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.

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?

All I Want For Christmas: Contentment (Matthew 2)

What are you searching for in life?

Read Matthew 2:1-12. What was everyone searching for?

How do people search for God today?

What can you do to help people find God?

Why did the Wise Men want to find Jesus?

Why did Herod want to find Jesus?

When was the last time you searched for someone so you could give them something?

When was the last time you searched for someone so you could honor them?

When was the last time you searched for someone so you could get something from them?

Do most people search for God so they can give something to Him or so they can get something from Him? Give examples if you can.

How does giving help develop contentment?

What do you have that you can give to God? What does it mean to give your trust to God?

Read Philippians 4:11-13. How did Paul give his trust to God?

Read Philippians 4:19. Does this promise encourage you to trust God? Why or why not?

What can you give away to God or to others this week?

What will you do this week to cultivate more contentment in your life?

Is your love directed toward the Father or toward the world? (1 John 2)

How would you define "LOVE"?

Read 1 John 2:15-17

Define what is meant by "loving the world" (eg. loving food is different than loving a spouse).

Is it possible to "do" or "have" the things of the world without "loving" them? Why or why not? Give examples.

Read the three ways John defines "love of the world". Describe how each of these cravings have impacted you throughout your life.  

Read the following verses and discuss what they teach about the Christian's relationship with the world?

- Matthew 5:13-16

- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

- 1 Peter 2:11-12

- Titus 2:11-14

Pride causes us to believe that we alone are responsible for all we have achieved and accumulated. Gratitude helps us defeat pride. Who has helped you become the person you are? How has God helped you achieve your current successes?

The cravings of the eyes distract us from what God has already provided. Instead of focusing on what you don't have, be content with what God has given. Make a list of five great gifts God has provided.

Selfishness is refusing to see past my immediate desires for pleasure and fulfillment.(being consumed with the lust of the flesh) The opposite of selfishness is generosity. To whom can you be generous this week?

How does gratitude help you be more content?

How does contentment empower you to be generous?

Love for God begins with focusing on what He has done for us and is completed when we allow that love to flow into our relationships with others. To whom will you demonstrate love this week?

2 Easy Steps To Become A Great Leader (Mark 9)

In your opinion, who is the greatest historical figure of the past 100 years? Why?

What do you think makes someone "great"? What makes someone a great leader?

What made Jesus great?

Read the following passages. After you read each passage, identify one or two principles about "greatness" or "leadership":

• Read Mark 9:35
• Matthew 20:25-28
• Matthew 23:1-12
• Luke 22:24-29

How would you describe Jesus' view on greatness and leadership?

What do you think Jesus meant when he said "the first shall be last"?

What do you think Jesus meant when he said leaders must first be "the servants of all"?

Who is someone you know that willingly puts them self last on a regular basis? Who is someone you know that is always serving other people? Do you consider those people to be great? Why or why not?

How did Jesus put Himself last? How did He serve others?

List three or four people that you can serve this week? What specifically can you do to help them?

What is one situation in your life where you can intentionally put other people ahead of you?

What are the challenges you think might keep you from placing yourself last or serving others? How can you overcome those challenges? How can others help you overcome those challenges?

If you spend a couple minutes in prayer every morning, how will you pray about these challenges? How will you pray for others? How would you like others to pray for you?

What is your goal for this week?

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.

Jesus, The Celebrity (Palm Sunday)

What is the closest you've ever been to a celebrity? What did you do or say? Was it a good experience or a bad experience?

Near the end of his life, Jesus was a celebrity of sorts. Why do you think this was?

As a group, read Matthew 21:1-11.

Read Jesus' instructions in verses 2-3. How would you have felt if he gave those instructions to you?

Why do you think the disciples obeyed him?

Why do you think Jesus chose to ride a donkey instead of a horse into Jerusalem?

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowd treated him like a king. In your opinion, what did they expect him to do next?

Undoubtedly, many people were disappointed when Jesus didn't fulfill their expectations. 

Have you ever known someone who was disappointed when God didn't meet their expectations? 

What are some unrealistic expectations we sometimes have of God?

What can we do to keep our expectations of God rooted in truth? How can the time we spend in God's Word influence this?

Which of these titles do you feel is the best description of this passage? Explain your answer to the group.

• The Humility of Jesus 
• Obeying When You Don't Understand 
• Misinformed Masses 
• How Not to Be Disappointed With God 

What is one thing you are taking away from this passage and this discussion?

Jesus Offers A Fresh Start (Matthew 3)

Have you ever had a turning point in life? How did it happen? How did you benefit?

When have you benefited from receiving a fresh start? How did it change your life?

Read Matthew 3:1-12.

What words would you use to describe John? Who does he remind you of?

