Fighting For Peace Part 2 SGD

 

Discussion #1

 

  1. What are some common spiritual battles that believers face today? How do these battles manifest themselves in our personal lives and relationships?

Discussion #2

  1. How can we identify and discern spiritual battles in our lives? Are there specific signs or characteristics to look out for?

Discussion #3

  1. How does the armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, equip us for spiritual battles? How can we practically apply each piece of the armor in our daily lives?
  2. How does our faith in Jesus Christ impact our victory in spiritual battles? What does it mean to rely on His strength and power?
  3. . How can we guard our minds against spiritual attacks and deceitful influences? What strategies or practices can help us stay grounded in truth?

 

 Discussion #4

  1. What role does prayer play in spiritual warfare? How can we develop a consistent and effective prayer life to combat spiritual battles?
  2. How can we support and encourage one another as believers in the midst of spiritual battles? What role does community and fellowship play in overcoming these challenges?

 

  1. How can we guard our minds against spiritual attacks and deceitful influences? What strategies or practices can help us stay grounded in truth?
  2. In what ways can we actively engage in spiritual battles without becoming consumed by fear or anxiety? How can we maintain a balance between recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare and living with confidence and peace in Christ?

 

  1. According to 1 Corinthians 3, what are the signs of spiritual immaturity? How do these manifestations affect the church community and individual believers?

Follow-up questions:

  1. Paul compares spiritual immaturity to being “mere infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). What do you think it means to be an infant in Christ? How does this contrast with spiritual maturity?
  2. In verse 2, Paul highlights the Corinthians’ reliance on worldly wisdom instead of spiritual wisdom. How can we distinguish between worldly wisdom and spiritual wisdom in our own lives? How does the pursuit of worldly wisdom hinder spiritual growth?
  3. Paul speaks of the importance of building on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). What does it mean to build on this foundation, and what are some practical ways we can actively grow and mature in our faith?
  4. According to verse 16, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. How does recognizing this truth impact our pursuit of spiritual maturity? In what ways can we honor God in our bodies as we seek to grow in Christ?
  5. Verse 21 encourages us not to boast in human leaders, but rather in the Lord. How can an unhealthy attachment to human leaders hinder our spiritual growth? How can we cultivate a healthy balance of respect for leaders while maintaining our primary focus on Christ?
  6. Paul uses the metaphor of a field and a building in this chapter. What insights can we gain from these metaphors about the process of spiritual growth and maturity? How can we apply these insights to our own spiritual journeys?

 

Philippians 2:6–7 (NIV84)

6     Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

7     but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

 

Making Me

In Our Relationships We have To Make Ourselves Make Ourselves

 Small Group Discussion

I must Make Myself Sacrifice: Discussion Question  #1

  1. Can you think of any examples from literature, movies, or real-life stories that highlight the theme of sacrifice in relationships? What lessons or insights can be gained from those examples?
  2. What role does effective communication play in discussing and negotiating sacrifices within a relationship? How can couples ensure that their needs, desires, and boundaries are respected while also being open to making sacrifices for one another?
  3. Are there any sacrifices that you find particularly challenging or difficult to make in a relationship? Why do you think that is, and what steps can be taken to address those challenges?

 I must Make Myself Be a Servant: Discussion Question  #2

  1. In your relationships, are you looking to be served or are you looking to serve?
    1. How hard is it for you to serve without reciprocity?
  2. How do you define “serving” in the context of a relationship? What does it mean to you, and what are some examples of serving your partner or loved ones?
  3. In what ways have you experienced or witnessed acts of service in relationships that had a significant impact? How did those acts of service contribute to the overall well-being and satisfaction of the individuals involved?
  4. How do you balance serving your own needs and desires with serving the needs of your partner or loved ones? What strategies do you use to ensure a healthy balance between self-care and acts of service?

I must Make Myself Submit: Discussion Question  #3

  1. In what ways can submission and assertiveness coexist within a relationship? How can individuals balance their own needs, desires, and autonomy with the act of submitting to their partner’s leadership or decision-making?
  2. What are some potential benefits of practicing submission within a relationship? How can it foster trust, harmony, and cooperation between partners?
  3. Are there any misconceptions or stereotypes surrounding submission in relationships that you have encountered or observed? How can these misconceptions be addressed and challenged to create a more nuanced understanding of submission?

