Benjamin Murphy
Small Group Questions
Benjamin Murphy
Sermon Series Highlights
Sermon Series Highlights
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Peter: Restoration.

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How do I prove my love for Jesus? (John 21:15-23)

  1. By Caring for his people. (John 21:15-17)
  2. By being Faithful no matter what. (John 21:18-19)
  3. By refusing to Compare myself to others. (John 21:20-23)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read John 21:15-23

1 - Though we know we are forgiven in Christ (those who have received Him!), we do we still struggle with guilt from time to time?

2 - Discuss the usage of the words for “love” in the exchange between Jesus and Peter (John 21:15-17). What is the significance? What kind of love does Jesus call us to? What does that look like?

3 - How do we often compare ourselves to other Christians / churches? Why do we do this? How does Jesus’ statement to Peter (John 21:22) address our desire to compare ourselves with others?

BREAKOUT

What are YOU doing right now to “love Jesus’ people”? What is He calling you to do? What is keeping you from doing it?

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Jesus: Salvation.

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Introduction / Review:

John 5:39 - You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me

John 8:24 - I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am (he) you will die in your sins

Wise Up About Wisdom (Colossians 1:15-20)

  1. As God, he is the Creator . (Col 1:15-17)
  2. As God, he is the Authority . (Col 1:18)
  3. As God, he is the Savior . (Col 1:19-20)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read Colossians 1:15-20

1 - How would you describe Jesus to someone who has never heard of Him?

2 - If someone thinks Jesus is great - but does NOT believe Jesus is God, can that person be saved? Why or why not? (What about Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses?)

3 - What does this passage teach about creation? Why is creation an important topic when it comes to describing Who Jesus is (ie, why did Paul talk about creation in relation to Jesus)?

4 - In what areas do people struggle in allowing Jesus to have preeminence in their lives? Why?

BREAKOUT

Pray for one another.

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Solomon: Wisdom.

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Introduction / Review:

Wise Up About Wisdom (1 Kings 3:1-28):

  1. You have to know you Need it. (1 Kings 3:7)
  2. You have to know Where to get it. (1 Kings 3:9)

    James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

  1. You have to Apply it. (1 Kings 3:16-28)

    2. Proverbs 18:17 - The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

    Proverbs 18:13 - If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

    Proverbs 12:13 - An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble.

Five Principles for Making Wise Decisions in "Grey Areas": (1 Corinthians 6-8-10)

  1. Is it Permissible ? (1 Cor 6:12)

    1 Cor 6:12 - "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

  2. Is it Beneficial ? (1 Cor 6:12)
  3. Is it free from possible Addiction ? (1 Cor 6:8-10)
  4. Is it free from causing a brother to Stumble ? (1 Cor 8:12-13)

    1 Cor 8:12-13 - Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

  5. Is Glorifying to God? (1 Cor 10:31)

    1 Cor 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

    Prov 8:11 - ...wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read 1 Kings 3:7, 9, 16-28 (or just read the whole chapter if you want!)

  1. Define wisdom. How is it different than knowledge? Where does wisdom come from?

  2. Review the 1 Cor 6-8-10 Principle. What are the 5 questions to ask when seeking wisdom for a decision in a "grey area"?

  3. Come up with "grey area" scenarios, and as a group, evaluate the scenario using the 1 Cor 6-8-10 Principle.

BREAKOUT

What "grey area" have YOU personally struggled with? How does the 1 Corinthians 6-8-10 principle help you?

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David: Worship.

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Introduction / Review:

Are You a True Worshipper?

John 4:23

Am I a True Worshipper?

  1. Am I all-in with all my Emotions ? (2 Sam 6:12-15)
  2. Does my worship go Vertical and Horizontal? (2 Sam 6:16-19)

    Hebrews 13:15-6

  1. Am I focused Solely on God? (2 Sam 6:20-23)

    2. What to Say When You Are Accused of Worshipping Too Hard.

    1. It was for the Lord, not you. (2 Sam 6:21)
    2. I have Personal reasons to worship so hard (2 Sam 6:21)
    3. It is Impossible to worship too hard. (2 Sam 6:22)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23

  1. We are to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23). Where do you think HBC leans - more on the spirit side or the truth side? Where do you lean personally? How can you/HBC move towards being more balanced in spirit and truth?

  2. Why, do you think, we tend to restrain ourselves emotionally in worship? How can you be “all-in” with your emotions (2 Sam 6:14)?

  3. How does God regard our good works (see Hebrews 13:15-16)? How does that motivate you to serve people?

  4. How can you eliminate distractions and focus solely on God in worship (2 Sam 6:21)?

BREAKOUT

What personal reasons do YOU have to worship the Lord right now! Share - then pray prayers of thanksgiving.

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Saul: Disobedience.

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Introduction / Review:

4 Big Problems with Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:1-23)

  1. It is always Unacceptable . (1 Sam 15:1-9)
  2. It Grieves God and His people. (1 Sam 15:10-11)

    Ephesians 4:30 - do not grieve the Holy Spirit

    John 14:15 - If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

  1. It is a Gateway to more sin. (1 Sam 15:12-21)

    2. The Disobedience Gateway Leads Me To:

    1. Exalt myself (1 Sam 15:12)
    2. Deceive myself (1 Sam 15:13,19)
    3. Shift Blame away from myself (1 Sam 15:15,21,24)
    4. Justify myself (1 Sam 15:15, 21)
  2. It is the same as Idolatry to God. (1 Sam 15:22-23)

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

Small Group Discussion

WHOLE GROUP
Read 1 Samuel 15:1-23

  1. What place does obedience have in the life of a Christian, since a Christian is not saved by obedience (or "stays saved" by obedience)? How would you respond to someone who says, "Christians aren't called to obey, we are saved by grace!"?

  2. Why is disobedience like divination (1 Sam 15:23)? Like idolatry? Does this change the way you view your own sin?

  3. Why do you think disobedience grieves God? See Ephesians 4:30.

  4. Share a time you did something wrong and blamed someone else? Why is that such a "natural" inclination?

BREAKOUT

Do you have any area of disobedience in your life right now? How does Saul's story motivate you to change? How will you go after turning your disobedience into obedience? 
Pray for one another.