Discussion Guides For Gulf Coast Community Church

🌱 Group Discussion Guide 🌱

Series: A New Understanding of Everything

Sermon: Can You See the Lord (Isaiah 6)"

Sermon Points: 1. Wisdom Impossible 2. Holy Impossible 3. Mission Impossible

🙏 Opening & Prayer

Leader: Invite everyone to share briefly a time they felt misunderstood or “blind” to someone else’s perspective.

Opening Prayer:

“Father, open our eyes to see Your glory, our ears to hear Your voice, and our hearts to understand Your wisdom. Amen.”

📖 1. Wisdom Impossible

Scripture:

“Go and tell this people: ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving. Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’”

— Isaiah 6:9–10 (NIV)

Key Quote:

“Healing is found in seeing what we cannot see, hearing what we cannot hear, and understanding what we cannot and have not understood.”

💭 Discussion Questions

• In what ways are we “ever hearing but never understanding” in our personal lives or as a church?
• How does this speak to our need for Christ’s revelation, not just Bible knowledge?
• Read Jesus’ warning in Mark 4:23–24. How does He challenge you to “hear” differently?

🛠️ Group Action Step

Listening Lab: Pair up. Take turns for five minutes sharing a challenge you’re facing. The listener may only ask clarifying questions—no advice. Then switch. After both have shared, each partner reflects back what they saw and heard about the other’s heart.

🙏 Prayer Prompt

“Lord, give me ears to hear Your voice amid all the noise. Help me to see others through Your eyes.”

🔥 2. Holy Impossible

Scripture:

“‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.’

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand… ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’”

— Isaiah 6:5–7 (NIV)

Key Quotes:

• “When anyone’s eyes are opened and they have a revelation of the Lord, there is a sense in which they are ruined and undone.”
• “This coal… is pointing us to that future sacrifice.”

💭 Discussion Questions

• What does Isaiah’s reaction teach us about our own response to God’s holiness?
• How does the “coal from the altar” point to Christ’s sacrifice?
• In what areas do you still try to “clean up” before approaching God?

🛠️ Group Action Step

Symbolic Cleansing:

• Provide small papers and a candle or bowl of coals (real or symbolic).
• Invite each person to write one area of hypocrisy or sin.

One by one, place the paper briefly in the flame/coal (or drop into a bowl of water if safer) as a sign of God’s cleansing work.

🙏 Prayer Prompt

“Holy God, I acknowledge my unclean lips. Thank You for Christ’s sacrifice that makes me clean. Purify me by Your fire.”

✉️ 3. Mission Impossible

Scripture:

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”

— Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

“The wolf will live with the lamb… a little child will lead them… for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”

— Isaiah 11:6–9 (NIV)

Key Quotes:

• “Isaiah’s mission is hard to swallow. Much like our own mission.”
• “What kind of wisdom has wolves living with lambs?”

💭 Discussion Questions

• Why is Isaiah’s assignment described as both necessary and seemingly doomed?
• How did Jesus take up this same “mission impossible”?
• 
  
• What “wolves” and “lambs” exist in your community that need Christ’s reconciling wisdom?

🛠️ Group Action Step

Community Cross-Walk:

• Identify a local need (loneliness, hunger, isolation).
• In small teams, plan a simple act of service—deliver meals, write encouragement cards, pray at someone’s door.
• Gather afterward to share experiences and how it felt to “go” despite uncertainty.

🙏 Prayer Prompt

“Send me, Lord—into places of fear and need. Fill me with Your cross-shaped courage to bring Your peace.”

🙏 Closing & Commission

Summarize: We’ve seen that

• God’s wisdom is hidden in weakness,
• His holiness both exposes and cleanses us,
• His mission sends us into the impossible—yet resurrection hope remains.

Final Challenge: “Have you seen what Isaiah saw?” Let that vision shape your ears, lips, and steps this week.

Closing Prayer:

“Father, keep us undone before Your glory, purified by Your grace, and courageous in Your mission. May our lives reflect the suffering-servant King, until Your kingdom fills the earth. Amen.”

🌱 Group Discussion Guide 🌱

Seeing the Kingdom Clearly (Matt. 16:28 - 17:27)

"Right Vision, Right Reliance, Right Respect in the New Reality"

This week's sermon challenged us to embrace the reality of Jesus' Kingdom and align our lives accordingly. Let's explore this together as a group:

👓 Discussion: Right Vision in the New Reality

"The Kingdom of God is flipping everything back right side up, but it demands a renewed worldview."

Read Together: Matthew 17:1-8 (NIV)

Questions:

1. What stands out to you about the disciples' experience with Jesus on the mountain?

2. How does their experience remind us of our own need to see the world differently through Christ?

3. How can we cultivate a daily practice of viewing situations with a "renewed worldview"?

🙏 Discussion: Right Reliance in the New Reality

"Critically, it is not an orphaned faith. It requires the Lord's presence to be an effective faith."

