rule. Your will be done in me.”
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 5
Five Rules for Dating
If you don’t want a relationship like the majority of relationships, don’t date like the majority of daters. In this message, Pastor gives five rules for dating.
Discussion Questions
If you could use one word to describe dating in today’s culture, what would it be?
If you find dating to be complicated, why is that?
Look over and discuss the five rules Pastor gives in this message:
• Rule #1. Guys: Ask girls on dates.
Ask someone to do something specific on a specific day and time. Clarity is honoring.
• Rule #2. Ladies: Agree to dates.
Don’t agree to just “hang out.” If he asks you to “hang out,” ask if he has a specific plan in mind.
• Rule #3. Don’t ever mistreat anyone, even if they don’t seem to mind being mistreated. Be truthful. Don’t mislead.
• Rule #4. Don’t allow yourself to be mistreated.
If you saw a relative being treated the way you are being treated, would you be upset?
• Rule #5. Don’t do anything that makes you a liar for life.
You are writing your story. Write one you aren’t afraid to be asked about.
Changing Your Mind
It can be easy to blend, bend, and pretend in order to get in or stay in a relationship. But we need to ask ourselves: Am I losing myself in order to do so? If so, it may be worth considering taking a break from dating. Next time around, you’ll be more prepared to exercise your muscles of courage, self-control, honor, and intentionality.
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 4
Groundhog Date
Many times, we learn from our mistakes in the areas that matter least, but we repeat our mistakes in the areas that matter most. So how can we ensure that the next time won’t be like the last time? Instead of being a conformer, it’s time to be a transformer.
Discussion Questions
Name some areas in life where people quickly learn from and correct their mistakes.
In relationships, why is it difficult to correct many of our behavior patterns?
Check out these myths. Do you need to undo any of these beliefs? If so, which ones?
• Experience Myth: Experience will make me wiser.
Truth: Evaluated experience will make you wiser.
• Know-Better Myth: Since I know better, I’ll do better.
Truth: Know better ≠ Do better.
• Time Myth: Time is against me.
Truth: Time is your friend.
What’s your initial reaction to the notion “Time is your friend”?
Read Romans 12:1–2. Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
• Why would Paul use the word “urge” here?
• Would you characterize yourself as a conformer or a transformer?- Conformer: Repeats the same patterns, particularly patterns that have been culturally accepted as standard behavior.
- Transformer: Intentionally chooses to learn from the past and change regardless of cultural norms. Will take the time to evaluate the past and own their mistakes.
To be able to renew your mind, it may be healthy to take a year off from dating. What would be your biggest reservation about doing that?
Changing Your Mind
If you don’t want the next time to be like the last time, do something different in the meantime.
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks | Week 3
Week 3: Grownup Love
From elementary school through high school, many of us had ideas of what the perfect relationship would look like in the future. While those dreams may not represent our current reality, a step in the right direction could be to follow the apostle Paul’s advice—move from our childish ways and start being grownups.
Discussion Questions
Who was your first crush?
What “childish” notions or assumptions about love did you carry into adulthood?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:6–7.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
• What are some ways we can protect the ones we love?
• Are you able to believe the best and overlook the rest? What makes you say that?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 13:11.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
Where do you have work to do? Are you self-seeking? Easily angered? A scorekeeper? Not protective?
5. What couples do you know that seem to have put most of their childish ways behind them? What about them makes you think that?
6. For your current or future relationships, if you could work on one thing about yourself to transition from child to grownup, what would it be?
Changing Your Mind
Look over these words that describe what it means to demonstrate love. For each one, are you more interested in becoming more like these or for someone else to?
Patient
Kind
Not jealous
Not arrogant
Honoring
Self-less
Not easily angered
Not a scorekeeper
Protective
Trusting
Hopeful
Persevering
Love, Dates, & Heartbreaks |Week 2
Week 2: The Fine Print
If becoming the right kind of person is key to a great relationship, how do you do that? Is there something you can do to prepare? Does it just happen? Sure, we’re supposed to love others, but what does that really mean? Let’s lean in and read the fine print.
Discussion Questions
What is something you’ve trained for? What did you do to prepare?
Looking at culture, would you say dating is preparing people for great relationships? Why or why not?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–5.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
What stands out to you from these verses? How would relationships look different if more people loved this way?
Relationally, we may run at different paces. When you find yourself at a faster pace, how can you make sure you aren’t leaving the other person behind? What are some indicators that you are pushing rather than accommodating?
In your family, was kindness seen as a strength or a weakness? How did you see this play out?
Is it hard or easy for you to celebrate those closest to you? What are some ways you can celebrate them this week?
