There Is No Catch

TO START

This Sunday, we paused our new vision series, Filled & Led to jump into a sermon focusing on how we conceive Jesus. We were blessed to hear from our Student Minister, Michael Waldrop on his final Sunday with us. Let’s start with the following question:

  • Do you like to receive gifts or to give gifts? Explain. 

This week we are inviting your group to choose questions from the multiple options below.  Our hope is that these questions might help you to lead your discussion in a way that makes sense for your group this week as y’all “talk it out” and “live it out”.

TALK IT OUT AFTER READING MATTHEW 7:7-12

STUDY

  • What does it mean in v. 11 when Jesus promises that our Father gives “good gifts” to those who ask him? What’s the connection between praying and receiving “good gifts”?

  • How does the joy of Christ correlate with the reality that his life was filled also with sacrifice and suffering? How do you make sense of it? What does it say about your life as a Christ follower?

PROCESS

  • If you had to share your level of joy/happiness right now what would it be (from 1-10)... what is bringing you the most joy in your life right now? 

  • Do you tend to identify with this assumption: “I’m only doing God’s will and what He wants for me if I am sacrificing or suffering”? Why or why not? Do you believe he wants you to be happy?

 LIVE IT OUT 

PRACTICE

  • What’s a way you could begin to practice happiness/joy regularly in your life?

  • What would it mean for you to trust that God’s will for your life is good and that He longs for you to know his goodness more than anything else in this world?

PRAY

  • This week, we want to encourage your group to share as a prayer one thing they are grateful for and have someone close by reading this prayer: “Father of Light, Open my eyes in the dark. Master of the Feast, Teach me to always be celebrating. Giver of Joy, Make your joy my strength. In the name of Christ, who gives me reason for so much celebration, Amen.”


Matt DeLano