Wk 3 // December 16 & 17
Wk 3 // CHRISTMAS TRANSFORMATION
December 16 & 17, 2023
Small Group Study
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
Tap here to view the sermon notes.
INTRODUCTION
Fiction can be fun. At times it can even be challenging. It can be argued that the creative impulse that compels people to create great works of fiction is due to being image bearers of our Creator, God. He has so much for us to challenge, bless, and draw us close to Him… especially in the whimsy of this time of year.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Nehemiah 8:10-12
We are obviously not machines. Simply turning tough emotions off is no small task. But God knows that we need a break and sometimes that break is from our very emotional state. He desires to bless us with peace and joy that surpasses our understanding but that we are in so desperate need of.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ James 1:19-20
“In your anger, do not sin”... powerful words. It could be derived from that passage as well as others that anger, although not sin, puts us in a state where maintaining control of ourselves is much more difficult. Having peace and joy while remaining in a state of anger is extremely difficult. God desires the better life for us. This means that avoiding anger and embracing peace must be our default.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
Pray that God would give you a Christmas filled with joy and peace.
December 16 & 17, 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 your favorite Christmas movie and why?
- What Christmas movie has the best “moral of the story” moment that challenges you?
Fiction can be fun. At times it can even be challenging. It can be argued that the creative impulse that compels people to create great works of fiction is due to being image bearers of our Creator, God. He has so much for us to challenge, bless, and draw us close to Him… especially in the whimsy of this time of year.
STUDY [tap on scripture to read]
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ Nehemiah 8:10-12
- Why is it important to occasionally force yourself to turn toward joy and away from other emotions that may come more naturally?
- What do you need to do to better embrace joy this Christmas despite what may be happening in your life?
We are obviously not machines. Simply turning tough emotions off is no small task. But God knows that we need a break and sometimes that break is from our very emotional state. He desires to bless us with peace and joy that surpasses our understanding but that we are in so desperate need of.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ James 1:19-20
- What part of this passage do you struggle with most?
- Why does anger not produce righteousness if anger by itself is not sinful?
“In your anger, do not sin”... powerful words. It could be derived from that passage as well as others that anger, although not sin, puts us in a state where maintaining control of ourselves is much more difficult. Having peace and joy while remaining in a state of anger is extremely difficult. God desires the better life for us. This means that avoiding anger and embracing peace must be our default.
APPLICATION
- What is one thing you can commit to doing this week to focus on joy?
- What is causing anger in your life that your fellow small group members can pray for you about?
PRAYER
Pray that God would give you a Christmas filled with joy and peace.
