HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Growing in Grace: Sabbath/Rest

Genesis 2:1-2; Psalm 127:1-2; Hebrews 4:11
 
INTRODUCTION:  
 
BODY: 
 
CONCLUSION: 
 
 
 Small Group Discussion Questions
 
For Adults: 
 
1. What is your experience with rest? Is it hard for you or easy? What were your Sunday’s like growing up as a kid? When you think of Sabbath what comes to mind? Positive or negative?   
 
2. How might recognizing our human limitations impact our relationship with God and our understanding of rest? 
 
3. What does it mean for God to rest on the seventh day according to Genesis 2:1-2?
 
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus’ authority over the Sabbath? (John 5:1-17, Luke 6:9, and Luke 13:10-17, Mark 2:23-28)
 
5. What does trust have to do with rest?
 
6. What practical steps can you take to adjust your view of rest from being a weakness to seeing it as an act of trust in God?  How can you incorporate the principle of Sabbath rest into your weekly routine, especially during busy school week, work week, life?
 
For Kids: 
Can you think of a time you felt really rested? What did you do?
What does the word ‘Sabbath’ mean?
How many days did God take to create the world according to Genesis? 
What does it mean to take a break and rest like God did?
How can trusting God lead to rest?

Growing in Grace: Transformation Through Spiritual Disciplines

1 Timothy 4:6-16
INTRODUCTION:  
 
BODY: 1 Tim. 4:7-8 
 
CONCLUSION: 
 
 Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Paul uses action verbs like “train,” “toil,” and “persist” in 1 Timothy 4:6-16. How do these words challenge your understanding of spiritual growth? 
 
2. Reflect on the metaphor of training for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8). What “spiritual exercises” have been most effective for you in growing closer to God? Are there any “spiritual muscles” you feel need more attention or practice in different seasons of life or right now? What could you take action on this week? 
 
3. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” How can viewing spiritual disciplines as an eternal investment change your motivation for practicing them? Is Paul saying that the physical and the body do not matter? Why or why not?
 
4. Why does motivation matter when pursuing spiritual disciplines? How can you ensure that your efforts in training for godliness flow from love for God rather than fear, pride, or legalism? How does dependence on the Holy Spirit change the way you approach spiritual disciplines?
 
5. Discuss and compare the following verses in relation to this sermon series:  1 Timothy 4:7-10, 1 Corinthians 9 24-27, 1 Timothy 6:11-12. 

Growing in Grace

 MESSAGE | PASTOR JORDAN MOODYGrowing in Grace – 2 Peter 3:8-18; 1:3-8
INTRODUCTION: The Longing for Change   
 
A life of holiness and godliness (2 Peter 3:8-13) 
 
Be Diligent. Be Alert. (2 Peter 3:14-17) 
 
Grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:18) 
 
Implanted Power to Grow (2 Peter 1:1-4)  
Make Every Effort to Increase (2 Peter 1:5-8)   
 
SUMMARY: Guiding Assumptions & Goals 
 
CONCLUSION: Less Can Be More
 
 Small Group Discussion Questions
 
1. What comes to mind when you think of “means of grace” or “spiritual disciplines?” What are they? What are they not? 
2. Reflecting on 2 Peter 3:8-18 (particularly verses 11 and 14), what stands out about Peter’s call to pursue holiness and godliness? How does the promise of Christ’s return motivate us to live holy and diligent lives today?
3. What does it look like practically to “be diligent” and “make every effort” in your spiritual growth? Are there specific areas where you feel called to grow in holiness this year? (2 Peter 1:5; 3:14,18) 
4. Discuss the statement: “Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude; effort is an action.” (Dallas Willard). How does this idea help you balance dependence on God’s power with personal responsibility in spiritual growth? (Phil. 2:12-13) 
5. How can we avoid legalism in our pursuit of growing in grace and seeking transformation through spiritual disciplines? 
6. The illustration of the tree rings of growth related to pruning and thinning out distractions was used to show how less can lead to more growth. What distractions or “weeds” in your life might be choking out spiritual growth? What is one thing you could subtract to make more room for God’s grace to work in your life?

