Small Group Guide for "First Last and Last First"

First Last and Last First

Sunday, February 18th 2024

First Scripture: Psalm 19:7-10

Second Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

How To Use This Guide

Use the Two Passages: Focus on the primary and secondary passages used in this sermon.

Pray for Understanding: Before diving into the text, take a moment to pray for guidance and illumination from the Holy Spirit. Ask for wisdom and insight as you study.

Read the Scriptures: Begin by reading the selected Scriptures thoughtfully and prayerfully. Read the passages more than once to familiarize yourself with the content.

Observation Questions: After reading the text, go through the "Observation Questions" section. These questions will help you notice and record specific details about the text. Look for key words, phrases, repeated ideas, and any observations that stand out to you.

Interpretation Questions: Once you've observed the text, proceed to the "Interpretation Questions" section. These questions will guide you in understanding the meaning and context of the passage. Consider the historical and cultural background, the author's intent, and how the passage fits into the larger narrative of the Bible.

Application Questions: Finally, explore the "Application Questions." These questions will help you apply the lessons and insights from the Scriptures to your own life. Reflect on how the text speaks to your faith, relationships, and daily choices.

Journal Your Insights: Write down your observations, interpretations, and applications in a journal or notebook. This will serve as a valuable record of your spiritual growth and understanding of the Word of God.

Discussion and Sharing: If you are studying in a group, take time to discuss your findings with others. Share your insights, listen to their perspectives, and learn from one another.

Pray for Transformation: As you conclude your study, pray for the transformation of your heart and mind. Ask God to help you live out the truths you've discovered in the Scriptures.

Consistency is Key: Make a habit of using this inductive Bible study method regularly. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become in studying and understanding the Bible.

Remember that the goal of this inductive study method is not just to gain knowledge but to deepen your relationship with God and apply His Word to your life. Approach your study with an open heart, a curious mind, and a desire to grow in your faith.

May your study be richly blessed, and may God's Word transform your life as you engage with it through the inductive method.

In a world that often exalts the powerful, the successful, and the influential, Jesus' teachings challenge our perceptions and beckon us to a counter-cultural understanding of greatness. The paradoxical nature of the Kingdom of God, where the least becomes the greatest, and the last become the first, challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and attitudes.

Join us as we embark on a journey to unpack the profound implications of this teaching. Together, we will explore the radical love, humility, and selflessness that Jesus modeled for us. Through engaging scripture, insightful reflections, and a spirit-led community, we will seek to understand how we can embody the transformative message of the last being first in our daily lives.

First Scripture: Psalm 19:7-10

Second Scripture: Mark 10:17-31

Key Points:

True greatness is not measured by status or wealth but by being a servant to all.
"For many who are first will be last, and the last first." - A call to reexamine what we value.
The willingness to let go of earthly attachments is crucial in aligning with divine purpose.
The impossibility of a camel passing through the eye of a needle illustrates the challenge of prioritizing the kingdom over material possessions.

Observation Questions:

What contrasts are presented between societal norms and the teachings of Jesus regarding greatness?
In the interaction between Jesus and the rich man, what does Jesus indicate is lacking in the man's life?
How does the concept of taking up one's cross relate to the transformation discussed in the sermon?

Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean to you to be a servant to all, and how does this challenge common understandings of success?
In what ways might our current culture's view of status and wealth conflict with Jesus' teachings?
How do you interpret Jesus' statement that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God"?

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life; what might you need to let go of in order to align more closely with the message of the sermon?
How can we as a community encourage and support one another in embracing the call to live out the paradox of the last being first?
What practical steps can you take to prioritize service and humility in your daily interactions with others?