 I must Make Myself allow myself to Suffer: Discussion Question  #4

  1. How does suffering impact relationships, both individually and as a couple? In what ways can suffering strengthen or strain the bond between partners?
  2. How can individuals support each other during times of suffering within a relationship? What strategies or approaches can be employed to provide comfort, empathy, and understanding?
  3. What role does effective communication play in addressing and managing suffering within a relationship? How can couples create a safe space for open dialogue and vulnerability during difficult times?

 

 

Jesus is the True Vine 

Read: John 15:1-8

Discussion Question #1

I want to abound, to devote myself to God’s work: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast and immovable; always abounding fully in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). I want to discover the deepest passions that God hardwired into me. I want to develop whatever gifts I have to their fullest. I want some fire in my belly. I want to experience such a level of motivation that sometimes when I think about the work of the Lord it keeps me awake at night. I want to abound!

But on the other side of my life is Jesus’ statement in John 15:4: “Abide in me, and I will abide in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must abide. Neither can you bear fruit by yourself. You must abide.” Abide, Jesus says. This, too, is an important New Testament word: to remain, to dwell. In our day we would talk about this as having deep roots, or being centered.

 

  • Do you feel the tension between abounding and abiding?
  • Am I more focused on abiding or abounding in my walk with God?
  • What are some of my most successful experiences with abiding? Abounding?
  • Jesus Repeats remain in me, love, and bear fruit. How are these Words Related

Discussion Question #2

  • As a branch on Christ vine how would you describe the fruit in your life? Grade A-1?, Green, Wormy, Why?

Discussion Question #3

  • If Vine Branches were human lives, what pain would be associated with pruning?
  • Have you experienced some pruning this past year? How did that make you feel?  What has been the result of this pruning?
  • If we fully grasp the implications of this Scripture text, could it mean that we should welcome pruning, as hard and painful as it may be? How could this understanding change our perspective on how God is dealing with sin in our lives?   Can it initiate within us other forms of pain and suffering for his glory?

Remember that God promises to prune you when and where He thinks it is necessary. Why? Because He loves you and wants you to be more fruitful. Welcome His pruning. Cooperate with Him. He wants the best for you.

Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life Part 2 Small Group discussion

 

[Jhn 14:1-6 NKJV] 1 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, [there] you may be also. 4 “And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

 

The Truth
The Truth is not “my truth” or “your truth,” relative to our experience. The Truth is absolute and true for all. We’re called to love the Truth and hold fast to it.
“They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2: 10-13).

 

  1. Discussion Question #1 How do you understand the difference between things that are sometimes true or true for certain people (relative truth) and things that are always true for everyone (absolute truth)?
  2. Discussion Question #2 Dallas Willard once said that it is very difficult to have the truth but not hurt anybody with it. What do you think he meant?
  3. Discussion Question #3 Have you ever been hurt by the truth? What does it mean to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15, NLT)?

The Life

  1. Discussion Question # 4 In John 10, Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” What do you think Jesus meant by “life to the full”? Is he talking about material things or spiritual things? Or both?
    1.   What do you think it means to “lose your life” in order to sav e it (Matthew 16:25)? What specific changes might you have to make if you were to do that? How is this a process? In what ways have you taken steps to do what Jesus recommends?
    2.  How are the way, the truth, and the life related? How do these three ideas interconnect in your experience of following Jesus?

 

 

 

Jesus IS The RESURRECTION

Discussion Question #1 Purposeful Hesitation:

  1. Can you testify of a time when you personally experienced the church saying “He may not come when you want Him but He’s always on time?

Discussion Question #2 Familiar Faith Frustration

  1. Have you experienced, Like Martha, a faith frustration?
  2. How does the hope of resurrection help in times faith frustration?

Discussion Question #3 Divine Revelation

  1. What have you learned about God, in times of waiting?

Discussion Question #4 Compassionate Demonstration

  1. To the parents, have you ever withheld something from your child for their benefit? How did it make you feel?
  2. Does knowing God cares help you in times of faith frustrations.

