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Discussion Questions: Patience, James 5:7-16

10/12/2020

Series: The Fruit of the Spirit
Sermon: Patience: Overcoming Anger, 10/11/20
Text: James 5:7-16

Central Thought: God cultivates patience in us by establishing our hearts in him.

What is patience? A godly tolerance for mistreatment, delay, difficult circumstances, and difficult people.

Read the text, and then discuss some of the following questions.

What do you need to know about God’s justice and faithfulness to endure mistreatment patiently, perhaps in a current situation?
How has God shown patience with you in your Christian experience?
Think over the past 48 hours. How have you dealt with others’ shortcomings? What attitudes about yourself and others would help you be more patient?
In what ways do other people have to be patient with you? It may help to consider a specific relationship.
Are you waiting for God to do something? If so, what? Specifically, how do you think God wants you to pray and act during this time of waiting?
How does hope help us endure and persevere? What are we to hope for and confidently expect?

CLOSE IN PRAYER
Pray for each other to:

Bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Forgive quickly (James 1:19-20)
Entrust ourselves to God’s justice when mistreated (1 Peter 2:23)
Endure adversity by trusting in God’s promises (Hebrews 11-12)

Pray for neighbors, family, and friends. Ask God for boldness, opportunities, and the words to share about the source of our eternal hope! Who will you give an invite card to?

These resources have supplied discussion questions for this topic:

Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit by Christopher J. H. Wright
The Fruitful Life by Jerry Bridges

Sermon Discussion Questions | Peace: Overcoming Anxiety

10/4/2020

Series: The Fruit of the Spirit
Sermon: Peace: Overcoming Anxiety, 10/4/20
Text: Philippians 4:4-9
Central Thought: Peace with God and the peace of God are gifts from God.
Read the text, then discuss some/all of the following questions.
Icebreaker: When you envision a peaceful place in your mind, how would you describe it?

Peace with God
From the sermon: “Before we know Jesus personally, we are considered enemies of God.” Do you remember what your life was like before becoming a Christian? Were you ever aware you were at enmity with God or was it invisible to you?

See Romans 5:8-10.

Do you acknowledge that God saved you when you were still a sinner in his view?
How does that make you feel toward him knowing that is true?
Are you aware of people around you who think they are “on God’s side” when they really do not know him personally? How can you help them see their need for a savior?

The peace of God
See:
Philippians 4:6-7

How would you try to describe this peace if someone asked you to?
Have you ever felt a peace in the middle of a turbulent time that did not make sense to others or a peace that surprised even you?

John 16:33 Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus promises to overcome whatever the world brings your way?
How does his promise affect your view of your circumstances?
How does his promise affect your outlook on life?

John 14:25-27:

Do you see the world’s view of “peace” just the same as ours as believers or do you see a difference?
Are there people in your life who do not appear to know the Lord and you wish they could experience His kind of peace?

Peaceful thoughts and practices
Philippians 4:8-9

What is Paul encouraging us to think about?
What does he say is the result?

CLOSE IN PRAYER
Let us pray for one another to experience the peace of God regardless of our circumstances.
Pray for our church family to share with others about how they can have peace with God (through Jesus Christ).
Pray for neighbors, family, and friends to recognize the hopelessness of seeking earthly peace apart from Jesus. May they turn to Jesus as their Prince of Peace!

Sermon Discussion Questions | Joy: Overcome Boredom

9/27/2020

Series: The Fruit of the Spirit
Sermon: Joy: Overcoming Boredom, 9/27/20
Text: John 16:16-22

Central Thought: Our joy is a declaration to the world that our God reigns.

Read the text, then discuss some/all of the following questions.

Icebreaker: When was the last time you felt your heart jump with joy? What was it that brought you joy, and did it last?

1. The Promise of Joy

From the sermon: “The truth that Jesus reigns is what brings joy.” How does Jesus’ lordship promise joy to us as Christians? See Romans 15:13 and Philippians 4:4.

2. Experiencing Joy

If Jesus is the source of joy in our lives, we can experience joy daily. The sermon mentioned two stumbling blocks to joy:

Sin - not being reconciled to God through faith in Jesus
Idols - treating circumstances/created things like they can bring us the joy we seek

How have you been let down in your quest for joy? How can you make a return to the source of joy?

