Weekly Reflection Questions

September 24

What do the following passages tell us about the work of the Holy Spirit?

   John 14:26

   Ephesians 1:13, 4:30

   Romans 8:26-27

   Titus 3:5

   Romans 6:3

   Romans 15:13

   John 16:8

   2 Thessalonians 2:6-10

   1 Corinthians 2:10-11

 

September 17

 

Read Ephesians 2:18-22.

 

What is the only way to have access to God?

 

What role does the Holy Spirit have in our access to God?

 

Who are the saints in Ephesians 2:19?

 

What are the ramifications of being fellow citizens and members of the household of God?

 

What do you think about being a dwelling place for God?

 

How does this passage encourage you in your everyday life?

 

September 10

 

Read Colossians 2:6-15.

  What does ‘walk’ mean in verse 6?

 

  How could we be taken captive by philosophy and empty deceit?

 

  What is vital in our struggle against being taken captive?

 

Read 1 John 4:1.

  What do you think discernment means?

 

  How do we become better at discernment?

September 3

 

Read Acts 2.

 

   When was the church founded? 

 

   What would you list as the purposes of the church?

 

Read Ephesians 4:11-16.

 

   How does this passage describe your life?

 

In practical everyday life, how does Hebrews 10:25 impact your life?

 

Are you what Christ describes in Matthew 5:14-16?

 

 

August 27

Carefully read Luke 11:2 and Matthew 6.

 

Is Jesus teaching that public prayer is wrong in Matthew 5:5-6?

 

Is Matthew 5:7 teaching us to not repeat a prayer request?

 

What does ‘hallowed’ mean, and how does this impact your prayer life?

 

How often do you pray for God’s kingdom and His will to be done?

 

In the example of prayer in Matthew 5 and Luke 11, which comes first - worship or our requests? Why?

 

Why is forgiveness included in this prayer model?

 

What changes in your life do you need to make to improve your prayer life?

 

 

August 20

 

Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

What is meant by the ‘word of Christ’?

 

Dwell means “to live in,” or “to be at home.” Is the word of Christ at home in you?

 

How richly, meaning abundantly or extravagantly rich, does the Word live in you?

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 119. What do you learn about letting the word of Christ dwell in you?

 

Colossians 3:16-17 is parallel to Ephesians 5:18–19.

 

How do you think being filled with the Holy Spirit is the same as letting the Word dwell in you?

 

Why is being filled with the Spirit an issue of influence and control?

 

Think about:
Psalms were taken from the Old Testament psalter, the book of Psalms. They sang psalms put to music, much as we do today.

Hymns were expressions of praise to God. It is thought that some portions of the New Testament (such as Col. 1:15–20 and Phil. 2:6–11) were originally hymns sung in the early church.

Spiritual Songs emphasized testimony. They express in song what God has done for us.

 

 

 

August 13

2 Timothy 3:14–17 (ESV)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

 

‘Continue’ in verse 14 is a command.

 

Are you continuing to learn?

 

Why do you think Paul uses the term ‘sacred writings’?

 

What writings were sacred writings for Paul and Timothy?

 

What do the following terms mean:

   Inspiration

 

   Inerrancy

 

   Illumination

 

   How are they different?

 

   How do they work together?

 

 

In your life in Christ, how well are you receiving teaching reproof, correction and training from Scripture?

 

How do you think you could grow in your passion for Scripture?

 

August 6

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.   The word of the cross refers to the entire gospel message, God's plan for redemption.  

Why is the cross folly to those who are perishing?

Think about how wisdom only, based on human understanding, is problematic.

How have you experienced the power of God?  

Mark 8:34–36 (ESV)
And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

How would you explain the phrase “come after me”?  

In Greek, deny means “to have no association with”.  

What does this denial mean to you and how you live your life?  

How does this relate to Matthew 5:3?  

How do the good works of a believer reflect a lost life?  

Do all souls exist after death?  

Is there anything in this life more valuable than your eternal soul?  

How do your choices in this life reveal that you have taken up your cross and are following Jesus? 

 

   July 30

Who is included as a missionary in Matthew 28:19?

 

Is any believer exempt from being a missionary?

 

How does Romans 10:13-15 apply to missions?

 

What is your mission field?

 

If you were asked to tell someone the gospel, what would you tell them?

 

What is the gospel? See 1 Corinthians 15:1-6

 

July 23

Read Deuteronomy 25.

    Why is weekly rest important?

    Why is a year’s rest important?

    Why do you think the year of Jubilee was given to the Israelite people?

    What is liberty? Has it been proclaimed over you?

    Why do you think God permitted slavery?

    Why does God not permit slavery today for His people?

