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's one thing you're looking forward to in the next month?

 

A way to pray: Pray for an increased humility and peace in our lives. Ask the Lord to help us support each other well in this area of our Christian walk.

 

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: How does our view of God relate to our levels of humility and anxiety? What do verses 10-11 make me feel?
• Being Transformed: Where in my own life would I like to see greater humility or less anxiety? What's one step I can take right now?
• Loving Others: What does it look like to lead others humbly? How does Jesus model this? How can I?
• Pursuing Unity: What are some practical ways we can love and encourage each other as Christ followers? How does this affect us when we're suffering?

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: Read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3:13-27 (read full chapter for more context if you wish). What emotions does the story stir in you? What is important about verse 18?

A way to pray: Based on what is shared in the group discussion below, pray for each other to grow in how we respond to suffering...that the way we suffer would cause those around us to ask about the hope that enables us to handle suffering well (see 1 Peter 3:15).

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: How does suffering reveal what really matters most to us? How does treasuring God help us in our suffering?
• Being Transformed: What does it mean to rejoice as we share in Christ’s sufferings? What does it look like practically to trust our Creator and do good even when we suffer?
• Loving Others: Why would our sin against others (e.g. murder/anger, stealing/envy, doing evil, and meddling) cause suffering not just for them but also for us? Why is this kind of suffering to be avoided?
• Pursuing Unity: How can suffering draw us closer to Christ and to one another? How can we help each other suffer in a way that is good for us and honors God?

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: Share about a time you experienced hospitality or good service, such as at a restaurant, auto place, hotel, etc. What did you appreciate about it?

A way to pray: Pray for one another and our church family to really serve one another and our community well, especially as we seek to be a witness for the gospel and see God use us to draw 2000 people to himself by 2022.

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: Why is God's future judgment something we can look forward to, particularly in times of suffering?
• Being Transformed: Why would we choose not to join unbelievers in their self-indulgent lifestyle?
• Loving Others: What are some ways I enjoy showing God's love to others?
• Pursuing Unity: What are some practical examples of showing hospitality to one another and serving one another within the body of Christ?

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 are 2 blessings you're enjoying in your life right now?

A way to pray: Pray for each other to handle suffering in a hopeful way. Ask God to use our hope-filled lives to help draw 2000 people by 2022 into a growing relationship with Him.

For discussion:

• Treasuring God: How is suffering a pathway to blessing?
• Being Transformed: What would cause people around us to ask for a reason for our hope? What step can I take right now to move my life in that direction?
• Loving Others: How did Jesus avoid repaying "evil for evil or reviling for reviling"? (See also 1 Peter 2:21-25.) How does He help us do the same?
• Pursuing Unity: How does suffering help Christians grow in loving each other as brothers and sisters? What might this look like practically?