Week of August 27, 2012

1. Read Ephesians 6:10-20.
2. Growing up, what were some of your favorite Halloween costumes, and why?
3. Go back and read Ephesians 1:19-21.  Where is Christ now?  How does this give us hope as we encounter the evil forces described here?  If you like, read also Ephesians 2:1-3, 14; 4:14,17-19, 26-27; and 5:3-18.  How are these forces demonstrated in our lives?
4. What do verses 11-14 say about how we are to respond to these forces?  To resist evil what six pieces of equipment are needed (v. 14-17)?  Which piece is the only offensive weapon listed?
5. Where does prayer fit in (v. 18)?  What does Paul pray for in v. 19-20?  Why?  What does this tell you about spiritual warfare?
6. As you consider your armor, what parts are in good shape?  What is moldy and rusty?  What do you need to do to get ready for battle?  What is at stake if you don't?
7. Paul was on the front lines of the battle (v. 20).  What role do you think you play in the church's resistance movement against Satan?  What evidence do you see of the battle around you?
8. Pray for one another.....

Pentecost 12 - Small Group Questions

If you were not with us on Sunday you can listen to this sermon here.

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
1. Do you remember your dreams?  Can you recall a time when you thought God was telling you something in a dream?  In what ways does God communicate with you?
2. Have you heard of 'the wisdom of Solomon?'  If so, what does this mean to you?  If you had to explain to someone what made Solomon wise, what would you say?
3. Why do you suppose Solomon's prayer and request pleased God?
4. God grants Solomon's request for wisdom.  What else does God promise Solomon (vv. 13-14)?  What does Jesus say in Matthew 6:33?  How are these two passages related?
5. How would you define wisdom?  Could you define wisdom apart from God?  Or does all true wisdom start with God?
6. Mtr. Mary said that information is not knowledge and knowledge is not wisdom.  How have you found this to be true in your own experience?
7.  If wisdom is aligning our lives with God's ways and precepts, how 'aligned' do you feel your life is?  Where do you feel most 'out of alignment?'
8. Time and experience is necessary for the development of wisdom; so those who have had more 'time and experience' are more likely to have developed some wisdom.  How well do you think our society values 'time and experience?'  Is this different than how it has been valued in the past?  What do you think this says about our society?  Can you share some examples of this?
9.  What is your immediate and heartfelt response to the question, "Ask what I shall give you?"  Is your wish something for yourself?  or for the benefit of another?  Why is this your dearest desire?

Week of August 13, 2012

1. Read Ephesians 4:25-5:2.
2. Share with the group a time when you got angry, and now, looking back on it, you find it silly that you got so upset.
3. Do you think you have a problem with anger?  Why or why not?
4. Have you been a victim of someone's anger?  What was it like?  What did you do about it?
5. Father Mike mentioned two different approaches to anger.  A "rhino", that charges when angry and a "hedgehog" who curls up in a ball.  Which one are you?  Do you lash out in anger or internalize it?
6. Read 4:26.  What does it mean to "be angry but not sin"?  How can you do this?
7. What are the consequences of "letting the sun go down on your anger"?  In your relationships?  On your health?  What are the dangers of internalizing your anger?
8. Verse 4:31-32 tells us to "put away our anger", replacing it with kindness and forgiveness.  What are some tips that you have learned about how to control your anger?
9. Talk in the group about the connection between unforgiveness and anger.  Is it hard for you to forgive when you are angry?  What can you do to help with this?
10. Father Mike talked about the "switch" of anger and love.  Which one is your default switch?  What sorts of things trigger it from anger to love?  From love to anger?
11. How can the group support you with what we've talked about today?
12. Pray for one another.