We-Harmony

  1. Describe an activity that you thought would be great fun (like an evening out or a vacation) that you planned in advance in detail, but everything that could go wrong did.

 

Read: Philippians 2:1-11

  1. What two essential behaviors are discussed in these verses that are at the root of happiness? What specifically did Jesus do that exemplified these behaviors? How many examples did you find?

 

  1. After reading v.2 one more time, what are the four different kinds of harmony identified in this verse? Which of these do you find easy to embrace in your relationships and how you feel about them? Which ones do you have a more difficult time with? What could you do to develop these?

 

  1. Galatians 5:19-21 says: “Our self-indulgent nature shows itself…in conflict, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, causing divisions among people and the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group.” In light of these verses, consider your own life and relationships and any recent conflicts you have experienced. Did you consider your own self-indulgent nature as a contributing factor to the conflict? Talk about how our human nature destroys our harmony. Talk about how this impacts your happiness and the happiness of others.

 

  1. After reading v.3 again, think about what is meant by “giving more honor to others than to yourself” (NCV). If you went through a full day with this as the theme of your day, would you do anything different? Would your interactions with others be different? When someone shows that they value you, how do you respond to them?

 

  1. Read v.9-11 again and reflect on how God the Father has exalted Jesus? What is the significance of this? What effect does our full realization of Christ’s eternal position in heaven have on our beliefs and actions on earth today? What will our reward on earth and in heaven be for this?

 

  1. Jesus modeled harmony and humility. Describe how you will model these in your life. What makes this difficult?

 

  1. What one thing from this brief study do you sense God saying to you? How can you apply it to your life this week?

Identity: Knowing Whose I Am

1. Describe a time when you were in a difficult or painful situation. How did your perspective on the situation affect your experience, your attitude, or how you responded?

Read: Philippians 1:1-11

2. How would you describe Paul’s perspective in these verses? What emotions does he express toward them? What impacts you about Paul calling the believers “saints”? Do you see yourself as a saint? Why or why not? How does this affect your identity / how you see yourself and live your life?

3. Paul says the Philippian believers are his partners in the gospel. What might he mean?

4. What does Paul mean when he says God will complete the good work He began in them? What is God’s role? What is the believer’s role in this “good work”? How are you experiencing this joint venture in Christ-like character formation / spiritual growth in your daily life? Where are you being intentional? Where could you be more intentional?

5. Paul insists his feelings toward the Philippians are right or appropriate. Why does he have to clarify this? How does Paul explain or defend his positive perspective toward them?

6. How might God’s grace help someone suffer for, defend and confirm the gospel?

7. Paul desires the Philippian believers’ love to abound more and more with knowledge and discernment. How might a lack of knowledge and discernment hinder them from abounding in love?

8. What do we learn about Paul’s perspective on life from his prayer?

9. From this whole passage, how has Paul’s experience of Christ shaped his perspective on life?

10. Think of the Christians that know you best. What in your life would cause them to thank God, rejoice, and have confidence that God is at work in your life?

11. In what ways do you see a lack of good perspective keeping you from abounding in love for God, or for others? Where might you lack healthy perspective in this season of life?

12. What one thing from this brief study do you sense God is saying to you? How can you apply it to your life this week?

How to Get the Most from God’s Word

In order to understand the meaning of a passage of scripture, we need to keep in mind some basic principles of interpretation. These principles will not only lead us to understanding the passage of scripture we’re looking at, but will lead us to personal application, to live what we’re learning. Let’s take a closer look at some words of Jesus from John 14 (NIV):

“18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

  1. Understanding a passage of scripture starts with considering its historical context, for example, who is speaking and who is being spoken to? Why? Describe the scene in which Jesus speaks these words (remember, John 13 to 17 are Jesus’ final words of comfort to his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion). The apostles did not know these were Christ’s final hours on earth. How do you think the significance of Jesus’ message in these verses changed after his resurrection?

 

  1. In v.18, Jesus says: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” What does the word “orphan” mean in this verse? In Christ’s day, orphans were often neglected, destitute of comfort and prey to their environment. Why is it important that Christ tell the disciples they are not orphans? How does the promise that Christ will come to us bring you comfort?

 

  1. Another principle of understanding scripture includes interpreting unclear verses with clear ones. Look at v.19 above. As you search the surrounding verses as well as the context of verse 19, see if you can find a clear verse that would help you to understand what Jesus meant when he said that the world would not see him, but they would. Talk about what it must have meant to the disciples when they heard these words. What fear might they have experienced? When you looked at the surrounding verses to help explain this verse, what promise or comfort did you find?

