RECALCULATING: How to respond when chaos and confusion take over your life (2 Samuel 6)

Understanding the Text

What was David’s goal in this passage? What was he trying to accomplish?

How did David and the people initially treat the Ark of the Covenant? What went wrong?

Why did Uzzah die? What instructions had God given about carrying the Ark (cf. Numbers 4:15; Exodus 25:12–15)?

How did David respond emotionally and spiritually to Uzzah’s death (vv. 8–10)?

What changes did David make the second time he attempted to move the Ark (vv. 12–15)?

Discerning the Meaning

What does this passage teach us about God's holiness?

Why is it not enough to have good intentions if we ignore God’s instructions?

How do we sometimes imitate the “ox cart” approach in our own lives or churches today?

What does David’s shift from fear to celebration tell us about God's mercy and grace?

Choosing a Response

Where in your life have you been experiencing chaos or confusion? Could it be related to ignoring God's instructions?

Are there any good things in your life (money, relationships, influence) that you’ve been handling in the wrong way?

What would true confession look like for you this week? What’s one thing you need to bring into the light?

How can you better align your life with God’s instructions—starting today?

What encouragement do you find in the idea that God lets us "recalculate" and start again?

Healthy Endings Lead to Healthy Fruit (John 15)

OBSERVATION Questions (What does the text say?)

Read John 1:1-8. Have several people talk about their favorite verse in this passage.

According to verse 1, who is the “true vine,” and who is the “vinedresser”?

What are the two different outcomes for branches mentioned in verse 2?

What happens to branches that do not abide in the vine (v. 6)?

What promises are made to those who abide (vv. 5, 7)?

What is the stated purpose of bearing much fruit (v. 8)?

INTERPRETATION Questions (What does it mean?)

What does it mean to “abide” in Christ? How is this different from just believing in Him?

Why would God prune even fruitful branches? What does that tell us about His character and goals?

What kind of “fruit” is Jesus talking about here—what are some examples of fruit we might bear in our lives?

Why is being disconnected from the vine so serious in this passage?

APPLICATION Questions (How does this apply to my life?)

When have you experienced a season of pruning that later led to growth or fruitfulness?

What’s an area in your life right now where you might be resisting God’s pruning?

What helps you stay connected (abiding) in Christ during painful or unclear seasons?

What is some “fruit” you would like to see God grow in your life right now?

What’s one practical step you can take this week to abide more deeply in Christ?

NOT YET IS NOT NO (Ruth 3-4)

 UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Give everyone a few minutes to read Ruth 3 and Ruth 4:1-12.

What plan does Naomi propose to Ruth at the beginning of Ruth 3, and why?

How does Boaz respond to Ruth’s request at the threshing floor?

What legal or cultural process does Boaz follow in Ruth 4 to act as Ruth’s redeemer?

Who is the “other redeemer” in Ruth 4:1–6, and what reason does he give for stepping aside?

How does the book describe the outcome of Ruth and Boaz’s marriage, especially in terms of legacy?

DISCERNING THE MEANING

What does Boaz’s response to Ruth tell us about his character and understanding of God’s law?

How does Ruth’s identity as a Moabite make her redemption surprising—and significant?

Why is it important that Boaz followed the proper process, even when it would’ve been easier to skip it?

What does the role of the kinsman-redeemer reveal about God's heart for the vulnerable?

How do the themes of waiting and timing in this story mirror common experiences in our own spiritual lives?

CHOOSING A RESPONSE (Questions 11–15)

Is there an area in your life where God might be saying “not yet”? How are you responding to that?

Are you tempted to pursue redemption or fulfillment in things that cannot truly satisfy? What are they?

What’s one step of obedience or trust that, like Ruth, you need to take—even if the outcome is uncertain?

How does the truth that “Jesus has already redeemed you” impact your waiting right now?

What is one thing you can do this week to stop saying “not yet” to God?

God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility (Ruth 2)

UNDERSTANDING THE TEXT

Give everyone 3-5 minutes to read through Ruth chapter 2 on their own (or read it aloud together).

What does Ruth ask Naomi in verse 2, and what does that show us about her character?

How would you describe Ruth's attitude as she begins to glean in the fields?

What do we learn about Boaz’s character in verses 4–9?

How does Ruth respond to Boaz’s kindness (vv. 10–13)?

DISCERNING THE MEANING

How does God’s control and plan show up in this chapter without being directly mentioned?