Love is the Greatest

1 Corinthians 13:8-13
 INTRODUCTION: Love Never Ends Spiritual Gifts Have a Shelf Life
Metaphors for the Temporal Nature of Gifts From Childish Thinking to Mature Understanding From Dim Reflection to Clear Vision From Partial Knowledge to Full Knowledge 
CONCLUSION: 
Small Group Discussion Questions 1. What does it mean that love is eternal, while spiritual gifts are temporary? How does this perspective impact how we prioritize spiritual gifts and love in our lives and the church community?
2. How would you define agape love in your own words?Out of the trio mentioned in verse 13, why is love the greatest?Paul contrasts childish thinking with mature understanding. In what areas of faith or life have you seen yourself mature, and how has love played a role in that process?
3. 1 Corinthians 13:12 speaks of seeing “dimly” now but one day seeing “face to face.” What does this imagery mean to you personally, especially regarding your relationship with God?
4. How does knowing that God fully knows you and still loves you unconditionally encourage you? How might this truth challenge the way you approach loving others?

Christmas With Love

INTRODUCTION:1 Corinthians 13:4-7
LOVE BEARS ALL THINGSA. LOVE IS PATIENT and KINDB. “Love is patient; [not short-tempered] and kind; [not mean]”
LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGSA. LOVE IS VIRTUOUS and RESPECTFULB. It does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. / “It is not rude.”
LOVE HOPES ALL THINGSA. LOVE IS GRACIOUS and HOSPITABLEB. “It is not resentful / It does not insist on its own way”
LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGSA. LOVE IS HUMBLE and COMPOSEDB. “Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant / It is not irritable”
CONCLUSION: Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Both A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas highlight themes of rejecting commercialism and embracing deeper meaning during Christmas. How does this parallel the message of 1 Corinthians 13 about prioritizing love over superficial matters?
2. Find a copy of the “Wheel of Love” visual used during the sermon. Walk through each of the four major sections together and discuss the words, both positive and negative. What sticks out to you and why?
3. Now look at what “Love is...” from the notes or the visual and link each word specifically to Jesus Christ. Maybe it’s something he said, something he did, something he didn’t do that identifies Jesus Christ as “patient” or “kind,” “gracious,” etc.
4. The sermon encouraged us to “look in the mirror of Christ’s love.” (1 Cor. 13:12) As we reflect on our own shortcomings in love, how can we allow this to motivate us to pursue deeper intimacy with Jesus and become more like him?

Christmas Without Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-4
 
INTRODUCTION: A Wonderful Life
 
 
BODY: Without Love
If I speak…eloquently (v. 1): 
If I know…everything (v. 2a):
I have…unstoppable faith (v. 2b):
If I give…everything (v. 3a):
If I give…myself (v. 3b):
CONCLUSION:  Loving-kindness (Titus 3:3-7) 
 Small Group Discussion Questions
1. What resonates with you about the story of “It’s a Wonderful Life”? How does George Bailey’s realization parallel our understanding of the impact of love and the true message of Christmas? 
 
2. What would the world look like without the love of God, as shown in Jesus Christ? How does the thought of “a world without Christmas” impact your understanding of the Incarnation?
 
3. Why do you think Paul places such importance on love as the foundation of all actions? Can you think of times when actions, even good ones, were diminished by the lack of love?
 
4. Think through the “5 If’s” from 1 Cor. 13:1-3. Which one stands out to you the most and why?
 
5. Why does the ending conclusion phrase from the sermon, “No man is a failure who has love,” resonate so deeply with us? Compare this with Titus 3:3-7 

Ephesians: Holy Armor

Ephesians 6:14-24
Spiritual Loadout/Armor 
Belt of Truth 
Breastplate of Righteousness 
Gospel Shoes 
Shield of Faith 
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit (Word of God) 
Prayer 
 Small Group Discussion Questions
1. How would you describe the battle between spiritual forces and the struggles we face in the physical world? How do we sometimes misidentify the “enemy”?
 