 

  1. Another important principle of interpreting a text is letting the text speak for itself. Read v.21 above again. Put this verse into your own words. What actions reveal that someone loves Jesus? What promise does Jesus make to those who love him?

 

  1. Christ not only wants us to have an ongoing relationship with him, but also obey his commandments. How can you obey his commandments out of love rather than a sense of duty?

 

  1. What is one thing from this brief study that you sense God is saying to you? How can you apply it to your life this week?

Power to Change

God spoke this world into existence. Such is the power of His word. In John 6:33, Jesus tells us that the words He spoke are spirit and life. His Word is living and active. That is the power of the Word of God, and that is the power that all those who have a living faith in Jesus have available to them.

 

  1. Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I wish I would _______” or “I wish I wouldn’t _______”? If you could change one or two things about your character, what would they be?

 

  1. Hebrews 4:12: “The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Which word of this verse stands out to you? Share some examples of how you’ve seen God’s Word living and active in your life. How has it affected your character? How has it affected your thoughts and attitudes? How has it changed you?

 

  1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV): “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Substitute your own name for “the man of God” in this verse and read it to yourself several times. How does this exercise personalize God’s promise for you? What “good work” has God’s Spirit brought to your mind?

 

  1. John 8:31-32 (NASB): “If you continue in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” Put these verses in your own words. How would applying this verse change you?

 

  1. John 13:17 (NIV): “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” It has been said that, “We’re not blessed for knowing the Bible – we’re blessed for doing the Bible.” Spend a moment and consider some ways you can do the Bible. What has God’s Spirit brought to mind that you can live out this week?

 

  1. Mark 12:24 (LB): “Jesus said ‘Your trouble is that you don’t know the Scriptures.’” According to this verse, how might believers avoid some of their problems in life? What are some of the ways that God helps believers through the Scriptures?

 

  1. Psalm 119:105 (NIV): “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” This verse was written at a time when people typically used oil lamps that often only gave enough light to take the next step. Why do you think it is important for believers to walk in the light they have without delay?
  2. What have you sensed God saying to you through this study? What are you going to do about it?

Why I Can Trust God’s Word

The Bible was not only the first printed book, but it is also the most translated, sold and read book of all time. God Himself breathed His very words into human minds and through human hands onto scrolls. Although it took over 1600 years, 40 authors from diverse backgrounds and lifestyles, and three languages to write, it contains a unified single message: the redemption of humankind by Jesus Christ.

 

  1. Share a story about your first encounter with the Bible. What passage of Scripture or what story do you first remember reading or impacting you?

 

  1. Psalm 12:6 (NIV): “The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay and purified seven times!” God took great care to preserve His words and protect the Bible from eradication. How can this passage make you feel confident about the trustworthiness of the Bible?

 

  1. How can the purity of the Bible and its unified message improve your relationship with God?

 

  1. Knowing the care God put into protecting the Bible and maintaining its message, talk about how its truth can motivate you to expand your biblical knowledge.

 

  1. Luke 11:28 (NLT): “Jesus replied, ‘But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’” Jesus believed the Bible was true and commanded us to trust His Word. What does this verse say we are to do once we hear the Word of God? Why is this so essential in making our faith real to ourselves and others?

 

  1. Jesus came to bring God’s message of salvation to people who have lost hope. How does putting the Word of God into practice help you stop being a slave to your own desires?

 

  1. Talk about one area in your life the Holy Spirit may be prompting you to change. What action steps are necessary? How can others help you in this process? Who can you invite to come alongside of you?

 

  1. Romans 12:2 (NIV): “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” What specific things can you do to transform our minds? Is there an attitude you need change?

 

  1. What have you sensed God saying to you through this study? What are you going to do about it?

 

Paying It Forward

1. Share a story about a time when you were a child and you bought or made a special gift for a parent or loved one. How did it make them feel?

2. Proverbs 10:16 (NLT): “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.” How does this verse recommend we use our money? How do people squander their money? On Sunday, we talked about investing in eternity through investing in personal, spiritual growth. What are some practical ways we can invest in our character?

