Next Steps--Lesson 4--Courage to Take the Next Step--Matthew 19 & Nehemiah 1-2

Discussion Questions:

1.  How do you know what the will of God is for your life?  What next step do you think God wants you to take in your spiritual development and your service to the Kingdom?  What fears or doubts or other struggles are holding you back from taking that next step? 

2.  How has fearing what you might lose hindered you from achieving more with God?  Are there things in your life right now that you will look back on later and wish you had done them differently?

3.  What next chapter do you think the author and perfector of faith would like to write into your life?  How much license do you give Him to write your story?

4.  What things do you typically find yourself praying about?  What kinds of things move you to tears or to disciplines like fasting?  How are these passions a sign of where to spend your energy and time for the sake of the Kingdom?

5.  What stuck out to you from Nehemiah’s response when he heard about the condition of Jerusalem?  Why would he leave the position of cupbearer to fix walls in Jerusalem?  What security has God asked you to let go of so you can fulfill a good work for His Kingdom?

6.  Why does fulfilling a passion often come with suffering?  How did Jesus provide a model for this?  How did Nehemiah overcome the heavy amount of opposition and suffering that came with fulfilling his passion?

7.  How have you seen passion help someone overcome what seemed impossible?  What is one area of your life where your passion could be used by God to accomplish good things for His Kingdom?

8.  How have you seen remaining in one’s comfort zone hinder growth or fulfilling good works in the Kingdom of God?  Is this always the case?  What helps you to get comfortable with being called out of your comfort zone?