3. Invitation into Joy

The flesh takes joy in circumstances and good gifts, which leads to boredom and cynicism. The Spirit takes joy in the truth and the eternal Gift-Giver, which can actually satisfy our souls! One test to determine whether your joy is true and eternal or counterfeit and temporal is if you desire to tell people about the true joy you have been gifted in Jesus.

When was the last time you told someone about Jesus?
When was the last time you desired that other people could experience the joy you have been gifted by the Holy Spirit?

CLOSE IN PRAYER
Let us pray for one another to find true and eternal joy in our reigning Savior!
Pray for our church family to share with others about our joy in Jesus.
Pray for neighbors, family, and friends to recognize the hopelessness of their quest for joy apart from Jesus. May they turn to Jesus for eternal life and joy!

Sermon Discussion Questions | Love Overcoming Fear

9/20/2020

Series: The Fruit of the Spirit
Sermon: Love: Overcoming Fear, 9/20/20
Text: 1 Corinthians 13

Central Thought: The fruit of the Spirit is founded on the Father's love for us. We have freedom to love because God loves us.

Read the text in its entirety before discussing the following questions.

How is love the opposite of fear?
How do you struggle to believe you are loved by God?

For example: You can’t receive undeserved gifts; you protect yourself because you don’t think God will; you consider God’s love unimportant to your daily walk; you’re more aware of your daily struggles than God’s eternal unseen plan; you refuse God’s forgiveness until you’ve ‘earned’ it; etc.

1. Importance of Love, v. 1-3

Consider what it would look like to serve your neighbors or your Christian family without love.

Can you name a few examples?

2. God is Love, v. 4-12

The sermon exposed a counterfeit of love: the romantic. Being attracted to a person drives you to do good deeds, but it’s actually self-serving.

In what ways have you given counterfeit love to a partner, friends, or neighbors?
How does this differ from the love described in the text?
How does this differ from the love demonstrated by Jesus here on Earth? (See John 15:9-13, 1 John 3:16-18, 1 John 4:9-11.)

A good definition of love: Love is to serve a person for their good and intrinsic value, not for what the person brings you.

The gospel narrative arc refers to the complete movement of God’s story told in the Bible; we describe it in four parts: creation, fall, redemption, restoration.

Extra Credit: Consider how each part is necessary to a proper understanding of God’s love for us.

3. You are God’s beloved, v. 13

What does it mean to be God’s beloved? That God finds you lovable? See 1 John 4:7-21.

The sermon offered ways to put your love into action. Examples: take meal to the Reed family (mealtrain.com/trains/9L2245), deliver mums/pumpkins, make treats, watch children, write cards, etc.

How can your community group love the neighbors of your hosts’ home?
How can your household love your neighbors or Christian family?

CLOSE IN PRAYER
Let us pray for one another now to overcome fear by believing God’s love for us.
Pray for our church family to be transformed as they understand they’re loved by God.
Pray for neighbors, family, and friends you hope will come to know and believe the love that God has for them.

Sermon Discussion Questions | The Fruit of the Spirit

9/13/2020

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT | Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25)

TODAY'S CENTRAL THEME AND THOUGHT: We please God by cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit
When the church in Galatia started everyone embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ in faith and were filled with the Spirit of God. Everyone was at the pool having a good time walking by the Spirit! Since that time, other kids have come to the pool saying that there is a different way to play.

There are Jewish people who have become Christians who are are legalists and claim that salvation is in Christ plus all the Jewish laws that you must follow at the pool.
There are Pagans who have become Christians who advocate license. They claim that salvation in Christ let's us do whatever we want. Since our sin is covered we have license to sin as grace abounds over our sin.

Paul is the life guard saying, "Slow down. Stop running at the pool in either of those ways. Remember, that is not the way of a Christian! If you walk in those ways you will slip and crack your nugget on the concrete. Paul says the way is Christ and Christ alone. The gospel way is NOT of the legalist or of license. The gospel is liberty in Christ!

Warming up before jumping in: Share a good or funny childhood memory of swimming at the pool with friends.

THE FIGHT
Read Galatians 5:16-18

What is the fight every Christian faces?
What are the desires of the flesh and the Spirit?
Tim Keller explains, "The sin underneath all sins...is always a lack of trust in God's grace and goodness AND a desire to protect and guard our own lives through self-salvation." How and why are you tempted to not trust God’s goodness?

