A small group guide based on the sermon by Pastor Steve on 6/15/2025 titled "Restoring the Imago Dei"
Small Group Guide: Restoring the Image of God
Opening Prayer:
Begin by thanking God for His love and guidance and ask for wisdom as you discuss the sermon content.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our Christianity must be rooted in love.
2. While God chooses us, we all have a part to play in our salvation.
3. The reward for our effort in following Christ is immeasurable.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor mentioned a conversation with his neighbor who saw no difference between Christians and non-Christians. How can we ensure our lives reflect Christ in a way that stands out to others?
2. Peter outlines steps for spiritual growth: goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Which of these areas do you find most challenging in your own life? Why?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of "making every effort" to confirm our calling and election. What practical steps can we take to actively pursue our relationship with God?
4. How does understanding that we carry the image of God (Imago Dei) impact how we view ourselves and others?
5. The pastor challenged fathers to step up as spiritual leaders. Whether you're a father or not, how can you contribute to spiritual leadership in your family, church, or community?
6. Reflect on the "Ebenezer" stone concept introduced in the sermon. How might regularly acknowledging answered prayers impact our faith and prayer life?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify one area from Peter's list (goodness, knowledge, self-control, etc.) to focus on improving. Share your plan with the group.
2. Start a prayer journal, noting specific prayers and watching for God's answers. Consider using a physical object (like the stones mentioned) as a tangible reminder to pray.
3. If you're a father or mentor, commit to one specific action to increase your spiritual leadership this week. If not, find a way to support and encourage the spiritual leaders in your life.
4. Reflect on how you can better represent the image of God in your daily interactions. Choose one practical way to implement this awareness in your life.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His faithfulness and ask for His help in applying the lessons learned. Pray for each group member's specific needs and for opportunities to live out the image of God in the coming week.
Small Group Guide: Restoring the Image of God
Opening Prayer:
Begin by thanking God for His love and guidance and ask for wisdom as you discuss the sermon content.
Key Takeaways:
1. Our Christianity must be rooted in love.
2. While God chooses us, we all have a part to play in our salvation.
3. The reward for our effort in following Christ is immeasurable.
Discussion Questions:
1. The pastor mentioned a conversation with his neighbor who saw no difference between Christians and non-Christians. How can we ensure our lives reflect Christ in a way that stands out to others?
2. Peter outlines steps for spiritual growth: goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Which of these areas do you find most challenging in your own life? Why?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of "making every effort" to confirm our calling and election. What practical steps can we take to actively pursue our relationship with God?
4. How does understanding that we carry the image of God (Imago Dei) impact how we view ourselves and others?
5. The pastor challenged fathers to step up as spiritual leaders. Whether you're a father or not, how can you contribute to spiritual leadership in your family, church, or community?
6. Reflect on the "Ebenezer" stone concept introduced in the sermon. How might regularly acknowledging answered prayers impact our faith and prayer life?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify one area from Peter's list (goodness, knowledge, self-control, etc.) to focus on improving. Share your plan with the group.
2. Start a prayer journal, noting specific prayers and watching for God's answers. Consider using a physical object (like the stones mentioned) as a tangible reminder to pray.
3. If you're a father or mentor, commit to one specific action to increase your spiritual leadership this week. If not, find a way to support and encourage the spiritual leaders in your life.
4. Reflect on how you can better represent the image of God in your daily interactions. Choose one practical way to implement this awareness in your life.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His faithfulness and ask for His help in applying the lessons learned. Pray for each group member's specific needs and for opportunities to live out the image of God in the coming week.