Next Steps --Lesson 29--The Haves & the Have-Nots

Discussion Questions:

1.     When are some times or what are some ways that God’s Kingdom has not made sense to you?  How does perspective or focus upon a specific stage or time play into this?   (Like the drawing of a tree)

2.     How much struggle do you have with comparing yourself or your situations to others?  How does seeing that we never travel the same path assist in recognizing why comparing is futile?

3.     What did Peter, Andrew, James & John’s dropping of their nets mean?  What did it not mean? 

4.     How significant is it that these first disciples were not told to sell all their possessions and give them to the poor?  Why was the Rich Young Ruler told to do this? 

5.     Why is it important for the Kingdom of God that there be the Haves and the Have-nots?  Is it possible to play both roles at different stages or situations of your life?

6.     How did the sponge and water Illustration help you understand the importance of being a conduit of the blessings God provides in your life?  What struggles do you have with being more focused upon your standard of giving over your standard of living?

7.     Why is it important to focus on the present problems instead of saving up for possible future ones?  What are some ways God has shown you He will provide for the present issues you face?  Will He not continue to do the same in the future? (Discuss the implications of this).

Next Steps--Lesson 28--The Purpose of Tithing

Discussion Questions:

1.     How is tithing a tool to help one set priorities and learn discipline in the area of finances?  How did God use tithing in the Old Testament as training wheels to help mankind understand the importance of maintaining a spiritual focus in a material world? 

2.     How does tithing help one learn to revere the LORD God always? (Deuteronomy 14:23)

3.     How does tithing and offering our first fruits go together?  What would the first fruits be in your life?  Is it fair to say God gave us His first and best to redeem us?

4.     Why would God require tithing in the Old Testament, but say nothing about it being required in the New Testament?  How would living according to grace require less than what God required under the Law?     

5.     How was Abraham’s and Jacob’s responses to God to give a tithe an act of worship?  What connection is there between generosity and a sense of awe and gratitude for what God has done?

6.     Why do you suppose the Israelites, who whined and complained through their travels in the wilderness, gave so freely to the building of the Tabernacle and then the Temple?  What brought about such joyful and sacrificial giving?

7.     Is there anything about tithing that causes you fear or anxiety?  Why or why not?

Stand Alone Sermon--The Dance: Faith and Covenant

Discussion Questions:

1.     How has your experience with walking by faith had its shaky moments?  What kinds of things add to or enhance faith being shaky?

2.     How do God’s covenant promises provide stability to your shaky faith?  What kind of security do you feel when you consider the promises already fulfilled in God’s word?  How does this help you with the things you are waiting upon?

3.     How has God called you to surrender your past, present and future to Him in faith?  Which of these three things do you find the hardest to surrender in faith?

4.     How well do you know the character of God?  How does knowing His character intimately help you navigate through the trying times and moments of unrest?

5.     Who is taking the lead in the dance of faith and covenant in your life?  Why is surrender such an important part of being in a dance with God?

6.     Peter provides a great example of how our actions are dictated by our faith in the walking on water story.  How have you seen your daily choices and actions bounce around based on what you believed at the time?  How does this show the importance of having time each day to see things from the LORD’s perspective?

7.     How is faith in the promises of God and our own personal discipline a part of this dance?  What areas of discipline do you need to develop more in your daily walk of faith?