Read Together: John 15:1-8 (NIV)

Questions:

1. What does relying on Jesus practically look like in your daily life?

2. Share an experience where you felt deeply reliant on God's presence. How did it affect your actions?

3. How can our group encourage one another to remain connected to Christ throughout the week?

💡 Discussion: Right Respect in the New Reality

"Many American Christians...might be investing far too much worry...in politics and leaders...instead of the ways of the Kingdom."

Read Together: Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV) – The Beatitudes

Questions:

1. How does Jesus redefine "success" or "victory" compared to our cultural expectations?

2. Where do you struggle most in aligning your perspectives with Christ's Kingdom rather than cultural or political viewpoints?

3. How can practicing humility and peacemaking change our relationships and witness?

🛠️ Group Action Steps:

To put these discussions into practical action, choose at least one step to do together:

• Vision: Commit as a group to intentionally notice and share where you see God's kingdom at work during your week. Share these sightings at your next meeting.

• Reliance: Set aside time for group prayer, either virtually or in person, once during the week, focusing specifically on inviting God's presence into everyday situations.

• Respect: Plan an intentional act of peacemaking together, such as volunteering, serving someone in need, or engaging respectfully with someone of a different viewpoint.

🙏 Group Prayer Prompt: Take time to pray together, asking God specifically:

• For eyes to clearly see the reality of Christ's Kingdom.

• For deeper reliance on His presence daily.

• For humility and grace-filled interactions, especially in difficult conversations or situations.

Pray that God would make your group a living example of His Kingdom values.

📖 Weekly Reflection for Further Growth:

• Consider journaling or noting down throughout the week:

o Where did I see God’s kingdom clearly today?

o How did I experience reliance on Jesus?

o Did my actions reflect kingdom respect, humility, and peacemaking?

Review these at your next group meeting to encourage one another and celebrate spiritual growth.

🌿 CLOSING ENCOURAGEMENT: REMEMBER, WE AREN'T EXPECTED TO LIVE OUT THIS NEW KINGDOM REALITY ON OUR OWN. JESUS EMPOWERS AND EQUIPS US THROUGH HIS PRESENCE AND HIS SPIRIT IN COMMUNITY TOGETHER. LEAN ON HIM, AND ON EACH OTHER, AS YOU JOURNEY DEEPER INTO KINGDOM LIVING THIS WEEK.

🗣️ Group Discussion Guide

The King and His Kingdom: Follow the Breadcrumbs

This guide is designed to help your group reflect deeply on the sermon, connect Scripture to your daily lives, and encourage practical action steps together.

📖 Opening Scripture & Prayer

Read Together:

Matthew 14:27-31 (NIV)

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

🙏 Prayer Prompt:

Begin by praying together, inviting the Holy Spirit to open your hearts to deeper understanding and transformation. Ask God to reveal how this Scripture and sermon speak to your lives today.

🌟 Discussion: Sermon Reflections

1️⃣ Clashing Kings and Kingdoms

Read Aloud: "Herod wields power and fear. Jesus wields bread and healing. One takes life. One gives life."

Discuss:

• In what ways does Jesus’ response to opposition (feeding and healing) challenge your typical reactions when facing conflict or hostility?
• How might you be tempted to fight cultural or political battles in ways that align more with Herod’s kingdom rather than Jesus’ kingdom?

Connection to Jesus & Scripture:

Revisit Matthew 14:13-21.

• How does Jesus’ compassion for people reflect His true nature as King?
• How should understanding Jesus as a compassionate King reshape our daily actions?

2️⃣ Pure or Defiled Worship

Read Aloud: "We cannot have pure worship when it is defiled by our greed."

Discuss:

• How do you understand the difference between genuine struggle in faith and true hypocrisy (as Jesus describes the Pharisees in Matthew 15:7-9)?
• Can you think of religious habits or traditions today that might mask selfish motives or greed?

Connection to Jesus & Scripture:

Read Matthew 15:8-9.

• What does Jesus desire most in our worship?
• How does Jesus’ teaching challenge you personally to move toward authenticity in worship and practice?

3️⃣ Soaring and Sinking Faith

Read Aloud: "Our lives are often caught in the ebb and flow of soaring and sinking faith."

Discuss:

• Share about a time when your faith felt strong (soaring) and another time when you felt yourself sinking. What was different about those experiences?
• In what ways do you find yourself believing in who Jesus is but resisting the ways He chooses to work in your life?

Connection to Jesus & Scripture:

Read Matthew 16:24-25:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."

• What does taking up our cross practically look like today?
• How does this connect to Peter’s experience of walking on water?

