September 7, 2025 - Real Good News

Real Good News for the Poor

Icebreaker
What’s the best piece of good news you’ve ever received? How did it change your mood, perspective, or even your life?

Study Questions

1. Read Luke 4:18–19 and Isaiah 61:1-2. What stands out to you about the specific people and situations Jesus names in His mission statement?
2. During Sunday's message, we looked at different kinds of poverty—physical, social, moral, and spiritual. Read the following passages and discuss the different kinds of poverty you see among the people.
   Isaiah 3:14–15; Amos 2:6–7; Haggai 1:6, Nehemiah 5:1–5; Malachi 3:5
3. The Greek word for “good news” is euangelion. In the ancient world it meant a proclaiming the good news of a battle victory, a new king, or some other positive, life-changing news. How does that deepen your understanding of the word “gospel” as Jesus used it?
4. Jesus says in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." How does the life Christ promises contrast with the life that led to the exile?

Application Questions

1. How do you see spiritual poverty leading to the other forms of poverty in your life and the world around us?
2. When have you experienced “moral poverty”—either being hurt by others’ sin or wrestling with your own? How has Jesus met you there with forgiveness and renewal?
3. Where do you see signs of physical or social poverty in our community today? How might our Life Group or church be part of God’s good news in those places?
4. Pastor Jim emphasized that God sees every kind of poverty and the good news of Jesus brings real change for everyone. How might remembering that truth change the way you see yourself—or the way you see people around you?

Prayer
Begin by thanking God for sending Jesus to bring real good news to the poor in every sense. Pray about the kinds of poverty that is most on your hearts. Close by praying for each other's needs and that God would make your group and your church a living sign of His good news in your community.