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03-19-23 Honey for the Soul: The Freedom of Wisdom

3/19/2023

ICEBREAKER
How did you decide who you would marry? Or, what you would choose for your vocation?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "Honey for the Soul: The Sweet Hope of Wisdom." This is based on Proverbs 24:14 which says, "Wisdom is like honey for you: if you find it, there is a future hope for you." This week, our discussion will be around the freedom God gives us to choose and some of the principles God gives us for choosing wisely.

Are you following the reading through Proverbs? How's that going for you?
Have any particular proverbs from this week's reading stood to you?

REVIEW & DISCUSS

In his book, Decision Making and the Will of God, Gary Friesen says the first principle of decision making is "Where God commands, we must obey."
1. Which commands must we obey in the Old Testament?
  Remember, there are three types of law in the OT—Ceremonial Law, Civil Law, and Ethical Law. Both the Jewish Ceremonial Law and the Jewish Civil Law are now obsolete. Only the Ethical Law remains in effect. It is this "law" that Jesus says he did not come to abolish but to fulfill (Matthew 5:16-18).
2. What are some of the Commands of Christ that we must obey?
3. What are some of the commands we receive elsewhere in the New Testament?
  Think about the One Anothers.
Friesen's second principle of decision making is "Where there is no command, God gives us freedom."
1. How have you thought of God's will for you? Like a dot and your job is to make sure you land on it or like a fence inside of which you have freedom to choose?
2. What does realizing that we have freedom to choose do to your decision making process?
Friesen's third principle of decision making is "Where there is no command, God gives us wisdom."
Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33. In this part of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he's applying four larger principles of wisdom to a specific decision the Corinthians must make—should they eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol? Those four principles are as follows. Godly Wisdom is ...
1. God Honoring (see vs 31)
2. People Loving (see vs 24 & 28)
3. Self Caring (see vs 27, 29-30 and chapter 9)
4. Kingdom Promoting (see vs 33 and 9:19)
Think of a significant decision you need to make. What might that decision look like within these four principles?

PRAYER
First, take some time to identify ways you can pray about what you just discussed. Second, take some time to ask for additional prayer requests. Then close your time together in praise and prayer.

03-12-23 Honey for the Soul: The Anatomy of Wisdom

3/13/2023

ICEBREAKER
What's a great decision you've made in your life?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "Honey for the Soul: The Sweet Hope of Wisdom." This is based on Proverbs 24:14 which says, "Wisdom is like honey for you: if you find it, there is a future hope for you." This week, our discussion will be around how we make decisions and will be reference Colossians 1, Proverbs 1, and what psychologists have learned about the decision-making process.

Are you participating in the church's reading plan through Proverbs?
1. How is that going?
2. Have any particular proverbs really stood to you in your readings?

REVIEW & DISCUSS

Have you ever pushed an elevator button multiple times expecting it to come to you faster?
1. Did it change the outcome?
2. Why do you think you did that?
3. What are some other silly things we do that don't make sense? Why do you think we do those things?
There are three general levels of wisdom. While this isn't clear and evident from a face-value reading of the text, it is more evident in a broader understanding of how the bible refers to wisdom. The foundational level is sophia which is Intellectual, Theoretical, or Philosophical Wisdom and has to do with our knowledge—our "knowing". The middle level is sunesis which is Synthesizing or Analytical Wisdom and has to do with our understanding—our "thinking." It's within this level that all our mental and emotional processing happens. It's a very complicated level of wisdom with lots of "filters" and "gates." The third level is phronimos which is Pragmatic or Practical Wisdom demonstrated in our choices and decisions—our "doing". Solomon refers to all three levels in Proverbs 1:2-3 and the Apostle Paul refers to all three levels in Colossians 1:9-10.
1. On Sunday, Pastor Jim highlighted how complicated making wise decisions can be. This is especially because of the filters knowledge has to go through in the middle. Can you recall what some of the internal filters are that complicate our decisions and how have you seen them complicate decision in your own life?
2. How can knowledge and understanding of your personality help you make wiser decisions?
3. How can knowledge of your family of origin help you make wiser decisions?
4. How can knowledge of your emotional and mental biases help you make wiser decisions?
5. How can knowledge of mental distortions or lies help you make wiser decisions?
Is there any area in your life in which you'd like to grow in more wisdom, now?

