Wk 4 // May 6 & 7
Wk 4 // Parenting & Surviving in an X-Rated World
May 6 & 7, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Going all the way back to the earliest human cultures, we have always had a fascination with discovering and growing items from the soil. Even in the Garden of Eden, we see Adam being given the responsibility to tend the garden. There is something very special about observing and participating in the life process that stems from the soil.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Mark 4:1-9
Jesus was an absolute master at teaching spiritual truth. This was never better illustrated than when he would teach using parables. It’s almost as if one can see him metaphorically grabbing popular culture with one hand and his listeners with the other and then guiding the hands together to latch onto one another. The skill and precision with which Jesus taught was absolutely astonishing.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Mark 4:10-20
Productivity is certainly not the driving purpose behind our relationship with God. However, it is not possible to regularly grow closer to God, enter into His presence, be challenged by His words, witness His broken heart for broken people… and not set your hand to the work of bringing His kingdom to this broken world. We are put to task as world changers as a result of God changing our hearts and rebuilding our lives one sprouting seed at a time.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would soften your heart and make you more open to the changes He would have for your life as you seek to impact the lives around you.
May 6 & 7, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- Do you like to garden (or keep houseplants)? Why or why not?
- What is the most unique item you’ve grown (in a garden, etc.) or most unique pet you’ve raised?
Going all the way back to the earliest human cultures, we have always had a fascination with discovering and growing items from the soil. Even in the Garden of Eden, we see Adam being given the responsibility to tend the garden. There is something very special about observing and participating in the life process that stems from the soil.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Mark 4:1-9
- What is the most meaningful/powerful spiritual metaphor or parable you have been impacted by over the years?
- IMPROV TIME! Pick a random scenario one might come across in our modern world. Try using the details of that scenario to teach a spiritual principle.
Jesus was an absolute master at teaching spiritual truth. This was never better illustrated than when he would teach using parables. It’s almost as if one can see him metaphorically grabbing popular culture with one hand and his listeners with the other and then guiding the hands together to latch onto one another. The skill and precision with which Jesus taught was absolutely astonishing.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Mark 4:10-20
- Which negative type of “soil” do you struggle with most in your own walk with Jesus?
- What would it look like in your life if you were “producing a crop… thirty, sixty… a hundred times what was sown”?
Productivity is certainly not the driving purpose behind our relationship with God. However, it is not possible to regularly grow closer to God, enter into His presence, be challenged by His words, witness His broken heart for broken people… and not set your hand to the work of bringing His kingdom to this broken world. We are put to task as world changers as a result of God changing our hearts and rebuilding our lives one sprouting seed at a time.
APPLICATION
- What is one specific thing you can do this week to improve how well you are allowing God to impact the “soil” of your life?
- What is one specific way you can seek to impact the world around you this week for God?
PRAYER
Pray that God would soften your heart and make you more open to the changes He would have for your life as you seek to impact the lives around you.