How would you summarize John's message in one or two sentences?

Read verses 7-10 again. Why do you think John used such strong language?

John told the people to "prove" that they had repented. How can someone prove that they have repented? What are some actions that go along with repentance?

Why is Jesus' baptism better than John's?

Once you've repented of something, Jesus gives you a fresh start. What are two or three areas of your life in which you need a fresh start?

What can you do this week to demonstrate true repentance?

What can you do this week to embrace the fresh start Jesus has given you?

Wrong Choices Lead Down The Path To Destruction (Matthew 7)

Talk about a time you've watched someone else choose a life path that led to destruction.

Consider these two principles about the path you choose in life: 

1. Every path leads somewhere. 

2. The path you choose determines the destination you reach.

Read Matthew 7:13-14.

If someone asked you to explain what it means to choose the narrow path and the narrow gate, what would you tell them?

Think about which life path you are walking right now. Answer the following questions about the path you are on:

• When was the last time I made a significant, life-changing decision? What path did that decision put me on?
• What character traits would I expect to see from people who are on the right path?
• Who else is following the path I am on?
• What is the defining behavior of those who are on this path with me?
• Has following this path caused me to experience any kind of opposition? Should it?
• What role is my relationship with Jesus playing while I walk this path?

How would you describe the wide path? Why would anyone ever choose the wide path?

Is it possible to walk the narrow path without having a relationship with Jesus? Why or why not?

How do you need to respond to this passage? What specific action will you take this week?

Bad Investments Lead to Hoarding and Anxiety (Matthew 6)

What are your favorite "keepsakes"? Why are they so special to you? How would you feel if you lost them?

Why do you think it is so difficult to lose things we love?

Read Matthew 6:19-34. Choose 2-3 sentences from this passage that are most meaningful to you. Why do you like these thoughts?

In these verses, Jesus talks about storing (investing) treasures. Where are the two places he says people store their treasures? What makes these two places different?

Do you know anyone who has lost their earthly treasure? How did it happen?

In verse 25, Jesus says not to be anxious. What are the things He does not want you to worry about? Give some examples of how people worry about these things.

What do you think it means to seek God's kingdom? How can your life demonstrate that God is your king?

How can someone seek God's righteousness?

God gives treasures to everyone, but everyone's treasures are different. What are the treasures God has given to you? How do you think God wants you to invest those treasures?

What causes you to feel anxiety? What things are you afraid of losing? How can you apply verses 27-30 to your life?

What things do you think God wants you to let go of? What things do you think He wants you to pursue?

What can you do this week to help you focus on God's provision in your life?

How can you encourage those around you that need to be reminded of God's provision?

Do The Right Thing For The Right Reasons (Matthew 6)

Who is a famous person you admire? How did they become famous?

If you could become a celebrity, for what would you want to be famous?

Read Matthew 6:1. What do you think are the key words and/or phrases in this verse? How would you re-write the verse in your own words.

Read Matthew 6:2-18. What are the three "spiritual activities" Jesus talked about in these verses?

Which of these three activities is easiest for you? Which is most difficult? Why?

When have you seen someone do these (or other) spiritual activities in order to gain attention for themselves? Do you think this is a temptation for many people? Why or why not?

At what times in life do you worry about what other people think of you? What do you think causes this?

Talk about a time in your life when you were more concerned about pleasing other people than about pleasing God? If you could, what would you change about that time?

What three things could you do this week that you know would be pleasing to God?

To whom can you give something this week as a demonstration of your love for our Heavenly Father?

What is something you can give up (or abstain from) this week to make your life more pleasing to God?

LOVE Your Enemies (Matthew 5)

Apart from your family, who in your life is easiest to love? Who is most difficult?

What makes some people more difficult to love?

(Although not the main point of the study, this is an opportunity to self-evaluate and identify any character traits which might make you difficult to love. How can you change these?)

Read Matthew 5:43-48. Which statements in this passage are most convicting to you? Why?

What is most people’s natural response toward those who have treated them poorly? How do you think this is different than Jesus’ way?

What are some examples from the Bible when Jesus demonstrated love for his enemies?

When have you been shown love by someone you had treated poorly? How did it change your relationship?

Read John 15:13. In your own words, explain Jesus’ definition of ultimate love.

How can you show this kind of love to at least one person who has treated you poorly? What impact might such action have on your relationship?

How will you apply this passage to your life this week? Write out a prayer asking God to help you follow through on your goal.

3 Ways to Live a Blessed Life (Matthew 5)

Who do you know that lives a “blessed” life? What makes their life blessed?

How has God blessed you? Are you pleased with the life God has given you? Why or why not?

Is it more important to be pleased by God or to please Him with your life? Why? Which option is the true “blessed” life?