What might Ruth’s decision to glean tell us about taking initiative even when things feel hopeless?

In what ways does Boaz "speak blessing" into Ruth’s life? How can our words have similar power?

How did God's plan move forward even through small, seemingly mundane actions?

What does this chapter show us about the relationship between God's control and our responsibility?

CHOOSING A RESPONSE

What do you have (skills, resources, influence) that you could use to serve someone else this week?

Where might God be calling you to “do what you can” instead of waiting for perfect conditions?

Who in your life needs a word of blessing or encouragement right now? Will you commit to speak it this week?

What area of your life feels out of control right now? How can Ruth 2 help you trust God more in that space?

What’s one attitude shift you need to make in order to align your choices more closely with God's plan?

Attitude Determine Altitude (a small group study from Genesis 37)

 Who do you know that seems to always have a good attitude? What do you think is their secret?

What causes you to have a bad attitude?

Use Genesis 37 as a guide to answer the following questions about Joseph’s brothers:

- Why did they dislike Joseph so much?

- Which words (choose as many as apply) best describe how they felt about him? Explain why.

— They were jealous

— They wanted revenge

— They were annoyed by him

— They were offended by him

Why do you think Joseph felt differently about his brothers than they did about him? (This isn’t really in the chapter, so you’ll have to guess and speculate)

Which words describe Joseph well (choose as many as apply)? Explain why.

— Courageous

— Optimistic

— Obedient

— Thorough

— Honest

How do you think Joseph felt when he was in the bottom of the well? How do you think he felt after he was sold into slavery? When have you experienced these kinds of feelings?

Was Joseph in a better place at the beginning or end of chapter 37? Why?

Was God surprised by where Joseph was?

How is this story encouraging for people who find themselves dealing with disappointment? How is this story encouraging for you?

What is one attitude adjustment you can make this week to be more like Joseph and less like his brothers?

God Rejoices Over You (Zephaniah 3:17)

 For this week's study, we're going to focus on one verse from Zephaniah. We'll break it down, phrase by phrase, and see how it impacts us and what it inspires us to do.

Read Zephaniah 3:17. Have each person share which single word in this verse seems most significant to them and why.

(the following questions are from the NIV version)

The first phrase in the verse is: "The LORD your God is with you,"

Is it important that this verse says "your" God instead of "the" God? Why?

How does it feel to be reminded that God is with you?

Are there times you wish God wasn't with you? Or that He couldn't see what you are doing or thinking?

The second phrase in the verse is: "the Mighty Warrior who saves."

What does God save people from?

What has He saved you from?

The next phrase in the verse is: "He will take great delight in you;"

Are there things in your life that cause you to doubt whether God actually takes delight in you?

What action are you inspired to take when you remind yourself that God delights in you?

The next phrase in the verse is: "in his love he will no longer rebuke you,"

You have probably already been thinking about some of the reasons God might rebuke you. This verse is a reminder that Jesus' work secured God's forgiveness.

How should people respond to God's forgiveness? How should you respond to God's forgiveness?

The last phrase in the verse is: "but will rejoice over you with singing."

Why do you think God rejoices over you?

As a group, share 2-3 reasons why God might rejoice over each individual in the group.

What is one thing you will do this week that will give God reason to rejoice over you?

Agents of Reconciliation (Micah 7:18)

Read Micah 7:18. What 3-4 words jump out at you in this verse? Have a few people use 4 words or less to summarize the verse.

How does this verse shape your understanding of God's character and mercy?

What does the term "God's remnant" mean to you, based on your understanding of the Bible verses provided?

Read Matthew 7:13-14. How does this verse describe God's remnant?

Why do you think God has left a remnant on earth? Why do you think He doesn't just take all of His people to heaven immediately?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-20.What is the main point of this verse? What is the job that has been given to God's remnant?

What do you think it means to be an agent of reconciliation with your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc.?

God's remnant should look like God. Micah described God as one who pardons and forgives. Why is it hard to forgive the people who have wronged us?

Take some time and share some practical hints with each other to help you forgive others.

God wants us to reconcile with other people and He wants us to help other people be reconciled to Him. How can you help more people be reconciled to God?

Have each person share the name of one person they know who needs to be reconciled to God.

Take a few minutes and pray specifically for each of these people.

Have each person in the group identify one action they can take in the next few days to be an agent of reconciliation.

What To Do When You're In A Mess (Jonah 1)

 Begin by having everyone share their favorite part of the book of Jonah.