THE FLESH
Just as God is a good, perfect, loving, compassionate Father to His children, that's you and me. Paul cares for the church in Galatia AND as a loving spiritual father he gives them examples in verses 19-21 of works of the flesh. Read Galatians 5:19-21.

Is there one of the works of the flesh listed in v19-21 that God would like you to crucify?
OUR MAIN PROBLEM OF OUR HEART is not doing bad things it is our over desire for good things. Our sinful nature has an "over-desire" for something that tricks us to think that if we get it we will be satisfied. Can you identify an over-desire for something or someone that leads to works of the flesh? (Such as desiring connection and choosing sex; wanting security and so trying to get it yourself through works as a legalist; desiring prosperity in life and being tricked that it is things that grant us that and so you turn God into the genie in the bottle; wanting freedom and so claiming liberty to do what you want no matter the consequences; to feel comfort or joy you seek alcohol and over indulge, etc.

THE FRUIT
Read Galatians 5:22-25
As Christians, we want to live lives pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit that indwells us desires to trust in God's grace and goodness. The TRUTH is that our salvation is secure in Christ and so we can rest in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

How do you hope to see God cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in you?
In v24, Apostle Paul encourages us that because we belong to Jesus we will crucify the flesh with its passions and desires. This means: identifying sin, seeking the root of our sins, and then replacing Jesus. What work of the flesh is God inviting you to crucify?
We can cultivate the fruit of the Spirit through community and belonging. Spend a moment looking up Scriptural passages to encourage one another with the liberating truth that we are not our own and belong to God! (v24a)
Read John 16:4b-15. What does Jesus teach us about the Spirit? What encourages you about Jesus’ teaching?

CLOSE IN PRAYER
As we daily turn from our sinful desires and turn to Jesus time and time again, in the context of Community in the local church trusting that we belong to Jesus = God will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
We will glorify, adore and yearn for Jesus more and more. By the help of the Holy Spirit we will worship Jesus more, love him more and become the people we long to be the people who God made us to be.
A people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. A people who experience the Kingdom of God daily! A people who invite others to know, trust and follow Jesus with us!
Paul CLOSES in v25: "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Let us pray for one another over our journey of cultivating the fruit of the Spirit?
Pray for all of our church family on their journey.
Pray for your neighbors, family, and friends you hope will come to know Jesus and experience the fruit of the Spirit with you.
PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER THE NEHEMIAH PRAYER GUIDE.

Sermon Discussion Questions: "Backdrop to Revival"

5/10/2020

Read Nehemiah 6 out loud together as a group. Share responses to the following questions then close in prayer for one another.

1. Listen to the voice of your heart.

If you want to be able to combat fear, you must know WHAT you fear ... and we know what we fear by listening to the voice of our hearts.

Hearing Pastor Jim talk about his personal struggles with fear, what was your reaction listening to his list of fears?

Can you name one fear of your heart?

Here are some questions to help you:
What do you not want?
What do you tend to worry about?
Loss of reputation?
Loss of control?
From whom do you desire approval and fear rejection?

2. Learn about self and scripture

A. Why do I fear xyz?
Example: Maybe I fear the project at work because I haven't done it before, and failing could mean rejection from my boss and peers. Then ask, Why do I fear rejection. Maybe it's because you don't believe you are accepted by God.

B. What does scripture say about my reasoning?
Acceptance comes from the Lord based on my faith in justification from Christ. Now, find Scripture verses that prove that truth.

What would it look like for you to spend time interrogating yourself and investigating what scripture has to say? How can you set up the time and space to make it happen?

3. Lean into the all-sufficient Lord

Jesus' final word "Tetellestai," meaning "it is finished," conveyed the idea that the necessary payment for humanity's sin was accomplished in his death. How would your life look different if you continually believed payment for your lack was finished?

How has your spiritual life looked like during the "stay at home" order during the coronavirus? What one discipline do you think God would want you to grow in? How will you make that change?

Discussion Questions: "Justice and Generosity"

4/26/2020

SWORD AND THE TROWEL | Justice and Generosity | Nehemiah 5:1-19
In the text, a problem is exposed, addressed and solved:

a shackled heart enslaves others
stand up for shackled hearts
a free heart has unshackled hands

A PROBLEM EXPOSED | a shackled heart enslaves others
Read Nehemiah 5:1-5

What problems are going on inside the walls of Jerusalem?
Why can a wall not protect Jerusalem from this problem?
Sin shackles us to the money tables. Do you ever find you live as if money matters more than trusting and loving God? How does greed affect you?
On the flip side, are you currently suffering or feel enslaved? How can your Community Group help you?

