Genesis 2:7; Psalm 139:13 & 14; John 10:10; John 3:15 & 16

For Further Study

In our world and culture, what are some common perspectives, outlooks or views of life in general?

Is it encouraging to think that life is a gift from God? Why or why not?

Would you say that our culture tends to devalue life? What would make someone devalue life?

What do you think it means to live life “to the full” or “abundantly”?

How does this earthly life relate to eternal life?

Matthew 6:5-13

For Further Study

Why is it important to pray?

Do you find it difficult to pray? Why or why not?

What makes some people feel uncomfortable praying (out loud) in a group?

What might be the benefits of praying in families and groups?

Review some of the warnings Jesus gives regarding prayer (vs. 5-8) and the instruction He gives on prayer (vs. 9-13).

Are these helpful?

Matthew 2

For Further Study

Did you learn anything new about Herod (the Great)? Recall some of his character traits. Which were positive, which were negative?

What stands out to you about Herod in the Matthew 2 account?

How have you seen or experienced villainous behavior “biting back?”

What can make living with great aspirations cross over into villainy?

Have you ever caught yourself trying to circumvent God’s plans?

Do you agree that how a person handles or interacts with money, sex and power defines his/her level of villainy or heroism? Why or why not? Are there additional life areas that could be added to these three?

Daniel 1-4

For Further Study

Does anything stand out to you about Nebuchadnezzar?

Review some of the villainous acts Nebuchadnezzar committed. Which ones seem most severe?

How does pride work in our lives today? Do you struggle with it?

Discuss the balance between positive self esteem & confidence vs. pride. Why would God take issue with prideful thinking?

How did God use Nebuchadnezzar to discipline Judah (Israel)?

What does God dealing with and using Nebuchadnezzar show us about Himself?

Do you think Nebuchadnezzar should be considered a villain? Why or why not?

1 Kings 18 ,19, 21; 2 Kings 9

For Further Study

Are you familiar with Jezebel as a bible figure? What comes to mind when you hear her name?

What about Jezebel makes her a villain? Could some of her attributes been seen in a positive light?

What part of her story seems most villainous?

What are the life areas/temptations/ethical themes that were suggested everyone deals with? Which area did Jezebel misuse? Which

area do you struggle with?

Do you think Jezebel deserved her grizzly end? Why might God have intended this punishment?

Genesis 4:1-16

For Further Study

What makes a person a villain? Do you think there is any benefit to looking at villains in the bible?

How might our worship (offerings, sacrifices) be unacceptable to God? What does God most desire regarding our worship of Him?

What does it mean that “sin is crouching at your door?” (vs. 7) How can we “rule over it?”

Talk about the progression of Cain’s sin; what pushed Cain to commit murder?

How can we properly deal with anger, resentment & hatred?

What does Cain’s story say about the nature of sin? What attributes of God do we see in the story?

Psalm 20

Psalm 135:4

Isaiah 53:4-6

Isaiah 53