Discussion Question #5 Reluctant Expectations

  1. Have you ever had a time when you were reluctant to believe (have hope or faith)? Tell about it.
  2. Are you reluctant right now? If so how can your group pray for you?

 

 

Jesus is the Way the Truth and The Life 

Discussion Question #1:

1. Jesus’ Claim is Believing in Him produces in us the ability to cause our hearts to cease from being troubled.  Have you ever experienced peace in your heart when your circumstances said you should have trouble?

2. What is the Fruitful and Productive work that you believe Jesus has for you to accomplish? If not known, how can your group pray for you in this area.

Discussion Question #2: 

What comfort does the hope of heaven bring your heart?

Discussion Question #3:  

Do you struggle with the will of God?  In what areas do you struggle with the will of God.  Paul instructs believers in Romans 12:2 on how to accept God’s will.  Read Paul’s instruction. How does His instructions help believers to  be at peace with the Will of God.  

 

Read John 10:1-30

Discussion Question #1:

Most don’t escape this life without encountering hirelings in our life.  How has your experience with “Hirelings” in your life effected your relationship with Jesus?  Has your experience caused you to have difficulty trusting Jesus?  Has your experience cause your trust in Jesus to be stronger? 

Discussion Question #2: 

What are some barriers that keep people from being vulnerable?

Discussion Question #3:  

Being vulnerable is not an easy space for many to be in.  Declaring that we are sheep and Jesus is the Good Shepherd is an act of submission.   Submitting to the shepherd, Following where ever he leads, trusting what He provides, can be very difficult for those that are strong willed and use to being in control.  What are some attributes of the Good shepherd that are in this text, or that you have experienced personally that makes it easier to be a vulnerable sheep?

Discussion Question #4

The sad and Harsh Reality is, some people are going to Hell, some people will not say yes to Jesus.   Yet there are some who will say yes to Jesus.  What is our calling in the midst of this reality?

Let Me Introduce Myself 

Jesus is the Door 

 

Discussion Question # 1

[Jhn 10:7-10 NKJV] 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 “All who [ever] came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. 9 “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have [it] more abundantly.

 

  1. Are there some places in your life spiritually that are left unguarded? 

 

Discussion Question # 2

  1.  Is Jesus your ear gate, is Jesus your eye gate.

 

Discussion Question # 3

  1.  Where in your life do you need Jesus to be the door

 

 Let me introduce myself 

Jesus is the light of the world

 

Discussion Question # 1

John 8:12-12 (NKJV) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

  1. Who is Jesus to you?

 

Discussion Question # 2

John 8:12-12 (NKJV) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

  1. Tell of a time when you needed more light?
  2. What are your thoughts about abortion and same sex attraction?

 

Discussion Question # 3

Matthew 5:14-14 (NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

 

  1. How comfortable are you inviting people to Church or sharing Christ with others?

 

Discussion Question # 4

John 8:12-12 (NKJV) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

 

  1. Following Jesus implies forsaking other nouns.
  2. How would you rate your commitment to following Jesus. 10 Being Totally committed, 1 being not committed.  How can your group pray for you in this area?

 

Psalms 119:105-105 (NKJV) NUN Your word [is] a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

  1. Brainstorm with your group practical ways to improve following Jesus

 

Discussion Question # 5

John 8:12-12 (NKJV) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

  1. Share ways Jesus is the light of your life!

 

  1. Let Me Introduce Myself

    Jesus is the Bread of Life

    John 6:25–27 (NIV84) 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

     

    Exposure #1 Consumeristic Christianity

    1. Question #1 What type of Christianity do you have?
      1. Do I have a “what am I getting out of this Christianity”
      2. Or do I have Beverly Crawford type of Christianity, if He doesn’t do anything else for me, He’s already done enough!!!

     

    35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

     

    Exposure #2 Spiritual Blindness

    1. Question #2 What level are you functioning on?
      1. The Followers in verse 36
      2. Jonah
      3. 1 Cor. 10:13

     

    John 6:37–40 (NIV84)

    37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”

     

    Exposure #3 True Christianity

     

    1. Question #3 What has taken place in your life that assures you of the authenticity of your Christianity?

     

     

     

  1. I ALWAYS REAP IN A DIFFERENT SEASON THAN I SOW

Ecclesiastes 3:1-5 offers principles for planting. How does the wisdom in this verse help us to be patient when waiting for the fruit of our labor to appear?

