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By Dave Stone
1 Samuel 17:38-40
Have you ever put on clothing, an attitude, or specific behavior in order to be accepted in a particular context? What makes us acceptable to God?
Why is it so difficult to accept that Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally? How should this truth impact the way you live your life? As a group, take a moment to thank God for this amazing gift of Christ’s unconditional love.
How do you live the meaningful life God wants for you (the abundant life)? What prevents people from living the abundant life? Are you living an abundant life?
God has provided ways to develop maturity (2 Peter 1:3). Which of these provisions do you need to take advantage of? Identify a time to work on these.
- Reading and studying the bible
- Meditating on God’s Word
- Praying faithfully
- Using the spiritual gifts I’ve been given for the benefit of the body of Christ
- Investing my time, talents, and money in God’s Kingdom work
- Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit
- Developing Christ-centered relationships
Gospel in Action: Here are the four starter questions from last week:
- How are you doing today?
- What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
- Is going to church part of your weekly routine? Why is that?
- Have you ever felt close to God? What happened?
Did you use any of these or any other questions to talk about Jesus? Share about your experience. If not, give it a try this week.
By Dave Stone
1 Samuel 17:20-37
1. Do you agree with the principle: “a heart like God’s is not discouraged?” Why or why not?
(Dave) I find focusing on the Gospel (I’ve been redeemed!) helps me when I feel discouraged. I would tend to agree. It is clear that many Psalms were written from a discouraging point, yet each ends with hope in God (Psalm 42-44, I think). Post Christ’s resurrection we see Paul’s hope in God remain no matter his circumstances (thorn in flesh, shipwreck, persecution, etc.).
(Kelli) I’m not sure. I don’t think God is discouraged. But I do think Jesus was discouraged. I think Jesus prayed when He was discouraged.
2. Sometimes our family, instead of being a source of encouragement, can be a source of discouragement. Have you experienced this in your life? How might you be a source of encouragement in your family?
(Kelli) I learned a long time ago that I set the emotional thermometer in my home…from when I greet the kids when they wake up. It sets a mood…a disposition.
3. If you are experiencing discouragement in your work environment (from managers, co-workers, etc.), how might you handle it righteously?
Remember that the Lord is allowing it. Remember that you have a purpose to make Christ known in your workplace. (Kelli) …and shut my mouth! unless it’s going to edify.
4. As a group, brainstorm what a person can do in a discouraging situation to focus on the Lord and not the giant (”marble”). How are humility and not being discouraged connected?
Practically, spiritual disciplines. Spend time in the Word, in prayer, keep walking by faith. There may be relief, there may not. Seek the Lord continually. Hope in God, sing praises to Him, focus on the character of God, remember what God has done. Humility and not being discouraged are connected in that the focus is the same for both. Their focus is on the Lord, not self.
5. We all face discouragement from time to time. Are you facing it right now? If so, share with your group. What idea(s) from question #4, can you begin practicing today to keep your focus on the Lord in the midst of this discouraging time? Pray for each other.
This question gives you the opportunity to minister meaningfully to your group or family.
Gospel in Action: Here are four starter questions to begin talking about Jesus with other people. Remember to listen sincerely.
- How are you doing today?
- What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
- Is going to church part of your weekly routine? Why is that?
- Have you ever felt close to God? What happened?
By Dave Stone
2 Corinthians 3:7-4:18
Note: Pastor Dave Hilliard defined glory as the manifestation of God’s holiness.
Which Biblical revelation of God’s glory would you like to have witnessed? Where do you see God’s glory today? What might hinder you from seeing God’s glory?
(Dave S) Seeing the veil tear from top to bottom when Jesus died. Seeing Jesus post-resurrection. (Chris) Next to Thomas when he put his hand in Jesus’ side. Seeing the resurrected Lord and the empty tomb. Today, I think seeing the “ah-ha” moment in someone’s eyes when they realize who Jesus is. (Dave H) Seeing Elijah on Mt. Carmel confident in God’s power. Today, when I see someone’s life transform radically because they realize who Christ is. Several things might hinder: discouraging circumstances, focusing on the troubles of life, wealth, lack of faith/belief.
Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. What means might God use to transform you into the image of Christ with increasing glory? How do we reflect God’s glory?
God uses His Word, our pain and suffering, discipline, life situations, other people, and anything else that causes us to look to Jesus. We reflect God’s glory by looking to Jesus no matter what situation (lack or abundance) we face.