As a group, read Jonah chapter 2. (have one person read the whole thing or take turns reading each verse)

Look at some of Jonah's descriptions of the mess he was in. Use the questions below to talk about how you have experienced the same kind of feelings:

- When have you been distressed?

- When have you felt like you were drowning?

- When have you felt like life was fainting away?

What would you say to someone who is feeling this way? How would you pray for someone who is feeling this way?

Read verse 9 again. Why is gratitude helpful in difficult times? How does it change our mindset or perspective?

Have you ever made a vow to God? How would your life be different if you simply vowed to be obedient to Him?

Think about the phrase, "Salvation belongs to the LORD"?

- How does it make you feel?

- What does it make you want to do?

- How should it impact your attitude?

- How should it impact your relationships?

What is your next step this week? How can this group help you and pray for you?

Call On The Name Of The Lord (Romans 10)

Talk about a time when something so good happened to you that you couldn't wait to tell others about it.

Read Romans 10:9-13.

How would you summarize these verses in one sentence?

Do you think that internal beliefs always produce external actions? Why or why not?

How would you describe the internal beliefs of Christianity?

How would you describe the external actions of Christianity?

Why is it important to believe in the resurrection? Why does the resurrection matter?

What do you think it means to "confess that Jesus is Lord"?

Talk about what it should look like if Jesus is Lord in the following areas of your life:

- Mind

- Word

- Attitude

- Choices

- Finances

- Career

- Relationships

- Future

Which of these areas is the greatest struggle for you? Why?

What steps can you take this week to submit every area of your life to Christ's lordship?

How can this group pray for you? 

Love the Lord your God (Mark 12:29-30)

What is a good change you made in your life this past year?

What is one change you want to make in your life in the new year?

On a scale of 1-10, how aligned are your priorities with God's priorities?

From the following list, which area is the one in which you struggle most with priorities?

• Money 
• Time 
• Family 
• Work 
• Entertainment 
• Fitness/Leisure Time 
• Friendships 
• Conversations 
• Attitude

Using the above list, in which area would you most like God to help you?

Read Mark 12:29-30. Why do you think this command is always preceded by the statement that God is "one"? 

We often think of "love" in terms of relationships. What do our relationships with spouses, parents, children, and friends teach us about God's love for us and our love for Him?

Have each person share a practical example of how they can demonstrate love toward God?

Why is this command easy to follow? Why is this command difficult to follow?

Spend some time discussing WHY God is worthy of our love.

What is one commitment you can make this week to prioritize God in an important area of your life?

How can this group pray for you?

Exiles and Strangers (1 Peter 2:11-12)

 Read 1 Peter 2:11-12 and have everyone give a one-sentence summary of these verses' main point.

Talk about each of the following words and have group members share why they are important, what they mean in this passage and how their meaning should be applied in our lives.

- Abstain

- Passion

- Flesh

- Soul

- Honorable

- Gentiles

- Glorify God

Make a list of the passions of the flesh. Talk about why it is sometimes difficult to abstain from these.

Why is it sometimes difficult to balance abstaining from the flesh and living honorably among the Gentiles? Talk about situations when abstaining might cause the world to be offended or make accusations.

Spend a few minutes talking about the people in your lives that need to turn to Jesus. Have each person identify one thing they can do to help that person think more positively about God.

Spend time praying that your friends would see the truth and turn to Jesus.

Life In Christ: The Path, The Roots, The Foundation. (Colossians 2)

 What clothes do you put on when you are cold?

What clothes do you put on when you are hot?

What clothes do you put on when you are going out to eat?

What clothes do you put on when you go to work?

What clothes do you put on when you lounge around the house?

What clothes do you put on when you want to grow spiritually?

Read Romans 13:4.

Putting on clothes can't help us grow spiritually, but putting on Christ is the secret to spiritual growth. What do you think it means to "put on Christ?"

Read Colossians 2:6-7. Being "in Him" is the same idea as "putting on Christ" or being "clothed with Christ". In these verses, Paul gives three pictures to help us understand what it means to be "in Christ".

What do you think it means to "walk in Him"?

Read Matthew 7:13, Proverbs 3:6, and Psalm 119:105. What do these verses teach about the path we choose to walk through life?

How would your next steps in life change if your greatest priority was to imitate Jesus?

What do you think it means to be "rooted in Him"?

