Sermon Guide

May 25: Judges a4-5

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. God often rescues His people in unexpected ways and through unexpected means.
2. Our response to God's call for rescue should be faith, even if it's imperfect.
3. God is the ultimate source of rescue, not our own strength or abilities.
4. The story of Deborah and Barak illustrates God's unexpected methods of deliverance.
5. Jesus is the ultimate unexpected rescuer, coming as a humble servant to save humanity.

Discussion Questions:

1. In Judges we see Israel's cycle of sin. How do you see this cycle playing out in your own life or in society today?
2. Barak showed a weak but present faith by asking Deborah to accompany him. Share a time when you acted on faith despite feeling uncertain or afraid.
3. How does the unexpected nature of God's rescue in this story (through a rainstorm and Jael) challenge your expectations of how God works?
4. Barak's request for Deborah to go with him represents a desire for God's word. How do you seek God's word in times of challenge or uncertainty?
5. Discuss the parallels between God's unexpected rescue of Israel and Jesus' unexpected method of rescuing humanity through the cross.
6. How does understanding God as the source of rescue, regardless of our faith's strength, impact your view of personal struggles or societal issues?What are some practical ways we can remember what God has done for us in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

1. Identify an area in your life where you need rescue or breakthrough. Commit to praying about it daily this week, asking God to work in unexpected ways.
2. Practice looking for God's unexpected interventions in your daily life. Keep a journal of small rescues or blessings you notice.
3. Choose one way to step out in faith this week, even if it feels small or your faith feels weak. Share your experience with the group next time.
4. Memorize a Bible verse about God's faithfulness or rescue (e.g., Psalm 34:17 or Isaiah 43:2) to remind yourself of His unexpected ways.
5. Reflect on how you can be an instrument of God's unexpected rescue for someone else. Plan one act of kindness or service that might surprise the recipient.
6. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the unexpected ways He has rescued or provided for you in the past. Share one of these testimonies with the group.

 Sermon Guide

June 1: Judges 6-7

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Key Takeaways:

1. Fear is a common human experience that can hinder our faith and obedience to God.
2. God often chooses to use unlikely people to accomplish His purposes.
3. God is patient and gracious with us, even when we struggle with doubt and fear.
4. Our strength comes from God, not our own abilities or resources.
5. As believers, we are mighty, sent, and have God with us.

Discussion Questions:

1. When Mark talked about various types of fears, which ones resonated with you the most and why?
2. Gideon repeatedly asked God for signs despite clear instructions. Have you ever found yourself doing something similar? What was the outcome?
3. How does the story of Gideon challenge our perception of what it means to be "qualified" for God's work?
4. The sermon emphasized that "God wants to use the least of these." How does this idea challenge or encourage you in your own faith journey?
5. Discuss the three main points from the message:   a. You are mighty    b. You are sent    c. You've got God.   How do these truths impact your daily life and decision-making?
6. When we step out in faith, we're going to where Jesus already is.  How does this teaching change the way you approach challenging situations?
7. What are some practical ways we can combat fear with faith in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

1. Identify one area in your life where fear is holding you back. Commit to taking a small step of faith in that area this week.
2. Memorize a Bible verse that addresses fear or affirms God's presence (e.g., Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, or 2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Partner with another group member to pray for each other's fears and encourage one another in faith throughout the week.
4. Reflect on your own story of how God has used you despite feelings of inadequacy. Be prepared to share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement.
5. Practice reframing your self-talk this week. When you catch yourself thinking of reasons why you "can't" do something, remind yourself of the truths: you are mighty, you are sent, and you've got God.

 Sermon Guide

June 8: Judges 8

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Share a time when you felt weak or inadequate, but God showed His strength through that situation.

Key Takeaway:

1. Boasting in weakness brings strength. Clinging to strength brings failure.

Discussion Questions:

1. How did Gideon's attitude and actions change from the beginning of his story to the end? What caused this shift?
2. Judges 8 reveals the cracks in Gideon's character. What were some of these cracks, and how do they relate to challenges we face today?
3. How did Gideon treat people differently based on their perceived value to him? In what ways might we be tempted to do the same?
4. When people look to you, do they see Jesus more clearly, or do they just see more of you?  How can we ensure we're pointing others to Christ rather than ourselves?
5. What lessons can we learn from Gideon's legacy and the way Israel responded after his death?
6. How does this story challenge our understanding of success and leadership in light of God's perspective?

