The Unrecognized Glory

The Unrecognized Glory (1 Pet. 4-14-16)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this text?

2. What does Peter say is the result for the person who is reviled for the name of Christ?  

3. Is it natural to feel blessed in the midst of persecution? 

4. In what way does persecution show a Christian to be blessed? 

5. What does persecution do to your reliance on God’s strength?

6. What are some examples in the New Testament of believers who were persecuted, but encouraged through it? 

7. The name “Christian” was originally a term of derision. What were the circumstances around the coining of the name “Christian” in Acts? 

8. How is the Spirit a blessing through suffering?

9. What is the connection between identifying with the name of Christ and sharing in his sufferings?

10. How does accepting the suffering that comes from persecution push you closer to Christ?

Come and Worship (Sermon: "To You")

To You (Luke 2:8-20)

1. How do we tend to glamorize Christmas and sanitize the Christmas story?

2. What do you think it was like to be a Jewish shepherd when you were considered dishonest, ignorant, and unclean?

3. Has there been a time in your life when you felt ostracized socially or religiously from the "in" group?

4. How does feeling loneliness affect your thoughts about and your relationship with God?

5. How does feeling shame affect your thoughts about and your relationship with God?

6. Why is it important that the "Savior-to-you" is personal?

7. Why is it important that the "Savior-to-you" is universal?

8. How is the fact that Messiah is born in a manger a sign to you?

Finding Joy in Fiery Trials

Finding Joy in Fiery Trials      1 Pet. 4:12-13  

• What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

• How does the term "fiery trials" affect your understanding of the intensity of trials Peter is referring to?

• How does God use fiery trials to create separation between what you're trusting other than God?

• What are you trusting in alongside God this morning?

• How does your mindset and attitude help determine the way the fiery trial shapes you?

• Why is it important to remember the suffering of Christ? 

• Can we follow completely Christ’s example in our own lives if we never suffer? 

• What does it mean to share in the sufferings of Christ? 

• How does this sharing and fellowship with Christ’s sufferings give us reason to have hope?

Serving for God's Glory

Serving for God's Glory (1 Pet. 4:11)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. How can using your gifts be a way of giving thanks and glorifying God (v. 11)?

3. Can you serve in an area where you're not especially gifted?

4. How should you view ministries in a church that have great need, even if you're not especially gifted in that area?

5. How did God give people serving gifts that were manual or artistic?

   • Bezalel & Oholiab (Ex. 35:30-32)

   • Other skilled craftsmen (Ex. 36:1)

   • Hiram (1 Kings 7:14)

6. How would you answer someone who says they can't do a more menial task because it's not their gifting?

7. How could you try to keep people from overvaluing certain gifts and thinking those gifts are more important than others?

8. How does the metaphor of the church being the Body of Christ encourage people to realize the importance of using their specific gifts and abilities?

9. How can you fight pride in seeking more visible areas of service?

Steward Your Gift

Steward Your Gift (1 Pet. 4:10)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. Why is it important to realize that every believer has received a spiritual gift?

3. Are you attached to the Body of Christ through local church membership?

4. As a member of the Body of Christ are you functioning by using your spiritual gift(s)?

5. How does the Parable of the Steward in Matthew 25 help us understand the importance of using our spiritual gift as a good steward of the grace of God?

6. How does the word "manifold" (multicolored) show the importance of diversity and unity in the Body of Christ?

7. Why is important for even people who have suffered or are suffering to also have a way of ministering to others?

8. Is your talent buried right now? Like Timothy, have you been neglecting your gift?

9. In preparation for next week's message on speaking and serving gifts (11), look at the other passages on spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:8-11; 28-30; Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).

Loving Hospitality

Loving Hospitality (1 Pet. 4:8-9)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. How can you love people—even when it’s uncomfortable, even when it hurts?

3. Do you overlook faults & offenses? Why is it easier to look for offenses and carry a magnifying glass

4. Why should your agape love stretch to forgive offenses against you (Eph. 3:18-19; Matt. 18:21-35)?

5. What did you think about Pastor Crockett's statement below?

   To cover someone’s sin means you talk to them, not about them. You nurture the evidences of God’s grace in them. You love them. You come with hope. "I’m your friend. I care about you. I’m not talking to other people. I’m not seeking to destroy you. I don’t think I’m better than you. There’s no malice in my heart. I don’t want to be your critic, I want to be your counselor & comforter who walks with you. Could I serve you? When you see sin in my life could you serve me by confronting me? Could we keep each other accountable?”

6. How can you show hospitality when you don't own a home?

7. Do you open your life, schedule, wallet, and fridge to others?

8. How does loving each other like family prepare for Christ's return?

9. What do you think our family fellowship will be like in Heaven?

Preparing for the End

Preparing for the End (1 Pet. 4:7)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. Why should you not believe someone who claims to know exactly when Jesus will return? See Matthew 24:36.

3. Why do you not need to be afraid of the world ending due to nuclear annihilation, climate change, a meteor strike, or some other catastrophe? See Genesis 8:21.

4. Why can we trust the New Testament, even though NT authors repeatedly say Christ's return is near or at hand? See 1 Peter 3:3-10.