Practical Step: Take time to pray and confess any sins of greed and your love of money instead of God. Make sure to receive the forgiveness that is yours in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED | stand up for shackled hearts
Read Nehemiah 5:6-13

Are there any injustices that make you angry? What should you do with that anger?
How does Nehemiah confront injustice? Read Mark 11:15-18. How can we follow these biblical examples?
Read v9. What is significant about Nehemiah saying they should walk in the fear of our God?

Practical Step: Take time to pray a “great outcry” for injustices that you would like to see God intervene in.
A PROBLEM SOLVED | a free heart has unshackled hands
Read Nehemiah 5:14-19

How does Nehemiah live differently than previously leaders?
Nehemiah's understanding of God is what makes him revere and love God. And love and serve his neighbor. Following the One True and Living God frees hearts and unshackles hands. Jesus graciously invites us to His table. The gospel frees us to live a new way, a life of generosity! Read 1 John 3:16-18. How has God grown your generosity?
What is one way God has been nudging you to be generous lately? What’s been holding you back? Commit to an act of generosity.

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER THE NEHEMIAH PRAYER GUIDE.

Discussion Questions: "Using Both Hands for the Lord"

4/19/2020

SWORD AND THE TROWEL | Using Both Hands for the Lord | Nehemiah 4:1-23

In the text, we see three principles related to the church today:

We are in a battle
We have work to do
We are not alone in the battle or in the task at hand

Read Nehemiah 4:1-23. Read the passage and consider the following questions.

Intro: Are you right-handed or left-handed or Ambidextrous?
Do you know anyone who is ambidextrous?

1. We are in a battle:
Read verses 1-3.

Can you recall a time you were jeered at or teased? If so, do you remember how that felt?
How do you think the Israelites felt when Tobiah said “a fox could knock that wall down?”
In verses 4-5 how does Nehemiah respond to this round of verbal attack?
In verses 7-8 there is another wave of angry response. Do you see any differences from the level of response from verses 1 and 3?

Read verse 9.

What two actions does Nehemiah lead the people in doing as a response to the second wave of attacks?

If you have time read Ephesians 6: 10-19.

How could each of these types of weapons or armor be helpful in our fight against spiritual attacks or discouragement or unbelief?

Belt of truth
Breastplate of righteousness
Shoes of the gospel of peace
Helmet of salvation
Shield of faith
Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
Prayer

Remember the pattern for us to follow when we feel attacked – pray, remember God is awesome, go to work, and fight back against the enemy.

2. We have work to do:
Verse 17 says “Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.”
The only way to do this is to be “ambidextrous spiritually.”

Do you find you are better at one than the other? (spiritual battles v. getting things done for the Lord)

At RMCC we believe our “work” is contained in our Disciple-Making Pathway. It involves 4 “Gs”
-GATHER in Worship
-GROW in Community
-GIVE time, talent, and treasure
-GO make disciples
Is there an action step you can take this week to fulfill your calling in one of these areas?

3. We are not alone:
Nehemiah reminds us we are not alone. Our awesome God is with us AND we have each other.
Read verse 14.
How does Nehemiah describe God?
Read verses 19-20.
What are we supposed to do when we hear our brothers or sisters need help?
What does this tell us God will do for us?
Is there some task or ministry you are trying to do alone?

Discussion Questions: "A Personal Commitment for Community Change"

4/12/2020

SWORD AND THE TROWEL | A Personal Commitment for Community Change | Nehemiah 3:1-32

BIG IDEA: ETERNAL HEROES LIVE TO GLORIFY CHRIST RATHER THAN GRATIFY SELF

In the text, a plan unfolds of personal commitment for community renewal:

Redemption | The Heroes of the Humiliated
Restoration | The Work of Servant Heroes
Responsibility of Individual Servant Heroes

Read Nehemiah 3:1-32. Read the passage and consider the following questions.

Redemption | The Heroes of the Humiliated

What has brought humiliation upon God’s people in Jerusalem? And what’s the result?
What humiliation have you experienced from sin?
What is unique about the servant heroes God raises up to rebuild the walls?
Read Romans 5:5-11. Who did God raise up to help the very souls of mankind by reversing humiliation of sin? How did God save us? What did God save us from?

