Building Character--Lesson 3--The Lies of Instant Gratification--Genesis 37-50

Discussion Questions:

1.  How does immediate gratification typically work against greater fulfillment? 

2.  Why does God’s design call for lots of time and trials to mature our character?  How have you seen shortcuts in character development turn out badly?

3.  How discouraged do you get when your reward for doing something right turns out to be persecution or loss?  What kinds of things help you to see God’s bigger picture when things like this happen?

4.  Why are Judah’s and Joseph’s stories woven together in Genesis 37-39?  How is discipline and self-control an essential part of married life and Kingdom living?  How would you rate yourself in the areas of discipline and self-control?

5.  Why is it important to remember that God is aiming for the character of a Kingdom instead of just individuals?  How does unity profit character development?

Easter Sermon--The Difference Resurrection Makes

Discussion Questions:

1.  How would you define an 11th hour rescue?  Have you ever experienced one? 

2.  How does resurrection tie into the pain and suffering found in this world?  What comfort and/or peace do you receive from the fact that God provided resurrection?

3.  What kind of struggles have you had with looking at Jesus versus looking through Jesus?  Why is looking through Jesus better than looking at Him?

4.  Why did Jesus wait for Lazarus to die before going to him?  How does this help you with questions about God’s timing and the trials He allows you to experience?

5.  How is the story of Jesus encountering the woman at the well about resurrection?  How can seeing beyond the 11th hour help you with the things that feel chaotic or messy in your life?

Building Character--Lesson 2--Having a Teachable Spirit--Genesis 12-22

Discussion Questions:

1.  What is the correlation between our character and what God is building for His Kingdom? 

2.  Why is it important to note that God didn’t choose Abraham because he was sinless?  How does this help you with your own call from God?

3.  How does it strike you that the more Abraham learned from God and about God, the more he learned about the depth of commitment and love God had for him?  What hope does this give you about your own walk with God?

4.  What is the significance of God changing the names of Abram and Sarai?  What kinds of changes has God spoken about who you are meant to be?

5.  What difference does it make that God goes first and also farther than what He expects from Abraham?  How do you feel about God calling a curse upon Himself if He did not fulfill His covenant with Abraham?  How do you feel about Him then requiring the same thing from Abraham regarding circumcision?  What does this teach you about what the level of your commitment to God should be?