Oct. 7 - God in a Box (1 Sm. 4)

First listen to the sermon (posts Sun. afternoon). Then use the ideas below to help you and your group apply what the Lord is teaching you.

Icebreaker idea: What is one of your most prized possessions right now? How would you feel if you lost it?

A way to pray: Pray for each other's growth based on the things shared in the group discussion time (see below).

Talk It Over:

• Treasuring God: What are some ways Israel has failed to treasure God in the story so far? How might that connect to them treating Him as a trophy?

• Being Transformed: What are some ways we put God in a box or treat Him as a trophy today? How can we avoid (or stop) doing these sorts of things?

• Loving Others: Who in my life needs to experience God's presence? How can I bring Jesus' presence to them practically through my words/actions?

• Pursuing Unity: How does God's presence with us bring unity in His family today? What helps me sense His presence?