SUNDAY MORNING SERVICES
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
“Faith, Sacrifice and God’s Provision”
for the week of February 19 - 25, 2012
Main Thought:
God becomes an incredible provider as we partner with him in faith and sacrifice. As we keep our eyes on Him, God helps us prevail in the battle of greed vs. generosity, and fear vs. faith.
Main Passages:
“He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
(Proverbs 11:24-25)
Question #1:
Why do you think God’s way is to provide through partnering with us through faith and sacrifice? Why doesn’t he just lay abundance at our feet or drop it into our laps unconditionally?
Example:
In Genesis 22, the bible tells a riveting story of Abraham, Father of faith. After waiting many years for his son Isaac to be born, God tests him by asking him to literally sacrifice him on a mountain as an offering. Abraham overcomes tremendous anxiety and is about to sacrifice his son when God stops him and shows him instead a ram caught in a nearby thicket as the actual offering. It would be a last moment “save” that would mark Abraham’s legacy. Why? It would be through the family line of Isaac that Jesus Christ would eventually be born. God often has our needs already taken care of. He often waits for us to fulfill the condition before he reveals the provision.
Question #2:
When in your life has making a sacrifice resulted in God’s provision? Describe what happened and what did you learn because of it?
Prayer:
1. Pray for God’s supernatural provision to occur through the partnership of faith and sacrifice in each other’s life.
2. Close by praying by name for unreached guests you can invite to future group meetings – especially those who need that faith to move forward in life. Extend an invitation.
EVENING SERVICES
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
“TAKE THAT! TAKE THAT! TAKE THAT!”
For the week of February 19 - 25, 2012
Main Thought:
We’re all designed by God to worship something or someone. True worship is a natural response to God’s supernatural goodness in our lives. Whenever we don’t fully worship God with our lives, we’re ultimately worshipping idols. When we fully understand all that He’s done for us, our reasonable response is to give him everything. We can practically worship God when we faithfully manage our time, talent, and treasure to fulfill his purpose and give him glory. As we do so, our faith in Him increases and God is pleased.
Main Passages:
“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
“Therefore, I urge you…in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Question #1:
What stands out to you from the main thought and passages? What are some of the things that God has done to be worthy of our worship?
Example:
In 2004, a courageous Alexandra Scott passed at age 8 after a gallant fight against cancer. But not before rallying every bit of her time, talent and treasure to raise 1 million to fight childhood cancer. She did it through sales from the dream of a lemonade stand and a lemonade stand movement that followed. Since that time, well over four million dollars has been raised. She said before passing that she wanted to “help other kids, like they helped me.” In a brief moment, Alexandra was able to faithfully steward her time, treasure, and talent, which ultimately made an impact in many peoples lives and became beautiful worship to God.
Question #2:
What specific area of your life do you need to change in order to fully worship God (time, talent, treasure)? What idol needs to be removed and what practical steps will you take to bring about this change?
Prayer:
Pray for God’s grace to become a wise steward of all He has given you so that you can worship Him with your life.
Reminder:
Our 5:30pm & 7:00pm services will be back at the Leeward Community College Theater next week Sunday, February 26.
Created by faithHighway