2. What role does truth play as the foundation of the armor of God? How can we “gird ourselves with truth” in practical ways?
 
3. The breastplate of righteousness protects the heart and the vital organs. How does the righteousness of Jesus Christ guard our hearts and protect us from attack? 
 
4. What does it mean to have “gospel shoes”? How can being prepared with the gospel of peace help us navigate life’s challenges?
 
5. The shield of faith extinguishes fiery darts of doubt, discouragement, and deception. Can you share a time when your faith helped you overcome a spiritual attack or trial? 
 
6. How does the helmet of salvation provide assurance and confidence in the face of fear or uncertainty?
 
7. The sword of the Spirit (God’s Word) is our offensive weapon. How can we wield Scripture effectively in spiritual battles, and why is it important to pair it with prayer? (How did Jesus do this?)

Ephesians: Holy Service and Hoy Warfare

Introduction  
HOLY SERVICE (5-9)  
Servants (secondarily employees)
With Sincerity 
 
Masters (secondarily employers) 
Without Prejudice  
HOLY WARFARE (10-13) 
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul refers to both slaves and masters as having the same Master in heaven? How does this impact how we view others?
 
2. How does the gospel transform relationships and break down societal barriers, as seen in how Paul addresses slaves and masters as equals in Christ? 
 
3. How can the church better demonstrate oneness in Christ and treat all people with equal dignity and value?
 
4. Paul warns against being “people-pleasers.” How can we ensure our motivations for work or service are Christ-centered rather than focused on impressing others? In what ways can a Christian’s work ethic reflect their faith, even in a secular environment?
 
5. Paul says our battle is not against “flesh and blood.” How does this perspective change how we handle conflicts or challenges in our lives?
 
6. What are some modern “schemes of the devil” that can deceive or distract Christians? How can we resist them and stand firm?

Ephesians: Holy Homes

Ephesians 6:1-4
Introduction 
Children  
Fathers   
Conclusion:   
 Small Group Discussion Questions
1. For Children: Obedience and Honor. How do you understand the difference between obedience and honor as it applies to your parents (or authority figures) throughout different life stages? How can honoring your parents be an act of worship to God? What practical ways can you obey and honor them? 
 
2. For Parents: Encouraging, Not Provoking. Ephesians 6:4 calls fathers to bring up their children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord” without provoking them to anger. What are some practical ways to discipline your children while encouraging their hearts? How do you balance boundaries with grace?
 
3. For the Church: A Community of Faithful Families. Parenting is hard, and the church can play a vital role in supporting families. How can we, as a church community, better support parents in raising children to know and follow Christ?
 
4. For Reflection: Legacy and Generational Faith. Proverbs 22:6 speaks of “training up a child in the way he should go.” How does your family or the church intentionally pass on faith to the next generation? What can be done to guard against the shift from experiencing God in one generation to ignoring Him in the next? How can Fathers lead in this from the home? Practical tips? 
Discuss the visual aid below.
How have you seen or experienced this “Parenting Box” or how do you think this works? Do the seasons of parenting demand more of one part than the other?

Ephesians: Holy Marriage

Ephesians 5:21-33
 
Intro: Distorted Views of Marriage 
Wife 
Husband  
Together  
 Small Group Discussion Questions
 
1. Cultural myths or stereotypes often portray submission as a sign of weakness or inferiority. How does the biblical concept of submission challenge these myths and invite us to a different understanding?
 
2. Paul’s command for husbands to love their wives “as Christ loved the church” emphasizes sacrificial love. What are some everyday ways that sacrificial love can be expressed in marriage or other close relationships?
 
3. What are some common obstacles to practicing submission and sacrificial love in marriage, and how can we overcome these challenges through God’s grace? (Consider sharing practical strategies that have helped in your marriage) 
 
4. Discuss the visual aid below. How have you seen this play out in your own life?