Read Matthew 5:3-5.

Create a short definition for the following three types of people:

- the poor in spirit

- those who mourn

- the meek

Which of these three are you most like? Which are you most unlike?

In your past, when have you been most like these types of people? What was happening in your life at that time?

 

What current obstacles in your life keep you from being poor in spirit? from spiritual mourning? from being meek?

How long have these obstacles been a part of your life? What do you think you need to do in order to remove them?

Who can help you work towards removing these obstacles? How can they help?

What next steps will you take to become more blessed in the eyes of God?

Are You Looking For A Sign? (Matthew 2:1-6)

The star is the most widely recognized Christmas "sign" that Jesus had been born. Does God often give signs? Do you wish he would more often? This discussion is about whether or not we need a "sign" in order to live as God desires.

When have you asked God to give you a sign? Did he?

Why is it okay to ask God for a sign? Why is it not okay?

Read Matthew 2:1-6. Which part of this passage is most meaningful to you? Why?

Why do you think the wise men in Jerusalem missed the sign?

Do you think the wise men in Jerusalem were even looking for the Messiah? Why or why not?

When the wise men from the East saw the star they decided to embark on a long journey. What do you think motivated them to make this unexpected trip?

In your past, What things have caused you to radically change your plans? How did things work out?

Have you ever radically changed your plans because of something you read in the Bible? What was the result?

If God asked you to make one major change in your life, what do you think it would be?

Is there anything in the Bible that talks about this kind of change?

What sign do you need in order to be convinced to make the change?

How will you act this week in response to this study?

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Need another Christmas-based small group study? Try this one:

Learning From Jesus' Geneology (Matthew 1)

Obeying Jesus' Commands (Matthew 28)

What lessons has life taught you this week? Do you feel like you've learned them well?

What are some lessons you've had to learn more than once?

What lessons would you like to teach to other people in your life? How do you think you could go about teaching that lesson?

Read Matthew 28:18-20 as a group.

Which part of these verses has been most meaningful to you over the past few weeks? Why?

Jesus said to teach new disciples everything He had commanded. As a group, list as many commands of Jesus as you can?

Which commands of Jesus are most important? (Hint: Mark 12:30-31; John 13:34-35)

Who is your neighbor?

Whom do you think Jesus had in mind when He said, "Love one another"? Why?

Give specific examples of how you can obey each of these particular commands.

When is it difficult to obey these commands of Jesus? How can difficult times teach us to more effectively obey these commands?

What situation in your life most needs to have these commands applied? How can you do that? How can this group help you?

A Matter of Authority (Matthew 28)

Who was the best boss you ever had? What made him/her such a good boss?

Who was the worst boss you ever had? Why?

Would you rather have a boss who micro-managed you or who gave you authority to make your own decisions? Why?

Read Matthew 28:18–20.

List some examples of Jesus' authority. Where can you see His power demonstrated?

How had the disciples been witnesses of Jesus' authority? How would your faith have been impacted if you had witnessed many of Jesus' miracles?

Why do you think Jesus' prefaced his command to the disciples with a reminder of His authority?

In our efforts to make disciples, how can the reminder that Jesus is in control bring us comfort?

How can the reminder that Jesus is in control bring us confidence?

In what way has Jesus given His authority to us?

As you think about "making disciples", what is your greatest fear?

How can a reminder of Jesus' authority help alleviate that fear?

In what part of your life do you need to be reminded of God's control?

How can the group pray for and encourage you this week?

Healthy, Sick, Righteous, and Sinners. (Matthew 9)

What is the worst illness you have ever endured?  What treatment did you receive? How relieved were you when you got better?

Read Matthew 9:9-13. Do you think following Jesus was a difficult decision for Matthew to make? Why or why not?

What do you think it means to "follow Jesus?"

If this story were to happen in West Michigan in 2012, where do you think it might take place? Who do you think would be the tax collectors and sinners? Who do you think would be the Pharisees?

In verse 12 Jesus suggests that some are "healthy" and don't need a doctor. In verse 13 he seems to say that some are "righteous." If everyone is a sinner (Romans 3:23), than why is Jesus saying that some don't need to be saved?

Who are these "healthy" and "righteous" people?

Why did Jesus eat with tax collectors and sinners?

What do you think Jesus meant when he said, "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice."?

Sometimes its easy as Christians to find ourselves looking  down on (or judging) the "tax collectors and sinners" of our society. How can we avoid this?

What does "mercy" look like in West Michigan in 2012? What do you think the "sacrifice" Jesus is talking about  looks like in West Michigan in 2012?

What do we need to do to be like Jesus in this story?

