Zechariah 1:7-21

Grow:

• For a helpful overview of the book of Zechariah,  watch this video.

• When life feels particularly chaotic, unjust, or hopeless, where do you naturally seek comfort or answers? Journal your reflections.

Share:

• What is your typical response to injustice? What tangible step can you take to counter injustice around you this week?

• Jesus brought justice through humility and sacrifice rather than force. How can you imitate him in your relationships this week?

Connect:

• Why does God often choose to bring justice through humble “craftsmen” rather than raw power?

• God is the source of hope, peace, and justice. Which of these do you need right now? How can we best point each other back to God in our current situations?

• •  Explore Zechariah 2:1-13 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Matt. 4:2-4, 6:16-18, 9:14-17

Grow:

• Dig into the idea of fasting a bit further on this interactive page.

• For practical tips on what it looks like to fast, read this article.

Share:

• In what ways does fasting help me focus on loving God and others better?

• How is fasting a tangible way to share my grief, longing, and desperate need before the Lord?

Connect:

• How can we reconcile the wisdom of practicing spiritual disciplines (like fasting) with the fulfilled covenant freedom we have in Christ?

• What practical ways can we support one another as we practice fasting?

• •  Explore Zechariah 1:7-21 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Isaiah 58:1-10

Grow:

• For helpful insights on biblical fasting, watch this BibleProject video.

• Consider what Isaiah 58:1-10 teaches us about the difference between religious practice and true worship. Consider this for your own life.

Share:

• Do you truly desire for your heart to be more aligned with God’s? Consider what role fasting might play in pursuing that desire.

• What are you doing to encourage your love for others? What is one new practice you can try this week to increase your love for others?

Connect:

• What has been your experience with fasting? Have you done it before, what did it reveal? If not, what has kept you from this practice?

• Where would you say your heart is in relation to God’s? How can we spur one another on towards pursuing better alignment with Him?

• Explore Matt.4:1-11, 6:16-21, 9:14-17, Acts 13:1-3 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Zechariah 1:1-6

Grow:

• To better understand the book of Zechariah, watch this video.

• Zechariah repeatedly refers to God as the “Lord of hosts.” Learn more about this title for God, in this article.

Share:

• How can I model repentance in my relationships so others might see firsthand what “returning to God” looks like?

• Who in my life needs to hear God’s invitation to “return” to Him? How can I lovingly share that message?

Connect:

• How do I typically respond when God convicts me? Do I harden my heart or turn back to Him?

• Where might I be resisting God’s call to “return” fully to Him? How we can encourage one another toward “returning”?

• Explore Lev. 23:26-32, 2 Sam. 12:17-23, Esther 4:3-16, Neh. 1:2-4, Isa. 58:1-12 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.