5. What do we mean when we say Christ's return is imminent?

6. How does Christ's return being imminent impact how you should live as a believer?

7. Why does Peter say the end of the world should induce sober reflection and clear-minded prayer, not incite panic?

8. "Watch and pray" is repeated throughout the NT (Matt. 26:41; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2), how would Matthew 26:41 be meaningful to Peter?

9. How can a vibrant prayer keep you from leaving your first love (Rev. 2:4)?

Living in Your New Reality

Living in Your New Reality   1 Pet. 4:3-6     

1.    What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2.    What are some ways culture tries to distort God’s reality? How can you see through those distortions?

3.    How can you face temptations to sexual sin (3)?

4.    Give some examples of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

5.    How can you avoid giving in to those desires?

6.    How will you face the temptation of drunkenness, wild parties and drinking parties?

7.    Why is God’s judgment (5) vindicating to believers and sobering to their persecutors?

8.    How can you encourage other Christians who are enduring trials and persecution (4)?

9.    How can you pray for the persecuted church?

Arming Yourself for Suffering

Arming Yourself for Suffering (1 Pet. 4:1-2)

1. What did the Holy Spirit show you from this passage?

2. Why is remembering Christ's sacrifice every day (not just once a month during Communion) important for fighting sin and facing suffering?

3. What did you learn about the importance of arming yourself-- not just knowing or believing truth, but arming yourself with truth?

4. What are ways you can arm yourself every day with God's truth?

5. How can meditation on scripture be like trying to start a fire with a magnifying glass? What should you do to the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ to set your heart on fire?

6. What should you arm yourself with?

7. Why is the phrase "for he has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin" (1) not referring to reaching a state of sinless perfection?

8. How can picturing Christ's suffering for you, help you resist sin?

9. Why would John Owen say to take your sin to Mount Calvary, not Mount Sinai?

More Encouragement

More Encouragement 1 Pet. 3:20b-22

1. What stood out to you from this passage?

2. How do Christians today suffer unjustly?

3. What are ways you may feel pressure (at school, work, home) because of your Christian testimony?

4. Why can it seem hard to be part of a small rejected minority ("few," v. 20)?

5. Why is Christ's resurrection a reason for encouragement?

6. If baptism is a sign of our union with Christ's death & resurrection, why is baptism important?

7. If baptism is a sign, why is it not necessary for salvation?

8. Why is Christ's ascension a reason for encouragement?

9. How is Christ's ruling over all things for the sake of His body the Church (Eph. 1:20-23) encouraging?

Encouragement for Sufferers

Encouragement for Sufferers   (1 Pet. 3:18-20a)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. Why is it encouraging to know the One you pray to and put your hope in has suffered as you suffer?

3. How is it encouraging that Christ's suffering for you was once-for-all?

4. How is it encouraging that Christ brings you to God?

5. Why should Christ's suffering in your place give you a new sense of identity and acceptance? How does this help you overcome your fear of man?

6. Why should we come to less clear passages of scripture with increased humility?

This description of levels of doctrinal importance comes from C. Michael Patton.

7. Why do we not believe v. 19 teaches Jesus gave people in Hell a second chance (i.e. Catholic purgatory, Mormon baptism for the dead, etc.)?

8. How does the greatness of Christ in this text (that He is not bound by time or space) encourage us in our suffering?

9. Why should God's longsuffering mercy encourage us in our suffering?

The God of Mercy (Evangelist Jeremy Frazor)

Sermon Title: The God of Mercy

Text: Matthew 12:38-42

Simple outline:

1. A Sinful Request

2. A Scathing Rebuke

3. A Serious Response

Discussion questions:

1. What stood out to you from today’s sermon?

2. Why was asking for a sign such a sinful request? Is asking for evidence a sin?

3. What sins were evidenced in the Scribes and Pharisees by asking for a sign?

4. What is the redemptive connection with Jonah? (the resurrection)

5. Why was the conversion of Nineveh so amazing? (they had such little revelation)

6. What was key to the conversion of the Ninevites? this happened through the preaching of Jonah. (repentance v.41)

7. How is Jesus greater than the temple (v.6), greater than Jonah (v. 41), greater than Solomon (v. 42)?

8. Why is a warning sign so merciful?

9. What happens when a person fails to heed the warning?

10. How does a sinner become a saint?

Having a Good Conscience

Finding Hope in a Hostile World
1 Peter 3:13-15

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this text?

2. If someone asked you to count your blessings, why could you count the times you suffered for doing right (14)?

3. How do Jesus (Matt. 5:11-12) and Paul (Eph. 1:3) connect blessing to heaven?

4. How can you sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart (15a)?

5. What other things are you tempted to make your priority?

6. How can you be better prepared to defend what you believe (15b)?

7. Why is important for your faith to be your personal story, not a second-hand story?

8. Do people see hope in your life (15b)?

9. Why is it important that your defense of your faith is gentle and respectful (15b)?

Finding Hope in a Hostile World

Finding Hope in a Hostile World 1 Pet. 3:13-15

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this text?

