Week of October 30, 2011

1. Read Matthew 23:1-12.
2. Growing up, what "hot buttons" did you push to get your parents mad? What "hot buttons" do your kids, if any, use on you? If married, what do you do or say that pushes your spouse to get mad?
3. What was the seat of Moses?
4. Given Jesus' remarks about the Pharisees (like in chapters 21-22) what is surprising about His remarks in v. 3? How does Jesus limit His commendation of the Pharisees?
5. As Jesus sees it, what is the main evil of the Pharisees? How are the disciples to avoid falling into the same evil?
6. Why would it be important that the disciples not allow themselves to be called rabbi (remember that Jesus was called rabbi)? What distinction was Jesus trying to make between His followers and the Pharisees?
7. Compare the path to greatness followed by the Pharisees with that taught by Jesus (v. 5-12). What do these two views of greatness teach us about the two views of the kingdom?
8. How can you avoid making it hard for others to grow spiritually?
9. How can you best avoid what is preached against in this passage?
10. Pray for one another....

Week of October 23, 2011

1. Read Matthew 22:34-40.
2. Who is the most generous person you've ever known? Tell us about them.
3. Father Mike talked in his sermon about how "you can't love God with all your heart without involving your money." What do you think about that statement?
4. For you, which is a bigger motivation for giving - support the work of the church or giving as a personal spiritual discipline?
5. Is there a difference to you about deciding on a set amount and giving that or giving in proportion to your income?
6. How might your giving be a way of "loving your neighbor as yourself"?
7. What aspect of the ministry of St. Andrew's are you most excited about? Do you think needs to be funded?
8. What challenges are facing you today with your giving? How can we pray for you?

Week of October 16, 2011

1. Read Exodus 33:12-23.
2. If you were at church on Sunday, did you go up for healing prayers? What happened? How did it feel? If you are comfortable, share with your group your experience.
3. Father Mike talked in his sermon about how "healing takes work". What do you think about that statement? Has that been true in your life?
4. What does Moses ask of God in v. 12-13? Why does Moses ask this of God?
5. What is God's response?
6. Moses tells the Lord not to send him forward if His presence does not go with him. Have you asked the Lord to "go with you" on the journey of your life? How might you do that? Is it easier for you to ask the Lord's help in some areas more than others?
7. Bravely, Moses asks the Lord to show him His glory (v. 18). What is the Lord's response?
8. Do you think it was right of Moses to ask this? Do you think it right for you to ask the Lord to show you His glory?
9. If God's power were to be extended toward you today, how would you most like it to manifest? With healing, peace, provision, something else?
10. What have you learned from Moses' encounter with the Lord here?
11. Pray for one another.

Pentecost 17 - Small Group Questions

If you were unable to be with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

Exodus 32:1-14
1. Share with the group a time when you really broke the rules. What was the result?
2. Why do you think the people were able to forget so quickly all that God had done for them (bringing them out of slavery in Egypt, providing manna and water)? How do we do the same thing?
3. Why do you think the people were so eager to find a new god to replace the one they had? How do we do the same thing? Why do we do the same thing?
4. What are some of the false gods that receive your loyalty? Why do you think these gods tempt you? Have there been times when these false gods have drawn you away from the one, true God in dangerous ways?
5. Moses fought for the people rather than let God's wrath burn against them. Discuss the development of Moses' character - from a man on the run from the law who does all he can to refuse God's call to a man who stands toe to toe with God to fight for a 'stiff-necked' people.
6. How do we handle this struggle - to be obedient and loyal to God and yet to be assured that God forgives us when we don't live into it?
7. In what ways are the people of God still a 'stiff-necked people' today?
8. What does it mean to you to know that God's love overwhelms God's justice?

Week of October 2, 2011

1. Read Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20.
2. Did you have an honorable mother and father? What was the thing you most admire about them?
3. Why do you think the commandment "honor your father and mother" made God's list? Why is this important?
4. Father Mike talked about how God included this in the list because He knew it was complicated. How might honoring your father and mother be complicated for you? What makes it difficult?
5. He also said that parents need our help. If they are still alive, how do your parents need your help, or do they? How could you extend this help? Support and encourage each other in the group about your attempts to do this.
6. If you are a parent, is it hard for you to receive honor from your children? How do they support you in ways that are uncomfortable or even unwanted by you? How can you help them give you what you need?
7. How can St. Andrew's be a place that honors and helps people as they age?
8. Share with the group what might have been especially important for you during this discussion.
9. Pray for one another....