Practical Step: Take a moment in your CG for a couple of people to share their stories of how Jesus changed them?

Restoration | The Work of Servant Heroes

Read Nehemiah 2:18. What was the work of restoration that Jerusalem committed to do? What is the work of restoration Jesus has given His Church to do? (Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
If you look at verses 2-31 there is a repetitive phrase showing unity. What is the phrase? What can you and your CG do to help foster unity in all of River Market Community Church?

Practical Step: Brainstorm and think of creative ideas about how your CG can do the work of restoration in your neighborhoods during COVID-19. Commit to taking one action as a group.

Responsibility of Individual Servant Heroes

Read Nehemiah 3:5. Do you ever struggle to serve others? Who? When? Why? Is there any sin you need to confess or any person you need to ask forgiveness?
Read Philippians 3:8-11. Why does Paul look at serving as a privilege and priceless opportunity? What is his hope?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ great hope for Christians? (1 Corinthians 15) And how does it personally help you in trying times?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER THE NEHEMIAH PRAYER GUIDE.

Discussion Questions: "Vision for the City"

4/5/2020

SWORD AND THE TROWEL | Vision for the City | Nehemiah 2:17-20

BIG IDEA: TO ACT WITH LOVE IN TOUGH TIMES WE NEED GOD-FEARING FAITH
We obtain a God-fearing faith through clarity, confidence and commitment.

Clarity of what’s at stake
Confidence of who’s in our corner
Lastly, a correct understanding of commitment

Read Nehemiah 2:17-20. Read the passage and consider the following questions.

CLARITY | Read v17

Nehemiah stacks building blocks of clarity on top of each other to help them get the magnitude of what's at stake. Get clarity by Answer the following:
1. Who’s Involved?
2. What is the Present Problem?
3. What is the Future Vision for God’s People?
After giving some clarity, Nehemiah helps his team grasp the reality of what’s at stake by answer the “why.” Why do this work? Why rebuild the wall? Surely, God doesn’t want the wall rebuild for just the welfare of the city. What is at stake?

Practical Step: Just as God used Nehemiah and his team to accomplish his will in tough times. How is God wanting to use the church during COVID-19?

Just as Nehemiah gives a CLEAR CALL TO ACTION - "Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem,..." What is one step of faith you can take this week to follow God’s leading?
How is God calling you to take a step of faith? (potentially one of the 5 things listed below)

Five Things we can do as a church right now during COVID-19
1. WORSHIP - Everyone can be involved in gathering together on the weekend for Worship -AND- Inviting co-workers, friends and family to join!
2. COMMUNITY - Everyone can be involved in a Community Group that isn't Sunday mornings.
3. SERVE - Everyone can serve in some capacity. We have to be creative for those who cannot leave their homes. Perhaps quarantined people can write letters, make sure neighbors have supplies, Facetime singles in the church, etc.
4. GIVE - Everyone can give (in some capacity). -- Or RECEIVE assistance.
5. DISCIPLESHIP - Everyone can own Personal and/or Family Discipleship

CONFIDENCE | Read v18

Nehemiah will answer another question that will inevitably surface on his team: “This seems hard and sacrificial to rebuild a wall so how will we accomplish this work?” How does Nehemiah inspire confidence and answer there question?
How is God great? (look up and share scripture verses)
How is God good? (share a testimony of how God has moved in your life recently, through reading his word, answered prayer, etc)

Practical Step: Nehemiah’s testimony inspired confidence and brought God’s people to put their faith in Him. Let us participate in #JesusChangedMyLife project for Easter. Practice and Shoot 60-second Testimony Videos for Easter’s. Click HERE for a step-by-step guide that walks you through how to do the whole process (from writing your testimony to capturing your video on your phone).

COMMITMENT | Read v19-20

Nehemiah and his team are not naive. They all know they are about to do this work of God in the midst of hostile territory, they all wonder what happens when we face trials and opposition? What is the current trial you are going through?
We need to rightly understand God's commitment to us in order to combat opposition! Read v20 and 1:5 and then answer what is God’s commit to us?
Our hope in trials and opposition is dependence upon Our Almighty God. Read v20 and share what significant truths Nehemiah highlights that will help us respond in truth when opposition comes our way?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER THE NEHEMIAH PRAYER GUIDE.