🚶 Practical Group Action Steps

As a group, choose one or more of these practical steps to practice together this week:

Serve Together 🍞:

Plan to provide a meal or groceries to someone in need as a group. Reflect afterward on how serving shaped your understanding of Jesus’ compassionate kingdom.

Examine Your Worship 🎚️:

Individually reflect this week on your motivations behind worship and generosity. Share your reflections together at the next gathering and encourage authentic accountability.

Encourage Faith 🌊:

Pair up in the group and share honestly about areas of soaring or sinking faith. Commit to praying daily for your partner, encouraging them regularly, and checking in with each other throughout the week.

❓ Reflection Questions to Consider Throughout the Week:

• Where might Jesus be calling me or our group to "feed" or "heal," even when we feel like we don't have enough?
• How can recognizing Jesus’ kingdom as one of compassion rather than fear change how we approach current struggles or relational conflicts?
• How can we ensure our worship and service to God remain pure and free from self-interest?

🙌 Closing Prayer Prompt

End your time by praying specifically for:

• Grace and courage to follow Jesus' example of compassionate living.
• A deeper awareness of any self-serving motives or hypocrisy in your worship.
• Strength and perseverance during seasons of both soaring and sinking faith.
• Ask the Lord to lead your group into genuine transformation, bringing His Kingdom to life in your community.

🌿 Final Encouragement:

Jesus calls us not just to acknowledge Him but to actively follow Him in ways that transform us and our communities. As your group moves forward, seek to become people who embody His kingdom of compassion, authenticity, and courageous faith.

🌟 Group Discussion Guide: A Severed Head and Abundant Bread

📖 Sermon Structure Overview:

Title: A Severed Head and Abundant Bread

• Point 1: The Anxious Kingdom - "I won't have enough."

• Point 2: The Abundant Kingdom - "All I have has been given to me."

• Conclusion: Living in God's Kingdom

________________________________________

🗣️ Opening Discussion:

• Read Matthew 14:1-21 together as a group.

• Share initial reactions or insights from the passage.

________________________________________

🌩️ Discussion Point 1: The Anxious Kingdom

Quote for Reflection: "Fear seems to run the world. It controls us, and it's our culture."

Scripture for Reference:

• Matthew 14:1-12

• 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) – "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."

Questions:

• How do you see fear driving Herod’s actions?

• In what ways do you see our current culture reflecting similar fears?

• Where do you personally see anxiety or fear influencing your own life?

Action Step (Together):

• Identify a shared fear or anxiety the group has in common. Commit to praying collectively against this fear daily this week.

________________________________________

🌿 Discussion Point 2: The Abundant Kingdom

Quote for Reflection: "The abundant Kingdom is led by a king who gives abundantly."

Scripture for Reference:

• Matthew 14:13-21

• John 10:10 (NIV) – "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

Questions:

• How does Jesus demonstrate abundance in the feeding of the 5,000?

• What does Jesus’ abundant provision reveal about His character?

• Share a moment when you've experienced God's abundance in your life.

Action Step (Together):

• Plan a practical way to express abundance this week, such as pooling resources to bless someone in need or hosting a meal together.

________________________________________

🙌 Discussion Point 3: Living in God's Kingdom

Quotes for Reflection:

• "Holding onto our own comforts, our security, our dreams of how we think our Kingdom should be built can cause us to withhold stepping into the mess."

• "Citizens of God's Kingdom enter the suffering of this world alongside others."

• "Let's not wait to have more before we start giving."

Scripture for Reference:

• Matthew 14:16-18

• Galatians 6:2 (NIV) – "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Questions:

• What prevents us from stepping into the messy realities of others' lives?

• How do Jesus' actions and teachings challenge you to live differently?

• What small steps can our group take to enter compassionately into the suffering of others around us?

Action Step (Together):

• As a group, identify someone within or outside your community who is suffering or in need. Take a tangible step to practically support this person or family this week.

________________________________________

🙏 Closing Prayer Prompt:

Spend time in prayer, asking God to:

• Free your group from anxiety and fear.

• Give your group courage and compassion to enter others' suffering.

• Grow generosity in your hearts to trust His abundant provision.

________________________________________

🚀 Weekly Challenge:

Commit to living out the actions discussed this week. Schedule a follow-up to discuss how God used your group's intentional acts of generosity, compassion, and faithfulness.

Group Discussion Guide: "The King and His Kingdom"

📖 Introduction to the Session: Welcome, everyone! Today, we're diving into a discussion based on the sermon "The King and His Kingdom," which reflects on Matthew 13 and Jesus' teachings on the nature of God's Kingdom. We'll explore how these teachings impact our personal lives and our community practices.

Discussion Outline:

1. Reflections on the Sermon

Discussion Question:

• What aspects of the sermon on "The King and His Kingdom" were most impactful for you
• Why?

