Building Character--Lesson 4--No Shortcuts!--The Life of Moses

Discussion Questions:

1.  What kinds of shortcuts have you attempted in your spiritual development?  How did it work out for you? 

2.  Why is it difficult at times to remember that God is with us?  Why is having Him with us vital to our character development?

3.  Why did God seek to kill Moses in Exodus 4:24?  Are there any issues with your relationship with God that have not been set in order?  How was obedience greater than sacrifice or good works in this situation?

4.  Moses’ issue with anger resulted in him missing out on leading the Israelites into the Promised Land.  What areas of your own character are hindering you from experiencing all that God wants for you and from you?

5.  How have you seen shortcuts encouraged by worldly thinking lead to increased fear, anxiety, and even devouring one another?  Discuss if and how God’s path is truly better.

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?