03-05-23 Honey for the Soul: The Sweet Taste of Wisdom

3/7/2023

ICEBREAKER
Whose house did you love going to when you were a child? Was there food involved? What did it smell like? What were the people like? Why did you love it so much?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "Honey for the Soul: The Sweet Hope of Wisdom." This is based on Proverbs 24:14 which says, "Wisdom is like honey for you: if you find it, there is a future hope for you." This week, our discussion will be around Proverbs chapter 9 and Lady Wisdom's call to come eat at her table.

REVIEW & DISCUSS

Are you participating in the church's reading plan through Proverbs?
1. How is that going?
2. Did you watch the introductory videos? What did you think of them?
Read Proverbs 9:1-6.
Proverbs 9:1 says, "Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars." James 3:17 gives us insight to these "seven pillars."
1. How have you experienced God's wisdom in your life as being "pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive (agreeable), full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere?"
2. Can you describe what it's like to be around a wise person who models these characteristics?
3. Can you name anyone as an example?
Lady Wisdom says "come to my house."
1. Where in your life have you found that you've grown in wisdom?
2. Was it in your family home? Was it in particular group or bible study? Was it in a church? Was it in a school or program?
Lady Wisdom says "eat my food."
1. In what ways are you choosing to eat the food of wisdom and how is it helping you grow in wisdom?
2. This would include any bible reading habits, any current groups or studies, church, podcasts, etc.
Lady Wisdom says, "leave your simple (foolish) ways." Would you be willing to share an example of how you've left your foolish ways since growing in God's wisdom?
Is there any area in your life in which you'd like to grow in more wisdom, now?

02-26-23 Honey for the Soul: The Sweet Hope of Wisdom

2/27/2023

ICEBREAKER
What's a wise saying you've heard that has stuck with you and why?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "Honey for the Soul: The Sweet Hope of Wisdom." This is based on Proverbs 24:14 which says, "Wisdom is like honey for you: if you find it, there is a future hope for you." This week, our discussion will be around Proverbs chapter 1, James 1:5, and the benefits of desiring and asking for wisdom.

REVIEW & DISCUSS

Are you participating in the church's reading plan through Proverbs?
1. How is that going?
2. Did you watch the introductory videos? What did you think of them?
Read Proverbs 24:13-14.
1. What some ways you enjoy honey and why?
2. In what ways is wisdom like honey?
3. What are some benefits of being wise?
Who have you know in your life that you considered to be very wise and why?
Read Proverbs 1:1-7.
1. In this passage we see hints of several components of wisdom: Knowledge, Understanding, Doing/Applying, and Moral Righteousness. How are these things all connected and why are they necessary for godly wisdom?
2. This passage also lays out what is necessary to gain wisdom: Listening for wisdom, learning from wisdom, letting yourself grow in wisdom, and fearing (respecting and trusting) God.
  1. Who have you listened to for wisdom?
  2. What are some things you have learned that have helped you grow in wisdom?
  3. How has your fear of God changed your understanding of what is wise?
Read James 1:5-8.
1. When is a time when you either lacked wisdom necessary to make wise choices or chose to not make the wise decision that you knew needed to be made?
2. Have you ever "asked God for wisdom"? Were you confident in receiving and trusting that wisdom?

02-12-2023 This is Living! B.L.E.S.S.ing

2/15/2023

ICEBREAKER
How did you or your family become Christians? Did anyone lead you to Christ?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." This week, our discussion will be around Jesus' where Jesus taught his disciples that serving others is greater than being served.

