Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
All You Can Eat
Scripture
Psalm 23 (NIV)
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,3he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,[a I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Main Idea
God’s word, the Bible, contains everything we need.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In order for his word to be effective in our lives, we must;
- Accept its authority - this approach is key
- Assimilate its truths - how we make space for and absorb what we read
- Apply its principles - the shift from knowledge to application
It is not enough to know God’s principles for our lives, but we must apply them. We have every truth and guidance for our life available to us, but we must be intentional to get into God’s word to let it speak to us
Don’t bend the word of God to fit your life. Bend your life to fit the word of God.
Discussion Questions
- Many things try to have authority in our lives. What are some common sources of wrong authority in our lives today?
- What are some ways members of your group have practiced daily scripture reading?
- What are some common roadblocks to daily scripture reading? Brainstorm ways to work around these
- Has God used scripture to speak to you? If so, how?
Summary
Scripture contains the entirety of God’s relationship with man and contains all the truth, encouragement, guidance, and instruction that we need. In order to gain all that scripture has for us, we must approach it with acceptance of its authority. 1 Thess 2:13
God’s word will confront us and challenge us. If it does not, we are following a version of god crafted in our own image. God’s word will change us, if we allow it.
As we read scripture, we should absorb and assimilate the message into our heart and mind. Commit verses to memory to allow God’s word to encourage you anytime, anywhere.
The final response to scripture is to apply it to our lives. As we are challenged to change how we live, make sure that challenge results in real change. If we don’t, it’s like having a fancy robot vacuum that stays docked and unused. It’s just a good idea. It’s just potential. Don’t just hear God’s word - do it!
Take Action
-Download an app to allow you to listen or read your Bible anywhere. Commit to 15 minutes daily
-Agree with your group to share via text at least one verse you've each read this week that you found encouraging
-Pick one of these verses and commit to memory
Announcements
Good Friday Service 4/18: 7-8:30 pm
Easter Servies at usual times 4/20: 830, 10, 1130
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