Use Prayer To Prepare Your Heart and The Hearts of Others (Mark 4)

Read Mark 4:1-20.

Why do you think Jesus began by saying, "Listen!"? Why is listening important?

Read the following verses about listening. In each verse, identify one principle about how listening can help you grow.

Proverbs 16:20 Matthew 7:24 Luke 11:28 James 1:22

The story Jesus told in Mark 4 describes four different types of people and how they respond to God's truth. In your own words, describe each of the four types of people.

The good soil talked about by Jesus represents a person with a receptive heart. How would you describe a heart that is receptive to God?

How would you describe a heart that is hardened to God? Has there been a time in your life when you've felt a hardness of heart toward God? How did He soften you?

Jesus explained that some people receive the truth at first but then fall away. In your experience, what causes people to walk away from God?

Since listening to God is important, take a moment and think about what God wants to say to you. If He was going to speak to you about one area of your life, what would it be? What would He say to you?

What is one thing God wants you to give up? What is one thing He wants you to begin doing?

Write down the names of 3-5 people you know who haven't yet accepted the truth about Jesus.

What is one thing you can say to them this week that might help them think about what God wants from them? How can you say it in love?

Take some time and pray for each of the people on your list. Pray that:

• God will soften their heart toward the truth
• God will reveal to them how much He loves you
• God will cause them to be curious about Jesus
• God will use you or someone else to speak the truth to them
• God will convict them of their sin and cause them to desire a new life
• Finally, pray that they will give their life to Jesus and begin following Him.

Disappointed? Jesus Knows Exactly How You Feel

Read Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 2:18. How do these verses make you feel about Jesus?

Rewrite each of these verses in your own words.

What types of temptations did Jesus experience? How did Jesus suffer during His life?

When do you think Jesus experienced disappointment during His life? When do you think he experienced emotional hurt?

Why was Jesus willing to go through temptation, pain and disappointment?

Read or quote John 3:16. Why did God send His Son? Repeat the following statement to yourself a few times: “God loved me so much, He sent His Son.”

How have you experienced pain, disappointment or temptation recently? How did you respond?

Read James 1:2–4. How does God use our difficult times for good? How have you experienced this in the past?

How does it help you to know that Jesus has suffered in the same ways you do?

Take a moment and silently pray. Don’t ask for anything, simply tell Jesus about your struggles. Be confident that He is listening and He understands.

If Jesus is in control of your struggles, you can focus on doing good. What are the good things He wants you to do this week?

Open Your Hand (Mark 3)

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Read Mark 3:1-6. Make a list of all the characters in this story. For each character, choose three words which describe them well.

Do you think Jesus knew the Pharisees were watching him? Do you think everyone else knew? Why or why not?

When was a time when you felt people were watching and judging you? How did you deal with it?

Why do you think Jesus made the man with the bad hand stand in front of everyone? How do you think the man felt with everyone looking at him?

What flaws of yours do you try to hide from everyone around you? Why? Why is it difficult to talk about our shortcomings?

Read James 5:16. How do you feel about this verse? What specific steps should people take to apply this verse?

What words in verse five are used to describe Jesus' emotions? Do you think you have ever made Jesus feel that way? Why?

How does Jesus feel about you today? Read Romans 5:8. What did we do to earn Jesus' love?

The man in this story had to stretch out his hand in order to be healed by Jesus. Stretching out our hands often signifies letting go of something. We all have habits, hurts and hangups which we need to let go.

What do you need to let go of in order to experience the fullness of Jesus healing?

What one thing will you do this week in response to this study?

Reach Out And Touch Someone... Who Is Untouchable (Mark 1)

 When have you been around someone who had a contagious illness? How did you act around them?

Does your behavior around contagious people change if they are someone you love (like a child or spouse)?

What is the worst disease you can imagine contracting?

Read Mark 1:40-42.

What do you know about leprosy?

Do you think this many believed Jesus could heal him? Why or why not?