Biblical Connection: Read Matthew 13:31-32 together.

• How does the parable of the mustard seed reflect what was discussed in the sermon?

2. Understanding Kingdom Values

Discussion Question: The sermon quotes, "We must value the Kingdom of heaven as of greatest worth."

• How does this statement challenge your current priorities and life choices?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:44.

• Discuss how this parable of the hidden treasure can be applied in our daily lives.

3. The Role of Obedience and Service

Discussion Question: Reflect on the quote, "Jesus doesn't tell the disciples to build big churches to become attractive to the world. He tells us to be faithful and obedient."

• How does this shape our understanding of success in ministry or personal spiritual growth?

Action Step: As a group, identify a community service project you can engage in together to practice faithfulness and obedience.

4. Patience in Spiritual Growth

Discussion Question: Discuss the implications of the quote, "To be fruitful as sons of the Kingdom, we must be willing to wait for our reward, and meanwhile, we must be willing to appear small, hidden and insignificant, often until we die."

• How does this perspective affect your approach to spiritual disciplines or ministry efforts?

Scripture Reading: James 5:7. What does this verse teach us about patience and expectation in our spiritual life?

5. The Identity and Mission of Kingdom Citizens

Discussion Question: How do the characteristics and roles of Kingdom citizens, as described in the sermon, resonate with your own spiritual journey?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:23. In what ways are you striving to be 'good soil' that produces a fruitful crop?

Reflection: Kingdom citizens are called to live by the fruits of their actions, often in ways that aren't immediately visible or recognized.

• Reflect on times when your faithfulness to God's commands felt hidden or unrecognized.

Action Step: Discuss how you can support each other in your roles as Kingdom citizens.

• Plan a specific way to encourage or partner with one another in a new ministry initiative or personal spiritual discipline this month.

6. The Parable of the Wheat and the Darnel

Discussion Question: In the sermon, the parable of the wheat and the darnel was used to illustrate how true and false believers can coexist unnoticed until the end times.

• How does this parable influence our approach to community and discernment?

Scripture Reading: Matthew 13:24-30. Discuss the challenges of distinguishing between 'wheat' and 'darnel' in our own lives and communities.

Reflection: Consider how we can ensure that our actions align with being 'wheat'—true followers of Christ—without prematurely judging others who may seem like 'darnel.'

Action Step: As a group, consider undertaking a study or a series of devotions that focus on discernment and righteous judgment according to biblical standards.

Practical Application:

Action Step: Based on today’s discussion, let’s commit to one personal action this week that reflects our understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven. Share your commitment with the group for accountability.

Group Activity: Organize a day to serve at a local shelter or food bank as a practical outworking of the sermon's teachings on service and humility.

Closing Prayer:

Prayer Prompt: Let's pray for the grace to value the Kingdom of Heaven above all else, for patience in our spiritual growth, and for the courage to live out Kingdom principles in every aspect of our lives.

Guided Prayer: "Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the true nature of Your Kingdom through Jesus' teachings. Help us to internalize the lessons of the mustard seed and the hidden treasure. Instill in us a heart that seeks Your Kingdom first, prioritizing it above our own desires and ambitions. Grant us patience as we grow and serve in seemingly small ways, knowing that You see and value every act of faithfulness. Empower us to live out the gospel boldly, reflecting Your love and justice in our community. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen."

Group Discussion Guide: Living the "Foolish" Kingdom Life

📖 Main Scripture: Matthew 13:1-23 (NIV)

"That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: 'A farmer went out to sow his seed...'” (Matthew 13:1-3, NIV)

🎯 Discussion Goals

• To understand the contrast between the world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom.
• To reflect on how we are responding to the Kingdom message in our daily lives.
• To commit to tangible actions as a group to embody the teachings of Jesus.

💬 Icebreaker Question

Share a time when you did something that seemed foolish to others but later proved to be the right decision. How did you feel in that moment?

🌱 Discussion Questions

1. Understanding the Sermon

The sermon mentioned: "The idea that God would conquer death by dying in short, seems foolish."

• Why do you think God’s ways often seem foolish to the world?
• How does the cross challenge human expectations about power and victory?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:21-27 (NIV):

"For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe… But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

• How does this passage reinforce the sermon’s message about the “foolishness” of the Gospel?
• How does this challenge the way we live out our faith?

2. Connecting Scripture to Jesus

The sermon said: "It's the message about how the Kingdom of heaven can be entered into right here, right now by submitting to a new King, Jesus."

• What does it mean to submit to Jesus as King in our everyday lives?
• How does Matthew 4:17 (“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”) show Jesus’ call to live differently?