How would you offer hope to someone who is “weighed down” in this life through “light and momentary troubles” such as poor health, family problems, poverty, depression, death, etc.?
Listen, pray for them, help them with physical needs, pray with them, point them to Jesus, read Scripture to them, hold them accountable, encourage them, remind them of the unseen eternal realities.
Read Colossians 3:1-17. From this passage, is there something specific you need to “put to death” or “put on” in order to fix your eyes on “things above”? How do you fix your eyes on eternal realities that are unseen (e.g., Jesus’ return, heaven, end to pain and suffering)?
In Colossians 3 Paul ties “setting our minds on heavenly things” with specific things to do and not do (put sin death, put on righteousness, compassion, kindness, etc.). We fix our eyes on eternal realities by reading the Bible regularly, prayer, Scripture memorization and meditation, walking in righteousness (putting sin to death, putting on righteousness).
Gospel in Action: Think of a neighbor, friend or co-worker who does not know Jesus. Ask God to help you reflect His glory to this person and pray for them every day this week.
By Dave Stone
1 Samuel 17:22-30
Sermon Notes
1. Read Genesis 18:1-8. In what ways did Abraham honor his guests? From the passage, identify principles for honoring others. Evaluate yourself according to these principles.
Noticed travelers. Bowed low to the ground. Offered refreshments. Hurried. Offered best food. Served guests. He played the role of servant and remained near while guests ate.
2. Read Philippians 2:3-4. Discuss common ways of showing honor/dishonor in the following situations (be specific):
____________________________ Honor _______________ Dishonor____________
during worship service
cell phone usage
as a guest
as a host
with retailers/servers
managing your children in public
driving/getting out of the parking lot
in small group
in conversations
other:_________________
3. Read Luke 14:7-11, Romans 12:16 and James 2:1-9. How do you see people being treated with favoritism because of their status? Think of your social situations throughout the week. How can you, with a child-like heart, treat all people with honor? Give specific examples.
(Chris) Example: when inviting people to dinner, I can invite people who I know are struggling with loneliness.
4. How would you rate your “passion” in social contexts? Are you an energy giver? A black hole? What are some of the ways you, with your gifts and personality, can give passion to others?
(Dave) I have to work at being an energy giver in social contexts. It doesn’t come easy and I often fight insecurities…another reason why I need the Gospel! When I remind myself that I am redeemed, that the Spirit of Christ is in me, I do find strength. One of my gifts is serving, so that is one way I can add energy and passion…by doing acts of service for other people.
5. Did you participate in the “call to fall” corporate prayer for our nation? Read 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Ezra 6:10, and Romans 13:1-7. How well are you applying these verses to your life?
(Dave) Occasionally I listen to conservative talk radio and I find it easier to complain about our leaders than to pray for them. These verses are a good check against that tendency.
Gospel in Action: The call to evangelism is a call to speak words which express our faith. How have you done that recently? If you haven’t, discuss with your group ways you can express your faith this week.
Remember, the words can be as simple as mentioning the name of Jesus or as detailed as sharing the Gospel.
By Dave Stone
1 Samuel 17:1-22
Sermon Notes
1. What specific things can you be grateful for that will help you grow in humility? As a group, pray out loud together expressing your gratefulness.
(Dave) I’m grateful for a house, bed, food, health, wife, and baby on the way.
(Kelli) I’m grateful for vacation! And no more homework!
(George) I’m grateful for God handling all the details in bringing me here.
2. As a group, develop a working definition of humility. (Hint: what evidences do you see in the lives of others lead you to believe they are humble?) How does your life match with this definition? Want grace (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)? Try being humble. (see 1 Peter 5:5)
We’re expecting Pastor Dave to give a definition of humility. (Update: Pastor Dave said humility is having an appropriate view of yourself–seeing yourself as you really are: a creature, a sinner.) Here are some things that came to our minds…submitting to others, gratitude, serving others, developing a self-less attitude, thinking of others often, not above menial tasks. God’s riches include faith, peace, abundant life, satisfaction in Him, wisdom in life circumstances, effective and fruitful ministry.