Honor is at the heart of every satisfying relationship. What makes you feel honored? What makes those closest to you feel honored?
Changing Your Mind
A promise is no substitute for preparation. If we want to have great relationships, we must do some work. We need to look at ourselves and see where we may need more practice.
Where do you have work to do?
Patience?
Kindness?
Public celebration of others?
Honor?
What is one thing you can do this week to take a step?
Love, Dates & Heartbreaks | Week 1
The Right Person Myth
In relationships, we often believe if we find the right person, it will make everything right. So we ask ourselves, “Is this the right person for me?” Maybe we need to be asking a different question—a question that shifts our focus from seeking the right kind of person to becoming the right kind of person.
Discussion Questions
When you think of romantic comedies, what movies come to mind?
While we know that real life is not like the movies, what is it about romantic movies that are appealing?
Have you found yourself believing either of these two myths? If so, which one?
The Right Person Myth: Once you meet the right person, everything will be all right.
The Promise Myth: A promise replaces the need for preparation.
What statements would you make that are more accurate versions of those two myths?
4. Read John 15:1–2, 4–5.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”
“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
What does Jesus mean to be “plugged into the vine”?
What is the result of doing this, and what would it mean for our current and future relationships?
5. Read John 15:9–10.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love.”
In this passage, Jesus sums up the commands with one. What is this one command? What does that command look like in a romantic relationship?
6. List three things that come to mind when you think about God’s love for you. What would it look like to extend those same three things to someone else?
Changing Your Mind
The kind of person Jesus leads his followers to become is the kind of person we are looking for and, ultimately, want to become. This week, evaluate the type of person you are looking for and ask yourself, “Am I becoming that type of person?” How can this group help you remain plugged into “the vine”?
A King Like No Other
People ultimately weren't convinced to follow Jesus because of what he taught. They became convinced because of what they saw!
Discussion Questions:
What's something you remember happening that you would have never believed had you not seen it with your own eyes?
If you weren't a firsthand witness to something incredible (for instance, the moon landing), what would it take to convince you it happened?
Jesus's followers disengaged but then re-engaged after many people saw him resurrected. Talk about the emotions they would have experienced as they saw Jesus die, then saw him alive, saw him leave again, and then heard him promise he would one day return.
Read Luke 24:1–12
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
4. What are some details in this account that give it credibility?
5. In your own words, what makes Jesus a king?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
—John 3:16–17
Investigating Jesus | Week 6
Week 6 - Wide Open
Jesus didn't ask for people to just believe in him. He invited people to follow him.
Discussion Questions:
On the evening of June 17, 2015, Dylann Roof walked into the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where Myra Thompson was leading a Bible Study. He wasn’t known to any of the twelve attending the study, but he had been welcomed by all. He sat quietly as Myra shared. An hour later, as they finished in prayer, and while everyone else’s eyes were closed, Roof took out his concealed gun and opened fire, killing 8 of the 12 church members, including Myra Thompson, the pastor’s wife.
Read Rev. Anthony Thompson’s courtroom speech to Dylann Roof, who murdered his wife.
‘Son, I forgive you. My family forgives you.’”
What emotions does it evoke? Why?
Luke 23:33–43
When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews.
One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
What are some characteristics about Jesus that Luke was trying to highlight in this passage?
How do you justify accepting the forgiveness of God while resisting the Lordship of Christ?
Are you more of an admirer than a follower?
If so, what’s keeping you from going all-in?
Luke 9:24–25
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
4. What keywords stand out to you?
Would you say your faith is costing you anything presently? If so, what? If not, should it be?
5. We all fall short in at least one area of our lives. While we and those around us need grace, we can't neglect that hypocrisy is a big reason Christianity is not taken seriously by those outside the faith.
What's one way you're currently being a hypocrite?
With the help of God and others, how could you change that?
Investigating Jesus | Week 5
Week 5 - Rebranding
Being right doesn't give us the right to be self-righteous.
Discussion Questions:
Which way do you lean:
Self-Righteous? or Unrighteous?
Why are we quick to size up some people or types of people and write them off?
Read Luke 15:1–7
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
3. What keywords or phrases stand out to you in this parable?
Read Luke 15:8–10
8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
4. What do you notice about this parable compared to the one before it?
In verses 7 and 10, what was Jesus trying to communicate about God's priorities?
Read Luke 15:11–31
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’“
5. The story of the prodigal son has three main characters:
The son, who demanded and squandered his inheritance
The brother, who was frustrated that his good behavior seemed overlooked
The father, who welcomed his lost son back into the family
Is there a key time in your life when you could relate to one of these three characters? Why?