2. If someone asked you to count your blessings, why could you count the times you suffered for doing right (14)?

3. How do Jesus (Matt. 5:11-12) and Paul (Eph. 1:3) connect blessing to heaven?

4. How can you sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart (15a)? 

5. What other things are you tempted to make your priority?

6. How can you be better prepared to defend what you believe (15b)?

7. Why is important for your faith to be your personal story, not a second-hand story?

8. Do people see hope in your life (15b)?

9. Why is it important that your defense of your faith is gentle and respectful (15b)?

Where Was God on 9/11?

Where Was God on 9/11? Pastor Josh Crockett (John 11:23-25)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. What are some tragedies where people ask, “Where is God”?

3. What times in your own life have you wondered (like Mary and Martha), “Where were you, Lord, when I was suffering?”

4. Why is it important to remember the truth that no matter how bad your situation gets or how great your tragedy Jesus can bring resurrection and life?

5. If you’re going to be a Christ-like counselor, why should you learn when to speak truth (like Jesus did to Martha) and when to cry with someone (like Jesus did with Mary)?

6. Jesus bellows with anger as He comes to the tomb. Why is it sometimes okay to be angry?

7. But where should our anger be directed?

8. How did giving life to Lazarus mean Jesus’ death (see vv. 46-48)?

9. How does remembering Jesus took your place answer the question, “Where is God in my suffering”?

Loving Life

1. What are some reasons we fail to love life or see good days (10)?

2. Why are we tempted to retaliate in kind when people do evil to us (9a)?

3. Why is it often easier to be a peacebreaker or peace faker, than a peacemaker (11b)?

Responding to Church Family

Responding to Church Family (1 Peter 3:8)

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?
2. Why is it important for the Body of Christ to be unified?
3. How can a church strive for unity, not uniformity?
4. Why is it important for Christians to allow Christian liberty (Romans 14)?
5. What are ways you can sympathize with brothers and sisters in the church family?
6. Why do you think brotherly (family) love was so important to Peter (1 Pet. 1:22; 2:17; 5:9; 2 Pet. 1:7) and the other NT writers (Rom. 12:10; 1 Thess. 4:9; Heb. 13:1)?
7. Pastor mentioned several compassion/Gospel ministries at Morningside (Backpack Blessings; Good News Club; Loaves & Fishes; Spanish outreach). How could you get involved or find another way to show compassion in or from our church family?
8. Humility was considered a weakness, not a virtue in that culture and in ours. Why is humility so important in responding within a church family?
9. Which of these character traits (humble, compassionate, love as brothers, sympathetic, and likeminded) do you most want to grow in by God's grace? Why?

Loving Leadership

Loving Leadership (1 Peter 3:7, continued in PM sermon below)

1. What did you learn from this passage?

2. Why is it important as a single person to think biblically about what you're looking for in a spouse?

3. How do you think the roles God gives in a family point to Christ's love and leadership of His church (Eph. 5:22-25)?

4. How do you think Christians' ignoring God's roles for a family could distort people's perception of Christ's love and leadership of his church?

5. As a man, do you think you would tend to be a dictator or an abdicator in your marriage? How can you seek to be a loving leader instead?

6. As a (future) wife, why would you appreciate your husband dwelling with you (presence & intimacy)?

7. As a (future) husband, what do you think you will do to try to live with your wife in an understanding way (7b)?

8. Tonight we'll look at how not honoring your wife can result in a husband's prayers being hindered. Why do you think the Father would break fellowship with a man who is mistreating His daughter (a co-heir of the grace of life)?

Pastor Crockett’s PM message followed up as promised.

Real Beauty

Real Beauty (1 Peter 3:1b-6)

Pastor Josh Crockett, Hope in Trials

1. What did the Holy Spirit teach you from this passage?

2. How can you share the Gospel while living a winsome life?

3. Why do you think winning someone to Christ with your witness + your lifestyle (1) could be more effective than constantly nagging, arguing, and harassing someone with the Gospel?

4. Wives: Why can it be hard to show your husband respect (2)? What are specific ways in your marriage that you could show your husband respect?

5. Husbands: What are ways you can earn your wife's respect?

6. Single men: Do you think the way you live and treat women earns their respect? What areas where you can improve?

7. Teens/everyone: How much pressure do you feel to look a certain way on the outside? Do you ever feel ashamed of your body? Why do you think God says it's not your external adorning (3), but the hidden person of your heart that makes you beautiful (4)? 

8. Kids/everyone: Why do you think you can trust God to obey and respect your parents, like Sarah did with Abraham (5-6)?

Follow Me (Pastor Tom Stuhl)

Follow Me – Luke 9:23-24

1.   What is your biggest takeaway from the sermon?

2.   Are there people in your life who hold you accountable to become more like Christ? If not, why not?

3.   Does the concept of following Jesus (deny self/take up your cross) seem hard? How does Jesus show us it can be done willingly and with joy?

4.   What type of reminders can you put in your life to not complain about the cross you need to bear?

5.   How does the biblical command of Jesus to follow him come into conflict with our natural desires?

6.   How can you be thankful for the burdens and troubles in your life so they draw you closer to God? 

7.   What are some ways you can seek opportunities to teach and disciple a new believer to follow Jesus?