3. Match the following verses to the corresponding characteristic of God’s trustworthiness (some characteristics will match multiple verses):
Numbers 23:19 – does not lie
Psalm 119:89-90 – His words are eternally true
Matthew 5:18 – His words are eternally true
Romans 8:28 – works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose
1 Corinthians 10:13 – is faithful to provide a way to deal with temptation
2 Timothy 1:12b – able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me (the Gospel)
Titus 1:1-3 – does not lie
4. In what area(s) of your life do you have trouble trusting God and why? (Do any of these apply: finances/investments, marriage, health, future, waiting for spouse, job satisfaction, child’s/family member’s salvation, workplace drama, friendships, calendar/busyness, entertainment choices, when facing temptation, discipline of children, retirement, parenting teens, environmental disasters, other:_________)
5. Does trusting God guarantee your challenges will be resolved the way you want? If not, why would you trust Him?
Trusting God does not guarantee our challenges will be resolved the way we want. But whatever happens will be consistent with His character. And we know His character to be good. (Bob says this is why he trusts Him) He is interested in my good. He is in control of everything and He is loving.
Gospel in Action: Last week’s question: “Using your ‘Summer Connections’ calendar, share how you are planning to make a connection with someone who does not know Jesus.” Share opportunities you’ve already taken.
(Kelli) We invited a couple for dinner from AJ’s team, but they declined.
(Bob) God is interested in our willingness to engage in opportunities. God is in charge of the results, I don’t have to worry about them.
By Dave Stone
1 Samuel 16:13-23
It is important to read aloud the Scriptures in the next three questions. Give your people time to find them in their Bibles and read them out loud.
Challenge to dads: consider doing these questions with your family this week.
Read John 14:16-18 & Ephesians 1:13-14. Does the Holy Spirit ever leave believers? What does this say about our relationship with Him?
The Spirit never leaves God’s chosen people. A believers’ relationship with God is secured through Jesus’ work and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Our relationship with Him is secure!
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:19 & Ephesians 4:30.What does our disobedience do to the Holy Spirit? How does our disobedience hinder the influence of the Spirit in our life?
Many people read these Scriptures and are paralyzed, fearing that they can lose their salvation. While our relationship with God is secure if we are trusting in Jesus’ work, our relating to Him can be stifled, limited, distant and unyielding (think of how this happens in a parent-child relationship).
Our disobedience quenches and grieves the Holy Spirit and minimizing His influence and leading in our lives, just like a child can do to a parent.
Read 1 John 1:9 & James 4:6-7. What must we continually do to maintain (or restore) the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives?
Maintaining the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives includes confession, submission to God, and recognition of our sin and our need for Jesus’ saving work.
Share other Scriptures that instruct us on how to allow the Holy Spirit to influence our lives.
Romans 8. Galatians 5. 1 Corinthians 12.
Does your “music life” express the Spirit in you? Does it rock, rattle, and renew others? Share some examples.
We expect Pastor Dave to define “music life” as both the literal music we listen to, particpate in, repeat in our heads AND the words/phrases we commonly speak to others.
Gospel in Action: Using your “Summer Connections” calendar, share how you are planning to make a connection with someone who does not know Jesus.
By Dave Stone
1 Samuel 16:6-23
1. According to 2 Corinthians 7:10, what are the two ways of responding to “hard things” and their results? What does “Godly sorrow” look like and how is it different from “worldly sorrow?” Share illustrations from you own life.
2. “The Lord is a warrior.” (Exodus 15:3). What would it look like to be a warrior in today’s world? In what arenas do Christian warriors fight?
Gospel in Action: One arena is evangelism. Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2. Who needs you to “preach the Word by correcting, rebuking, or encouraging” them?
3. Bravery is a cultivated quality. What specific things can you do to cultivate Spirit-filled boldness?
4. Pastor Dave taught us an acrostic (BEST) that assists in life-giving speech. What does each letter stand for? Share how each principle could be helpful.
BEST – stands for Can they bear it? Is it edifying? Is it Spirit-led? Is it truthful?
5. Break into gender specific groups. Discuss the three journeys of a man from David Murrow.
The three journeys are submission, strength, and sacrifice (for the last question). Women can look at the question for themselves looking at Christ’s example in Philippians 2.
By Dave Stone
II Samuel 11:1-4a
1. Think of a recent man-made disaster. What were the contributing factors? Name some recent “spiritual” or “moral” collapses of significant people in the world. What were the contributing factors?
2. What physical troubles (“family baggage”) have you inherited (heart troubles, cancer tendencies, etc.)? What negative spiritual tendencies did you inherit?
3. What experiences or troubles in your past have left “weak spots” that set you up for specific temptations? What are the temptations? What weaknesses have been created? What disciplines can you practice to help you fortify and battle those “weak spots?”
For more on spiritual disciplines, see Donald Whitney’s website.
