2. Read Psalm 19:1-11. List the works that the Word accomplishes in people. Which one is most relevant in your life right now? Why?

3. What was your response to the Kimyal tribe’s reception of their New Testaments?

4. How could you be more biblical in the way you value, delight in, obey, etc. God’s Word?

Gospel in Action: Last week’s question was “What is the difference between the judgment God give believers and non-believers (Jn 3:16-18)? What do you need to do to help a non-believing friend avoid God’s eternal judgment?” Share what you did and how it went.

What do Psalm 139:23, Lamentations 3:40 and 1 Cor 11:31 call us to do? How do you make this a pattern in your daily life?

Sometimes our examination reveals that we’re majorly “off the road.” Are you on the highway or in the ditch? If you’re in the ditch, what life pattern do you need to change?

Read Hebrews 5:7-8 and 12:5-11. What discipline is the Lord giving you right now? Do you know what the Lord’s trying to teach you? Even if you don’t know, what promises are given to believers that help them endure?

How can you minister to those who are losing heart during God’s discipline (2 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:14)? What about those who are rejecting the Lord’s discipline (Galatians 6:1, 2 Timothy 2:25-26, James 5:19-20)?

Gospel in Action: What is the difference between the judgment God give believers and non-believers (Jn 3:16-18)? What do you need to do to help a non-believing friend avoid God’s eternal judgment? Be prepared to talk to the group next week about how it went.

What is wisdom? Where does it come from? (Hint: read Colossians 2:2-5 and 1 Corinthians 1:30)

Read Proverbs 8:17, 32-34. What practical steps can you take to seek wisdom? (Hint: consider point 4a and how you might look for, listen to, or love wisdom)

In Proverbs the opposite of wisdom is foolishness. What specific things in your life are cultivating foolishness?

What parts of your life would you consider to be chaotic? How would bringing order to those areas change your life? What steps could you take to apply wisdom?

Gospel in Action: Consider an unbelieving friend who needs wisdom  What truth from the sermon can you share with them? Pray for an opportunity to share more of the Gospel.

I am a child of my heavenly Father. God loves me and sent His Son to die for my sin. He, my heavenly Father, knew me before the creation of the world and chose me in Christ to be His very own. I am forgiven, cleansed, loved, and destined to look like His Son, holy and blameless. I have been rescued from the domain of darkness and brought into the kingdom of His Son. There is no condemnation toward me because I am His in His Son Jesus Christ. Nothing can separate me from His love for me: not trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword or death or life or angels or demons or anything else in all creation. He will discipline me, but always for my good, that I may share in His holiness. He loves me, has always loved me, and will always love me. I am a person loved by God, that’s who I am! (John 1:12; Romans 8:31-39; Ephesians 1:4-11: I Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 12:10; I John 4:9-10)

For Disciples/Believers:

I am a follower of Christ. As I seek His kingdom He has promised to take care of my every need. As I follow Him I will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life. As I continue in His teaching, He is setting me free. As I love Him, He is working all things together for my good. I make it my goal to please Him in all I do. As I persevere, faithfully enduring, pursuing the prize which He has for me, suffering with Him, I will reign with Him. (Matthew 6:33; John 8:12, 31-32; Romans 8:17, 28: II Corinthians 5:9; Philippians 3:13-14; II Timothy 2:12, 4:7-8; Revelation 2:26-27)

Do you believe these truths from God? I mean, do you really believe? Discuss.

What is the biggest stress in your life right now? How can the truths above help you depend upon God?

How do the truths above shape the way you “look” at others?

Has there been a meaningful truth you have gleaned from the “Heart of Go(l)d” sermon series? Share.

Gospel in Action: One obstacle to sharing the Gospel is our own unbelief in the truths above. Read Mark 9:24 and Luke 17:5 and pray the same prayers (”Lord, help my unbelief and increase my faith”).

Goliath’s blasphemies provoked David’s heart to action. The desecration of the temple provoked Jesus’ heart to action. What provokes your heart to action? Is it consistent with the heart of God?

In what practical ways could you “forge a team” with the Lord?
Get to know God’s heart through Bible reading, worship, joining a small group.

How does a person decide when to do the prudent thing and when to “let his/her heart run” (or fight, or cleanse a temple, etc.)?
You might ask yourself a few questions:

• Have I been walking with God?
• Have I been hearing Him?
• Is there unconfessed sin in my heart?
• Does this action line up with Scripture?
• What is my motivation – selfish gain? or for others? for God?

Is the Spirit of God prompting you to unusual, passionate action? If so, can you share?

Gospel in Action: When our heart beats with God’s heart we are provoked to share the Gospel. Identify the “Goliath” (e.g., busyness, fear, pride, shame, apathy) preventing your heart from beating with God’s. Confess your  “Goliath” and determine to overcome it in faith.

Proverbs 8: 12 – knowledge, good judgment
Proverbs 12:16 – thick skinned
Proverbs 12:23 – careful with words
Proverbs 13:13-16 – values God’s word, values good teaching
Proverbs 22:3 – sees consequences and acts accordingly
Proverbs 14:15 – not gullible

As a group, discuss how you might grow in each of these areas of prudence.

2. Read 2 Samuel 16:15-23. Absalom’s unclean heart led him to a poor military decision. How did it lead him to a poor decision? What motivated Absalom to follow the wrong counsel?

3. Give an example of when you have not listened to sound reason or good counsel. What were the consequences? What motivated you to follow the wrong counsel?

4. What are some consequences of not “training your dragon” (your heart)? What are some of the benefits if you do?

5. Gospel in Action: For the last two weeks, we’ve suggested these starter questions.

1. How are you doing today?
2. What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
3. Is going to church part of your weekly routine? Why is that?
4. Have you ever felt close to God? What happened?

Share any opportunities you’ve had to use these (or similar questions) and how did it go?

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:

1. How are you doing today?
2. What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
3. Is going to church part of your weekly routine? Why is that?
4. 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.

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.

1. How are you doing today?
2. What is your story? Tell me about yourself.
3. Is going to church part of your weekly routine? Why is that?
4. Have you ever felt close to God? What happened?

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.

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.