3. Proverbs 23:23 (CEV): “Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don’t part with them.” When we are told to buy and hold onto truth, God is reminding us not to forsake His truth for any worldly benefit. What are some ways you have seen people abandon the truth? 2 Peter 3:18 (LB): “But grow in spiritual strength and become better acquainted with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We are to strive to know Christ more fully to become more like Him. What routines and rhythms would help you become more like Christ?

4. Hebrews 10:24 urges us to think of ways to encourage one another with outbursts of love and good deeds. How can you do that very practically this week? When we use our resources to build relationships with other believers, it reveals we are in God’s family, promotes unity and is a witness to those who don’t yet believe. What can we do to strengthen unity? How could the way we treat fellow believers impact a non-believer?

5. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (MSG): “Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.” What does this say about serving others? What are some practical reasons to serve today? Why is it important to allow God to use us to help those in need? How can you live this out this week? How do these actions reveal the character of God?

6. Luke 16:9 (NIV): “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” What eternal investment can we make with our material resources? What kind of welcome might believers who have invested in others expect to receive later in heaven? How do you think those who have led others to faith in Christ might be greeted in heaven by those they have helped save?

7. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:13 (GN), “And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.” How do you think God views believers’ generosity to missions to spread the Good News of Christ? How have you spread the Good News in your community through generosity and sharing? What is God nudging you to do?

8. Proverbs 3:9 (LB) declares: “Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of your income and he will fill your barns…and overflow your barrels.” How does giving God a tenth of your income increase your dependence on Him? How does this show the importance God has in your life? God specifically says that He wants the first part of your income. Why do you think He asks that you pay Him first? Would a God who accepts a few scraps tossed at the end of the month be worth serving?

Breaking Free Financially

1. Share a story of a time you tried to break a bad habit or develop a good one. How did it go?

2. 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 believes 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.

3. Why is it that some people have a difficult time with making money honestly and instead are drawn to get-rich-quick schemes? Proverbs 16:11 states, “The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard.” Whether you are in business or not, how can you display fairness in your dealings with every individual?

4. 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 outlined 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?

5. Read Proverbs 21:20. What does this verse say about the character of the person who chooses not to save for the future? Since the Bible tells us to save money, why do you think some believers 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?

6. 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? What are the consequences of not knowing the full extent of your financial picture?

7. Read Proverbs 21:5. 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? How have you used a budget in the past? What have been the obstacles to having a budget “work” for you?

8. What do Proverbs 3:27 and Romans 3:18 say about debt? Discuss some of the common causes of debt. Does it usually happen overnight? Talk about practical steps anyone can take for paying down debt and eventually becoming debt free.

9. What advice does Proverbs 16:3 offer and what does it promise as a result? What is out of control debt likely to indicate about us? Most of us do things out of order when it comes to money: We first spend it; then worry about it; then repay it; then save it; and finally give it. Discuss what you think God’s order might be.

10. Those who seek to model a Christian life must learn discipline in every area—from food to study to finances. How has this lesson impressed you to work toward a debt free financial life?

Choosing Contentment

1. How would you describe people who are not satisfied with what they have and direct their energies to always acquiring more? How have you seen that sort of behaviour affect others?

2. If there were such a thing as a “contentment-o-meter” that measured your level of contentment in life – zero being low, ten being high – what would it be indicating in your life right now? Where in your life are you content? Where are you discontent?

3. What have you learned in your journey are some significant steps you can take to being content in life?

4. In 2 Corinthians 2:12b (LB) we read: “Their trouble is that they are only comparing themselves with each other and measuring themselves against their own little ideas.” What are some problems that arise in our hearts when we compare ourselves to others?

5. Exodus 20:17 reads: “Do not desire another man’s house; do not desire his wife, his slaves, his cattle, his donkeys, or anything else that he owns.” Why is coveting included in the 10 Commandments along with prohibitions against murder, adultery and other grievous sins? How would you define covetousness?

6. In Ecclesiastes 5:19 (GN) we read: “If God gives us wealth and property and lets us enjoy them, we should be grateful and enjoy what we have worked for. It is a gift from God.” What is our attitude toward what we own supposed to be? What does it mean that everything we have is a gift from God? How does that perspective change our attitude toward what we don’t have?

7. 1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT) says: “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” How does our attitude toward our wealth affect how we live and the decisions we make? What does it mean “not to trust in their money”?

8. In Luke 12:15 (NLT), Jesus said: “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Why are we to guard against greed in our lives? What does it do to us? Why is materialism so destructive to our spiritual lives?