REVIEW & DISCUSS
REVIEW
This week, our discussion stems the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. Particularly the "go and make" part. B.L.E.S.S. is a way of thinking about loving our neighbors. BLESS is five missional practices that help us introduce people to Jesus.
B - Begin with Prayer
L - Listen with Care
E - Eat Together
S - Serve with Love
S - Share your Story
DISCUSS

Begin with Prayer
1. Where have you been blessed in your life by the prayers of other people for you?
2. How do you want to approach prayer for the unchurched people in your life?
3. How might we respond?
4. Could you start a BLESS prayer list and listen to the Spirit as you write out prayers for your list?
Listen with Care
The R.E.A.D. strategy can help you hear others well.
Repeat what the person shared until they let you know they feel heard. Experience—name the emotions the other person experienced in the story they shared. Affirm every true thing you can about their position or experience. Disclose—only now do you “disclose” your view or offer a challenge.
1. When have you cried out to Jesus, and felt that he listened, heard you, responded, and that he valued you?
2. In what ways do you need to grow in listening to others and in showing that you value them?
3. In your life, who is far from God right now that you want to listen to more deeply, and to care for and value?
Eat Together
1. When have you experienced the bonding power of hospitality and eating together?
2. What have you learned about how to cultivate opportunities to eat with others?
Serve with Love
1. Think about people who have served you in a way that made a difference in your life, or ways you have seen someone exhibit the kind of service Jesus practiced. Tell a story about an experience of being served and why it was meaningful.
2. Which acts of service come naturally to you? Where would you like to grow?
3. Do you care for people in the ways you want to feel loved, or in ways you think they want to feel loved?
Share your Story
1. Have you ever shared your story with anyone who isn't a believer?
2. How will you explain to someone on your B.L.E.S.S. list how Jesus has changed your life? Is there a particular image of grace on the grace wheel that resonates more with you than others?

02-05-23 This is Living - Serving

2/5/2023

ICEBREAKER
When is a time when someone serving you made a big impact on your life?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Mark 10 where Jesus taught his disciples that serving others is greater than being served.

REVIEW & DISCUSS
Read Mark 10:35-45.

What are some ways in which you enjoy serving others (formal like organized ministries or informal like spontaneously helping)? Also, name any particular ministries in which you're involved and what you do.
What's your why? Why are you so committed to serving others in this way?
Is it ever stressful or hard? How do you get through those times?
What words of encouragement do you have for people who are serving?
Is there any area in which you have been considering the possibility of serving? How can we pray for you?

01-29-2023 This is Living - Loving

2/1/2023

ICEBREAKER
What made you feel most loved when you were a child?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Mark 12 where Jesus is asked what the greatest commandment is and he responds with Love.
REVIEW & DISCUSS
Read Mark 12:28-34.

Love God
As you recall from this week's message, what does it mean to love God ...
1. With all your "heart"? What are some examples of loving God with all your heart?
  In the Bible, the heart is the seat of the will from which all your thoughts, feelings, and passions come.
2. With all your "soul"? What are some examples of loving God with all your soul?
  The soul is the very presence of life and conscientiousness. It's your very breath.
3. With all your "mind"? What are some examples of loving God with all your mind?
  The mind is where your thinking processes and beliefs reside.
4. With all your "strength"? What are some examples of loving God with all your strength?
  Your strength has to do with your physical capability—whatever you're capable of.
Love Others
Discuss ways that we can show love to ...
1. Our Families
  1. We often say "I love you" in passing. What are some ways we can truly demonstrate that love to our children? Our spouses? Our parents and siblings?
  2. Do you know what your love language is?
    If not, you can learn about them here.
    You can take the quiz here.
    1. Do you know your spouses or children's love languages?
    2. How can you better communicate love to your family in their love language?
2. Our Neighbors
  1. Do get along with your neighbor next door? Do you have disagreements with them? How can you show more love to them?
  2. Review Luke 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan. Jews and Samaritans were geographic neighbors but had many religious and political differences.
    1. With what people do we/you have religious and political differences? Name them out loud.
    2. In what ways can we/you demonstrate greater love for them?
3. Our Enemies
  1. Who were the enemies of the Jewish people in the day of Jesus? What did they do?
  2. Who would you identify as our "enemies" today? What do they do?
  3. How are we to love our enemies?
  4. What might be the difference between loving them and trusting them?
Love Yourself
1. Unhealthy love for self might be
  1. Loving oneself too much. How do we see this in our lives?
  2. Loving oneself too little. How doe we see this in our lives?
2. Healthy love for self is seeing yourself from God's perspective. If God can love me, I can love me.
  1. What does a healthy love for self look like?
  2. How is our love for self influenced by our love for God?
  3. How is our love for neighbor influenced by our love for self?

