Sermon Discussion Guide

Sermon: Majesty – Jesus Engaged Culture

Text: Colossians 1:13-14, John 3:19,  Genesis 3:1-6, Proverbs 14:12-13, Ezekiel 36: 26-27

Introduction

In the message this week, Pastor Charlton reminds us of how we are rescued from the darkness of our culture. A darkness that is subtle but permeates our thinking and action and draws us away from God. Many times in church, our focus has been on doing the right thing, rather being the right people. We encourage behavior modification without engaging the heart. Only when we deal with our hearts and turn it towards God, can we experience lasting joy and peace in our lives.

Discussion Questions

1. When you think of heroic rescue, what movie or movie scene comes to your mind? What happened in the movie?
2. What does “having faith” mean? In what situation is having faith in God easy for you? What does that look like? In what situation is having faith in God difficult for you? What do you do in those difficult situations?
3. What does authenticity look like? How can we encourage more authenticity within our group? What are some of the things that stand in the way of authenticity?

 

Moving Forward

One of my favorite hymns is “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” In particular, there’s a line in that hymn that says, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” It describes the natural tendency of the human heart, especially the Christian heart. Our tendency is to chase after the next best thing we think is going to make us happy. But these things have only external and ephemeral effects on our well-being. They only give us an excuse not to deal with the root of the problem, our hearts. So it’s important to re-examine our hearts each day as we live in God’s presence.

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Majesty – Jesus is Freedom

Text: Galatians 5:13-26

Introduction

Freedom is a concept we hear often in our culture. Our society holds to the belief that everyone should have freedom. Yet, what we choose to do with our freedom may really enslave us. In the message, Pastor Charlton reminds us that we have two choices: to be self-seeking or to choose Christ. If we choose to be self-seeking, it will lead us down the path to enslavement and lose of freedom. But if we choose Christ, we are able to experience true freedom in all aspects of our lives.

Discussion Questions

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “freedom”? What kinds of images does it bring up in your mind?
2. What are some things people do to get “freedom” in their lives but end up enslaving them?
3. Read Galatians 5:22-23. Which of the fruit of the Spirit have you seen developing in your life? Which of the fruit are still missing in your life?
4. How do you daily “crucify the sinful nature with its passions and desires”? What are the challenges to this?

Moving Forward

As humans, we have the tendency to use our freedom to choose the path of temporary pleasures but lasting destruction. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit working in our heart that bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These things don’t come through hard-work or self-discipline but comes from a conscious choice of living for Christ.

Meditate

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  – Galatians 5:22-23

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Lasting Faith

Text: 1 Timothy 3:10-15

Introduction

Does God want us to tell us how much we love Him or show how much we love Him? The answer is both. God wants us to express how much we love him through praise but also He wants to see our daily lives showing our love for Him. This requires discipline. It takes work. But its love. This requires us to know who we love, God, through His Word.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term spiritual disciplines? Why?
2. What has been your experience with spiritual disciplines in the past? What has been positive? What has been negative or apathetic?
3. What are some spiritual disciplines that you have a difficult time doing? What are some of the things in your life that is preventing you to do these disciplines?
4. What can we, as a group, practically do to help keep each other in spiritual discipline? What must the individual be willing to accept in order for this to be effective?

Moving Forward

Any athlete knows that passion for the game can only take you so far in competition. Passion drives you to discipline yourself to train and prepare yourself. In the same way, our spiritual growth cannot be sustained only through feelings. Feelings should drive us to discipline ourselves in living. There are no short-cuts. Shallow faith comes not because we don't have passion for our faith. Instead it is because we lack the discipline in our faith walk. But its difficult to do it alone. That is why God brings us into community. Community helps us to keep us on track in our discipline. Our brothers and sisters will help encourage and keep us accountable in doing the basic disciplines of a Christian life.

Meditate

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  – 2 Timothy 3:14-15

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Worship

Text: 1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 95; Romans 12:1-2

Introduction

Worship is important because it defines who we are. How we define worshiping God effects how we approach worshiping God. And how we approach worshiping God effects how we live. And how we live ultimately defines who we are as a group of people and as individuals. And so find identity in worship.

Discussion Questions

1. In the message, worship is explained as glorification (giving importance) and sacrifice to someone or something. Do you think this encompasses the idea of worship? If not, what would you add?
2. The problem is not that we, as humans, are not worshiping. But rather, the problem is that we are not worshiping God. How does one know that he/she is worshiping something else besides God? What are the indicators of this?
3. How do we make sure that worshiping God is the central point of what we do as individuals and as a worshiping community?
4. God wants us to engage our entire being, mind, physical body, and emotions, in worship of Him. Which of these things is the easiest for you? Which of these things is the most difficult for you?
5. What things in your lifestyle can you alter to help you focus on God and make Him the most important thing in your life?

Moving Forward

We all struggle with worship idols in our lives, whether it be school, work, family, relationships, etc. These idols force us to compromise in our devotion to God. And its difficult to rid these idols. There’s not a switch you can just turn off from worshiping the idols in your life. It is only through accepting the grace and mercy of God through worshiping Him, that we have the courage to turn from our idols.

Meditate

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  – Romans 12:1-2

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Remember God’s Love For Us

Text: Malachi 1:1-5

Introduction

One of the most difficult things that theologians and philosophers have wrestled with is the problem of pain and suffering, especially when pain and suffering happens to innocent people.  As Christians we are not immune to the problems of pain and suffering. It is easy to reject the concept of a loving God in the midst of pain and suffering. But until we stop and take a moment to reassess the totality of God’s presence in our lives, our eyes will be open to this undeniable truth: That God has always loved us and will continue to love us.

 

Discussion Questions

1. Is it difficult or easy for you to accept the fact that God loves you? When is it difficult for you to accept this fact? When is it easiest to accept this fact?
2. Are there conditions to God’s love for us? Are there conditions to experiencing God’s love for us?
3. List 3 things in your life (from the past and /or present) that you see clear evidence of God’s love for you. Share with the group these things. How does it make you feel being reminded of these things? What does it spur you to do?

Moving Forward

Its human nature to forget the good that is done to us and remember all the bad things that happen to us. The problems in our lives changes as we move from one stage of life to the next. But we are reassured that God’s nature of love remains constant. How firm our faith and hope in God rest upon how much we realize His love for us.

Meditate

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! – 1 John 3:1a

Sermon Discussion

Sermon: Majesty – Jesus, the Servant of All

Text: Matthew 20:20-28

Introduction

When it comes to the discussion about leadership, much of the focus is placed on the leader. What attributes makes a great leader? What can the leader motivate others to do for him or her? However, Jesus explains a leadership philosophy that is contrary to this. He focuses on the followers. How is the leader to serve his or her people? In this message, Pastor Charlton reminds us of Christ’s humility as a servant-leader as an example of how we are to live our lives in service to others.

Discussion Questions

1. In your opinion, what makes a good leader? What makes a good follower?
2. What is humility? How do you recognize humility in yourself and others?
3. What are some of the difficulties in serving with humility? How do you deal with these difficulties? Where do you go?
4. As a community, how can we be a source of encouragement for servant-hood? (Think practically.)

Moving Ahead

Whether we want to be a leader or follower, we all want to be loved and accepted. As a leader, we want our followers to devoted and loyal to us. As followers, we want strong but caring leaders who watch over us and provide care for us. In either case, it’s all about us and not about anyone else. Jesus challenges this way of thinking and living. He calls us to serve other because we are his disciples. We are called to walk in His footsteps and do as he does.

Meditate

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—  just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.   – Matthew 20:26-28