6. Who in your life is most difficult to rebrand as lost versus bad or evil? What difference do you imagine it would make if you did?
Investigating Jesus | Week 4
Week 4 - Redefining Terms
Love for God is demonstrated by love for others.
Discussion Questions:
Who do you know who goes out of their way to help others? How have they impacted your life? What is one way they’ve gone out of their way to help you?
We can’t help everyone, but how do we decide who to help and who not to help?
Read Luke 10:25–37
25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
3. To you, what makes the story of the Good Samaritan so powerful?
In verses 25–28, what stands out to you about how Jesus responded to the law expert’s initial
question?
In verse 29, the law expert asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” How would you answer that question? Who is your neighbor?
In the parable in verses 30–35, the Samaritan did no less than six kind acts to assist the injured man. Why do you think Jesus had the Samaritan do so many acts of kindness in the parable? Why not just one or two?
4. In Luke 10:37, Jesus says to the listeners of the parable to “Go and do likewise.”
Who is it who needs your help?
What do you need to do in order to “go and do likewise?”
Is there anything preventing you from doing it?
Investigating Jesus | Week 3
Week 3 - Lifetime Invitation
Whatever your next step is, take it.
You don’t know what hangs in the balance.
Discussion Questions:
As a kid, what is something you were afraid to try, but with a little bit of encouragement, you did it? What motivated you to do it finally?
How hesitant are you now to try things out of your comfort zone? Give an example.
Read Luke 5:1–11
One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. 2 He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” 6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7 So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” 9 For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10 and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” 11 So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
2. In verse 5, why do you think Peter agreed to let his nets back out?
What might have been his expectation of what would happen?
In verse 8, why do you think Peter said what he did?
Does anything else in this passage stand out to you?
3. Have you ever intentionally disregarded something you felt God prompted you to do? If so, what happened?
4. Have you ever acted in response to God’s prompting? If so, what happened?
5. What’s your next step? What is God inviting you to do? What could help you take that next step?
6. What might hang in the balance of taking that next step?
Investigating Jesus | Week 2
Week 2 - Pregame
Introduction
Admirers of Jesus didn’t shape civilization. The doers did.
Discussion Questions:
If your life were a commercial, what product or service would people say you were advertising?
Regarding your faith, have you become more of a consumer than an advertiser? If not, how have you kept that from happening? If so, what needs to change?
How has your faith journey been positively and negatively impacted by your encounters with other Christians? In what ways, and how so?
Read Luke 3:10–14, where people asked John the Baptist what kind of actions best laid the groundwork for the Messiah’s coming.
10 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
What stands out to you?
What is similar about each of John the Baptist’s statements?
4. How is your faith currently on display?
5. What’s a specific way you could go above and beyond “legal” or “permissible”?
6. In what situation could you be more proactive—by protecting, serving, or honoring someone?
Investigating Jesus | Week 1
Week 1 - Somebody Had to Tell It
Introduction
Christians are not expected to believe based solely on a collection of ancient manuscripts. The foundation of our faith is anchored to something far more substantial and sustainable.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever felt compelled to document the life of someone you know or knew personally? If so, why? If not, why not?
If you had to document the life of someone you know, who would it be and why? If you weren't allowed to use any technology other than writing, how would you convince people that your stories about that person were true?
As it relates to faith, have you ever experienced a season of doubt? If so, what exactly did you doubt and why?
Read Luke 1:1–4.
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
4. What stands out to you regarding how Luke began this book?
5. What's your initial response to the suggestion that the Christian faith rises or falls on the reliability of the Gospels rather than the reliability of the entire Bible?
The Bible for Grown-Ups | Week 4
Week 4 The Bible for Grown-Ups
INTRODUCTION
The Bible did not create Christianity. Christianity is the result of an event (the resurrection) that created a movement (the church) that produced sacred and reliable texts that were collected and bound into a book (the Bible). But how do we approach not being at peace with everything we read in the Bible? Paul—the apostle, Pharisee, author, preacher, and church planter—offers us clarity and confidence to move forward.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discuss the following descriptions of Paul.
Scholar: Paul studied under the most esteemed Jewish teachers. He was an expert in the law.
Skeptic: Paul initially spent all of his energy attempting to discredit, undermine, and hurt the followers of Jesus.
Convert: Paul went from being a law-abiding Pharisee to a Jesus follower in a single day.
Leader: Paul taught, wrote to, prayed for, chastised, and financially and emotionally invested in the people he led.
Writer: The letters to the churches Paul planted help explain, in practical terms, what it looks like to follow Jesus. His writing has shaped the thought of Western civilization.