Practical Applications:

1. Self-reflection: Take time this week to examine your own life for any "cracks" similar to Gideon's. Ask God to reveal areas where you might be relying on your own strength rather than His.
2. Gratitude exercise: Make a list of ways God has shown mercy and kindness to you. Use this to cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility.
3. Relationship audit: Consider how you treat people in various areas of your life (work, home, church, etc.). Are there any relationships where you need to adjust your attitude or actions to better reflect Christ's love?
4. Weakness journal: For one week, jot down moments when you feel weak or inadequate. Pray over these, asking God to show His strength in those areas.
5. Accountability: Share with a trusted friend or group member one area where you struggle to rely on God's strength. Ask them to pray for you and check in on your progress.

 Sermon Guide

June 15: Judges 9

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Have you ever put your trust in something or someone that ultimately let you down? How did that experience impact you?

Key Takeaway:

1. False kings can only rise when the true king (God) is replaced in our lives.
2. Our hearts are prone to creating idols and elevating things/people to positions they shouldn't occupy.
3. God, in His mercy, sometimes disrupts our lives to bring us back to Him.
4. Jesus is the only king worthy of our complete trust and allegiance.

Discussion Questions:

1. The story of Abimelech illustrates the dangers of false leadership. What characteristics of Abimelech stand out as red flags for a leader?
2. We often create "idol-making factories" in our hearts. What are some common idols people struggle with today?
3. How does the parable of the trees (Judges 9:8-15) relate to our tendency to seek leadership or validation from the wrong sources?
4. How does this statement, "We don't need another king. We have one." challenge our culture's views on leadership and authority?
5. Discuss a time when you felt God was disrupting your life. In hindsight, how do you view that disruption now?
6. How does Jesus' kingship differ from worldly concepts of leadership and power?

Practical Applications:

1. Self-reflection: Take some time this week to examine your life. Are there any areas where you've allowed a "false king" to take God's place?
2. Gratitude exercise: Each day this week, write down one way Jesus has demonstrated His trustworthiness in your life.
3. Accountability: Share with a trusted friend or group member an area where you struggle with idolatry. Ask them to pray for you and check in on your progress.
4. Scripture meditation: Spend time reflecting on Colossians 1:15-20, which describes Jesus' supremacy. How does this passage reinforce His rightful place as king in your life?

 Sermon Guide

June 22: Judges 10-12

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Share a time when you felt you had to earn someone's love or approval. How did that impact you?

Key Takeaway:

1. God's love is more amazing than we can imagine.
2. Our religion is often more twisted than we admit.
3. Trying to earn God's love can lead to destructive behaviors and misunderstanding His character.

Discussion Questions:

1. Jephthah was the son of a prostitute who was rejected by his family. How might this have influenced his view of God and himself?
2. Discuss the difference between knowing God loves you and believing God likes you. Why do you think many struggle with the latter?
3. How does our culture promote the idea of "earning" love or favor? How does this contrast with God's unconditional love?
4. Many of us have a bad remix of Christianity. What are some examples of how we might mix cultural ideas with biblical truth in unhealthy ways?
5. Jephthah made a rash vow to God, leading to tragic consequences. What does this teach us about making promises to God or trying to manipulate Him?
6. How can shame or past hurts prevent us from fully embracing God's love? Share personal experiences if comfortable.
7. Since it is vital to be getting into God's Word, what practical steps can we take to make Bible reading a consistent habit?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, read a chapter of the Bible each day, asking: "What does this tell me about God?" and "What does this tell me about me?"
2. Identify one area in your life where you're trying to earn God's love. Pray and reflect on how to surrender that to Him.
3. Write down three truths about God's love from Scripture. Meditate on these when you feel tempted to doubt His affection for you. If you don’t know where to find any, go to bible.com and search the word “love”
4. Practice extending grace to someone this week, reflecting God's unconditional love.