Wk 3 // January 20 & 21

Wk 3  //  WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?
January 20 & 21, 2024
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 special and/or close-knit group you’ve ever been a part of (not including family)?  
  • Did this group have any special routines or traditions that are particularly fond memories for you?  If so, what were they?

Community is something to be cherished.  The peace found in having a people to call your own is almost indescribable.  God created us this way.  We naturally long for community when we don’t have it, and we are reminded to dote on it when we are blessed enough to have it.


STUDY  [tap on scripture to read]

HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  1 Corinthians 11:23-26 
  • What was your first experience with receiving communion/Lord’s Supper/eucharist?  
  • In your own heart and mind, why is communion such a big deal?

There is quite possibly no ritual among God’s Church more significant and precious than taking communion together (baptism being tied for this top spot).  In taking communion, we remember what Jesus did for us while creating new memories of this precious occasion with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  No matter how many times we’ve participated in this sacrament, we are called to treat it with the same reverence and appreciation.


HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ  1 Corinthians 11:27-29 
  • What do you think it means to take communion in an unworthy manner?
  • How do you personally ensure you don’t take communion in an unworthy manner?  Or is this a new concept for you?  

It is easy to fall into the trap of hopelessly trying to earn grace.  This is the epitome of chasing after the wind.  However, out of love, reverence, and appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus to wash away our sins, we actively take a submissive posture toward God in heart and in actions.  This means that we bend our attitudes, desires, words, and actions to the will of God and pursue His righteousness.  When we are presenting ourselves unworthy of the grace we’ve received, we respond with repentance.  This is particularly true when we receive communion.


APPLICATION
  • What is one specific thing you can do this week to better cultivate a more grateful heart for the price Jesus paid for you?
  • What is one thing you think God wants you to add or remove from your life before the next time you receive communion?


PRAYER
Pray that God would examine your heart and life and challenge you to His better way of life as you live in appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice.