October 20th, 2024 - Matthew 7:7-11

Questions to think about

What is one of the best gifts that you’ve ever given or received?

Have you ever worked really hard trying to fix something only for it to fail and the result is that now the item is worse than before (or broken completely)?

Have you ever felt that in order to please God you needed to act/behave a certain way? What are some things that we often believe we must do in order to please God?

Why is trying to please God through our actions pointless? How can it be detrimental and make things worse than before?

Share about a time where you got into trouble because you didn’t ask for help.

How do we know that God will hear us when we ask him for things?

What are some of the gifts that God has given you?

Related Scripture passages to meditate on

Romans 5:1-5

Galatians 2:15-17

Galatians 3:10-14

Ephesians 2:8-9

Ephesians 3:16-19

Ephesians 4:22-24

Philippians 2:12-13

Titus 3:4-7

James 1:1-18

October 13th, 2024 - Judging - Matthew 7:1-6

Questions to think about

Have you ever had something like a grain or sand or bug stuck in your eye that you couldn’t get out? How did it feel?

What is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made? The worst?

Have you ever made a wrong judgment about something or someone? What happened to make you change your mind?

Why is it so easy to judge other people and what they do?

Are we supposed to ignore the sins of fellow Christians? See Galatians 6:1 and 1 John 5:16.

Why is it so important to deal with sin whether it is just a “speck” or a “beam”?

The word “judge/judgment” in the Bible has implications of condemnation, punishment, and avenging. Why is judgment reserved for God?

Do Christians need to fear the judgment of God? See Romans 8:1 and 1 John 1:9

Related Scripture passages to meditate on

Psalm 7:6-9

Psalm 9:7-9

Isaiah 33:22

Luke 6:37-42

John 8:1-11

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Galatians 6:1-5

1 John 5:16-17