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.

Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 12:29-31, Matt. 22:37-40

Grow:

• For helpful context to the greatest commandment (known as the Shema), watch this Bible Project video.

• Do the things I make time for line up with what I say is most important to me? What changes could I start to make to be more aligned?

• For further study, explore the Bible passages in the sermon notes to the left that we didn’t read as part of the sermon (the ones in italics).

Share:

• To love God is to love your neighbor. What’s one tangible way I can show love to my “neighbor” this week?In what new way do you sense God is calling you to view/use your money?

• What intentional step can I take this week to share my life with fellow believers – and invite them to do the same?

Connect:

• What is currently keeping me from being the person of love Jesus calls us to be? (busyness? offense? etc.?)

• How can we encourage and challenge one another to fight for meaningful community this year?

• Explore Zechariah 1:1-6 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

2 Corinthians 8:9-14, 9:6-7

Chapter Reflection:

• What is the “good news” from this passage?

• How does this passage inform how I view and praise Jesus?

• Has the Holy Spirit revealed to me an area of repentance I need to pursue?

Discussion:

• What was most challenging to you from today’s message?

• In what new way do you sense God is calling you to view/use your money?

• How can we help one another embody the truths we have heard and considered this week?

Resources:

• Jesus’ teaching on money from BibleProject..

• 7 Things Jesus Said About Money article.

• The Treasure Principle – a quick but meaningful read on becoming a joyful giver.

• MoneyWise – A 6-session small group study on RightNow Media, to help you become a better steward. (To sign up for a FREE RightNow Media account, text “npberean” to 49775.)