9. What two things does the author of the prayer in Proverbs 30:7-9 (NLT) ask for? “O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.” Why does the author not want poverty? Why does he not want riches?

10. What are the readers to fix their attention on as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)? “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” What unseen things should have a priority in our lives? How does someone make eternal values a priority?

11. Ask yourself, “What do I think about most?” or “What am I living for?” Are you going to live for the Master, or are you going to live for money?

Dollars and Sense

1. Who taught you how to manage money? What were some foundational principles you learned from them? Do you feel you are financially healthy right now? Why or why not? What would you change if you could? How is God being honored in how you are handling your finances?

Read: Matthew 25:14-30
2. Who owned the wealth or property described in v.14? In this parable, who does the man going on a journey represent, and who do the servants represent? Why might it be challenging for some to accept the concept that all our possessions belong to God?

3. According to v.15, what process did the man going on a journey use to decide how to allocate his money? In the story, each servant received a different amount, but each servant received something. In what ways is this an analogy to our lives today if we consider that the servants in this story represent us? What does it mean to be a steward of what God has entrusted to you?

4. In v.19-20, what objective does the master of the servants have? Who does the servant in v.24-25 blame for his behaviour? What are current examples of people blaming other individuals or institutions for their own failures? How are you impacted by the fact that God will hold you accountable for how you stewarded His resources?

5. What does v.27 reveal about the master’s expectation of the servant with regard to stewarding his (the master’s) money? What are we really doing when we “bury” something? When we think of the three servants, which one is more likely to do nothing with what God gave him? Why do you think that is so? Do we have to be a superstar to make a contribution with our talents? What problems do you see with “playing it safe”? Why do so many sit on the sidelines?

6. In v.25, what reason did the third servant give for not investing the master’s money? Why is fear the opposite of faith? What are some manifestations of fear in our lives? What happens when we give in to fear? Talk about the kind of fears that can bury our talents. How can we move against those fears? What was the master’s reaction to the third servant in v.28-29?

7. We’ve all the heard the expression that if we don’t use it, we’ll lose it. It’s a universal law. How is the story of the third servant an example of that truth? Why do you think some people seem to get less and less in life? What does God promise us in Hebrews 13:21?

8. As a reward for their wise management of his resources, the master offered the first two servants affirmation, promotion, and celebration (v.21). Why do you think both these servants earned the same reward? How does this verse encourage you to be a better steward of all that God has given you?

When You Need Direction

1. Who taught you how to pray? Describe how that happened. When did prayer first become your own conversation with God? Describe what prayer means to you today and what role it plays in your life.

Read: Daniel 9:1-19

2. What moves Daniel to pray as he does? What clues do Jeremiah 25:1-14 and 29:10-14 provide? What role does reading the Bible play in how you pray?

3. Take a closer look at v.3. Describe briefly a challenge you are currently facing in your life. How could seeking God provide an answer to the situation? Talk about some ways you could focus more intently on God when you go to Him in prayer.

4. What is the modern-day equivalent to putting on sackcloth and ashes? Have you ever fasted and prayed for something? Why or why not? How did God answer your prayers when you fasted?

5. Daniel talks about pleading with God in prayer…he engaged his emotions when he prayed. Why is it important to incorporate our emotions when we pray? How does strong emotion convey the seriousness of what we’re praying about?

6. Why is it important to humbly confess our sins in prayer? When you pray, what does humility look like to you? How might the discipline of kneeling down during prayer, or lifting your eyes or arms to the heavens, or lying prostrate on the floor, etc. assist you in praying?

7. If many of our problems are caused because we didn’t seek God first, reflect on a time when you ignored God when making an important decision. What was that time like? How did God’s absence make you feel? What did you learn about God? What did you learn about yourself?

8. Read Jeremiah 50:4-5. Why is it important that we pray together as a community of believers? What are some benefits to praying with fellow believers?

9. How have you sensed God speaking to you through this study? What are you going to do about it?

Fuel for the Journey

1. Share a memorable story of when you or someone you know ran out of fuel while driving / mowing the lawn / barbequing / using a snow blower, etc. What stands out to you about that experience?

2. We often don’t change when we see the light – we first need to feel the heat…we won’t change until we feel enough pain. Why do you think many of us continue to live an overloaded, stressed-out life? Why don’t we get fed up with it and make needed changes in our life rhythms?

