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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.

Discussion Questions: "Presence in the City"

3/29/2020

SWORD AND THE TROWEL | Presence in the City | Nehemiah 2:1-16
BIG IDEA: TOUGH TIMES AWAKEN US FROM OUR SPIRITUAL SLUMBER TO LOVE GOD AND LOVE OUR NEIGHBORS
The gospel of Jesus allows us to be present in tough times by actively loving God, doing our own soul work and being willing to help others.
Read Nehemiah 2:1-16. Read the passage and consider the following questions.
TOUGH TIMES AWAKEN US TO THE REALITY OF GOD

In the backdrop of COVID-19, What questions about God have surfaced? What doubts do you have?
Tough times awaken us to assess and ask who is God? How would you answer that question looking at Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2:1-8?
How does Psalm 86:8-10, 15 add to your answer?

(Extra: Check out the New City Catechism answer. Click here.)
TOUGH TIMES AWAKEN US TO ASSESS SELF

Read Nehemiah 2:1-5. What is surfacing in Nehemiah?

Let’s take a moment to do our own soul work. During COVID-19 pandemic what is surfacing in you? (thoughts, attitudes, feelings)

Read v8. ‘The good hand of our God is upon us.’ God promises to meet our needs by his infinitely gracious hand. What do you need right now?
- Feelings - (i.e. Anger- voice to be heard; hurt- attention; lonely- to be known; sad- comfort; fear- protection/help/refuge; guilt- forgiveness; shame- attunement)
- Physical - groceries, a friendly video call
What is God trying to teach you during all of this?

TOUGH TIMES AWAKEN US TO THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Mark 12:30-31. What is significant to Jesus’ addition? How does that challenge you now during COVID-19?
Where is God at work in your family, your friends, and your neighbors?
Who is one person in your life God would have you pursue this week? (Video call, ask questions, actively listen, identify their greatest need, ask God for clarity in what to do, and then do it)
How can your Community Group meet the needs of one another in the coming weeks and months as COVID-19 runs its course?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER YOUR OIKOS DOCUMENT.

Sermon Discussion Questions: "The Gospel Binds"

3/8/2020

AUTHENTIC CHURCH | The Gospel Binds | 1 Thessalonians 5:19-28

BIG IDEA: THE GOSPEL OF JESUS ALLOWS AN AUTHENTIC CHURCH TO NOT JUST SURVIVE BUT THRIVE

Paul explains the two means necessary for us to thrive. First, we thrive together in Christ by being spirit-filled, obedient to Scripture and godly discernment. Second, we thrive in together Christ because the Gospel binds us to God who is peace, faithful and gracious to us.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-28. Read the passage and consider the following questions.

THE GOSPEL BINDS US TOGETHER

How would you describe biblical thriving?
In what area of your life do you feel as you are just surviving? If you had to guess why is that the case?
What would it look like if you were thriving in this area?

Spirit-Filled life

Read V19. How does a Christian quench the Spirit?
Are there any sins that you need to confess and repent from?

Obedient to Scripture

What are some ways that the church is guilty of neglecting the importance of preaching the Word of God?
How can we get the most out of preaching?

The 9 Marks Book entitled “What is a Healthy Church Member?” gives some practical suggestions. Of the following which is one you can practice this week? And how can you do so?

Meditate on the Sermon Passage During Your Quiet Time.
Talk and Pray with Friends about the Sermon after Church.
Listen to and Act on the Sermon throughout the Week.
Develop the Habit of Addressing Any Questions about the Text itself.

Godly Discernment

What are some practical ways Christians can obey the command to “test all things?” And is there any area you could use godly wisdom and counsel? Ask your group to speak into your life.

THE GOSPEL BINDS US TO GOD
Steve Lawson challenges us: “Who you believe God to be—what He is like—is the single most important factor in your life.”

Read verses 23-24 and 28. Who is our God? How is this encouraging?
Why don’t we always believe God is who he says he is? How do you tend to live as a functional atheist, as if there is no God? And how does this impact your life?
Read v25-27. How can your Community Group commit to helping each other believe who God says He is?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER YOUR OIKOS DOCUMENT.

Sermon Discussion Questions: "Relationships that Transform"

3/3/2020

AUTHENTIC CHURCH | Relationships that Transform | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. Read the passage and consider the following questions.

CONSIDER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH LEADERS.
Re-read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 to discuss the following questions.