 

Read Galatians 3:15 – 4:7.

     Why does the law hold us captive?

     How was somebody saved before Jesus came?

      Who did Jesus die for? 

      When we are baptized into Christ, what does that make us?

      What is the role of a parent?

      What are elementary principles?

       Do you have liberty or death?

July 16

Read Psalm 32.

     How does forgiveness bless you?

     How does unforgiveness curse you?

     How hard is it for you to forgive others?

     How do you lean into God when you need to forgive?

     How does God usually tell you to forgive others?

     Have you found forgiveness to be freeing or bonding? Why?

 

Read Matthew 18:10-35.

Based on the text, what does it mean when it says, “For where two or three are gathered in my name there am I among them?”

     Have you ever given up on forgiving somebody?

     What is the greatest debt you have ever forgiven?

     Does it compare to the debt God forgave?

     Do you allow God’s mercy to flow out of you?

     Who do you need to forgive?

     Who do you need to ask for forgiveness?       

 

July 9

Read Ephesians 4.

  Why is the ‘now’ so important in verse 17?

  What does ‘futility of their minds’ mean?

  What does it mean to put off your old self in verse 22?

  How have you actively put off your old self?

  How have you actively put on your new self?

  How do we be angry and not sin?

  When was the last time you let corrupting talk come from your mouth?

  What is the difference between bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander?

 

Read John 2:13-22.

  Do you struggle with this text?

  Do you ever use this text to justify your actions?

  Why was Jesus right in doing what He did?

  Why would it be a sin for you?

 

July 2

Read James 3:13-18. 

            Whom do you know who is wise and why are they wise?

 

            Describe meekness. Who is meek in our church and why does it relate to wisdom?

 

            When have you spoken falsely about your heart?

 

            What is the difference between the wisdom the Bible talks about and worldly wisdom?

 

            What areas do you struggle to be like James’s description of wisdom in verse 17?

 

            How can you improve in these areas?

 

Read Proverbs 14.

            What are some takeaways from this text at first glance? 

 

            List what Solomon describes as foolishness?

 

            List what Solomon describes as wise?

 

            Would you say you lean toward foolishness or wisdom?

 

 

June 25

 

1.    How does the charge in Romans 12:16 “Be of the same mind toward one another” relate to Romans 15:5-6 and Philippians 2:1-4?

 

2.    Who are the powerful people in your life that you have attempted to align yourself with? Has it benefited you personally or has God’s Kingdom been advanced as a result?

 

3.     Who are the lowly people in your life that you feel God is calling you to associate with? Have you been resistant to God’s calling, if so, why?

 

4.    What are the dangers of being “wise in your own estimation”?

 

 

June 18

Revenge is the opposite of what God calls us to do - to overcome evil with good.

1.   What is the main theme or message of Galatians 6:1-10?

2.   According to verse 1, what should we do when we find a brother or sister caught in a transgression?

3.   How does verse 2 instruct believers to bear one another’s burdens? What does this look like practically?

4.   In verse 3, Paul cautions against self-deception. What does he mean by this, and why is it important in the context of
      doing good?

5.   Verse 4 advises each person to test their own work. What does this mean, and why is self-reflection important in the
      Christian life?

6.   According to verse 6, what should those who are taught the word do for the one who teaches?

7.   What does verse 7 teach about sowing and reaping? How does this principle apply to our actions and choices?

8.   In verse 9, what encouragement does Paul give regarding doing good? How can this be applied practically in our
      lives?

9.   How does verse 10 summarize the overall message of this passage? What does it mean to do good to all, especially
      to those of the household of faith?

10. Reflecting on this passage, how can we practically apply the principles of bearing one another’s burdens, testing our
      own work, and doing good to all in our daily lives as Christians?

 

June 4

 

Read Matthew 6:19-34.

 

1. What does it mean to "lay up treasures in heaven" and why is it important to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions? 

 

2. How does the concept of storing treasures in heaven influence your priorities and decision-making in daily life? 

 

3. In what ways do you find yourself seeking material wealth or possessions? How might this distract you from your spiritual journey? 

 

4. How can you practice detachment from material possessions while still responsibly managing your resources and meeting your needs?

 

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced worry or anxiety about the future. How did Jesus' teachings on God's provision and care help you navigate those feelings? 

 

6. How does the analogy of birds and flowers in Matthew 6:26-30 remind you of God's provision and sovereignty? In what ways can you apply this principle to your own life? 

 

7. Consider the role of worry in your life. How often do you find yourself consumed by anxious thoughts about the future? What steps can you take to cultivate trust in God's provision instead? 

 

8. Reflect on a specific area of your life where you struggle to trust God's provision. What practical steps can you take to surrender that area to Him and rely on His faithfulness? 

