Hope - Week 9: For a Limited Time
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of Oct. 27th, 2019
Connecting
Upcoming Grace Calendar (Aim for 2 minutes)
• New Partners Workshop: 11/2 @ 9am in Portable
• Grace Family Picnic: 11/10 @ 1pm at Grace Parking Lot
Breaking the Ice/Think Time (Aim for 10 minutes)
• How does our view of eternity impact how we use our time?
• Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read 1 Peter 4:1-11
Summarize how Christians are to live according to vs. 1-6? What will be the result of this way of living?
What does verse 1 say Christ did? What should Christians do when it comes to our suffering?
What should we live for according to verse 2?
What does verses 3 -5 say about how the Gentiles lived? Who will they be held accountable to?
Verse 6 points out how the Gospel was preached in Peter’s time to those who were far from God in order that they might turn and be saved. How can your actions point others to Christ that are far from God today?
What does verse 7 say about our time?
What type of characteristics does Peter point out we should have in verses 8-11? Which one of these is striking you today as important in your witness for Christ?
How can we as a small group each use the gifts God has given each of us (according to vs. 10-11) to build up the church?
Seeing Our Savior
Read 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 12:2, 4:14-16
Our Savior knew the purpose that God the Father had sent Him for and lived His life according to that purpose. He suffered and is able to empathize with our sufferings. He was tempted and yet He did not sin, and He understands our weaknesses and the temptations we face. Our Savior modeled for us perfectly how to suffer for the glory of God and good of others. His life and love pointed others to God’s plan of salvation. Let’s live our lives in the same way pointing others to salvation in Christ.
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
1. Are you different than the world? How does your Christian life contrast the pattern of this world?
Who has God placed in your sphere of influence that you can share the Gospel with this week?
How can you use your gifts to serve and glorify God?
If you had one year to live what would you do differently?
God not only hears but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is