Luke - week 18

DISCUSSION GUIDE /10.15.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Are you excited about the upcoming Missions Focus at Life Fellowship?!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

33 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 34 Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. 35 Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. 36 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.”

Luke 11:33-36

  • Are you “shining the light” of Jesus in your life? What does that mean to you?

  • How can we do better at putting Jesus’ light “on a stand” in our homes and community?

  • Verse 33 is about outward light. Verse 34 is about shining the light inward. How can you let Jesus shine in you and help you see things that you need to change?

  • Are there things that you used to look at or spend time doing that caused more darkness in you than light? What helped you stop focusing on those things?

  • What are some things in the church that cause our light to be dim? How can we make changes to represent Christ and shine light so those around us can see and know the gospel?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 17 - Pray First

DISCUSSION GUIDE /10.8.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What was your first pet?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Luke 11:5-12

  • What does this story (v5-8) have to do with prayer?

  • Have you ever prayed to God with this kind of determination? Why or why not?

  • Do you believe verses 9 and 10? What are you currently asking God for?

  • Without being disrespectful, what was/is your relationship with your father like? How has this relationship impacted your view of your Heavenly Father?

  • Which spiritual gifts are you asking the Father for?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 16 - Sent. Saved. Serve. Sit.

DISCUSSION GUIDE /10.1.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What was your dream job as a kid?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Luke 10:25-37

  • Why is the lawyer asking “who is my neighbor”? What do you think he is hoping Jesus will say?

  • Why do you think the priest and the Levite passed by the man?

  • Do you think you' are ever too preoccupied with other things to make time for people in need? How can we change this as Christians?

  • The Samaritan not only cared for the man’s wounds but he provided for him until he recovered and he also returned to check on him. Why is a long term relationship better than simply handing someone money? What makes the long term relationship more of a challenge?

  • What are some ways we can “go and do likewise” and show others mercy this week?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 15 - Love all. Serve all. Always.

DISCUSSION GUIDE /9.24.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

Describe yourself in three words.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” 13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

Luke 9:10-17

  • When is the last time you withdrew to be alone with Jesus? Describe that time.

  • What is your reaction to people who are in your life and are in need? Do you help them? Why or why not?

  • The disciples brought what they had to Jesus (five loaves and two fish). What are some things (skills, abilities, talents) that you see in the group of people around you that can be used for good?

  • How can we work together to bless our community and share the love of Jesus? (Be sure to share all of your ideas with pastor Dakota!)

  • Jesus continued to bless and provide until every need was satisfied. Do you believe He will still continue to work in that way here in our community? What will that look like? What are we believing for and praying for Jesus to do here?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 14 - A humble ruler, healed woman, and hand to the plow.

DISCUSSION GUIDE /9.17.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What is your favorite thing about fall?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.

Luke 8:40-42,49-54

  • Have you ever publicly cried out to Jesus? Why didn’t you care about who saw you?

  • Has God ever given you a miracle that you were seeking after?

  • Why are Jesus words “Do not fear, only believe” so difficult for us at times?

As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

- Luke 8:42b-48

  • Jesus was willing to be interrupted even though he was on an important mission. Are you ever willing to be interrupted to help someone in need? Why or why not?

  • Have you ever seen someone pursue Jesus like this woman pursued after Him? (Maybe they needed healing and prayed, maybe they were praying for a loved one to return to God, maybe they were just hungry for more of God.) Explain what that looked like and how it impacted you.

  • How can we be more “all in” when it comes to receiving from Jesus like Jairus and the woman?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 13 - What is your name?

DISCUSSION GUIDE /9.9.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What is your favorite memory from this summer?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

Luke 8:21

  • Jesus redefines His family to include those who are obedient to God. What does this mean for you and I?

  • Are you selective with those you consider “family”? Do the people you look up to honor God with their actions? Why should we treat everyone with love even if they aren’t in our family?

24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

  • Have you every been concerned about a situation that in the end you didn’t need to be because God took care of it? Explain.

  • Do you believe God is capable of calming the storms in your life? Why do you think that He sometimes allows us to experience the storm before he rebukes it?

30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him.

35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid.

38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Luke 8:30,35,38-39

  • How can we protect ourselves from demonic influence?

  • Why did Jesus choose this man to declare his testimony? Have you shared your testimony with your hometown friends and family? Why or why not?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 6

DISCUSSION GUIDE /7.23.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What is something no one knows about you?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written,

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”

9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written,

“‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’

11 and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’”

12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Luke 4:1-13

  • A simplified version of the three temptations might be “Comfort”, “Power”, and “Reckless” which one tends to be the most tempting for you? Why?

  • Do you know verses that specifically address your temptations? How could knowing and speaking verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Peter 5:8 help in moments of temptation?

  • While Jesus used scripture, the enemy also used it to try to convince Jesus to fall. What does this mean for us when it comes to reading scripture?

  • After Jesus was crucified, He rose from the dead and then later ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. So Jesus has comfort, power, and complete freedom to do what He wants to do. The enemy was tempting Him with a cheap, temporary version of what Jesus was already set to inherit. Does focusing on heaven help you overcome the temptations in your life? Why or why not?

  • How can we guard against attacks of the enemy?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 2

DISCUSSION GUIDE /6.11.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

What is your favorite hobby?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

    and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him

    from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm;

    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones

    and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things,

    and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel,

    in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers,

    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Luke 1:47-55

  • Have you ever been so overwhelmed with God’s goodness that you started singing to Him? Explain.

  • What is the main point of Mary’s song?

  • If “worship” is more than singing songs, what is it exactly?

  • Why is singing to God an important part of being a Christian?

  • What is your favorite worship song? Why?

  • How can we pray for you?

Luke - week 1

DISCUSSION GUIDE /6.4.23

OPTIONAL INTRODUCTION QUESTION(S)

If you got to choose your name, what would it be and why?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS -

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Luke 1:39-47

  • Have you ever felt the presence of the Lord when someone spoke to you? Explain.

  • Are you intentional about encouraging others with God’s word? Why or why not?

  • Have you ever sang / praised God spontaneously? Explain.

  • How can we be better about modeling this community of enthusiasm, encouragement, and praise??

  • How can we pray for you?