4/22/18: Faith & Justice Wk 3-- Group Discussion Questions

Opening:

  • What’s one thing that’s been happening in your life since we met last?
  • What is one great need in our city that you have seen clear evidence of this week? What did you see?
  • What do you think would have to happen to make a lasting change?

Discussion (CHOOSE only those that fit your Group and your time! )

  • What stood out to you from Dr. Jackson's sermon?
  • Why is it valuable to be taught by someone from a different cultural tradition or background, to experience different teaching styles, and to hear from people outside the Discovery family?
  • Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. "This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servantsof Christ and as those entrustedwith the mysteriesGod has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."
  • In this context, what does it mean to have been "given a trust"?
  • To be entrusted with something implies that thing does not belong to you. What have you been entrusted with? What has Discovery been entrusted with? What are the blessings and privileges we live with, and possibly take for granted?
  • As people who have been given a trust, what is required of us? How do you respond to the idea of something being required of you?
  • What does it mean to "prove faithful"?
  • In 2016, Bethlehem Baptist Church, pastored by Dr. Jackson, opened its doors as a family shelter providing overnight housing. They continue in this mission still, and regularly house up to 40 individuals, including children.
  • How is this an example of 1 Cor 4:2? What is the trust Bethlehem Baptist was given? Have they proven faithful? Is their requirement now complete?
  • Is God prompting you/reminding you of the trust you've been given? Is he calling you to prove yourself faithful? Take a moment of silent reflection and ask God to help you persist toward the goal of fulfilling that requirement: to prove faithful in light of what has been entrusted to you. (Leaders, consider handing out index or blank verse cards for group members to write down the "trust" that is brought to mind, and any responsive act of faith they may feel called to. Encourage them to keep this where they will see it throughout the week to prompt further prayer and reflection. Invite members to share what they wrote either in the large group, or in smaller prayer groups.)

Break for smaller group Prayer