3. Jesus said: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)

What did Jesus have in mind when He said, “Come to me”? What actions are needed for us to “come to Jesus”? How is this different from society’s solution to getting rest?

4. Describe how being yoked to Jesus could lighten a load you are carrying.

5. Describe how being yoked to Jesus might help you live life at a healthier pace.

6. What is it that you feel Jesus is teaching you at this point in your journey? What do you sense is an area you need to do some growing in your spiritual journey right now?

7. What is the difference between getting physical rest and getting rest for your soul? How are they linked?

8. What is significant about Jesus saying that He is gentle and humble at heart? Why would this give you rest for your soul?

9. How would staying connected to your church family lighten the load in your life?

10. How have you sensed God speaking to you through this study? What are you going to do about it?

Fruitful Living

1. Spiritually, what plant best describes where you’re at in your journey right now: Tumbleweed? Crab apple tree? Weeping willow? Towering oak? Other? Explain.

2. Jesus said: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8 NIV). How does Jesus say we are to show that we are His disciples? Who is glorified when we do this?

3. Jesus: “You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last!” (John 15:16 NIV). Who chose whom according to this verse? For what purpose did Jesus say He chose us? How long is this fruit to last?

4. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) reads: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Talk about how you’ve experienced (or not experienced) the truth of this verse in your life.

5. Colossians 2:6 (Philipps) says: “Just as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so go on living in him—in simple faith. Grow out of him as a plant grows out of the soil it is planted in, becoming more and more sure of the faith as you were taught it, and your lives will overflow with joy and thankfulness.” And in Psalm 1:2-3 (TEV) we read: “They find joy in obeying the Law of the Lord, and they study it day and night. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” Based on these verses, discuss what you would tell a new believer God says in His word about the secret of growing deep roots? Share some examples from your life or the life of someone you know who lives out what these scriptures say.

6. Jesus said in John 12:24-25 (NASB): “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life will lose it…” What does this verse say will happen if you give your life to Christ – and what will happen if you don’t? How does a grain of wheat bear much fruit? How do we lose our life in Christ and bear much fruit?

7. Jesus said in John 15:5 (NIV): “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. But apart from me you can do nothing.’” What do you do to abide (remain connected to) Jesus? Discuss your experience of bearing fruit in Christ and contrast it with the experience of trying to bear fruit apart from Him. Give an example of a time in your life when it was hard to wait for the fruit and the impact your fear and doubt had on the waiting.

8. How have you sensed God speaking to you through this study? What are you going to do about it?

Leaving Life in the Fast Lane

1. How are you feeling about the pace of your life right now? Do feel you have established healthy rhythms in your life, taking into consideration work-life balance, time to nurture your spiritual journey and time set aside to serve others, as well as time for recreation and for friends? Why or why not?

2. Too many people today feel that the pace of their lives is too fast. Always being in a hurry harms us physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Discuss how hurry has affected you and how it has hurt those you love.

3. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11 (NIV): “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance.” What drives people to push so hard in life? While ambition is not necessarily unhealthy, it can drive us to feel discontented. What are some unhealthy ambitions? What is the secret of being content?

4. If you were to make a “life’s priorities” list or a “what matters most” list for your life, what would be on it? How can you use this list to help you discern when to say “yes” and when to say “no”?

5. In Exodus 20:9-10 (TEV) we read: “You have six days in which to do your work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me.” Jesus said (Matthew 11:29 Msg): “Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” Why is rest and relaxation so important that it is one of the Ten Commandments? How might you establish a weekly Sabbath? What are we to learn by walking with Jesus?
6. We talk about needing to trust God, but we don’t always think about trusting His timing. We can easily grow impatient and try to fulfill God’s promise ourselves. Discuss the fine line between trusting God and trusting God’s timing with our role in fulfilling God’s promises in our lives.

7. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus (5:1-2 GNT): “Since you are God’s dear children, you must try to be like him. Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave his life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God.” In trying to move from living an overloaded, hurried, stressed-out life to one that has a healthy rhythm to it, ask, “What is the loving thing to do here?” How can asking that question help you slow down? What do we learn from Jesus’ example in these verses?

8. How have you sensed God speaking to you through this study? What are you going to do about it?

Making Room for Life

1. In what way(s) are you feeling overloaded right now? Why? What do you think you could do to make your schedule, the rhythm of your life, more manageable? Give a couple of examples.

