A Worthy Life

Introduction:

A Worthy Life (Philippians 1:27-29):

1. Stand firm in Unity . (Phil 1:27)

   Phil 2:3-4 - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

2. Have no Fear . (Phil 1:28)

   Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

   Phil 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.

3. Receive the Gift of Suffering. (Phil 1:29)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Phil 1:27-29

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. We’re called to strive in unity with fellow believers. Read Philippians 2:3-4. In light of this verse, what specifically is keeping you from striving in unity with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ? What can you do, or what do you need to change over the next month to improve in this area? Be specific.
   

3. We’ve all experienced fear, but let’s encourage one another on this one. Share a time in your life when you experienced the emotion of fear, but you trusted God and saw Him deliver you from your fears. How did you do this, and what was the result?
   

4. Read Acts 5:41. Have you accepted your free gift of suffering and rejoiced that you have been counted worthy to suffer for his name? Or are you rejecting the gift and replacing the rejoicing with anger, frustration, and desperation. Be honest. Be specific.
   

Breakout
Take time to lift each member of your group up in prayer specifically about what they’ve shared this evening.

Blinded by Anger

Introduction:

When I'’'m Blinded by Anger... (Jonah 4):

1. I cannot see that God's plan is better than Mine . (Jonah 4:1-4)
2. I cannot see that My Comfort isn't the Point . (Jonah 4:5-9)
3. I cannot see any Needs of Anyone Else . (Jonah 4:10-11)

   Matthew 12:40-41 - For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Jonah 4

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Have you ever found yourself frustrated by God’s plan? How would you encourage someone who’s going through that right now?
   

3. In what ways can the pursuit of comfort in the church today lead us to miss the point?
   

4. What are some areas where you need to be transformed from “Jonah” to “Greater Jonah” thinking?
   

5. Who is your Nineveh today? How is God calling you to view them with compassion?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Armor Up

Introduction:

1. What is Spiritual Warfare?
   (Ephesians 6:11-12)

   1. Evil spiritual forces actively trying to intervene in our pursuit of a relationship with Jesus.
   2. Most often associated with Satan , who is clearly identified as the enemy of our Soul.

2. How do I recognize I'm in a spiritual battle?

   Three ways Satan attacks us:

   1. Satan attacks us through Accusations
   2. Satan attacks us through Temptation
      1. Desires of the Flesh
      2. Desires of the Eyes
      3. Pride of Life
   3. Satan attacks us through Deception

3. How do I fight a spiritual battle? (Eph 6:13-17)

   1. We are called to Stand not Fight .
   2. We must adorn the full Armor of God .

4. How do I win a spiritual battle?

   1. Jesus won the battle for us!

   Colossians 2:15 - He disarmed the rulers and the authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ephesians 6:10-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

When Change Is Overwhelming

Introduction:

When we're rocked by change, God steadies us because (James 1:17-18)...

1. He is Good . (Jas 1:17a)

   Numbers 23:19 - "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind."

   Deuteronomy 32:4 - "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he."

2. He is Unchanging . (Jas 1:17b)

   Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

When we're rocked by change, God steadies us because...

3. He Chose you. (Jas 1:18)

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Small Group Discussion
Read James 1:17-18

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How have you handled unexpected change in the past? How can you handle it in light of your relationship with Jesus?
   

3. Why is it so important that we serve and know an unchanging God?
   

4. What are some ways you can avoid being overwhelmed or anxious about change in life?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Obedience Matters

Introduction:

Why Obedience Matters (Jeremiah 40:1-6):

1. God's word does not Change .
2. There is consequence to both Disobedience and Obedience.

1. Protection
2. Provision
3. Hope

3. Obedience matters because it shapes our Character .

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Small Group Discussion
Read Jeremiah 40:1-6

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What does Jesus say about obedience?
   

3. Are there any areas in your life where you may be putting off obedience?
   

4. Considering the first two questions, why do you think it is important for us to obey God?

Breakout
Pray for one another.