Why do you think this man began by saying, "If you are willing"?

Read James 4:13-16. How are these verses similar to saying "if you are willing?" What do these verses teach us about how we should pray?

Those with leprosy were not allowed to live around other people and were mandated by law to avoid all physical contact. Many people believed you could contract leprosy simply by walking too closely to a leper.

Try to describe the emotions of a person who had leprosy. What words best describe how they likely felt most of the time?

How do you think people responded when Jesus reached out and touched the leper? Jesus healed many people by simply speaking to them. Why do you think Jesus touched this man?

Who are the "untouchable" people in society today? What makes them untouchable?

How should Christians act toward these people? What would it look like for the church to "reach out and touch" the untouchables?

Make a list of 3-5 specific actions you (or a group) can take to be more loving and welcoming to the untouchable people around you.

Take time and pray that God would give you a willing heart and empower you to reach out to those around you who may feel alone and discouraged.

Hear AND Do. (James 1:19)

This is a short study, designed specifically for self-directed groups who easily engage one another in meaningful discussion.

Before you begin, take a moment and have each person say one encouraging thing to the person sitting to their left.

Read James 1:19 in unison. Remind the group that the three virtues identified in this verse are central to every group's growth.

Have one person read James 1:22-25. Tell the group you'll be doing an exercise which will give them all the opportunity to be a DOER instead of just a HEARER.

Take turns. Let one person share a personal struggle they are currently having. As a group, ask questions and listen closely so you can gain a full understanding of their struggle.

One at a time, let other group members share specific truth from the Bible (no opinions here, just Biblical insight) that may be applicable to the struggle. People may share promises from the Psalms, advice from Proverbs, stories that seem to be similar, words of Christ, thoughts from the epistles, etc...

Once several people have shared God's Word, move on to another person.

At the end of your time together, have everyone who participated tell the group ONE thing they are going to DO as a result of HEARING God's Word.

Pray together. Find time during the week to encourage one another.

The Refiner's Fire (Psalm 66)

Read Psalm 66:8-15. Which is your favorite verse? Why?

Verse 9 says "He preserved our lives."  What do you think this means? Is the author talking about a one-time act of God or an on-going preservation of life? Is it both?

Has there ever been a moment in your life when you felt that God preserved your life? What happened? How is God preserving your life right now?

How is it comforting to know that your life is in God's hands? How is it challenging to know that he controls when you will live and when you will die?

Verse 10 says that God tested Israel, so that they could be refined. How do difficult times help to make us into better people?

Read James 1:2-4. If we handle it well, what opportunity for growth comes with suffering? How have you experienced this to be true?

In the New Living Translation, verse 11 reads like this: "You captured us in your net and laid the burden of slavery on our backs."  How do you think God used Israel's slavery to make them into a better nation?

Verses 13-15 describe the proper response when God has brought us through a difficult time. Which part of these verses do you most appreciate? Why? How can our generosity demonstrate thanksgiving toward God?

For what can you be thankful to God today? What is something He has brought you through recently? How has he helped you grow?

Who in the group is in the middle of a difficult time right now? Does anyone feel that God is refining them right now? How can the group walk through this time with you?

Spend time praying with and for one another.

Suffering Like Jesus Suffered Helps Us Learn Patience Like Jesus' Patience (1 Peter 2)

Who is the most patient person you know? How do you think they became so patient?

Rate your own patience on a scale of 1-10. What are some ways that we can develop more patience?

Read 1 Peter 2:19-20.

Peter mentions two reasons why people might be mistreated: 1) for doing right and 2) for doing wrong.
 
What are some examples of ways people might be mistreated (or punished) because they did something wrong?  Have you ever suffered because of a bad choice you made? What did you learn from that experience?

What are some examples of people being mistreated for doing the right thing? How can suffering for doing good help us grow spiritually? (check out James 1:2-4)

What do you think it means to be patient while you are suffering? What would be the opposite of "patience" when suffering?