Read James 1:22 (NIV):

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

• What are some common ways we hear God's Word but fail to live it out?
• What specific habits can help us apply Jesus' teachings consistently?

3. Living the Kingdom Message

The sermon asked: "Are you willing to live foolishly and be considered foolish by the world in order to be fruitful for Christ?"

• In what areas of life do we hesitate to live out Kingdom values because of fear of what others might think?
• How can we encourage each other to boldly live out our faith?

Read Matthew 13:23 (NIV):

"But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

• How can we cultivate “good soil” in our hearts to ensure we are growing spiritually?

🙌 Group Action Steps

• As a group, commit to taking practical steps this week:
• Prayer Walk 🚶‍♂️ – Go on a prayer walk together, asking God to open doors for conversations about the Kingdom.
• Radical Generosity 💰 – Choose a cause, family, or individual to bless as a group. Pool resources to provide for someone in need.
• Live Out the Word ✍️ – Each person writes down one specific action they will take this week to live out the message of the Kingdom. Share your commitments with the group and hold each other accountable.

🙏 Closing Prayer Prompt

“Father, we thank You for calling us into Your Kingdom. Help us to embrace the wisdom of Christ, even when it seems foolish to the world. Give us boldness to submit to Jesus as our King and to live in radical obedience to Your Word. Transform our hearts so that we may bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.”

May this discussion deepen your faith and challenge you to live fully for the Kingdom! 🌟

Bonus:

QUOTES: (explain what these quotes mean and what you think about them)

• "The idea that God would conquer death by dying in short, seems foolish."
• "It's the message about how the Kingdom of heaven can be entered into right here, right now by submitting to a new King, Jesus."
• "It is not a model for efficiency, but a model for displaying the character of the Kingdom."
• "Are you willing to live foolishly and be considered foolish by the world in order to be fruitful for Christ?"
• "If it doesn't form us, we're wasting our time."

Small Group Discussion Guide: The King’s Restoration Mission

Restoring the Lowly, Restorative Lambs, and the Restorative Lord

Series: The King and His Kingdom: If Jesus really is Lord… Then What? – Week 7

Scripture: Matthew 10-12

📖 Purpose of This Discussion

This guide is designed to help your group dive deeper into the sermon, process Jesus’ mission together, and take tangible action steps to live it out. We will discuss the key themes of restoration, humility, and Jesus as the Lord of the Harvest and Sabbath. Through Scripture, reflection, and group application, we will learn how to embody Christ’s mission in our daily lives.

🌍 Opening Question (Icebreaker)

Think of a time when someone’s kindness or compassion deeply impacted you. How did it change your perspective or situation?

📜 Read Aloud: Key Scriptures (NIV)

Matthew 9:36-38

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.'"

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Revelation 21:5

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

🔍 Sermon Reflection Questions

1️⃣ Restoring the Lowly

"Jesus isn’t building a private social club, but he thrusts his followers into a broken world in desperate need of restoration and calls them to begin that work, even at great risk to themselves."

• What does it mean that Jesus sees the crowds as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd”?
• How does Jesus’ mission contrast with how the world often operates?
• In what ways can the church be more than just a community for itself but a force of restoration in the world?
• Who are the “lowly” in our community that we might be overlooking?

2️⃣ Restorative Lambs

"When Jesus wanted something to take the world, he didn’t send in the tanks, he sent in the meek, the lowly, the humble."

• Why do you think Jesus chose to work through humility and meekness rather than power and dominance?
• What does it look like for us to go into the world as “lambs among wolves”?
• How can we embody humility while still boldly proclaiming the gospel?
• Share a time when you saw humility make a bigger impact than force.

3️⃣ The Restorative Lord

"To survive the mission, we have to accept Jesus' summons to come to him, the Lord of the Harvest and the Lord of the Sabbath, so that he can rest us, renew us."

• What does it mean for Jesus to be both the Lord of the Harvest (mission) and the Lord of the Sabbath (rest)?
• Why is it important to find rest in Jesus even while actively doing his work?
• How can we encourage one another to not burn out while serving?

🙌 Prayer Prompt (Group Prayer Time)

• Thank God for calling us into his mission and for allowing us to be part of his work of restoration.
• Ask for eyes to see those who are hurting and the courage to engage with them.
• Pray that the group remains humble and dependent on God rather than human strength.
• Ask God to provide renewal and strength for those who feel weary in their mission.

(Encourage each person to pray aloud or silently.)

🚀 Group Action Steps (Living It Out Together)

1️⃣ Identify the Lowly in Your Community

As a group, brainstorm who the “harassed and helpless” in your city or neighborhood might be (e.g., the homeless, single parents, refugees, lonely elderly).

Choose one tangible way to serve them this month (volunteering, providing meals, acts of kindness, etc.).

2️⃣ Practice Humility Together

Challenge the group to intentionally practice humility for one week.

