community group notes
INTRODUCTION
The account of Herod can be a cautionary tale of what happens when power is the focus of our life. Jesus shows a different way because he is a different king.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In your opinion, what is the most misuse of authority you have seen this year?
2. In his sermon Justin said, “When power is gained, anxiety to keep power usually follows.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
3. Read Matthew 1:1-3. Why was Herod disturbed?
4. How can Jesus’ entrance into your story be threatening?
5. What might it mean, day by day, to set aside our little kingdom and surrender to Jesus?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." MATTHEW 1:1-2 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
When it comes to the Christmas story, there are some key characters who tend to get overlooked. Joseph is someone we can learn from.
DISCUSSION QUESTION
1. What would it be like to be the actual parent of the Savior of the World?
2. Read Matthew 1:18.
3. What were some challenging seasons in your life that you didn't see coming? What did your response to those challenges say about you?
4. Read Matthew 1:19-20. Verse 20 says "but after he had considered this…” - Do you consider first or are you quick to react to situations?
5. What would help you to remember to consider, think, and pray before you react
6. When is the last time someone came to know Jesus because you invested in them?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Memorize this Scripture: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
The account of Zechariah can be a lesson on what to do when life doesn’t turn out like you wanted it to.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. In your opinion, how well are you able to discern God’s voice?
2. Have you ever mistaken something for a sign from God, only to feel crushed when it wasn’t?
3. Read Luke 1:5-25; 57-64. What stands out in these verses?
4. Do you think Zechariah’s silence is a punishment or a gift?
5. What role does a space for silence play in your spiritual renewal?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. LUKE 1:64 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week we look at the calling of Elisha and how his response shows us what it means to live a life of purpose. God took an ordinary man from an ordinary field and invited him into an extraordinary future. Elisha teaches us the power of being interruptible, the cost of obedience, and the importance of removing “plan b” options that keep us from fully following God. As we discuss today, let’s consider what it looks like to say yes to God with the same courage and surrender Elisha displayed.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read 1 Kings 19:19–21. What stood out to you about Elisha’s calling or the moment Elijah placed his cloak on him? Why do you think this moment was so significant?
2. Elisha came from a life of comfort and success, yet he was also a hard worker. How does his example challenge the way we view work, success, or purpose?
3. One of the major themes from this message is living an interruptible life. Do you feel you have room in your schedule for God to interrupt you? What makes this difficult?
4. Many of us give God excuses when He calls us into something new—success, comfort, fear, or busyness. Which excuse do you most relate to, and why?
5. When Elisha slaughtered the oxen and burned the plow, he was removing his “plan B.” What is something in your life that might need to “burn” so you can fully follow God? (Examples: a sin pattern, a fear, a failure, or even a past success.)
6. Why do you think it’s so difficult to let go of things that hold us back, even when we know God is calling us forward?
7. Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. What does that look like practically for you right now? What do you sense God inviting you to surrender, give up, or step into as you respond to His calling?
8. Elisha teaches us that following God requires intentional steps, courage, and surrender. When we burn the plows behind us, we make space for God to lead us into a life full of purpose. What is one small, intentional step you can take this week to move toward God’s calling for your life?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Matthew 16:24–26 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This week we talked about the tendency we all have to give up too soon. We often quit not because we’ve failed, but because discouragement, hurt, or fear convinces us that trying again isn’t worth it. In Scripture, we see two powerful examples: King Joash, who quit early and missed out on full victory, and the friends of the paralyzed man, who refused to quit until they got him to Jesus. Their stories challenge us to keep going, keep trusting, and keep striking the arrows God places in our hands. As we discuss together, let’s consider where we might be quitting too early—and how God is calling us to persevere.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Read 2 Kings 13:14–19 and Mark 2:1–12. What stood out to you from the stories of King Joash and the paralyzed man’s friends? How did their responses to obstacles differ?
2. Elisha challenged Joash because he stopped striking the arrows. Why do you think we tend to quit early in life—spiritually, emotionally, or relationally? (Examples from the sermon: self-image, others’ voices, past mistakes, tiredness, hurt, avoidance.)
3. Jesus honored the perseverance of the four friends in Mark 2. Share a time when you—or someone you know—kept going despite obstacles. What helped you persist?
4. The men in Mark 2 didn’t see obstacles—they saw opportunities. Do you normally see barriers as obstacles or opportunities? Why do you think that is?
5. Is there an area in your life right now where you’re tempted to quit? What makes this particular situation challenging?
6. Scripture teaches that God never quits on us. How does knowing that God won’t quit His work in you change the way you face difficulty or discouragement?
7. Elisha’s message to Joash was clear: Don’t stop striking the arrows. What “arrow” has God put in your hand that He’s asking you to keep striking—prayer, forgiveness, serving, healing, trusting, growth?
8. We may fail at times, but we are not called to quit. God remains faithful, and He invites us to persevere in the calling He has placed on our lives. What is one practical step you can take this week to keep going in an area where you’ve been tempted to give up? Where do you need to strike the last arrow and leave nothing unfinished?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
People often twist scripture to match their own lives instead of letting it transform them. For the next two weeks, we will discuss three handles that help you handle the Bible.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What are some examples of people taking a Bible text out of context?
2. Read Jeremiah 29:10-14. How does your interpretation of Jeremiah 29:11 differ if read in the context of the other verses?
3. How can God speak to us through this ancient story?
4. How can you apply this discovered truth to your week?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
INTRODUCTION
People often twist Scripture to match their own lives instead of letting it transform them. We are discussing three “handles” that help us handle the Bible.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Have you seen the Bible used as a weapon to win an argument? Have you seen someone use the Bible to justify their actions?
2. Read Matthew 7:1-5. How does your interpretation differ when you read five verses instead of one verse?
3. Justin talked about three handles for the Bible: Story, Listen, and Discern. Which of the handles do you excel in? Which ones present a struggle for you?
4. How can you improve your handle skills with the Bible?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Matthew 7:5 (NIV)