Read 1 Peter 2:21-25.

We are encouraged to follow in the steps of Christ. What do you think that means?

As you read this portion of 1 Peter 2, notice all the things that Jesus endured:

• He was insulted
• He suffered
• He carried our sins
• He was wounded

Talk about a time you've experienced one of these things. ("carrying our sins" might be difficult, but think of a time when someone else's sins have impacted you)

What does it mean that  Jesus "entrusted himself" to God's righteous judgment? When you are in the middle of suffering, how can you "entrust yourself" to God's righteous judgment? Will God immediately judge those who are persecuting you? Why or why not?

Why do we sometimes give something to God, and then take it right back?

What part of your life, or what situation in your life do you need to entrust to God? What step will you take this week to follow the example of Jesus?

How can this group help you?

More thoughts on Sufering: Beside Still Waters Words Of Comfort For The Soul, The Suffering Letters of C H Spurgeon

Be a Doer, Not a Hearer! (James 1)

This is a short one. It's really designed for the brave and self-directed group.

Before you begin, take a moment and have each person in the group say an encouraging thing to the person sitting to their left.

Read James 1:19 in unison. Remind the group that these three virtues are central to every group's growth.

Have one person read James 1:22-25. Tell the group you'll be doing an exercise which will give them all the opportunity to be a DOER instead of just a HEARER.

Take turns. Let one person share a personal struggle they are currently having. As a group, ask questions and listen closely to try to gain a full understanding of the struggle.

One at a time, let other group members share specific truth from the Bible (no opinions here, just Biblical insight) that may be applicable to the struggle. People may share promises from the Psalms, advice from Proverbs, stories that seem to be similar, words of Christ, thoughts from the epistles, etc...

Once several people have shared God's Word, move on to another person.

At the end of the evening, have everyone who participated tell the group ONE thing they are going to DO as a result of HEARING God's Word.

Pray together for one another.

Unvalidated Claims and Unleashed Confession (1 John 1)

List three things you enjoy and at which you excel.
List three things you do not do very well.

As a group, identify one thing each person in the room does well (different from the lists they made).

How does it feel to have others talking about what you do well? How would it feel to listen to this group talk about what you do poorly?

What do you think God would say you do well?
What do you think God would say you do poorly?

Some people have a difficult time with self-perception. Talk about a time you've had to deal with someone who just didn't realize how they were being perceived by those around them (don't use names).

Read 1 John 1:5-10.

John talks about three claims we might make about ourselves. Describe each of these claims in your own words. Have a few people give examples of how someone might make these claims.

What are some ways you've observed people denying their sin or rationalizing their sin?

According to John, how do our actions validate or invalidate the claims we make about ourselves?

In verse 9, John talks about confession. Have a few people describe what it means to confess our sins. Is there a difference between a general confession and a specific confession? Is one better than the other? Why or why not?

Why do some people have a difficult time confessing their sin?

Should we only confess our sins to God? Is there ever a time we should confess our sins to others? If so, give some examples. (talk about James 5:16 if you have time)

How often should we confess our sin? Why? Can we "walk in the light" while having unconfessed sin in our lives? Why or why not?

Have some quiet time before you finish to allow people to talk to God and take care of any confession they need to do.

God's Good and Perfect Gifts. (a biblical exploration)

What was the greatest birthday gift you have ever received? What made it so great?

What was the worst birthday gift you have ever received? How did you react when you opened it?

Second to salvation, what is the greatest gift God has ever given you?

Read James 1:16-17 and Matthew 7:7-11. What truths do these passages teach about the gifts of God?

Read Romans 8:28. Is it fair to say that every gift God gives us is a good and beneficial gift? Why or why not?

Read Job 2:1-10. Focus on Job 2:10. What do you think was the point Job was trying to make to his wife?

We very easily accept and praise God for the pleasant gifts He brings into our lives. Sometimes it is a little more difficult to praise and thank Him for the unpleasant gifts He allows into our lives.