Thinker: Paul thought deeply about life and its most difficult questions. He cared deeply about leading people to think the new way Jesus came to introduce.
Sufferer: Paul experienced extraordinary loss and pain. At times he struggled financially, physically, and emotionally.
2. What about him do you identify with? What’s hard to relate to?
3. Paul wrote much of what we call the New Testament in his 13 letters.
What about Paul’s life gives him the credibility to discuss faith in Jesus?
4. In his writing, Paul explains the relationship we should see between the parts of the Bible. And if he could have been there the day we got our first Bibles (as children or adults), he would have given us two pieces of advice:
Read the Old Testament for inspiration and motivation but not application.
Take your application cues from Jesus’ new covenant command.
So . . .
What Old Testament applications are you stuck on?
What old expectations and standards can you let go of because of Jesus’ new covenant?
Read Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Read Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Because of Jesus’ new covenant command, what should be your primary focus as you live your life? How are you doing on this currently?
Paul authenticates the most important event recorded in the Bible—the resurrection.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1
Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.
Read 1 Corinthians 15:3–7
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
What important details are recorded here about the events immediately following the resurrection?
What is the most comforting or encouraging image in this passage for you?
5. The story of the Bible reminds us that the question of utmost importance is not, Are you at peace with everything n the Bible? The most important question is, Have you found peace with God whose Son died for your sin and was seen?
6. What would change for you if you began your faith with the event of the resurrection like the early followers did? They didn’t have a Bible. They had:
Christ died for our sins and was buried: He rose from the dead and was seen.
Can you revisit or begin your faith here too?
MOVING FORWARD
The story of the Bible is extraordinary. It’s a story with personal implications for all of us because of what Jesus did for all of us. We can have clarity regarding our relationship with the Hebrew Bible, and we can have confidence regarding the event of the resurrection. This week, think about what old ways of thinking you can let go of in order to make room for a better way—the way that was established before the Bible existed, the way that relies on Jesus rising from the dead and being seen by men and women who believed and followed.
The Bible for Grown-Ups | Week 3
Week 3 The Bible for Grown-Ups
INTRODUCTION
The Old Testament chronicles God’s redemptive, sequential activity in history. It’s a fabulous, gritty, epic history of the Hebrew people in which, over and over, Israel is reminded that they are a divine means to an end. So instead of seeing the Old Testament as a spiritual guidebook or a storyline that needs to be tidied up, maybe we should see it as something even better—the history of God preparing the world for a Savior.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Leaders: Grab some pens and notecards for the group discussion.
Discuss a story or an idea from the Old Testament that someone tried to tidy up and soften the edges of to serve their practical purpose in teaching you.
What’s the difference in seeing the Old Testament as a spiritual guidebook versus a history of the Hebrew nation?
Write each of the following words on separate notecards and put them in order where everyone can see them.
Abraham, Moses, Sinai Covenant, Kings, Temple, Prophets
As a group, discuss a few words and phrases that you associate with the subject of each card. Write your answers on the cards.
Many people criticize the seemingly unsophisticated nature of the Sinai covenant and use it as a reason to abandon faith. In actuality, the Hebrew nation, because of the guidelines in Leviticus, was way ahead of its time.
Which of the following ideas is most surprising or meaningful to you?
What do these ideas change about the way you see God?
What do they change about your view of the purpose of the Old Testament?
The covenant represented a moral and civil code that ascribed inherent dignity to every person.
The covenant included a sexual ethic that protected the weak and vulnerable.
The covenant viewed humanity as the pinnacle of creation because every person is made in God’s image.
Women, servants, foreigners, and children all fared better under Hebrew law than did their counterparts in the surrounding nations.
Occasionally, a prophet would speak beyond their historical context to a future day when God would do something through a nation for all nations.
Read Isaiah 53:5–11
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. He was assigned a grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.11 After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied;by his knowledge, my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
What is the most meaningful image to you in this passage?
On a notecard, write “Jesus,” and put the notecard after Prophets in line with the others you’ve already made so that everyone can see them in sequential order.
As a group, write words or phrases you associate with Jesus on the notecard. Now take the other cards, put them in a pile, and place them to the side with only the Jesus card showing.
Read Galatians 4:4–5
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
What does it mean that Jesus would redeem those under the law?
What is different about the relationship we can have with God versus the relationship an ancient Jew could have with him?
MOVING FORWARD
The storyline of the Old Testament should cause us to drop to our knees in gratitude. There’s no need to tidy it up and sand off the rough edges. It’s not a spiritual guidebook. It’s the story of our God, who waded into the mess in order to write a story of redemption.
This week, write Galatians 4:4–5 on a notecard and think about what these verses mean for you.