Benjamin Murphy
Small Group Questions
Benjamin Murphy
Sermon Series Highlights
Sermon Series Highlights

How Can Adversity Be Good

Introduction:

5 Fantastic Things You Only Get from Adversity:
(Ecclesiastes 7:1-14)

  1. Perspective . (Eccl 7:1-4)
  2. Maturity . (Eccl 7:5-6)
  3. Patience . (Eccl 7:7-9)
  1. Wisdom . (Eccl 7:10-12)

    Numbers 11:4-6 - Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, "Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at."

  2. Reliance . (Eccl 7:13-14)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

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

  2. Why is attending a funeral more beneficial than attending a party? Has a death of a loved one ever brought you to self-evaluation?

  3. How well do you handle a rebuke? How do you typically respond?

  4. Are you apt to rebuke a brother or sister in Christ when you see that they are out of line? How do you go about that, or do you try to avoid / ignore it?

  5. Tell of how the Lord has used, or is using, adversity in your life. How have you grown?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

How Can Prosperity Be Bad?

Introduction:

Money Won't Make You Happy:
(Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12)

  1. More money brings more Problems . (Eccl 5:10-17)
    1. More money = more Dissatisfaction . (Eccl 5:10)
    2. More money = more Moochers . (Eccl 5:11a)
  1. More money = more Disappointment . (Eccl 5:11b)
  2. More money = more to Worry about. (Eccl 5:12)
  3. More money = more Hurting . (Eccl 5:13-14)
  4. More money = more to Leave behind . (Eccl 5:15-17)
  1. Unless God gives you Power to enjoy it. (Eccl 5:18-6:9)
  2. Because God Said so . (Eccl 6:10-12)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12

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

  2. Why do you think people look to money for happiness, despite the fact that the Bible and history both say that this has never happened?

  3. Have you ever seen someone hurt themselves in the pursuit of more, or when they got more (no names!)? Do you have a personal experience in this?

Breakout
Pray for one another to go after healthy relationships.

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.

  1. 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

  2. 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 .

  3. How do I win a spiritual battle?

    1. Jesus won the battle for us!

      2. 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."

  1. 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...

  1. 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
  1. Obedience matters because it shapes our Character .

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

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.