Give an example of an unpleasant gift from God that might be beneficial for us.

Read James 1:12-15. Notice that this passage about suffering and temptation directly precede the passage about God's good gifts.

How might it be possible that suffering and/or temptation are "good" gifts from God?

Knowing that God only brings beneficial things into our lives, How should we respond when we have to deal with these kinds of "unpleasant" gifts?

What beneficial but unpleasant gift are you dealing with right now. How can this group pray for and help you in your journey?

Growth Through Suffering (James 1)

Have each person list five things in life that bring them joy.

Have each person talk about suffering they've recently endured.

As a group, read James 1:2-4.

What parts of this passage seem to go against common sense? What parts of this passage make sense?

According to James, what is the purpose of suffering?

What is perseverance? Make a list of synonyms for perseverance.

Have a few people share how their past suffering helped them develop "perseverance".

How can perseverance enable someone to grow in their relationship with God?

List some ways perseverance is a character trait which enables us to better love the people around us.

How would you describe a "mature Christian"? What are the character traits and personal habits of a mature Christian?

Can someone be a mature Christian without suffering? Why or why not?

Think about the ways you have most recently suffered. How can you demonstrate joy in those situations? (if you have time, discuss how "joy" might be different than "happiness". Use Psalm 51:7-12 to guide this discussion if necessary.)

Take a moment for the group members to consider how God might be "completing them" spiritually through their suffering.

Extra Passages for Further Study:
Hebrews 12:7-11
Romans 5:1-5
1 Peter 1:6-9
1 Peter 4:12-19

Patience (James 5)

Read James 5:7-12.

What does it mean to be patient?

In what areas do you struggle to be patient?

Why is the farmer patient? What is the result of his patience?

What is the "harvest" we are waiting for (5:8)?

According to verse 9, whom do we especially need to be patient with? Give an example of how you can do this.

In verses 10 and 11, who are the examples of patience that James gives?

Why do you think the prophets had to be patient? Had you been a prophet, do you think you would have been patient with the children of Israel?

Why did Job have to be patient? What factors might have kept Job from being patient? How is Job's patience a challenge to you?

In what area of your life would you like to develop more patience?

What can you do this week to work on this?

Wisdom (James 3)

Read James 3:13-18.

Wisdom is knowledge acted upon. If you know something to be true and don't act upon it, you are foolish. If you know that God hates sin, how should a wise person respond?

According to 3:15, what is one source of "wisdom"? Is this true wisdom? Why or why not?

What are some characteristics of the life lived based on this kind of wisdom?

What is the ultimate result for those who live based on this kind of wisdom?

As a group, list several examples of "earthly wisdom."

According to 3:17, from where does true wisdom come? How can you find true wisdom?

If the characteristics of earthly wisdom all find their root in selfishness, where would you say the characteristics of heavenly wisdom find their roots?

According to 3:13, in what frame of mind should we do our activities? What do you think this means? Give some examples.

How will you pursue the "wise life" this week?

Favoritism (James 2)

Read James 2:1-13. Use this passage as your guide while answering the following questions:

• Based on what you read in 2:1-4, how would you define favoritism?
• Besides rich people, what are some other types of people toward whom favoritism might be shown?
• Why would people show favoritism toward these people?
• Can you think of times in your life when you've shown this type of favoritism?
• What things can you do to avoid showing unjust favoritism?
• According to 2:5, what are the benefits of being poor? What do you think these things mean?
• Compare this passage to Matthew 5:3. How are they similar?
• Does this mean we should favor the poor and dishonor the rich? Why or why not?
• According to 2:9, how does God feel about favoritism?
• What does it mean to "show mercy."
• What can you do today to show mercy instead of judgment?

Living Out the Truth (James 1)

Read James 1:19-27.