  • What would you say to a person who told you that they started tithing a year ago, but still are struggling financially?

 

  1. I ALWAYS REAP MORE THAN I SOW

When we are careful to plant in good soil, what kind of yield can we anticipate, according to Mark 4:8?

  • No matter what people choose to plant, the “law of multiplication” is constant—we always reap more than we sow. This can produce results either negatively or positively. Discuss a time when what you sowed brought you much more than you expected. What kind of fruit did your choice produce?

 

  1. I CAN INCREASE MY HARVEST BY PLANTING MORE SEED

Compare and contrast the behaviors described in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 and Proverbs 11:24. (If possible, read Proverbs 11:24 in The Message paraphrase for a vivid word picture.)

  • “The law of proportion”—we always reap in proportion to what we sow—provides the guideline for anyone who chooses to follow it. How does it make you feel when you live generously?

 

  1. THE TIME TO START PLANTING IS NOW!

Read together Ecclesiastes 11:4, 11:6 and 2 Corinthians 9:10. What do these verses imply about the perfect time to plant?

  • It’s human nature to put things off until we “feel like it.” But what usually happens when we follow that life plan?
  • Who is most impacted by the stingy heart?
  • How can we assess the kinds of seeds we are planting in our lives and relationships?

 

  1. TO REAP THE HARVEST I MUST BE PATIENT AND NOT GIVE UP

Read how Mark 4:26-28 describes the mystery of life that occurs when we plant a seed.

Galatians 6:9 encourage us to persevere in our “farming” efforts with what promise?

  • We’ve all heard that anything worth doing takes time. What happens when we get impatient waiting for results? Share a time in your life when either impatience or patience won the day.

Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) 7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

 Grow Financially

 Leverage The Law

  

  1. EVERYTHING STARTS AS A SEED (POINT #1 In order to leverage the law we must RECOGNIZE POTENTIAL)

What does Genesis 1:11 say about how God created the plants and trees? How did he plan for them to reproduce?

  • The largest redwood tree on our planet is 390 feet tall, but it came from a seed about the size of a piece of sawdust. Name other things that grew big from a small seed.
  • There is infinite potential in a seed. Every idea, dream, achievement in your life began as a small idea that grew. What about your financial life would you like to see grow? How do you start?

 

  1. UNLESS THE SEED IS PLANTED, NOTHING HAPPENS (Point #2: 1 In order to leverage the law we must TREAT YOUR MONEY AS SEED )

What insight does John 12:24 give us regarding the life cycle of a plant?

  • If we buy pumpkin seeds but neglect to plant them, will our field produce? Will complaining about our barren field produce fruit? What basic action must we perform?
  • What happens when we plant the Word of God in our hearts? Give an example from your own life.

 

  1. WHATEVER I SOW IS WHAT I REAP POINT #3: 1 In order to leverage the law we must LIVE IN LIGHT OF THE TRUTH

How does Galatians 6:7 describe the results of seed planting? Can we plant an apple seed and get a tomato?

  • Describe a situation where someone reaped what they sowed in life, both the good and the bad. (These examples can be from the Bible or from someone you have observed.)
  • If we want people to be generous and kind to us, what should we do?
  • A wise person said, “When I have a need, I plant a seed.” Discuss strategies for applying this principle to your finances.

 

  1. I’M NOT THE ONLY SOWER Point #4 1 In order to leverage the law we must SOW forward!

How does John 4:8 encourage us that we are not alone when it comes to sharing God’s message?

  • We drive on roads we did not build. We use computers we did not design. We enjoy freedom because some people before us paid dearly. Name a blessing you have now that someone else worked hard to provide.
  • Discuss what it cost Jesus to purchase our salvation. What did he sow? What blessings do we reap because of what he did?