 

9. How can you cultivate a mindset of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first in your daily life, rather than being preoccupied with worldly concerns? 

 

10. Take a moment to reflect on the truth that God knows your needs and cares deeply for you. How does this awareness impact your perspective on worry and anxiety?

 

 

May 28

Read Matthew 25:14-30.

            If you had to give yourself a ranking of 1-10, how lazy are you?

            How would you respond if you were responsible for a significant amount of money?

            How do you respond to the gift God has given you and wants you to invest?

            How much time do you spend doing labor that is not important?

            How can you prioritize your time?

            Do you see your job as working for God?

            What do you think it means to enter the “joy of the master”?

            Why is the servant who was given 1 talent considered wicked (hint: read verse 30)?

            Why is his talent given to the one that has 5 talents?

            How do you become more fervent in your life?

 

May 21

Read Luke 10:25-37.

            If you had to give yourself a ranking of 1-10 how hateful are you?

            Do you tend to think of yourself as better than others?

            Do you tend to think of yourself as worse than others?

            How often do you try and justify yourself?

            In what ways have you robbed, beaten, or murdered somebody?

            In what ways have you ignored somebody?

 

            When was the last time you helped a stranger?

 

            When was the last time you helped somebody who was hurting, either physically or emotionally?            

 

            Are you willing to spend your money on a stranger?

 

            Do you act like the Samaritan or the Robbers, Priest, and Levite?

 

            What is the first step to allow love to become more prevalent in your life?

 

 

May 14

Read Matthew 23.

   If you had to give yourself a ranking of 1-10,  how hypocritical are you?

   Do you teach and act the same?

   What area in your life are you most reliant on the approval of man?

   Are you humble or will you be humbled?

   Do you help people see heaven or hurt it?

   When was the last time you told somebody about your relationship with Jesus?

   Do you swear to God? Does your word still mean something?

   Do you find yourself focused on the little things you do against God or the big things?

   Would you say your inside is clean?

   Do you have empathy?

   Are you real?

 

May 7, 2023

Read Romans 12.

            How can the church be counter-cultural without avoiding our culture?

            Do you think too highly or too lowly of yourself? Write down ways to adjust your thinking to that of God.

            What makes you unique in the body of Christ?

            How does God use you to build unity in the Church?

Read 1 Corinthians 12.

            Why do you think Paul lists some different gifts?

            Why do you think he repeats the phrase “same spirit”?

            What is so important about verse 13?

            Does Paul’s explanation help you understand why each person is different?

            What is the purpose of your spiritual gift?

            Are you going to use it?

            

 

April 30, 2023

Read Romans 12:6-8.  (Memorize it and keep working on Romans 12:1-5.)   
        

            Which one of these gifts do you have?

 

            Write them down and research what they are.            

 

Read Psalm 121.         

            Spend some time looking at God’s creation and thanking Him for it.

 

            What does it mean that God is your help?      

 

            Why does the ‘Spirit never sleeping’ give you comfort?

 

            Do you struggle with fear? What can you do to give it to the Spirit?

            

Read Psalm 23.

            How often do you find yourself wanting?

 

            Why is this not a good thing?

 

            Find some time for rest this week.

 

            Try to visualize even your most difficult moments as still water.

 

            What is your valley? How do you give it to the Spirit?

 

            Visualize God’s love overflowing on you.

 

            Dwell on the house of the Lord and not your difficult moments. 

                        

 

April 23, 2023

Read Romans 12:4-5 – (Memorize it and keep working on Romans 12:1-3).

            

   Would you say your relationship is more personal or corporate?

 

   How can you improve on the one that is less?

 

Read John 21:1-19.

            

   How would you respond if you were Peter?  

 

   Write down how Jesus redeemed you.

 

   What does Following Jesus look like in your life?

                        

Read John 4:1-26.

            What is your favorite part of this story and why?

 

Do you shy away from speaking the truth, do you do it in a way that condemns people, or do you do it in spirit and truth with a desire to see salvation?

 

How do you speak to your loved ones in spirit and truth?

 

            If I was to ask them, would they say you are good at this or bad at it?

 

            Ask them.

 

            Do you find yourself condemning others or saving them?

 

            Do you keep your faith to yourself, or do you go tell people about Jesus?

 

                        

 

 

 

April 16, 2023

Read Romans 12.            

   What comes to mind as you read the text?

 

Read Romans 12:1-3.

   How does the mercy of God allow you to be a living Sacrifice?

            

   How is being acceptable to God spiritual worship?

            

   What does it look like to have a transformed mind?

            

   How do we think with ‘sober judgment’? 

