Week of 2/11/16

LIFE GROUP

WEEK 8

KINGDOM IDENTITY

THEME: Outward action is a direct overflow of inward intention

PREPERATION:

·      Matthew 5:2-11 – Postures of our heart and the promised Kingdom

·      Matthew 5:13-16 – Our identity & mission

·      Matthew 5:17-48 – Radical Righteousness

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1.        How does Matthew 5:2-11 set us up for a right understanding of life in the Kingdom

2.        In reading Matthew 5:13 – 16, what is our identity and how does that flow into our mission?

a.         Identity: Salt of the earth, light of the world

b.        Mission: Preserve the earth, bring light to darkness

3.        In reading Matthew 5:17-48, how can you accomplish all that Jesus talks about?

FINAL DISCUSSION QUESTION:

1.        How does Matthew 5:2-48 translate into our every day mission?

a.         What does this mean for your family, work, neighborhood?

Week of 1/21/16

Life Group
WEEK 6

The Sermon on the Mount

THEME: I’m way up…I feel blessed

READING FOR PREPARATION:

·       “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5.3)

·       “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matt 5.4)

·       “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt 5.5)

·       “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matt 5.6)

·       “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matt 5.7)

·       “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt 5.8)

·       “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matt 5.9)

·       “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5.10)

·       “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt 5.11-12)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. 1What does Matthew 4.23 say Jesus was doing? How does this set the stage for 5.3-12?
2. What was the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12? What promise is made by Jesus in Matthew 5? How do we receive this promise (Matt 5.20; Rom 3.21-25)
3. What are the realities of the kingdom of heaven that are portrayed in the Sermon on the Mount? Where else do we see these promises in scripture?

FINAL DISCUSSION:

What does it look like for us to live in the blessed reality of the kingdom of God?

Week of 11/5/15

LIFE GROUP
WEEK 5

REDEMPTION THROUGH ABRAHAM

THEME: When God blessed Abraham he blessed the world and those blessings where fulfilled through Jesus Christ and are now applied to those of us who are in Christ, living empowered by the Spirit.

Reading for Preparation:

• The Story of Abram to Abraham: Genesis 12:1-9, Genesis 15:1-21, Genesis 17:1-14
• Implications for us today: Galatians 3:7-9, John 8:56
• How should this affect our thoughts, character & life: Genesis 15:1-6, Romans 4:23-25

Song for meditation & worship: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lH2IJEY1sY

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What stands out from reading passages in Genesis 12, 15 & 17?

a.  What does God’s covenant w/ Abraham reeal to us about God?

b.What does God’s covenant w/ Abraham reveal to us about God’s plan of redemption?

c. How have you seen the pattern of the redemption in your own life?

• In Genesis 15, God made it clear that his promises to Abraham were not dependent on Abraham.  How should this affect the way we think about God’s plan of redemption?
• What is the significance of God creating a people for himself?  What did God want to accomplish through this “Great Nation” He promised to form?
• What implications does God’s promise have for us today? 
• Why does the New Testament make a big deal about Abraham’s faith? Romans 4:23-2

FINAL DISCUSSION QUESTION:

• Genesis 12:2 – “I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.”

a.      In blessing Abraham, God was intentionally seeking to bless the world.  In thinking about how God has blessed you through Jesus and given us His Spirit today, what does that mean for our life?

b.     What does it mean for you to bless the world with the way you love, live and respond in every situation?