 

Getting Money Together

  1. Why is finances such a difficult subject in marriage and relationships?
    1. How Does 1 Timothy 1:6 inform this question?
    2. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV84) 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
  2. Do you sacrifice more for money or for God?
  3. Do you view your money as a tool or a goal?
  4. Some of the questions that Dr. Vernon encourages dating couples to ask are some questions that married couples have not asked. With that being said, On a scale of 1-10 married or unmarried how willing are you to face the tough questions and Why?
  5. Kingdom, Kindred, Kindness to the poor.
    1. How well do you ideally align with these Biblical Priorities for money?
    2. How well do you experientially align with these Biblical Priorities for money?
  6. Esteem and Security
    1. In what ways can me offer security to women in relationships
    2. In what ways can women offer esteem to men in relationships
    3. In what ways can we actively draw on these things from God

 

Eliminating Emotional Economics

REMEMBER GOD IS MY SOURCE

In times of economic downturn, we might lose our financial perspective.  Our salary is not our source: our savings aren’t either.  God is your source and his blessings can never be taken away from you. God wants us prosper, however he wants us to do it his way, not ours.

               

Deuteronomy 8:18 tells us that only God gives us the ability to produce wealth.  We must develop the habit of making resources, not wasting them. If we have security in God, why do you think there is so much tension in our lives concerning money?

Christianity says that what is mine is God’s and I’m willing to share it. How can you develop a greater trust in God that facilitates sharing our resources?

Describe what life changes you could make so your life more deeply reflects God as your source.

 

HONOR GOD FIRST

If we love God, we give him honor above everything else.  Our first offering to him should always be the thing we most want God to bless.

 

The Bible describes four actions we can take to put God first.

What does God promise in Proverbs 3:9 –10?

What is the purpose of our giving, as delineated in Deuteronomy 14:23?

According to Malachi 3:10, where (place) should you bring your tithe?

1 Corinthians 16:2 tells us we should put aside some of what we have earned during the week. When should we give?

PLAN MY SPENDING

Read Proverbs 21:5 aloud in your group.  What does this verse say about planning how to spend your money?

If you tell your money where you want it to go, rather than wondering where it all went, what affect might it have on your family?

Discuss in your group ways that you have used or have heard about to help you resist “impulse buying?”

 

What does Proverbs 21:20 say about the wisdom of someone who spends money too quickly?

How have you used a budget in the past? What have been the obstacles to having a budget “work” for you?

If our goal is to be debt-free, we need to know four things about our finances: what we own, what we owe, what we earn and where it’s going. Discuss in your group which one of the four is the most difficult to identify.  Talk about why you think that is so, AND how a budget would help you to avoid future debt. 

 

KEEP GOOD RECORDS

Proverbs 27:23-24 suggests that you should keep track of your “flocks and herds.”  What would that mean for your family, in today’s economy?

Take a few minutes in your group to discuss ways that you have found to be successful in understanding the state of your finances.

What would be the consequences of not knowing the extent of your debt and your financial assets?

 

What do Proverbs 21:5 and Proverbs 23:5 say about keeping a grip on your money?

If money can disappear so quickly, as the Bible says in both of these verses, what would be the benefit of keeping good track of your resources?

What do you think that these verses imply about getting easy credit, or even using credit cards?

 

SET UP A REPAYMENT PLAN

Read what Proverbs 3:27 and Romans 3:18 say about debt.

Discuss some of the common causes of debt. Does it usually happen overnight?

Why is it a bad idea to take out a loan to buy items like cars? What can we do instead?

What happens when we make only minimum payments on our bills?

Talk about practical steps anyone can take for paying down debt and eventually becoming debt free.

 

SAVE MONEY WISELY

Read Proverbs 21:20 aloud in your group.  What does this verse say about the character of a man who chooses not to save for the future?

Since the Bible tells us to save money, why do you think many Christians have difficulty making a commitment to save on a regular basis?

If you are working hard to earn a living, and not saving, you are working for money. How could saving cause money to work for you?

 

How does Ecclesiastes 11:2 suggest that you should invest your resources?  For what reason?

Has there been a time in the past when you were grateful that you had money saved because of an unexpected event in your life?

If you were to get a raise right now, say of $1000 a month, what would be the kinds of things you might be tempted to do with the extra cash? Read Proverbs 13:11.  For what things might you instead be better advised to save?  What would be the benefit of making that choice?