Read Psalm 1:1-3, John 15:5, and Galatians 5:22-23. What do these verses teach about roots, branches, and fruit?

If you allow Jesus to be the primary source of authority in your life, what kind of fruit should your life be bearing?

What do you think it means to be "built up in Him"?

Read Matthew 7:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 3:11-13. What do these verses teach about the foundation of our life?

If Jesus is the foundation of your life, how should that impact what you think? How should it impact what you say? How should it impact the way you treat and talk about others?

Which of these areas is most challenging for you?

- Walking Jesus' path?

- Being rooted in Jesus?

- Allowing Jesus to be your foundation?

What is your next step?

How can this group pray for you?

Walking with God (Genesis 5)

 Read Genesis 5:22-24.

Make a list of people from the Bible who "walked with God."

Walking with someone requires SHARED DIRECTION and CLOSE PROXIMITY.

How can someone make sure they are moving the same direction as God?

Read Psalm 119:105. What gift has God given us so that we can know the proper direction to walk?

How has the Bible helped keep you moving in the right direction? What is a Bible verse or passage that serves as a guide for you?

How can someone make sure they are staying close to God?

Read James 4:8. What does this verse teach about staying close to God?

What do you think it means to "wash your hands" and "purify your heart"? How can these activities help you stay close to God?

Read Jeremiah 33:3. What do you think it means to call on the Lord? How does calling on God help you to stay close to Him?

What will you do this week to walk more closely to God? How can you encourage others in their walk with God?

When God Doesn't Meet Our Expectations (Ruth)

Talk about a vacation that did not live up to your expectations.

Read Ruth 1:1-2. What do you think Elimilech and Naomi hoped would happen for their family when they moved?

List some of the hopes and dreams most parents have for their children.

Read Ruth 1:3-5. What do you think were the emotions Naomi felt most strongly? How do you think Naomi felt about God?

How would you have responded if you were Naomi?

When have you been disappointed that life didn't match up to your expectations?

Is it okay for a Christian to be disappointed? Why or why not?

Often life disappoints us because we expect more from God than what He has promised us. Read the following verses about what we can truly expect from our Heavenly Father.

Read Romans 8:38-39. How should God's love change the way you think about yourself?

Read Matthew 28:20. How should God's presence inspire courageous living?

Read John 14:1. How should the future God has for you give you patience in the present?

What expectations do you need to let go of?

What promises of God do you need to hold on to?

How can this group help you?

Does suffering lead to joy? (John 2)

What are you looking forward to in the coming week?

Read John 2:1-11. Have a few people talk about their favorite verse in this story.

This event happened on "the third day".  What else happened on a third day? How might this event be a symbol of Jesus future resurrection?

In ancient cultures, wine often represented joy. As a group, create a list of ten reasons you have joy today.

Read Romans 15:13. How does our faith in God provide us with hope, peace and joy?

What events in life can cause our joy to run out? How have you experienced suffering which threatened to steal your joy.

Re-read John 2:3-10. As you read, substitute the word "joy" for "wine" and substitute the word "suffering" for "water". How does this help you think about the connection between suffering and joy?

If this story is also a symbol of the future, how does the resurrection create the "best joy"?

Because we currently live in a broken world, our joy is sometimes tainted with sorrow. When we experience resurrection, though, our joy will be made complete.

Read Revelation 21:1-7. When the final resurrection is complete, what are you most looking forward to?

How does your confidence in the future enable you to have joy in present?

What will you do this week to encourage one another and to fill one another with joy?

What is your life's direction? (John 1)

What would be your ideal vacation destination? Why?

How would you describe your life’s destination?

How do you know whether or not your life is headed in the right direction?

Read John 1:43-51. How do you think Philip felt when Jesus said, “follow me.”

If Jesus said, “Follow me” to you, how would you respond?

What was Philip’s first action as a follower of Jesus? Is he a good or bad example for other followers of Jesus? Why?

Followers of Jesus should think like Jesus. How can you improve the way you think about other people so that your thoughts will be more like Jesus’ thoughts?

Followers of Jesus should talk like Jesus. How would you describe the way Jesus talked? How can your words (and their tone) be more like His?

Followers of Jesus should act like Jesus. Jesus’ actions were characterized by love, kindness, grace and servanthood. What can you do this week to act more like Jesus?

What direction do you think Jesus wants your life to go in?

Read John 15:4-5. Use as many different versions as possible and have a few people summarize the verses in their own words.

