Here's a small group guide based on the sermon "Lighting the Match"
Small Group Guide: Faithfulness Beyond Adultery
Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to discuss His word and apply it to our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Adultery is considered one of the most severe transgressions against God's commandments.
2. The concept of adultery extends beyond marital infidelity to include unfaithfulness to God and the church.
3. God's covenant with us is one of faithfulness, and He calls us to be faithful in return.
4. Repentance and seeking God with our whole heart is crucial when we fall short.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does understanding adultery as unfaithfulness to God change your perspective on this commandment?
2. The sermon mentions that the church can be "adulterous" in its relationship with God. What are some ways we might be unfaithful to God as individuals or as a church?
3. Discuss the five aspects of church membership mentioned in the sermon (prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness). How well are you fulfilling these commitments? Where could you improve?
4. How does the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8) demonstrate God's grace and the importance of a repentant heart?
5. The sermon suggests that unfaithfulness to God is at the root of adultery. Do you agree? Why or why not?
6. How can we cultivate faithfulness in our relationships with our spouses, the church, and God?
Practical Applications:
1. Self-reflection: Take time this week to honestly assess your faithfulness to God, your spouse (if married), and the church. Identify areas where you can improve.
2. Prayer commitment: Choose one aspect of church life (prayers, presence, gifts, service, or witness) to focus on this week. Make a specific commitment to grow in that area.
3. Accountability: Partner with someone in the group to check in regularly about your faithfulness commitments.
4. Acts of faithfulness: Brainstorm practical ways to demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life (e.g., setting aside dedicated prayer time, serving in a church ministry, having intentional conversations about faith).
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for God's help in remaining faithful, expressing gratitude for His faithfulness, and asking for strength to live out the practical applications discussed.
Scripture for Further Study:
- Proverbs 3:3-4
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Hebrews 10:23
- Revelation 2:10
Encourage group members to read these verses during the week for additional reflection on faithfulness.
Small Group Guide: Faithfulness Beyond Adultery
Opening Prayer:
Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to discuss His word and apply it to our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Adultery is considered one of the most severe transgressions against God's commandments.
2. The concept of adultery extends beyond marital infidelity to include unfaithfulness to God and the church.
3. God's covenant with us is one of faithfulness, and He calls us to be faithful in return.
4. Repentance and seeking God with our whole heart is crucial when we fall short.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does understanding adultery as unfaithfulness to God change your perspective on this commandment?
2. The sermon mentions that the church can be "adulterous" in its relationship with God. What are some ways we might be unfaithful to God as individuals or as a church?
3. Discuss the five aspects of church membership mentioned in the sermon (prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness). How well are you fulfilling these commitments? Where could you improve?
4. How does the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8) demonstrate God's grace and the importance of a repentant heart?
5. The sermon suggests that unfaithfulness to God is at the root of adultery. Do you agree? Why or why not?
6. How can we cultivate faithfulness in our relationships with our spouses, the church, and God?
Practical Applications:
1. Self-reflection: Take time this week to honestly assess your faithfulness to God, your spouse (if married), and the church. Identify areas where you can improve.
2. Prayer commitment: Choose one aspect of church life (prayers, presence, gifts, service, or witness) to focus on this week. Make a specific commitment to grow in that area.
3. Accountability: Partner with someone in the group to check in regularly about your faithfulness commitments.
4. Acts of faithfulness: Brainstorm practical ways to demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life (e.g., setting aside dedicated prayer time, serving in a church ministry, having intentional conversations about faith).
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for God's help in remaining faithful, expressing gratitude for His faithfulness, and asking for strength to live out the practical applications discussed.
Scripture for Further Study:
- Proverbs 3:3-4
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Hebrews 10:23
- Revelation 2:10
Encourage group members to read these verses during the week for additional reflection on faithfulness.