Words Are Meaningless Without Actions (Matthew 21)

Study Thoughts:

Matthew 21:23-32 consists of two sections. The first section chronicles a temple confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders. The second section is a story Jesus tells in which he uses the confrontation to talk about entrance to the Kingdom of God.

The confrontation happened in Jerusalem. Jesus was there to celebrate the Passover and as He always did, he began teaching. This time, he was doing so at the temple. By this time, Jesus had been conflicting more and more with the religious leaders, largely because his life and his teaching were clearly pointing to the moral bankruptcy of the current leaders in Israel. As such, they could sense their own authority eroding. Their question in verse 23 (Who gave you this authority?) is less a question about Jesus' relationship to God and more an indictment that He needed to stop usurping their authority.

Jesus answered their question with a question they couldn't answer. While they knew the proper answer to the question, they were aware that they could not answer it without casting further dispersion on their own lives (read verses 25-27). After refusing to answer Jesus question, He responded by refusing to answer their question.

He did, however, offer up a story which served to further demonstrate the leader's inadequate standing before God.

Verses 28-30 tell the story. Verses 31-32 unpack the truth of the story. Here it is in a nutshell:

1) Those who obey God are bearing the true fruits of repentance (a key phrase from John the Baptist's ministry).

2) Those who only talk about God or are self-proclaimed "experts" on God are not bearing the true fruits of repentance.

3) True repentance is the key that opens the gate into the kingdom of God.

Discussion Questions:

Who do you consider to be a "spiritual leader" in your life? Who is a person you know whom you consider to be a "spiritual giant"? Why?

What kinds of people do you consider to be "far from God?"

Read Matthew 21:23-32.

Who are the "villains" in this passage? Who are the "good guys?"

Why do you think the leaders asked Jesus about His authority? Do you think they were concerned that He wasn't from God, or do you think they were concerned about their own authority? Why?

What kinds of situations tempt you to assert or defend your own authority unnecessarily?

How would you have answered the leaders if you had been Jesus? Would your answer have been as effective? Why or why not?

Verse 25 makes it clear that these men did not follow the teaching of John the Baptist. Why do you think they didn't? What parts of his teaching were difficult to follow? (Read his message in Matthew 3:7-12)

What is the main point Jesus is making in the story he tells?

If he were telling this story today, what kind of people would he name instead of "tax collectors" and "prostitutes"? (maybe he'd still say "tax collectors and prostitutes"?)

How should this story change the way you look at people? How might it change the way you look at yourself?

Words don't always demonstrate our true beliefs. How do our lives demonstrate our faith? (in the story, the older son had faith and the younger son didn't)

How have the words of Jesus caused you to think about your own life today? How can this group pray for you?

Putting Out the Fleece (Judges 6)

Read Judges 6:33-40.

Do you think Gideon was right or wrong to keep asking God for signs of confirmation? Why?

In Matthew 4:7, Jesus told Satan not to test God. (He was quoting Deuteronomy 6:16)

What do you think is the difference between "testing God" and "questioning God"?

How can you figure out what God's will is for you in the future? How do you determine what God wants you to do when you are in a difficult situation?

Why do you think Gideon had such doubts about the future? How can fear of the future keep us from doing the right thing in the present?

Why do you think God responded to Gideon's tests? Does God always respond to the tests we give Him? Why or why not?

Should we put out "fleeces" for God? Why or why not? Can you think of any time when it might be appropriate to put out a "fleece"?

If you had a chance today to ask God one question about the future what would you ask?

Regardless of whether or not you can see the future clearly, what is one thing that you KNOW God wants you to do tomorrow? Will it be easy or difficult? Will you do it?

Spend time praying for one another. Pray that each person will gain more clarity about the future, and pray that they will have courage to obey God in the present.

Empowered to Resist Temptation (Matthew 4)

What is the food you just can't resist? How often do you eat it? What makes it so tempting?

Is there an activity you love so much that it is a constant temptation for you (exercise, facebook, hunting, etc.)?

Are most things that tempt you good for you or bad for you? Why?

Read Matthew 4:1-11. Which of these temptation do you think was most difficult for Jesus to resist? Why?

Why do you think Jesus responded with Scripture each time Satan brought a new temptation? Do you think you could do the same thing? Why or why not?

How important is it to know Scripture if you want to resist temptation? What can you do to increase your knowledge of Scripture?

Read verse 1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit LED Jesus to a place he would be tempted? In what ways were these temptations good for Jesus? Is temptation ever good for you? Why or why not?

What role do you think the Holy Spirit played in helping Jesus resist temptation? How do you think your relationship to Scripture impacts your relationship to the Holy Spirit (check out Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12)?

Based on what you've discussed today, what are some keys to having the Holy Spirit empower your life?

What steps can you take this week to ensure you're ready next time temptation hits?