4. Review the five kinds of people who affect your spiritual passion.
- +3 The very resourceful people:they ignite our passion
- +2 The very important people:they share our passion
- +1 The very trainable people:they catch our passion
- 0 The very nice people:they enjoy our passion
- -1 The very draining people:they sap our passion
Name people who encourage your spiritual walk. How can you increase their involvement in your life?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 1 Timothy 4:7-8. In these passages, what are the descriptors of a disciplined life? Are you practicing them? If not, what can you do to put them in place? What is the purpose of a disciplined life?
6. How does the work of the cross and the Holy Spirit help us achieve a disciplined life?
Gospel in Action: Review the Friendship Funnel. Have you used common interest, specific struggles, or spiritual stuff with the purpose of influencing someone’s life spiritually? If not, who might you engage this way?
By Dave Stone
Acts 17:16-34
The first three questions are intended to build upon each other. In question 1, identify our idols. In question 2, identify the symptoms of worshipping those idols. In question 3, identify connection points to discuss “spiritual stuff” in order to dismantle the idols and help people worship Jesus.
1. What idols do people of the Tri-Cities worship?
A quick glance at some neighborhoods shows we worship our toys-like boats, jet skis, four-wheelers, snow mobiles. Money…one of our cities is named “Richland.” Education or status is another.
2. What are symptoms of each idol worshiped in question 1? (E.g., Idol: money, symptom: debt)
Idol: toys, symptoms: selfishness, hurting marriage as time is spent playing with toys, possibly debt
Idol: education, symptoms: self-sufficiency, pride, lack of contentment
3. What was Paul’s point of contact with the people of Athens? Think of the non-Christians you have relationships with. What points of contact with them might you use to share “spiritual stuff?” (Hint: Using the idols and symptoms in question 2, think of ways to discuss “spiritual stuff?” e.g., Idol: money, symptom: debt, spiritual stuff: biblical principles for using money)
Paul’s point of contact was the Athenian’s desire to speak about new ideas. He also used their “unknown god” as a platform for talking about the one, true God. Points of connection to discuss spiritual stuff: talk about how you work at your marriage, how you pursue dependence upon God, how you seek contentment in Christ.
4. Share about conflicts that have “found you” when talking about your faith?
Could be conflicts like Scott Chambers getting sick before going to East Asia. Could also be conflicts in the way people respond.
5. In this passage, what were the responses of the people of Athens to Paul’s message? Share responses that you have received when talking about your faith. As a group, discuss ways you might take advantage of those responses to continue talking about your faith.
Some people responded by mocking Paul. Others wanted to discuss again.
Gospel in Action: Our evangelism emphasis encourages Bethelites to speak words about their faith. This could be as simple as mentioning the name of Jesus, praying out loud for someone, or a multitude of other options. Have you considered how you can mention your faith in conversation? Discuss as a group ways that you can weave your spiritual life into your conversational life.
Share your ideas in the comments below.
By Dave Stone
Revelation 22:6-21
1. Now that we have come to the end of the book of Revelation, what one thing has had the greatest impact on you?
Trumpets and bowls and seals, oh my! To spur discussion: has your view of God changed? your view of yourself? your view of people? are you doing anything differently? Before this series, I (Chris) did not think about Revelation or heaven much. Now, I realize it needs to be on my mind consistently.
2. Read Revelation 22:11. Why do you think God tells us to continue in either sin or righteousness? What is the point of this verse?
We think Pastor Dave will address this in the sermon. At least we hope so!
3. Discuss how God’s words and warnings accelerate our ride. (see point IIB)
Ditto the last answer!
4. Have you ever been in a state of hardheartedness where anything the Lord “told you” just seemed to make you harder? What caused you to change?
Sometimes the Lord uses “gentle repetition” to get our attention. Sometimes He breaks in and “spanks” us (think Saul on road to Damascus). Sometimes He uses something someone says, or a book, or a video, or a song, or a sermon!
5. This question has two parts:
a. What are some objective or external ways you can measure your spiritual condition? Using that criteria, how are you doing spiritually?
External ways of measuring spiritual condition: the words that come out of your mouth, habits, giving, how you treat other people, etc.
b. Read 1 Kings 19:12-13. Is there something the Lord is asking you to deal with in your life now? How are you responding to His “gentle blowing?”
Be sure to pray for each other in this.
Gospel in Action: Do you remember the question from last week, “Reach out to an unbelieving friend/coworker and ask them ‘how can I pray for you?’ Then, pray for them on the spot, out loud?” Did you pray for someone? Share your story.
If you have a story, share it in the comments below.
