In the Workshop--Lesson 15--Living in Community--Luke 22; Matthew 18 + Various Passages

Discussion Questions:

1.  How is intentionally choosing to live within community a practice that helps you be a better apprentice of Jesus?  How did Jesus demonstrate through His lifestyle that community was important to Kingdom fulfillment?

2.  Who would you say knows your story well enough that they could tell it accurately?  Why is it important to have people who know us this well?  Whose story could you tell?

3.  How does community provide strength and support in your life?  How surprised were you that the two legal pads were able to hold a bucket of bricks?  What did you learn about doing more than just rubbing up against people when it comes to being part of a church family?

4.  How has being part of community hurt you?  Why do so many find it difficult, or even impossible to stay when they have been hurt by community?  How would things be different in your life if Jesus chose not to stay when you did something to hurt Him?

5.  Why does Jesus emphasize that it is when two or three are gathered that He is with them (Matthew 18:20)?  How does the context prior to His statement (Matthew 18:15-17) influence what He is saying?  What is Jesus teaching here about the importance of unity and community?

6.  What is the purpose behind removing someone from the community of the church for disciplinary purposes?  What does it say about the low level of understanding of the importance of community when people will choose to remove themselves from meeting with other believers?  How, or in what ways have you been tempted to quit being part of Kingdom community or church fellowship?

7.  What does it mean that we have been given a ministry of reconciliation?  How is Jesus’ example with the Rich Young Ruler helpful in understanding what “staying” or “offering a breath mint” should look like when dealing with potential offensive situations?

In the Workshop--Lesson 14--The Gift of Rest & Sabbath

Discussion Questions:

1.  Why is it difficult to take time to rest?  What worries do you have that hinder you from “stopping” and “delighting” in the LORD?

2.  When was the last time you felt completely satisfied?  What kinds of things bring you satisfaction?  What did you think of Thomas Aquinas’ quote on being satisfied?

3.  How have you seen advertising tap into your infinite desire for more?  Why do you think God gave you desires that are infinite?  How can these infinite desires serve you well in this life?

4.  How do your desires contribute to a feeling of restlessness?  How would a weekly time of “Stop” and “Delight” enable you to better understand and deal with things that make you restless?

5.  How is rest part of the blueprint of creation?  What happens when you build your life with disregard to the blueprint? 

6.  How can a time of Sabbath each week be like a sanctuary within your week?  What kinds of activities help you to rest and worship the LORD?

7.  Why do you suppose God used the Sabbath to remind the Israelites of how He rescued them from slavery in Egypt?  How often do you feel like you have quotas to keep that you can’t say “no” to?  How does taking time to remember how God has set you free help you to feel rested?  What temptations have you had to “return to Egypt”?

8.  How is a Sabbath a practice time to help you be ready for the game in each day of the week?  What should a Sabbath day look like?

In the Workshop--Lesson 13--The Heart Behind Fasting--Genesis 3; Deuteronomy 8

Discussion Questions:

1.  What is your experience with fasting?  What purpose has it played in your walk with God and developing spiritual maturity?

2.  Do you agree with the statement that the life that accepts no limits cannot receive, accept, or appreciate the sovereignty of God?  Why, or why not?  How does this connect to the practice of fasting?

3.  Which do you find easier to neglect: your cravings for food, or your cravings for God? Why? 

4.  How have you seen the limits God places upon certain things provide life, or move us away from death?  How does living with an awareness of limitations produce more dependence upon God?

5.  If it is true that there are some things that can only be accomplished through prayer & fasting, why do we not make fasting more of a priority?  How is fasting NOT a magic wand to get what we want?  Why is it important to grasp that fasting does not put God into our favor?

6.  Describe how the way Jesus handled the temptations from the devil was an abstaining from independence.  What struggle with independence do you have?  How does going through a fast tie to abstaining from independence?

7.  What connection does fasting have with overcoming feelings of entitlement?  Why is denying yourself important in a walk with Jesus?  Why should holiness be our aim above happiness?