01-15-23 This is Living - Giving

1/15/2023

ICEBREAKER
What is your favorite charitable organization and why?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Luke 16 where Jesus shares a parable about being a good steward. We are instructed to use our position and possession to make friends for eternity.
REVIEW & DISCUSS

Read Luke 16:1-9.
1. Notice in v 1 a rich man’s manager is accused of “wasting his possessions.” Who do you think the rich man and the manager are supposed to represent in this parable?
2. What is the manager’s goal in v 3-4?
3. How does he accomplish this goal in v 5-7? Do you think this was moral? If not moral, why do you think the manager commended the manager in v 8?
4. Do you think God values the accumulation of wealth or the use of possessions to “make friends” for the kingdom of God more?
5. In what ways it this parable difficult for us coming from a capitalistic culture to reconcile?
"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” - Jesus, Luke 16:9
1. Reflect on this verse together. What does it mean?
2. How does this verse help you decide how you will live your life and utilize your possessions?
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” –Jim Elliot
1. Reflect on this quote together. What does it mean?
2. How does the quote challenge you?
3. Have you ever received a clear message from God either affirming your work/giving or maybe calling you to work/give in a new way?
4. In what specific ways might God be calling you to use your position and possessions to give generously and to make friends?

01-08-2023 This is Living! Trusting

1/8/2023

ICEBREAKER
When you go on trips, are you adventurous or cautious?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we'll be exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around Matthew 14 where Jesus calls Peter to trust him and "Come!" out of the boat to walk on the water with him.
REVIEW & DISCUSS

Read Matthew 14:25-31.
1. Notice Peter said, "“Lord, if it’s you tell me to come to you on the water.” If that was you, would you have asked Jesus to let you come out of the boat?
2. What do you think is meant by "when he saw the wind, he was afraid"?
3. What led to Peter's doubt and what was Jesus' response?
4. What was the thrill that Peter experienced as a result of his trust in Jesus? How do you think he felt afterward?
Pastor Jim shared three principles to keep in mind as we step out in various ways to trust God.
1. "With God, all things are possible but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable."
  1. Reflect on this principle together. What does it mean?
  2. How is this principle helpful?
2. "God never promises to calm your storms. He promises to calm your heart."
  1. Reflect on this principle together. What does it mean?
  2. How is this principle helpful?
3. "God doesn’t promise to do it for you. He promises to do it with you."
  1. Reflect on this principle together. What does it mean?
  2. How is this principle helpful?
In what way might God be calling you to trust him and step out of the boat today?

01-01-2023 This is Living!

1/1/2023

ICEBREAKER
What is the most thrilling adventure you've ever experienced?

We're discussing a teaching series from church called "This is Living!: The Thrill of Life in Christ." During this series we're exploring the "abundant life" in Christ and how to find it. This week, our discussion will be around John 10:1-10 where Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly."
REVIEW & DISCUSS

Read John 10:1-10. Each character (sheep, shepherd, robbers and thieves, gate, pasture, etc.) is a metaphor. Based on Pastor Jim's message, discuss with each other what each metaphor means.
1. Who are the sheep? Why is the sheep metaphor significant here?
2. Who is the shepherd? What is significant about the shepherd?
3. Who are the strangers, robbers, and thieves? Why does Jesus refer to them this way?
4. What is the gate and its significance?
5. What is the meaning of pasture and its connection to having "life to the full" (abundant life)?
What is the overall message that Jesus is teaching here? Feel free to explore the rest of the chapter if that would be helpful.
Over the next two months, we'll be exploring how to find this "abundant life" which includes learning to trust, pray, serve, love, give, and share.
Please have someone take notes as you answer these questions and share those notes with Pastor Jim at jim@redwingfirstcov.org.
1. With what aspects of life do you struggle to trust God?
2. With what aspects of prayer do you struggle?
3. What is the greatest obstacle that prevents you from serving others?
4. What keeps you from giving as generously as you'd like?
5. With what people or types of people do you struggle to love?
6. What holds you back from sharing Christ with others?

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