James 1:19 gives three keys to life. Read the following passages and talk about how they flesh out each of the keys:

• "quick to listen" -- James 1:21-25
• "slow to speak" -- James 1:26; 3:2-12
• "slow to become angry" -- James 4:1-3

Have each person talk about which of these three they most need to work on in their own life.

A command to "do" something implies a choice to be made (you either do what you are commanded or you do something else, possibly nothing). What is the choice James is giving in 1:22?

What do you think is the point of James' mini-parable in 1:23-24?

What must you do if the Word of God is going to change you?

According to James, what is true religion?

What does that mean for you?

As a group, pray that God will help each of you to take action on one of the truths you discussed during this time.

Believing In God (James 2)

Have someone read James 2:14-17.

Give some examples of how someone's actions demonstrate what they believe.

Make a list of words which describe the lifestyle of a person who whole-heartedly believes in God?

Are there reasons it is difficult to believe in God? What are they?

Are there reasons why it is easy to believe in God? What are they?

What types of things do people rely on that keep them from relying on God?

What are things most people your age need to give up in order to take up their cross?

Are there things God is pointing out in your life that you need to give up in order to take up your cross? Are you willing to ask the group to help you with this?

What is your next step?

Unclean People (Acts 10)

- How would you describe Cornelius' relationship with God? How did that relationship impact his relationship with others?(v.2)

- Read Mark 12:30,31. How do these verses apply to Cornelius?

- Read James 1:27. How does this verse apply to Cornelius?

- Why did Peter go on the roof? (v.9) How important do you think prayer was to Peter? What can we learn from his example?

- Why do you think the vision Peter had was shocking to him? (v. 13) Read Leviticus 11:46,47. Why would a Jewish person not want to eat an unclean animal?

- How did Peter’s vision prepare him for the messengers sent to Cornelius?(v.19-20, 27-29

- How would you summarize Peter’s message to Cornelius and his family? (v.24-43)

- How did Peter know Cornelius and his family believed in Christ? (v.44-48)

- We don’t struggle with thinking of Gentiles as “unclean”. What types of people might qualify as “unclean” in the eyes of people today?

- How should we act toward these people who might be considered “unclean”?

- What are some specific things that we can do to treat as “clean” those whom society calls “unclean”?

Faith and Obedience (Genesis 22)

WhWhen is a time that you have been disobedient?  Why?  What was the result?

 

-         Have you ever been asked to do something that was extremely hard…but good for you?  Did you do it?  What was the result?

 

-         Give everyone a moment to skim Genesis 22 and ask a few people in the group to summarize the key points of this story.

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-         What do you think Abraham felt when God told him to sacrifice Isaac?  How would you feel if you were him?

 

-         What was Abraham’s response to God’s command?  Why do you think he obeyed?

 

-         Can you think of other times in Abraham’s life that he was obedient?

-         Read James 2:21-22.

 

-         How do you think Abraham’s faith helped him obey in this situation?

 

-         Was Isaac an obedient child?  Why or why not?

 

-         Do you think Isaac had faith in his Father?  Why or why not?

 

-         What are some things difficult things God might ask us to do?

 

-         How does disobedience demonstrate a lack of faith?

 

-        Is there something you need to do in order to demonstrate obedience to God?

 

-         What are you going to do this week to obey and demonstrate your faith?

The Promise: Life Without God (Genesis 3,4)

• Talk about a time you made a mistake or a decision that caused something good to be ruined.
• Read James 1:13-15. Think about people you've observed. What causes people to fall into temptation? How can it be avoided?
• What do you think caused Eve (Genesis 3) and Cain (Genesis 4) to give in to the temptation they faced?
• What role does selfishness play in our "battle" against temptation?
• Read Genesis 3:16. God describes a tension between men and women. How have you seen that tension play out in your life and others?
• How have you observed yourself contributing to problems in the relationships you have? What changes could you make to heal some of the relational dysfunction in your life?
• Read Genesis 4:26. What do you need to "call on the LORD" about?