Each person commits to one act of selfless service—something that may go unnoticed but reflects Jesus’ love.

Next week, share how this act changed your perspective.

3️⃣ Rest in Christ as a Group

Plan a group Sabbath or time of renewal together. This could be a night of worship, a prayer retreat, or a simple gathering to rest and encourage one another.

Discuss ways to integrate weekly rhythms of rest into your personal lives.

💭 Final Reflection Question (Closing the Discussion)

What is one thing you feel God is asking you to change or take action on based on today’s discussion?

Encourage group members to share their thoughts and commit to holding each other accountable for the action steps.

🙏 Closing Prayer

“Lord, thank you for your mission of restoration. Thank you that we are not just saved individuals but part of a bigger story of renewal. Give us eyes to see where you are working and hearts willing to join you, even when it is difficult. May we walk humbly, love deeply, and rest in your presence as we serve. Amen.”

Quotes:

• "Jesus isn’t building a private social club, but he thrusts his followers into a broken world in desperate need of restoration and calls them to begin that work, even at great risk to themselves."
• "When Jesus wanted something to take the world, he didn’t send in the tanks, he sent in the meek, the lowly, the humble."
• "The church is the only hospital in which the patients are trained to be doctors, nurses, orderlies, even janitors and kitchen staff needed for the restoration mission."
• "To survive the mission, we have to accept Jesus' summons to come to him, the Lord of the Harvest and the Lord of the Sabbath, so that he can rest us, renew us."
• "Jesus’ methods remain the same: love your enemies, even when it costs you everything."
• "Not only were they going to go and tell people about a king who gave himself up for them, they were to embody that same sacrificial spirit in how they approached the mission."
• "If this is true, if the gospel is more than an individual experience and is really about God reclaiming his rule over creation, the church then is God’s newly restored people sent to bring that same renewal to all humanity, even to creation itself."

Small Group Discussion Guide: The Generous Economy of the Kingdom

Series: The King and His Kingdom – Week 6

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17; 4:1-11; 5 - 7

Opening Discussion 🏡

• What stood out to you from the sermon?
• How does Jesus’ mission challenge the way we think about leadership?
• What does it mean for Jesus to be both fully God and fully human in the context of His mission?
• How does the sermon challenge or affirm your current understanding of the Kingdom of God?

Scripture Focus 📖

Read Matthew 4:1–11 and discuss:

• How do Jesus’ temptations reflect common struggles today?
• Why do you think Jesus rejected each of these temptations?
• What does this reveal about the kind of Kingdom Jesus came to establish?
• How does Jesus’ reliance on Scripture during His temptation shape our view of the Bible’s authority?
• What does Jesus’ response to temptation teach us about obedience and dependence on God?
• How does this passage connect to Jesus’ role as the second Adam (Romans 5:18-19) and Israel’s testing in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-3)?

Applying the Message 🛠️

“Anything to get a following—shortcuts to success—has never been the mission.”

• What are ways we can be tempted to seek influence, power, or comfort over faithfulness?
• What does the world value in leadership versus what Jesus values?
• How does the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) expand on the kind of Kingdom Jesus calls us to live in?
• In what ways does the sermon challenge how we live out our faith in everyday life?
• How can we resist the temptation to compromise our faith for personal gain or security?
• What practical steps can we take to live out Jesus’ methods of humility, servanthood, and trust in God?
• How does Jesus’ example of justice challenge our own actions in our communities?

Group Action Steps 🤝

✅ Serve Together: Identify a local need and commit to serving together as a group (e.g., helping a family in need, supporting a local mission, or mentoring someone).

✅ Encourage One Another: Choose a partner within the group to check in with throughout the week, encouraging them to live out Jesus’ message.

✅ Pray for Justice: As a group, pray for areas of injustice in your community and ask God to show you how to be His hands and feet.

✅ Study Scripture Together: Choose a passage from the Sermon on the Mount to study and apply together this week.

✅ Challenge Each Other: Hold each other accountable to rejecting worldly shortcuts and walking in Jesus' ways.

Closing Prayer 🙏

Lord, help us follow Jesus’ mission, methods, and message. Give us the courage to reject worldly power and trust in Your ways. May we reflect Your justice and love in our daily lives. Amen.