Following Jesus means staying close to Him. What can you do this week to stay close to Jesus?

How can this group help you stay close to Jesus?

How To Avoid A Spiritual Crash and Burn (John 18)

Who do you know that has demonstrated great loyalty to you? How did they do that?

Read John 18:7-10. How would you describe Peter in these verses?

Why do you think he acted so violently? Was he right or wrong to defend Jesus?

When has your loyalty to another person caused you to act emotionally in their defense? What was the result?

Read John 18:15-18 & 25-27. How would you describe Peter in these verses?

Why do you think he acted so cowardly? What changed between the scuffle and the garden and this moment in the courtyard?

Do you think it is normal for a person to be passionately loyal to Jesus at one point and then completely removed from him a short time later? Why or why not?

When have you experienced a spiritual high that was shortly followed by a spiritual low? What do you think caused the shift?

How did Jesus feel about Peter after Peter's denial?

How does Jesus feel about you at your spiritual low point?

What habits can you form that will help you avoid spiritual low points? What relationships can you nurture that will help you avoid spiritual low points?

What is one step you can take this week to avoid a spiritual crash and burn? How can the people around you encourage you in this pursuit?

Found People Find People (John 1)

What was the first thing that attracted you to Jesus?

Read John 1:35-39. What do you think the disciples were hoping to see when they followed Jesus? If you could see one thing from Jesus what would it be?

Why do you think the disciples stayed with Jesus for so long?

Read John 15:4. How can we remain/abide/stay with Jesus today?

Read John 1:44-46. Philip chose to use the same words as Jesus had. What do you think he wanted Nathanael to see?

Read John 1:42. What does Andrew do in this passage?

Read John 6:1-8. What does Andrew do in this passage?

Read John 12:20-22. What does Andrew (and Philip) do in this passage?

After Andrew met Jesus, the rest of his life was spent bring people to Jesus.  Why do you think this became the focus of his life?

What are some practical steps someone could take to bring a person to Jesus?

Why do you think more Christians don’t bring people to Jesus more often? What gets in the way?
Who do you know that needs to meet Jesus?

Spend time as a group praying for the people you all know who need to meet Jesus.

Spent time as a group praying that each person in the group will be filled with courage and will find a way to invite others to “come and see.”

Those Who Have Seen Jesus, Share Jesus (John 1)

What is the most exciting invitation you have ever received?

Read John 1:35-51. Based on what you see here, which of the new disciples is most like you? Why?

What is the one word you would use to describe each person (Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathanael)?

Why do you think Jesus' first words in the book of John are a question? Why did Jesus use questions so often to teach? What question do you think He would ask you right now?

Jesus gave the disciples an opportunity to get to know Him before He asked them to follow Him. Why?

What are the questions some people need to have answered before they are willing to follow Jesus? What questions did you need answered before you were willing to follow Jesus?

Both Jesus and Nathanael invited people to "come and see". What do people around you need to see that might encourage them to follow Jesus?

What can you show people that might encourage them to follow Jesus? What can a church show people that might encourage them to follow Jesus?

In these verses, Jesus uses three statements to invite others into a relationship with Him ("What are you seeking?", "Come and see" and "Follow me."). Which of these statements would be most convincing or inspiring to people you know? Why?

How can you change your life so that you will be able to more effectively invite people to follow Jesus?

What will you do this week to be a "come and see" person?

All I Want For Christmas: Generosity (Matthew 2:9-12)

What gift are you most excited about giving this Christmas?

How would you define “generosity”?

Read Matthew 2:9-12. Make a list of the five most important words in these verses. Talk about what makes these words significant.

Do you think the Wise Men were generous? Why or why not?

Why do you think the Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus? How do you think these gifts were used by Jesus and his family?

Did Jesus deserve these gifts? Why or why not?

Did Jesus need these gifts? Why or why not?

Does Jesus need gifts from you? Does Jesus deserve gifts from you? Why or why not?

What gifts do you have that you can give Jesus?

Read Matthew 25:31-46. What do these verses teach about generosity?

Read verse 40 again. According to this verse, our treatment of others is a gift we give to Jesus.

How would your relationships change if you began thinking of your treatment of others as a gift to Jesus?

How can you treat your spouse and/or children (or parents) generously this week? How can you treat your co-workers generously this week? How can you treat your friends generously this week? How can you treat your neighbors generously this week?

How can you treat your enemies generously this week?