Next Steps--Lesson 16--The Cost of Unforgiveness--Luke 15

Discussion Questions:

1.     In what ways have you experienced “the far country”?  How did both brothers of the Prodigal Son story experience “the far country”?  How did forgiveness play a role in their returning from “the far country”?

2.     How have you experienced “The God of Unmatched Shoes”?  What urgency has God shown to restore you and forgive you?  How do you feel about the approachableness of Jesus?

3.     Would the story of the Prodigal Son mean as much to us if the Father had offered a lower level of forgiveness?  What might a lower level of forgiveness look like? 

4.     Why is it important that there is rejoicing in heaven over one who returns home?  What should we learn from that for our own forgiveness?

5.     How can the king in the parable in Matthew 18:23-35 forgive and then demand the debt be repaid?  What is this parable trying to tell us about the forgiveness of God?  In what ways are you passing on what you have received from the King?  How would you say you are representing Him in your levels of forgiveness?

6.     What is the difference between resentment and bitterness?  How have you seen bitterness expand exponentially because it attaches itself to other areas of disappointment?  Why is it important to know this when dealing with the ability to forgive?

7.     How does one keep disappointments and resentment from turning into bitterness? 

Next Steps--Lesson 15--Who's to Blame?--John 5 & 9

Discussion Questions:

1.     Have you experienced times when you felt crippled or blinded by the pain you felt because someone hurt you or someone close to you?  What helped you see beyond your pain and feel healed from what felt crippling?

2.     What role does legalism play in having an unforgiving spirit?  How did the Pharisees display an unforgiving spirit towards each of the people healed in John 5 & 9?

3.     Why did Jesus have to reclaim the Temple and the Sabbath?  What danger do we fall into of Him needing to reclaim us?  How does unforgiveness go against His Kingdom?

4.     Why is remembering we are being transformed an important part of being able to forgive?

5.     How might the hardships in my life be opportunities for God to do His good works?  What can help one remember this when they are debilitated by pain or betrayal or other hard things to forgive?

6.     How does seeking someone else to blame hinder forgiveness?  What methods have you found helpful to offer grace to people instead of judgment?

7.     Is it possible that when we feel bitterness or unforgiveness that we don’t really want to get well?  Explain your answer.

Next Steps--Lesson 14--Live Long & Prosper--Numbers 6

Discussion Questions:

1.     What response do you have to the quote, “I cried when I was born and every day shows why”?  How does living in a world of brokenness, pain and loss help you to see and draw nearer to God?

2.     How does hearing the priestly blessing at the end of service affect you in your walk with the LORD?  What specific promises in the blessing, or which of the three double blessings speak to you most often? (Bless you & keep you; Make face shine upon you & gracious; Lift up His countenance and give you peace)

3.     How does the immediate context of a test for an unfaithful wife and the Nazarite vow help you to better understand how the blessing works in our life?  Why is our response such an important part of receiving the blessing?  How does this tie into the importance of taking the next step with God?

4.     How have you seen God’s blessings be like the atoms in a drop of water?  Tell of a time God overwhelmed you with a blessing that you never saw coming.

5.     How does the imagery of God being a Good Shepherd help you understand His desire to “keep you”?

6.     How is God turning His face towards you Good News?  How difficult do you find it to reciprocate and turn your face towards Him instead of hiding from Him?

7.     Have there been times when you have acted like Jacob and made deals or manipulated receiving a blessing from God?  Why is this not necessary?  How have you experienced God down on your level?

8.     How did hearing Kalap’s, Wayne’s, Jadyn’s experience on trek affect you?  How has your life been like a difficult trek up to a summit?  How would the words of blessing and the promises they hold help you to endure?  How would it help you to rejoice in the struggles?

9.     Is there anything in your life that keeps you from enjoying God’s surprise party and blessings every day?  How can your family, connect group, friends help you with seeing and enjoying more?