Quotes to spur on further discussion:

1. “The problem isn’t that the devil offered Jesus a kingdom—it’s the kind of kingdom he was offering.”
2. “God’s justice isn’t just about fixing broken systems; it’s about healing broken people.”
3. “The world clamors for signs and wonders, but Jesus calls for faith and obedience.”
4. “If we are to follow Jesus, we must embrace His methods, not just His mission.”
5. “True power in the Kingdom comes from surrender, not dominance.”
6. “Jesus does not build His Kingdom the way the world builds kingdoms.”
7. “Satan wasn’t trying to keep Jesus from the kingdom; he was trying to redefine it.”
8. “The Kingdom of God grows not through force, but through faithfulness.”
9. “Who gets your allegiance? There are many options, but only one true King.”
10. “The world clamors for signs and wonders, but Jesus calls for faith and obedience.”
11. “God’s justice isn’t just about fixing broken systems; it’s about healing broken people.”
12. “The cross is the way, not just for salvation, but for how we live.”
13. “Jesus is not bringing justice by force but by self-sacrificing love.”
14. “We must be careful not to replace Jesus’ methods with the world’s shortcuts."
15. "Jesus is building his kingdom not by taking power, but by giving his life."
16. “Jesus’ reliance on Scripture in the wilderness shows us where our strength comes from.”
17. “The temptations were not just about Jesus proving He was the Son of God; they were about what kind of Son He would be.”
18. “If we are to follow Jesus, we must embrace His methods, not just His mission.”
19. “The temptation to take shortcuts to glory is as real today as it was for Jesus.”

Small Group Discussion Guide: The Generous Economy of the Kingdom

Series: The King and His Kingdom – Week 5

Scripture: Matthew 6:25–34, 7:1–6

📖 Opening Reflection

Begin by reading Matthew 6:25-34 aloud together. Let the words of Jesus settle in before discussing.

➤ Warm-Up Question:

If you had to sum up Jesus’ teaching in this passage in one sentence, what would it be?

💡 Key Thought:

"Anxiety, which is distrust of God, is the source of greed."

1️⃣ The Call to Radical Trust

➤ Discussion Questions:

Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life” (v. 25). What are some common worries that keep people from living generously?

• Why do you think Jesus used the example of birds and flowers to illustrate God’s provision?
• What is the difference between saving wisely and hoarding selfishly?
• How can worry about future provision prevent us from seeking first the Kingdom?

📌 Key Quote:

"Worry keeps us from seeking first the Kingdom and God’s righteousness."

2️⃣ Judgment vs. Generosity

Read Matthew 7:1-6 together.

➤ Discussion Questions:

• Why do you think Jesus warns us about judging others right after speaking about generosity?
• How does a judgmental heart make us less generous?
• When have you felt the tension between “helping” and “enabling”? How do we wisely practice generosity without enabling harm?
• Jesus speaks about logs and specks in our eyes. What are some “logs” (personal biases, fears, judgments) that could be blocking our ability to be generous?

📌 Key Quote:

"Judging the needy will blind our generous eyes, making them greedy."

3️⃣ Formative Practices: Living with Generous Eyes

Jesus calls us to generosity not just in finances but in all of life. Below are practical ways to cultivate a generous heart this week:

✅ Generosity Challenge: Find one intentional way to be generous—whether financially, with your time, through encouragement, or in another creative way.

✅ Practice Seeing the Good: Each day, write down one way you saw God provide for you or someone else.

✅ Fast from Judgment: Each time you catch yourself judging someone’s situation, pause and pray for them instead.

✅ Secret Giving: Bless someone in a way that they can’t repay you or even know it was you.

📌 Key Quote:

"If we spend too much time deciding who deserves our generosity, we may never actually be generous at all."

4️⃣ Ways to Live This Out as a Community

Generosity is most powerful when practiced together. Here are some ways your group can live this out as a community:

🏡 Host a “Blessing Meal” – Plan a group meal where each person brings extra to invite someone in need or a neighbor who could use encouragement.

🎁 Start a Giving Fund – Set aside a small amount as a group to meet practical needs in your community (groceries for a struggling family, gas money for a single parent, etc.).

🛒 Grocery Outreach – Next time your group meets, pool funds together and provide groceries for a family in need or pay for a stranger’s groceries.

🧺 Adopt a Family or Individual in Need – Identify someone in your church or neighborhood struggling financially and commit to helping them for a season (meals, childcare, small financial gifts).

🤝 Group Service Day – Serve together at a local shelter, food bank, or community project to embody generosity as a lifestyle.

5️⃣ Praying Together

🙏 Spend time praying through these themes as a group.

➤ Prayer Prompts:

• Trust Over Anxiety: Lord, help us trust in Your provision so that we may live freely and generously.
• Freedom from Judgment: Jesus, remove any logs from our eyes that keep us from seeing others with Your love.
• A Generous Heart: Father, teach us to reflect Your generosity to those around us.
• For the Needs Around Us: God, show us specific ways we can be Your hands and feet this week.

📌 Key Quote:

"With the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:2)

🚀 Final Encouragement

"Whoever is faithful in little will be made faithful over much." The way we live now is preparation for the Kingdom fully realized. Let’s live generously, reflecting the radical trust and love of Jesus.