2. How does our culture get us to think we have no limits in our lives and activities?

3. Read Ecclesiastes 4:8. Give examples of things that drive some people to overload in life?

4. What are some warning lights in your life that indicate to you that you are reaching your limits?

5. Read Exodus 23:12. God tells us to rest one day a week. Why does that seem so hard to do at times? What would taking a day for rest and spiritual refreshment look like for you? What kind of an effect do you think it would have in your life?

6. Why is it that the faster you go, the more margin you need?

7. What’s the wisdom behind regularly evaluating your commitments?

8. How would having more space in your schedule enhance your relationship with God?

9. What are the benefits of living with margin in your life?

10. What are some things (of the things you are wrestling with right now) that are causing you to feel overloaded? What changes would give your life more “room”?

11. Sometimes the commitments we make and the activities we participate in can become idols in our life that we hang on to. Is there an idol or two that could be cut from your schedule or your budget?

Longing for God Knows What

1. If you could take any kind of journey or trip right now, where would you go? Why?

2. Describe a very powerful encounter you had with God during a time of personal or corporate worship? What made it so?

Read Psalm 84:

3. What longing is the writer of this psalm highlighting in v.1-2?

4. How would you rate your longing for God right now on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high)? Why?

5. Why does the Psalmist mention the birds in v.3?

6. How does vs.5-8 point toward a journey of dependence and surprise? What is the importance of having one’s heart “set” on journeying toward God when going through life’s valleys? Why do we have a tendency to want to avoid life’s valleys? How can they be transformative?

7. What’s unusual about “going from strength to strength” on a journey? How and why can that happen in life?

8. Who is the “shield” and “anointed one” referred to in v.9? What’s the significance of the psalmist’s prayer here? What does that mean for us today?

9. What could be so good about being in the Temple courts (v.10-12)? What keeps it from getting repetitious? What do these verses say about what it means to be content in life?

10. Whose walk is blameless? How can our walk be blameless today?

11. What is it that you really want in life? What have you sensed God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?

Forgiveness

1. Do you ever remember getting caught with your “hand in the cookie jar” as a child? As an adult? What happened in each instance?

2. Has covering up sin ever backfired in your life? How have you experienced God’s mercy when you owned up to your sin?

Read: 2 Samuel 11

3. In what ways did King David sin in the Bathsheba affair?

4. In view of King David’s arrogance, adultery, deception and murder, how does he dare approach God? What does he feel?

Read: Psalm 51

5. According to Jewish law, murder is a capital crime as is adultery (Deuteronomy 22:22). Since such sins deeply affect the lives of others, what is the meaning of v.4? What does this reveal about the nature of sin?

6. If God created all things “good,” why does humankind sin (see Romans 5:12-14)?

7. After acknowledging his sin and waywardness, what does King David ultimately ask God to do (v.7-12)? What is the significance of King David asking to be cleansed?

8. How does King David hope to escape God’s wrath (v.13-17)? On what basis does he hope for a restored relationship with God?

9. Why would King David end his prayer to include the nation he leads (v.18-19)? What does this indicate about the nature of sin?

10. Are there really ever any “victimless crimes”? How does our sin affect God? Ourselves? Others? Society?

11. Are you more sensitive to sin and brokenness in yourself as a believer than beforehand? Why? Describe the power of receiving God’s forgiveness and being restored to a right relationship with Him.

The Heart of Worship

What was the most difficult hike or climb you’ve ever participated in? How did you prepare for it?

How would you describe what worship means to a friend with no Christian background? What form of worship do you connect with best? How do you prepare for worship?

Read: Psalm 24

What verses in this Psalm point to a procession into the city (see 2 Sam. 6 and 1 Chr. 15)? How would bringing the ark into Jerusalem have been a significant event in the life of the people of Israel? What did this event signify?

What does David underline about God in v.1-2? What does it mean to you that as your Creator, God has a claim upon your life? How does what David says in v.1-2 relate to his question and answer in v.3-4?

What is meant by “clean hands” and “pure heart” (v.4)?

What is stressed about God in v.7-10?

What three names would you give God from this Psalm?

Worshiping God as the sovereign, universal King is no small thing and requires proper preparation. How might you better prepare for corporate worship this week?

Worship is something we must really desire to do. Have you ever asked yourself what it is you really want in life? What is it?

What modern “idols” tempt us to live for them instead of the true God? What does God’s reign call you to be and do?

Have you allowed God entrance into your life? Why or why not? Is He reigning as your sovereign King? If not, why not?