Rescued, Part 19: Evaluating Yourself

Character Studies: Gideon – It’s Not About You

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. Would you say that life is good or hard for you now? What works for you to keep your eyes on Jesus and not get distracted with the things of the world or doubt God’s goodness? 2. God speaks to our heart. So does the enemy (John 13:2). How do we learn to recognize who is talking to us? Do you have instances in your life where you can recall either God or the enemy speaking to your heart? 3. Did your parents do anything to help you understand and “own” your faith in Jesus? What have you found to be helpful in helping your children or grandchildren understand and know Jesus by faith? 4. How do we imitate the faith of spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:7) without falling into the trap of “following” them rather than God? 5. The title of this message was “It’s Not About You.” The key lesson was: It’s about God with you. In what situation in your life right now can you apply this truth? 6. We have an enemy that is after us for a life time. The Bible tells us to run with endurance the race set before us. (Hebrews 12:1). How do we go about increasing our ability to sustain our focus on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), listen to His Spirit (Hebrews 3:7-8), and walk by faith (Galatians 5:16)? 7. We build our relationship with God through the Word, prayer, and fellowship. What are some ways to improve each of these areas in your life? The post Character Studies: Gideon – It’s Not About You [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/character-studies-gideon-its-not-about-you/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 2 – Limits to Freedom

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. What stood out to you in this message? 2. When you hear the phrase, “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36), what comes to mind? 3. In what ways have you sought to steward or limit your freedoms related to one of the points given in the message? 4. How have you seen the shift in our cultural environment regarding sacrificing for others, impact the thinking of people even in the church? 5. How have you applied the notion of disciplining yourself for a greater goal—like a sports training experience—which illustrates the spiritual need to do the same? 6. What is your most meaningful take away from this message? The post Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 2 – Limits to Freedom [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/freedom-the-heart-of-god-part-2-limits-to-freedom/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 1 – God’s Grand Purpose

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. The message contrasts law and grace. In what ways are Christians tempted today to drift back toward “works” instead of resting in justification by faith alone? 2. The Great Liberator Jesus, freed us from many spiritually connected problems. Which of those freedoms do you most need to remember right now and why? 3. Paul warns the Galatians not to submit again to a “yoke of slavery.” What are some modern yokes of slavery—spiritual, emotional, cultural, or religious—that believers can fall back into? 4. The sermon connects freedom with gospel impact, missions, generosity, and service. How should our freedom in Christ move us outward toward others rather than inward toward self-protection or comfort? What is a specific next step the Lord wants you to take? The post Freedom: The Heart of God, Part 1 – God’s Grand Purpose [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/freedom-the-heart-of-god-gods-grand-purpose/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Rescued, Part 22: Marks of Gospel Ministry

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. At the beginning of chapter 16, Paul lists a number of believers who have been great partners and influences in the gospel. Who would be on your “Romans 16” list of believers? 2. Why does Paul describe his ministry using Old Testament priestly language in 15:14-21? How does this imagery shape the way we think about our mission as Christians and as a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9)? 3. In 16:1-16, Paul lists a large number of sincere relationships that he has with the Roman Christians. * What keeps people from forming meaningful relationships in the church today? * What advice would you give to the person who is struggling to find meaningful relationships in the church? 4. What does it mean to be “wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” in 16:19? 5. What are some subtle ways Christians can become undiscerning toward false teaching? The post Rescued, Part 22: Marks of Gospel Ministry [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/rescued-part-22-marks-of-gospel-ministry/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].

Rescued, Part 21: Bearing with One Another When Consciences Differ

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS 1. Why does Paul call one group “weak” and the other “strong” in 14:1-2? What is he referring to? 2. What does Romans 14:6 teach us about the motivations of sincere believers who reach different conclusions? 3. How can we distinguish between a core biblical conviction that should be defended and a personal conviction that should not be imposed on others? 4. About what matters of conscience are you tempted to judge those who disagree with you? 5. Which is more difficult for you personally: not judging those with greater freedom, or not despising those with stricter convictions? Why? The post Rescued, Part 21: Bearing with One Another When Consciences Differ [https://www.restonbible.org/sermons/rescued-part-21-bearing-with-one-another-when-consciences-differ/] appeared first on Reston Bible Church [https://www.restonbible.org].