Why does Paul command the church to have leaders who love the members and members who love their leaders? What’s at stake?
How do these verses instruct the church to treat qualified leadership in the church?
1. How are leaders described in these verses? (i.e. what do they do?)
2. What attitude should motivate our respect for and esteem of qualified church leadership?

Getting Practical

How did Sunday’s teaching affect your attitude toward leaders? Explain.
Have you ever expressed your frustration with leadership behind their back rather than to their face? OR Have you ever had unrealistic and/or unfair expectations of a leader’s family (i.e. their wife and children)? How did Sunday’s teaching challenge you?

CONSIDER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER.
Re-read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 to discuss the following questions.

What does it mean to “admonish the idle” according to Sunday’s teaching?
What does it mean to “encourage the fainthearted and help the weak”?

Getting Practical

Did the Lord bring someone specific to mind who is either fainthearted or weak right now? How specifically is the Lord asking you to encourage and/or help them?

CONSIDER YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.
Re-read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to discuss the following questions.

What’s God’s will according to these verses?
Why do you think so many Christians struggle with finding joy in life? What can they do to experience joy and to express gratitude?

Getting Practical

Are you spending time with the Father in His word and prayer?
1. If so, what has God been teaching you recently?
2. If not, what do you think is going on in your heart that’s causing you to neglect your relationship with the Lord? What do you think repentance looks like?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER YOUR OIKOS DOCUMENT.

Discussion Questions: "Hurting with Hope"

2/18/2020

AUTHENTIC CHURCH | Hurting with Hope | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

SERMON RECAP: Some of us have recently felt the tearing pain of separation by death. Some of us have recently buried family members and friends. Some of us have received difficult news about our own health. Others of us are walking alongside those dealing with the grief of loss. We’re all touched by death in one way or another and we’re all going to face our own death one day. In light of this, we need God’s word. We need God’s people. And we need crystal clarity concerning our hope. This passage is critical because it clarifies the distinctly Christian hope that’s found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s in the gospel and only in the gospel that we have the resources we need to hurt with hope.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Read the passage and consider the following questions. Use the text to back up your answers.

1. What is your experience with death and grieving?

Re-read 1 Thessalonians 4:13 and then discuss the following questions.
2. Who is Paul describing when he mentions “those who are asleep?”

What is grief and why is it an appropriate response to death?
What does the believer need to know in order to grieve with hope?

Re-read 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
Sunday’s teaching said that Jesus’ death and resurrection are the foundation of
the believer’s hope.

3. Why is Jesus’ death foundational to the believer’s hope?

Why should this relieve our fears about our own death?
Why should this renew our commitment to evangelism?

4. Why is Jesus’ resurrection foundational to the believer’s hope?

Re-read 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
Sunday’s teaching said that Jesus’ return is the consummation of the believer’s
Hope.

5. What will happen to those who’ve died in the faith when Christ returns?

How should this bring comfort to the believer in the midst of failing health or after receiving a difficult diagnosis?
How does this affect you personally?

6. What will happen to those believers still alive at Christ’s return?

Re-read 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
7. What is the straight-forward application for us in this passage?

Do you think we have a tendency to isolate from the believing community when we’re grieving? If so, why do you think we have that tendency? How does this verse serve as a corrective?
Does this verse change the way you think about ministering to other believers in the midst of their grief? How so?

8. Are you grieving right now? Or, are you walking alongside someone who’s grieving?

Is there someone in this Community Group or in our church that you need to be more proactive with in order to encourage them in the midst of their grief?
How might it impact a person outside the faith when they see a believer suffer well? Is there anyone in your life outside the faith that needs to see you grieve with hope?

9. In John 16:20-23 Jesus explains that his followers will grieve unto life so that our hearts will rejoice and we will have everlasting joy. “We grieve unto life by bringing our hurt and pain, sadness, anger, and loneliness to the Lord. We seek Him in Prayer and the Promises in His Word. As we cry out to God he enables us to hold the hope of His promises in one hand and hurt in the other AND by God's grace we will grieve unto life!” How can we at River Market Community Church help each other grieve unto life?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER YOUR OIKOS DOCUMENT.

