Next Steps--Lesson 25--Being a Good Steward--Matthew 25

Discussion Questions:

1.  How does the way we use money provide insight into the level of character we have?  In what ways did Jesus show a connection between character and the use of money?

2.  What does it mean to be a steward versus an owner?  What are some of the things God has placed in your hands asking you to be a good steward with them?  Why does it matter that we not consider ourselves owners instead of stewards?

3.  What does it mean that God has an investment mentality?  In what ways has He invested in your life and your eternity?  Since you are created in His image, what kinds of things does He want you to invest in?

4.  What observations do you have from the way the glow sticks were used or not used?  What lessons do we learn about being prepared to act with what the LORD has provided when opportunity arises?  What kinds of things distract you from being a good steward with the things God has placed in your hands?

5.  How does being alert for a task help with focus and concentration on what the LORD says or does around us?  What are some ways to be more intentional about fulfilling the tasks of the Kingdom as good stewards of the things He has blessed us with?

6.  What purpose do you have within the Kingdom of God?  How does being a steward help you recognize purpose?

7.  What temptation is there to act like the Fed Ex driver who kept the packages for himself with the things God has placed in your care?

8.  What is the opposite of “steal, kill and destroy”?  How does focusing on these opposites help you be a better steward?

Next Steps--Lesson 24--Controlling the Tongue--James 3

Discussion Questions:

1.  What are some ways God has demonstrated the power of speech?  How much of that power has God given to us?  How have you seen speech build up and give life or tear down and destroy?

2.  How is the tongue like a fire?  Is this a good or bad thing? 

3.  How is our speech connected to our character?  What does the things we say show about what is in our heart?   

4.  How is using our speech in healthy ways a sign of maturity?  If control of our speech is untamable but also a sign of spiritual maturity, how does one achieve maturity?

5.  What are some practical ways to gain control over our tongue?  What kinds of things move you towards being out of control?

6.  Why is it difficult to let God hold the reins or the rudder of our life?  How is the use of speech a reflection of His control, or lack thereof?

7.  Are there any changes in your speech that need to be made?  Who do you trust to assist you and hold you accountable?

8.  Why do teachers incur a stricter judgment?  Who should be a teacher of the ways of God?  What does this tell us about being intentional about growth in the relationship we have with the LORD?

Next Steps - Lesson 23 - The Discipline of Purity - I Samuel 11 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1. How is impurity far more than just lust and sexuality? What are some areas where you are tempted to give in to impure ways to get what you desire?

2. How do the key characters in David’s life help or hinder the chapters of David’s life being written with success or failure in purity? How is it not about these characters at all, but the depth of his walk and trust in the LORD?

3. How would you explain the change in David from not being willing to take the throne, but waiting for God to give it to him, to sending and taking Bathsheba? What does this teach you about the need to stay vigilant in the war we are in for our soul?

4. How are comfort and the quest for happiness tools Satan uses to entice us into impurity?

5. Do you agree with the statement that when God calls us to purity it is not for His sake? Discuss the implications of this.

6. How have you seen the consequence of impurity affect generations that follow? How have you seen it affect other people besides the individual who commits the impure action?

7. How have you seen God wash away impurity and renew your life? What do you have to thank Him for in this area?