Benjamin Murphy
Small Group Questions
Benjamin Murphy
Sermon Series Highlights
Sermon Series Highlights

Christmas

Jesus' Christmas Presence: An Example - He Gives a New Attitude

Introduction:

4 Things the Incarnation Teaches Us About Selflessness (Philippians 2:5-11):

  1. Selflessness starts in the Mind . (Phil 2:6)
  2. Selflessness is a matter of Identity . (Phil 2:7)
  3. Selflessness shows up in Action . (Phil 2:8)
  4. Selflessness leads to Glory . (Phil 2:9-11)

    Matthew 23:12 - Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

    Luke 14:11 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

    Luke 18:14 - For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.

    1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

    James 4:10 - Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Philippians 2:5-11

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. Have you ever felt like some job at the church was “beneath you”? What does God becoming man teach you about how we view any job at the church?

  3. Have you ever felt like you have served too much or given too much? What does the incarnation teach us about how far we should be willing to serve and give?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Jesus' Christmas Presence: A Savior - He Gives Forgiveness

Introduction:

A Savior: He Gives Forgiveness (Colossians 2:8-15):

    In Christ...

  1. I have been gifted with the Truth . (Col 2:8)

    Colossians 2:2-3 - To reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

  2. I have been gifted with All That I Truly Need . (Col 2:9-10)
  3. I have been gifted with New and Everlasting Life . (Col 2:11-12)
  4. I have been gifted with Total Forgiven . (Col 2:13-14)
  5. I have been gifted with Victory Over My Spiritual Enemies . (Col 2:15)

    1 Peter 5:8-9 - Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Colossians 2:8-15

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. When it comes to this time of year, why is it so easy to slip into a state of forgetfulness regarding the true focus and meaning of Christmas?

  3. What does it mean to be “in Christ” and “complete in Him”? What blessings and gifts do we receive in Him?

  4. What specific errors and false teachings do we need to be on guard against right now? How can we prepare to stand against false teaching and “see to it that no one takes you captive”?

  5. How does the forgiveness of Christ change how you view your sin? How should it fuel your fight against sin?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Because He is the Only Salvation

Introduction:

Why I Shouldn't Neglect the Message of Salvation:
(Hebrews 2:1-4)

  1. Because this offer doesn't Last Forever . (Heb 2:1-2)

    "All you need to do to go to hell is do nothing." - John MacArthur

  2. Because God Himself Said That It's True . (Heb 2:3-4)

Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 2:1-4

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. What are some reasons/excuses people give for neglecting the free gift of salvation in Jesus? Why do none of these reasons/excuses hold any water?

  3. Reread Hebrews 2:1-4: How can we know that the message of salvation is trustworthy and reliable?

Breakout
Pray for one another

Baby's First Christmas - The Perks of Waiting

Introduction:

What Happens to Me When I Wait on the Lord (Luke 2:36-38)

  1. My Woes become Small . (Luke 2:36-37)
  2. My Worship becomes Authentic . (Luke 2:37)
  1. My Witnessing becomes Natural . (Luke 2:38)
  2. My Waiting becomes Worth it. (Luke 2:38)

Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 2:36-38

  1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Baby's First Christmas - Great Expectations

Introduction:

(Luke 2:22-36)

  1. Mary and Joseph were expected to Follow the law, which They did. (Luke 2:22-24)

    See: Lev 12:4, 6, 8

  2. Simeon expected to See the Messiah, which He Did! (Luke 2:25-32)

See Isaiah 42:1,6-7 | Isaiah 49:5-6

  1. I am expected to Believe in Jesus, which I Do. (Luke 2:33-35)

    Acts 17:30 - The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent...

    1 John 3:23 - And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Luke 2:22-35

  1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?

  2. Have you ever felt so unclean or so unworthy that you thought God could not possibly have anything to do with you? Does the knowledge that Jesus makes everyone He touches clean and holy change your perspective?

  3. Share an example of a time you waited on or cried out to God – did you focus on your circumstances, or on His promises and His Holy Spirit? If you are going through trying circumstances now, how can knowing His Word and listening for the Holy Spirit’s counsel give you hope?

  4. Have you repented and believed in Jesus for salvation?

  5. Consider this statement: “Salvation requires obedience” (See Acts 17:30 and 1 John 3:23). Discuss.

Breakout
Pray for one another.