🙌 Close in prayer together.

Small Group Discussion Guide: The Generous Economy of the Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-24)

Opening Prayer (5 min)

Take a moment to pray and invite the Holy Spirit to guide the discussion, open hearts, and inspire action.

Icebreaker (10 min)

• Share about a time when you experienced unexpected generosity, either as a giver or a receiver.
• How did that experience impact you?

Scripture Reading (10 min)

Read Matthew 6:19-24 together:

• "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
• "No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money."

Discussion Questions (30-40 min)

1. Where Are You Storing?

• What does it mean to store treasures in heaven instead of on earth?
• How does our culture influence where we store our treasures?
• What are some practical ways we can invest in the Kingdom of God?

2. How Are You Seeing?

• Jesus describes the eye as the lamp of the body. What does it mean to have a ‘healthy’ or ‘generous’ eye?
• How do greed and generosity shape the way we view the world?
• What areas of our lives might need a ‘spiritual vision correction’ to align with Jesus’ teaching?

3. Who Are You Serving?

• Jesus says we cannot serve both God and money. What are some signs that money might have too much control in our lives?
• How does trusting God’s provision free us to be more generous?
• What are some specific ways we can serve God with our financial and material resources?

Application & Reflection (10-15 min)

(also see “Formative Practices” below)

• What is one practical step you can take this week to be more generous?
• Who in your life might need your help or support right now?
• How can you shift your mindset to see your possessions as tools for God’s Kingdom rather than just personal security?

Closing Prayer & Commitment (10 min)

(Jesus invites us into a life of generosity not as a burden, but as a joyful participation in His Kingdom!)

• Ask for God’s guidance in aligning your heart with His Kingdom values.
• Pray for a deeper trust in God’s provision and the courage to be radically generous.
• Lift up any specific needs or concerns from the group.

Formative Practices

(consider these and discuss any that may fit your group)

1. Practicing Generosity Together

• Set a collective giving goal as a group to support a specific need in your church or community.
• Choose an organization or individual to bless financially or with acts of service this week.

2. The Gratitude Challenge

• Each person writes down five things they are grateful for related to God’s provision.
• Share one of those things with the group and discuss how gratitude fosters generosity.

3. Declutter and Give

• Encourage members to identify unused possessions they can donate to someone in need.
• Share next week how this practice impacted their view of possessions.

4. Prayer Walk for Needs

• Go on a short walk as a group (or individually) around your neighborhood, praying for visible and invisible needs.
• Discuss any insights or people God places on your heart to help.

(Feel free to use any or all of the following guide to help you in your time together with others)

Summary

This discussion guide is based on the sermon titled "What Is Your Why?" from the series "The King and His Kingdom." The message focuses on Matthew 5:13-20 and explores what it means to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

It challenges believers to understand their purpose as followers of Christ and to live transformative lives that reflect the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The sermon highlights how Jesus calls His disciples to be active agents of change, bringing peace, generosity, and righteousness to the world through their actions.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today seeking wisdom and understanding. Open our hearts to Your word as we explore what it means to be salt and light in the world. Guide our discussion, and help us apply Your truth in our daily lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one way you have recently influenced someone positively,

even in a small way?

Key Verses

Matthew 5:13-20

Acts 17:6

Isaiah 2:2-5

Colossians 1:19-20

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world?
2. How does Jesus redefine power and influence in this passage?
3. In what ways can we be transformative in our communities?
4. How do good deeds contribute to God’s mission on earth?
5. What are some worldly ways we might be tempted to use power, and how do they compare to Jesus’ teachings?
6. What are practical ways we can shine the light of Christ in our daily lives?
7. What are some obstacles to living as salt and light, and how can we overcome them?

Life Application

This week, identify one area in your life where you can be salt and light—whether in your workplace, neighborhood, or personal relationships. Take one intentional step toward reflecting Christ’s love and righteousness in that situation.

Key Takeaways

• Being salt and light means actively engaging in the world to bring transformation.
• Jesus calls His followers to influence through love, generosity, and righteousness.
• Good deeds are a way to glorify God and reflect His Kingdom on earth.
• True power lies in serving others and resisting corruption, rather than in worldly control.
• Each believer has a purpose in bringing God’s light into dark places.

Practices

Testimony Sharing

• Invite group members to share personal experiences where they’ve seen someone be salt and light.
• Ask: Have you ever been impacted by someone’s kindness or faith? How can we do the same for others?

Blessing Exchange

• Each participant writes down one way they want to grow as salt and light in their life.
• Pair up or form small groups and pray for each other, encouraging each other in their commitments.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for teaching us what it means to be salt and light. Help us to live lives that glorify You and bring transformation to those around us. Give us courage to stand for righteousness and wisdom to reflect Your love in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.