INTRODUCTION
Meekness is a totally misunderstood word today. The original Greek word referred to a wild horse that had been tamed. It’s strength under control. Meek people are self controlled and are in command of their reactions toward life. One facet of maturity is not having a short fuse with a firecracker mindset. The meek person handles life’s hassles with power. You are no longer a victim because you control your choices.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think of when you hear the word “meek”? Does meek mean weak?
2. Why does today’s society frown on meekness?
3. What are some examples of meekness?
4. The Jews were looking for a leader who would stand up and take charge. Why do we look to strong, powerful leaders to take charge?
THINK ABOUT IT
Peter gives us a glimpse into meekness when he describes what took place at the trials of Jesus, and remember that
Peter was there. In 1 Peter 2:2124 we see that Jesus was being challenged and mocked even though He committed
no sin. This is the same Jesus who spoke and the waters were still or broke bread and fed 5,000. The same Jesus
commanded demons to depart and the dead to live. Jesus himself showed Peter his meekness or power under control when He told Peter in Matthew 26:53 that He could call down twelve legions of angels to defend Himself. Yet Jesus submitted himself to the Father will.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
How can I practice meekness this week? List some practical things I can do.
SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON
“The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.”
Psalm 22:26
“The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”
Isaiah 29:19
Friday, June 27, 2008
Grow Up #2: Finding Comfort
INTRODUCTION
The bible never tries to explain suffering. But it does teach us how to handle it. Jesus said he will comfort those who mourn. It’s amazing to see how people attempt to be comforted. Some take pills, some get drunk, some watch television all the time. All are attempting to get rid of the pain that is in their life. These are quick fixes that do not last. In this lesson we will see the comforters that God uses.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How can you function again after a loss or after a broken heart?
2. How can you be content in the midst of a trial or tragedy?
3. Nahum 1:7 says “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him…” What is a refuge? What does it mean to trust in Him?
4. What are some ways that we can help ourselves to realize how close God is? How do we know God is near us no matter what we are going through.
5. What are some ways that this Small Group comforted you?
6. What will motivate you to get up and go on when your whole world ends because of some major crisis or tragedy or death of a loved one?
7. The Bible comforts us. We should fill our minds with scripture. Discuss some practical ways of doing this.
THINK ABOUT IT
Matthew 5:4 says “Blessed are those who mourn, they will be comforted.” None of us would like to be in that state of mourning but we have to remember that God is so close to us and He is waiting for you to call out to Him so He can pour out His awesome comfort on you!
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
We have all been hurt in the past in one way or another and hopefully we have learned something as we went through that painful experience. Think about a way that you can use that past hurt to help someone this week.
SCRIPTURE TO MEDITATE ON
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
The bible never tries to explain suffering. But it does teach us how to handle it. Jesus said he will comfort those who mourn. It’s amazing to see how people attempt to be comforted. Some take pills, some get drunk, some watch television all the time. All are attempting to get rid of the pain that is in their life. These are quick fixes that do not last. In this lesson we will see the comforters that God uses.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. How can you function again after a loss or after a broken heart?
2. How can you be content in the midst of a trial or tragedy?
3. Nahum 1:7 says “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him…” What is a refuge? What does it mean to trust in Him?
4. What are some ways that we can help ourselves to realize how close God is? How do we know God is near us no matter what we are going through.
5. What are some ways that this Small Group comforted you?
6. What will motivate you to get up and go on when your whole world ends because of some major crisis or tragedy or death of a loved one?
7. The Bible comforts us. We should fill our minds with scripture. Discuss some practical ways of doing this.
THINK ABOUT IT
Matthew 5:4 says “Blessed are those who mourn, they will be comforted.” None of us would like to be in that state of mourning but we have to remember that God is so close to us and He is waiting for you to call out to Him so He can pour out His awesome comfort on you!
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
We have all been hurt in the past in one way or another and hopefully we have learned something as we went through that painful experience. Think about a way that you can use that past hurt to help someone this week.
SCRIPTURE TO MEDITATE ON
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
Grow Up #1: Living Refreshed
INTRODUCTION
Poor in spirit is today’s attitude. Humility is the word we use. It simply means to depend on God. It’s realizing that I am not the sum total of the universe. The opposite would be arrogance or egotism which simply leads to discontent. Jesus said when we are humble we are on the road to maturity.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does true humility look like? Who do you know in your life that models true humility?
2. How did Jesus humble himself before the authorities as he was being tried? How did Jesus humble himself before his Father? (Matthew 26:36 – 27:26)
3. Does humility mean that you think less of yourself?
4. Read Colossians 1:10. How can we put this verse into practice?
5. What happens when we pretend to be something we are not? What happens when we walk in dependence on the lord?
6. Pastor Mike talked about 3 things that humility does for us. Talk about those three things as you close this lesson.
(See Sunday Outline)
THINK ABOUT IT
Pastor Mike said in the Sunday message “When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years. But when He wants to make a squash, he takes six months.” Many times we want to grow so fast in our spiritual life that we miss the many blessings that God has for us. Take your time. Get in the word. Good, strong growth takes a humble heart and many years.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
How will you practice humility this week? How can you remind yourself to stay humble? What are some things that you can do? Remember that humility is the first step to building a relationship with God.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
Poor in spirit is today’s attitude. Humility is the word we use. It simply means to depend on God. It’s realizing that I am not the sum total of the universe. The opposite would be arrogance or egotism which simply leads to discontent. Jesus said when we are humble we are on the road to maturity.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What does true humility look like? Who do you know in your life that models true humility?
2. How did Jesus humble himself before the authorities as he was being tried? How did Jesus humble himself before his Father? (Matthew 26:36 – 27:26)
3. Does humility mean that you think less of yourself?
4. Read Colossians 1:10. How can we put this verse into practice?
5. What happens when we pretend to be something we are not? What happens when we walk in dependence on the lord?
6. Pastor Mike talked about 3 things that humility does for us. Talk about those three things as you close this lesson.
(See Sunday Outline)
THINK ABOUT IT
Pastor Mike said in the Sunday message “When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years. But when He wants to make a squash, he takes six months.” Many times we want to grow so fast in our spiritual life that we miss the many blessings that God has for us. Take your time. Get in the word. Good, strong growth takes a humble heart and many years.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
How will you practice humility this week? How can you remind yourself to stay humble? What are some things that you can do? Remember that humility is the first step to building a relationship with God.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6
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