Make every effort - week 4

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 5.21.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Do you think there are more doors or more wheels in the world?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters...

2 Peter 3:14-16a

  • The word “these” in verse 14 is referring to a new heaven and earth. Does thinking about heaven motivate you to live for God? Why or why not?

  • The phrase “be diligent” is the same phrase translated “make every effort” in 2 Peter 1:5. Why do you think this is a theme throughout Peter’s letter? Why should we be making every effort as Christians?

  • How has God been patient with you? Are you patient with others? Why or why not?

  • Throughout chapter 3 Peter refers to the importance of reading and understanding the Bible. Is reading the Bible a daily habit for you? Why or why not? What reading plans do you recommend?

  • What does it mean to be found “without spot or blemish”? Why is this important?

  • How can we pray for you?

Make every effort - week 3

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 5.14.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Favorite memory about your mom?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:9-11

  • How can we keep from forgetting all that Jesus has done for us?

  • If you’re practicing virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly love, and love then Peter says “you will never fall”. What does he mean by “you will never fall”?

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

2 Peter 1:12-16

  • Why is important to be “stirred up” and reminded even if you already know about it.

  • What do you need reminded of about God’s character?

  • How have you witnessed God move in your life?

  • How can we pray for you?

Make every effort - week 2

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 5.7.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Do you take vitamins? Why or why not?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Peter 1:5-8

  • If you’re honest, is your relationship with God something you actively “make every effort” to work on or is it on the back burner?

  • Why should we supplement our faith?

  • Which of the qualities do you need to focus on today? (1. virtue 2. knowledge 3. self-control 4. steadfastness 5. godliness 6 brotherly love 7. love)

  • What does it mean to be ineffective and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?

  • How can we be the most effective for Jesus?

  • How can we pray for you?

Make every effort - week 1

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 4.30.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What is your favorite cereal?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
- 2 Peter 1:3-4

  • How has God showed Himself powerful in your life?

  • What are you needing from God today?

  • What does your knowledge of Jesus look like? How do you increase your knowledge and strengthen your relationship every day?

  • Jesus has called us to his glory and excellence. How has your life changed since becoming a Christian?

  • What are some of your favorite promises from God?

  • How can we pray for you?

Called to be holy - week 5

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 4.23.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Who is your favorite superhero?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
- 1 Peter 5:6-9

  • What was your main take away from Sunday’s sermon?

  • What does it mean to be humble yourself under God’s mighty hand?

  • How often do you cast your anxieties on God? Do you have any anxieties you’re currently casting on Him?

  • Why do you think Peter addresses sober-mindedness so often in this letter?

  • How do we resist the devil? What does that look like in your life?

  • How can we pray for you?

Called to be holy - week 4

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 4.16.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What is your favorite candy bar?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

  • What was your main take away from Sunday’s sermon?

  • What does it mean to be self controlled and sober minded?

  • Is the church known for it’s love for one another? Why or why not? Are you known for this?

  • What are some opportunities to serve at our church and in our community?

  • How can we thank our life group leader and host for being hospitable to us?

  • How can we pray for you?

Worshiping Wrong

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 4.2.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you had a time machine, what’s the first thing you would do?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
    sitting on a donkey's colt!”

-John 12:12-15

  • What does the word “Hosanna” mean? Why were the crowds shouting this?

  • What’s the significance of riding in on a donkey as appose to a horse?

16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness.

- John 12:16-17

  • Has something happened in your life that you didn’t understand at the time but later had a broader understanding of the big picture?

  • The crowd that had been with Jesus, shared about Him with others. Have you been with Jesus and seen Him work in your life? Are you sharing Him with others? Why or why not?

18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

- John 12:18-19

  • When the people saw what Jesus was capable of they went to meet Him. And His enemies were discouraged. How can we see a great awakening like this where crowds are coming to Jesus and those against Jesus are discouraged?

  • How can we pray for you?

Hope is Alive

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 3.26.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13

  • What does this verse say about addictions?

  • What is necessary to escape?

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

  • Why is important to be sober-minded?

  • Why do you think Christians argue about what’s acceptable instead of just avoiding it all together?

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. - Proverbs 20:1

  • What is the surest way to avoid being “led astray” by drugs and alcohol?

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:1-2

  • How can we help others in their spiritual walk? Explain.

  • How can we pray for you?

Called to be holy - week 3

DISCUSSION GUIDE / 3.19.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,

- 1 Peter 3:8-9,13-14

  • What was your main take away from Sunday’s sermon?

  • What does it mean to have unity of mind?

  • Is the church known for it’s unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, tender heart, and humble mind? Why or why not? Are you known for these things?

  • Why should we not repay evil for evil?

  • Have you ever been ridiculed for doing the right thing? Explain why that has or hasn’t happened.

  • Does fear prevent you from doing the right thing? Why or why not?

  • How can we pray for you?