Wk 5 // September 2 & 3
Wk 5 // I’M JUST A…
September 2 & 3, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Now that September is upon us, many of us are pivoting from summer to fall. With that pivot comes planning, preparing, excitement… and sometimes dread. It is so great that you’re starting your fall with your small group! May you enjoy doing life together!
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Genesis 4:1-7
Cain may have felt like he gave God his best. It is also possible that he was lying to himself and bringing God what he felt like bringing. It is also possible, since animal sacrifices were the standard set by God at this time, that Cain brought God his offering rather than making arrangements with his shepherd little brother to bring what God asked for. Either way, it seems apparent that Cain’s attention was fixated on being better than his brother rather than on living the life God desired for him.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Genesis 4:8-16
God’s better way to do life hinges on our attention being on Him first and foremost. When we look at others, it is to be from God’s perspective – full of grace and truth. Jealousy and comparison are a result of our own selfishness and self-centeredness. When our minds go to this place, not only do our minds/emotions warp, but our actions quickly follow.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would draw your attention away from comparison, jealousy, etc. and on Him. Pray for God to show you where your attention is misplaced and show you grace where you’ve fallen short.
September 2 & 3, 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
- What is the most exciting thing on your calendar this fall?
- What is the least exciting thing on your fall calendar that you’re kind of dreading?
Now that September is upon us, many of us are pivoting from summer to fall. With that pivot comes planning, preparing, excitement… and sometimes dread. It is so great that you’re starting your fall with your small group! May you enjoy doing life together!
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Genesis 4:1-7
- Why do you think Cain’s offering wasn’t good enough?
- How does it make you feel when you see other people getting blessed by God at a time when your best isn’t being blessed
Cain may have felt like he gave God his best. It is also possible that he was lying to himself and bringing God what he felt like bringing. It is also possible, since animal sacrifices were the standard set by God at this time, that Cain brought God his offering rather than making arrangements with his shepherd little brother to bring what God asked for. Either way, it seems apparent that Cain’s attention was fixated on being better than his brother rather than on living the life God desired for him.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Genesis 4:8-16
- What did Cain’s comparison to his brother do to his heart/mind?
- If you can, share a time where you have experienced jealousy resulting in something really bad.
God’s better way to do life hinges on our attention being on Him first and foremost. When we look at others, it is to be from God’s perspective – full of grace and truth. Jealousy and comparison are a result of our own selfishness and self-centeredness. When our minds go to this place, not only do our minds/emotions warp, but our actions quickly follow.
APPLICATION
- In what area(s) has your attention been more on comparing to (or watching) others rather than pursuing what God wants from you?
- Cain’s actions had consequences, but God shows grace in the midst of those consequences in protecting Cain in the end. How is God currently showing you grace in the midst of consequences?
PRAYER
Pray that God would draw your attention away from comparison, jealousy, etc. and on Him. Pray for God to show you where your attention is misplaced and show you grace where you’ve fallen short.
