Hosts
Make sure to start off with prayer. Then choose one or more questions to open up with.
- What is your favorite summer memory?
- What is your favorite song and why?
- Would you rather go see the world's tallest and biggest buildings, or the world's tallest and biggest mountains? Why?
Message Review
Main points and scriptures from this week's message.
What why are you living by?
I’ve discovered that when you have the right why you can get through any how or what.
In other words, the right why gives you the motivation to fight through whatever is necessary.
There is a clarifying power when we ask why.
Why are we here?
We exist for god’s pleasure…
Colossians 1:16 (NIV)
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.]
Remember what Jesus says about the greatest commandment, to love god with all our heart soul and strength and equally to love people as we love ourselves.
When we do this we are fulfilling the bigger picture of why we’re all here.
Matthew 13:44 (ESV)
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.”
Why would someone sell all they have unless they found a legitamate treasure?
So, if we are here to buy the field, it’s only sensible that we would do everything humanly possible for the kingdom of god!
Why should I read the Bible?
When we read the bible we gain understanding the heart and nature of God.
Why should I talk to God?
Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The goal is not to impress people with our prayers but to develop a genuine and authentic relationship with God.
Why should I bring it up?
Do you live your life as if you’ve found the greatest treasure?
Do you regularly invite people along with you to find the treasure you’ve discovered?
There’s nothing like the salvation, peace and blessing of the kingdom of god!
1 Timothy 2:1–4 (ESV)
. . . I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.
Romans 1:16 (ESV)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Message Discussion Questions
The following questions will help guide your discussions and give your group some opportunities to open up and share.
- When it comes to the most important things we do in life, do you think it is important to know the "why" behind the "what"?
- One of the biggest philisophical questions ever asked is, "why are we here." When you read that we are here to please God, how does that make you feel?
- The greatest commandment says that we should love God and love people. Which is more difficult for you, and why?
- The man in the parable who found the hidden treasure in the field, sold EVERYTHING to buy the field. What are you still holding onto that prevents you from going ALL IN for Jesus?
- Reading the Bible helps us to understand the nature and character of God. Can you think of any scriptures that tell us about the character and nature of God?
- Why should I bring it up? Talk about the more important reason you can think of to talk about Jesus and invite people to come experience the grace of God.
Live It Out
Encourage your group to start doing. Commit to a step, and live it out this week.
- List out your top 10. The 10 most important things you do on a daily or weekly basis, and then list next to it the "why" behind it.
- While reading your Bible look for scriptures that tell you about the nature and character of God. List them out in a journal and write about what it tells you about God.
- Bring it up. Begin to start a conversation with someone that does not go to church about God. Be tactful, no Bible thumping, but no silence either.
Closing Thoughts
- Finish group with prayer requests and praise reports.
- More resources always available here: Small Group Resources