Small Group Guide for "Who, Me?"

  1. Home
  2. Current Sermon Series
  3. Message Detail
  4. Small Group Guide for "Who, Me?"

Who, Me?

Sunday, June 9th 2024

First Scripture:

Second Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

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.

View the Sermon this Guide was Created For

OPENING PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for creating us for and with a purpose. We acknowledge that you always seek a way to reach out to us and show your purpose in our lives. May we listen to your voice, hear what you have to say, and step into our purpose every day.

Quote: Your purpose is… “all the special activities that God created you to perform in the world – a fulfillment of God’s intention and design for you – which will naturally result in service and benefit of others.” – Stephanie Shackelford

BREAKING THE ICE:

  • How important is salt in your kitchen? Do you put a lot of salt in your food? Why and why not? Or…
  • Do you leave a light on outside or inside your home at night? Why or why not?

WRESTLING WITH THE WORD:

Read Matthew 5:13-16

  1. Why do you think Jesus compares the disciples to the salt of the earth? And to the light of the world?
  2. What are some characteristics of both salt and light that can help us understand why God created us as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”? What do they have in common?
  3. What does Jesus’ comment about not putting a lamp under a bushel basket tell us about living with purpose?

NEXT STEPS:

  1. What are some of the gifts that God has given you (in terms of personality, skills, capacities) – no matter how ordinary they might seem to you?
  2. In what ways do you use these gifts or see them as helping shape your life’s purpose?
  3. How do you, or might you, use your gifts (salt and light) to serve others?

CLOSING PRAYER:

Jesus, you are the ultimate light of the world. You said that whoever follows you will not walk in darkness. Help us to carry your light, so that the people around us can see the truth of your love. Help us to remember that you have created each and every one of us with a divine purpose. Thank you for letting us experience your grace. Amen.

OPTIONAL SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK:

  1. If you are someone who knows your gifts and is looking to put them to use: Create a Venn Diagram with 4 circles, and label them: 1. What I love 2. What the World Needs 3. What I Get Paid For 4. What My Strengths Are. As you fill in the Venn diagram, what do you notice? Where are there overlaps? How do you spend most of your time? Are there areas where you’d love to spend more time? Are there needs you are passionate about that you wish you could address? How would you do it?
  2. If you are someone who isn’t sure who you are, or where you are headed, or what you’d like to do: Look up and print a “finger labyrinth” online and do the following activity:
    Place your finger or writing utensil at the entrance of the labyrinth, and think about this question: Where am I beginning this journey? Where am I right now?
    As you begin to very slowly make your way to the center with your finger, I want you to stop your finger along the path when I ask a question and write your answer in the margin.
    • Who am I right now?
    • What are the various hats that I wear/roles that I occupy? (Stop and write them down in the margins; then keep going)
    • What is my primary hat/role (the one I wear most often), and how do I feel about that? (Stop and write it down.)
    • What do I wish I had more time to do?
    Once you get to the center, pause for as long as you choose. Be open to God’s presence. Imagine that you are looking into the very center of your own heart. And ask yourself the following questions, writing your answers in the margins.
    • Who am I when I’m not in my primary hat/role?
    • What do I like/dislike? Who or what do I love?
    • What am I passionate about, or good at? When did I discover this?
    • What are my limitations? When did I discover this?
    When you are ready to leave the center, retrace the path from the center back out – very slowly – and ask yourself the following and write your answers in the margins.
    • Do I already have a sense of what I want out of life or the direction I’d like to head?
    • Is there anything getting in the way? If so, what is it?
    Notice your breathing. Notice any insights that come to you and write them down.
Top