This week's Life Group Questions
1. REVIEW
We have all learned to live life in the power of self. Following Jesus with the presence of the indwelling and empowering Holy Spirit is an invitation to build a new habit of turning to God rather than self. This is a moment-by-moment, life-long journey with slow transformation yet characterized by restful union with God.
Conversation starter: What is one key insight that stuck with you from the sermon?
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2. APPLICATION
A. We learned of two habits we all have – being willful or being will-less. Which habit is stronger in your own life?
___ Willful: When I reach for shalom and am invited to obey Jesus, I grit my teeth to make things happen, try harder, or do more good things.
___ Will-less: When I reach for shalom and am invited to obey Jesus, I give up, blame others, go through the motions, or find ways to distract myself.
B. Read Matthew 11:28-30 When you reflect on your life of following Jesus, what is your first response when you hear Jesus say: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light”? ***Your response is not a reason for shame or guilt. If you are in-Christ, you are already considered righteous. Rather, this is an invitation for reflection and growth. ***
___ I tend to enjoy Jesus for who He is and what He is to me, so I don’t think much about taking up His yoke.
___ An “easy yoke” doesn’t seem to be what I experience in following Jesus.
___ I’ve experienced the “easy yoke,” and I want more.
3. GET DEEPER
Spend some time reflecting on your own spiritual journey, what are some of your repeated hand-in-pocket moments? What do you think God is inviting you to within these times?
4. TIME OF PRAYER:
If you are still curious about Jesus but have not committed to accepting Him as Lord and Savior, know that He wants to be known. Use this prayer time to ask Him to show Himself to you.
A. Take a few minutes to sit in silence with God as an individual. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to willingly walk in the newness of life. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you are still being willful (trying harder) or will-less (despairing or giving up). Listen for His response.
B. Get into groups of 3 and share what you sensed from the Holy Spirit (even if silence is what you sensed). Pray together as a group that the Holy Spirit might continue to empower a willing spirit within you. Thank God for His love and commitment to be with you.
We have all learned to live life in the power of self. Following Jesus with the presence of the indwelling and empowering Holy Spirit is an invitation to build a new habit of turning to God rather than self. This is a moment-by-moment, life-long journey with slow transformation yet characterized by restful union with God.
Conversation starter: What is one key insight that stuck with you from the sermon?
________________________________________________________________
2. APPLICATION
A. We learned of two habits we all have – being willful or being will-less. Which habit is stronger in your own life?
___ Willful: When I reach for shalom and am invited to obey Jesus, I grit my teeth to make things happen, try harder, or do more good things.
___ Will-less: When I reach for shalom and am invited to obey Jesus, I give up, blame others, go through the motions, or find ways to distract myself.
B. Read Matthew 11:28-30 When you reflect on your life of following Jesus, what is your first response when you hear Jesus say: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light”? ***Your response is not a reason for shame or guilt. If you are in-Christ, you are already considered righteous. Rather, this is an invitation for reflection and growth. ***
___ I tend to enjoy Jesus for who He is and what He is to me, so I don’t think much about taking up His yoke.
___ An “easy yoke” doesn’t seem to be what I experience in following Jesus.
___ I’ve experienced the “easy yoke,” and I want more.
3. GET DEEPER
Spend some time reflecting on your own spiritual journey, what are some of your repeated hand-in-pocket moments? What do you think God is inviting you to within these times?
4. TIME OF PRAYER:
If you are still curious about Jesus but have not committed to accepting Him as Lord and Savior, know that He wants to be known. Use this prayer time to ask Him to show Himself to you.
A. Take a few minutes to sit in silence with God as an individual. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to willingly walk in the newness of life. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you are still being willful (trying harder) or will-less (despairing or giving up). Listen for His response.
B. Get into groups of 3 and share what you sensed from the Holy Spirit (even if silence is what you sensed). Pray together as a group that the Holy Spirit might continue to empower a willing spirit within you. Thank God for His love and commitment to be with you.