Discussion Questions: "The Gospel and Holiness"

2/10/2020

AUTHENTIC CHURCH | The Gospel and Holiness | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

SERMON RECAP: We live in a sexually charged culture—sex is everywhere. We respond by either making too much of sex or too little of it. Sex is not just physical; it’s a deeply spiritual act; it’s the mingling of souls. God’s will for our sexuality is crystal clear in this passage: that every follower of Jesus would be sanctified (or set apart) in their sexual purity. Followers of Jesus are to abstain from sexual immorality and learn to control their bodies in holiness and honor. Sex is a good gift when enjoyed in the context of marriage between one man and one woman.

BIG IDEA: God changes our lust into love so we can please God and love others.

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12. Read the passage and consider the following questions. Use the text to back up your answers.

1. How does the gospel help us understand the purpose of sex?

2. Define sanctification, holiness, and sexual immorality.

3. How does sexual immorality harm you? How does it harm others?

4. What are some practical ways we abstain from sexual immorality?

What are some practical steps we can take to get the Scriptures in our minds?
What are some practical steps we can take to let the Scriptures affect our hearts (mind, will, emotions)?
What are some practical steps we can take to safeguard ourselves when we’re tempted to sin sexually?

5. What’s the role of the Holy Spirit in learning to control our bodies in holiness and honor?

6. What’s the role of the believing community in learning to control our bodies in holiness and honor?

“The love of God and the love of the world, are two affections, not merely in a state of rivalship, but in a state of enmity—and that so irreconcilable, that they cannot dwell together in the same bosom. We have already affirmed how impossible it were for the heart, by any innate elasticity of its own, to cast the world away from it; and thus reduce itself to a wilderness. The heart is not so constituted; and the only way to dispossess it of an old affection, is by the expulsive power of a new one.” --The Expulsive Power of a New Affection, Thomas Chalmers

PRAY TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY GROUP.
PRAY OVER YOUR OIKOS DOCUMENT.

FURTHER READING

On gendered beings:

VIDEO: Embodied from Creation Through Redemption: Placing Gender and Sexuality in Theological Context (Beth Felker Jones)
ARTICLE: This Formerly Trans 14-Year-Old Has A Message For Questioning Kids (Walt Heyer, The Federalist)
ARTICLE: Man, Woman, and the Mystery of Christ (Russell Moore)
ARTICLE: Are our bodies a revelation of our design?
BOOK: Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women (ed. Jonathan Parnell and Owen Strachan)
BOOK: Beauty, Order, and Mystery: A Christian Vision of Human Sexuality (ed. Gerald Hiestand and Todd Wilson)
BOOK: All But Invisible: Exploring Identity Questions at the Intersection of Faith, Gender & Sexuality (Nate Collins)

On gender roles:

VIDEO: The Beauty of Complementarity: (Jackie Hill Perry, Sam Allberry, and Rosaria Butterfield on a Widely Misunderstood Topic)
VIDEO: Why is the Gospel Coalition Complementarian (The Gospel Coalition)
BOOK: Jesus, Justice, and Gender Roles: A Case for Gender Roles in Ministry (Kathy Keller)
BOOK: God’s Good Design (Claire Smith) Former feminist Claire Smith takes a verse-by-verse approach to seeing what the Bible has to say about men and women and their roles in the home and church.
BOOK: Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity and Practice (ed. Jonathan Parnell and Owen Strachan)

On marriage:

BOOK: Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel (Ray Ortlund)
BOOK:The Meaning of Marriage (Timothy & Kathy Keller)
BOOK: Marriage Matters(Winston Smith)
BOOK: What Did You Expect?(Paul David Tripp)
BOOK: Tying the Knot (Rob Green)
ARTICLE: Man, Woman, and the Mystery of Christ (Russell Moore)
VIDEO: The Beauty of Complementarity: (Jackie Hill Perry, Sam Allberry, and Rosaria Butterfield on a Widely Misunderstood Topic)
VIDEO: The Minister’s Marriage (Ray Ortlund) - Ortlund gives a beautiful biblical theology of marriage as a proclamation of the gospel itself. Though originally given to a group of pastors and wives, this is a pastoral, prophetic that will benefit the whole church.
ARTICLE: Our Wedding Rings Give Us Amnesia (Jasmine Holmes)

On singleness:

ARTICLE: “Your Singleness is Not Punishment for Your Imperfection”(Jasmine Holmes)
ARTICLE: “Single for a Reason: Eight Lies We Tell Unmarried Women”(Jasmine Holmes)
ARTICLE: “It Isn’t Good to Be Alone” (Wendy Alsup)