 

Read Luke 15:11-32.

   Which person do you most relate to? 

 

   What do you think the mom was doing during this period?

 

   What did your prodigal journey look like?

 

   How does leaning into the attributes of God make you the person He wants you to be?

 

   How do we avoid being like the older brother, while still being obedient to God?

 

   Who is your ‘one more’ that you want to build a relationship with?

 

 

April 9, 2023

There are no Small Group Questions this Sunday.

 

April 2, 2023

Read Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19.

If you had been there that day, what would your thoughts have been?

 

How many ways can you see God in control of this event?

 

How would you naturally feel about being the subject of a monarch?

 

What makes Jesus a monarch you would willingly submit to?

 

How does your life reflect your submission to Jesus as King?

 

March 26, 2023

What are the two principal forms of revelation God has used to reveal Himself to us?
See Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:20; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Peter 1:10-12.

 

Why do you think God used written words to reveal Himself?

 

How does God’s revelation increase the importance of reading?

 

How do you think scripture is the same as God verbally speaking?

 

Read Romans 15:4.

 

What do you think Paul meant by ‘whatever was written in former days’?

 

Do a group word study of the term perseverance or endurance.

 

Brainstorm some ways to overcome not wanting to regularly read the Bible.

 

How can you help one another read the Bible regularly?

 

March 19, 2023

Do you think there is a difference between converts and disciples? If so, what is the difference?

 

Using scripture, define a disciple.

 

Read about the early church in Acts 2:37-47.

 

   List the features of the church described in this passage.

 

   Are these features in today’s church?

 

Read Ephesians 4:11-16.

 

   According to this passage, who is to do works of service in the church?

 

   What are the results of the works of service in the church?

 

   Who is glorified through the works of service in the church?

 

Think about what you have been willing to do to keep your body healthy or to recover from   
sickness or injury.

 

What are you willing to do for the body of Christ to improve its health?

 

March 12, 2023

Share the things in your life that cause you the most anxiety.

 

Read 1 Peter 5:6-7.

 

Then read Romans 10:17.

 

To accomplish Romans 10:17 -- 

 

   Help each other to find scriptural promises that match your anxiety. 

 

   Think of how you can take those promises and make them prayers throughout your day.

 

 

March 5, 2023

 

Read Mark 9:14-29.

 

   Why had the nine disciples failed? 

 

   How do prayer and faith work together?

 

Read Matthew 14:22-33.

 

   What would your thoughts have been if you were in the boat with the disciples?

 

   Why do you think only Peter stepped over the side of the boat?

 

   Share with one another the greatest step of faith you have taken in your life.

 

   How can we rejoice when our faith is tested as James speaks of in James 1?

 

   What would you be willing to sacrifice to have greater faith?

 

   How could your group help each other through those sacrifices?

 

February 26, 2023

Take some time searching scriptures that encourage us to trust God in every circumstance.

 

Talk about times you can remember seeing God’s hand in a situation that looked terrible while you were in it.

 

Read Romans 8:28.

   What is the condition of this promise?

 

   Does Romans 8:28 really mean ALL things?

 

Have someone read Matthew 6:25-34 out loud. 

 

February 19, 2023

 

Read 1 Peter 4:12-14.

 

How does the ‘fiery trial’ of verse 12 relate to Malachi’s prophecy in Malachi 3:1-3?

 

Why do you think God refines believers with fire?

 

What do you think of future rewards in heaven?

 

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9.

 

How do you respond to affliction?

 

Is your affliction caused by your sinfulness or your living for Christ?

 

In what ways can we help one another through afflictions?

 

February 12, 2023

Make a list of the attributes of God.

 

How do these attributes help us to trust God?

 

In what ways is trusting God different than trusting a human?

 

Read 1 Kings 8:56.

What do you think it means that God has given rest to His people?

 

Hebrews 3 and 4 has much to say about entering God’s rest.

 

What conclusions do you come to about God’s rest for His people?

 

Are you living in God’s rest? If not what needs to change?

 

February 5, 2023

Why was being barren so difficult for women like Sarah?

 

Read about Ishmael in Genesis 16.

 

What happens when we make decisions without seeking God’s direction for us?

 

Scripturally, how do we seek God’s direction?

 

Scripturally, how do we grow our faith?

 

January 29, 2023

Read Genesis 22:1-18.

 

  Why do you think God would put Abraham to this kind of test?

 

  How do you feel about the tests you have gone through?

 

Read James 1:1-18.

 

  How does the passage in Genesis and James relate?

 

  Why is the testing of our faith so important?

 

  What do you think James means by ‘that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing’? (James 1:4b)

 

  How well do you count testing as joy? How can you increase your joy in times of testing?