Citizens

Revelation 1:8-11

1. What was the church of Smyrna like? What were the experiencing?

2. What did Jesus reveal about himself to the church? How does Jesus bring comfort and confidence to the church?

3. What does Jesus call the church to be like in spite of their tribulation?

4. What makes Christians fearless?

5. This week, pray for the persecuted church and Christians throughout the world.

Revelation 2:1-7

1. What is the first thing that people think of when they hear your name? 2. Have you ever been told the truth about yourself?

3. What was the Church of Ephesus doing well? Are you able to tell the difference between truth and error?

4. What did Jesus correct the Church of Ephesus about? What had they forgotten?

5. Are you more interested in being right or loving people? Which are you more known for?

6. How can we be both dedicated to truth and to loving people?

7. Who can you show love to this week? Pray this week that God would empower you to love.

Revelation 1:4-20

1. What is the picture of the future that John reveals? How did this bring hope to Christians then and how does it bring hope to Christians now?

2. What is the picture of Jesus in the passage? Describe each part. What does it reveal about who Jesus is?

3. How does this picture of the future impact our day-to-day lives?

4. What does it mean for you that the One who wins is with us?

Overcome I: This Is War

Matthew 15:21-28

1. Why was it so weird for the woman to be talking to Jesus?

2. What was weird or frustrating about Jesus' response? What does his response mean?

3. Why was the woman's response an act of great faith?

4. What is the definition of faith in this passage?

5. What is a small simple bit of faith that you need this week?

6. How is Jesus sufficient for your need?

Romans 8:31-39

1. What were the accusations coming against the roman church?

2. How could Paul's claim that nothing could be against them?

3. What sits in the persecution chair for you? How are those things silenced in Romans 8?

4. What caused the Roman church to worry that they could be separated from the love of God?What was Paul's response to them?

5. What makes you feel separated from God?

6. Pray through Romans 8 this week and ask God to remind you that he is for you and with you.

Text: Philemon 1:17-25

1. How does Onesimus's resume compare to Paul's? What does the resume of your life look like when you take inventory?

2. How does Paul's appeal to Philemon directly reflect the truths of the Gospel?

3. Why does Paul ask Philemon to "prepare a guest room" for him? What is his reason for following up with Philemon?

4. Why is accountability important? Who in your life holds you accountable?

5. Similar to Paul, what are ways we can illustrate Gospel truth in our community?

Philemon 1:8-16

1. What is Paul's appeal to Philemon? How does Paul instruct Philemon to approach Onesimus?

2. How does this inform your conflicts? How do you deal with drama?

3. What did Onesimus learn about God's sovereignty? Have you ever tried to run from God?

4. Is there a "Mess" you're facing in your life right now? How could God's sovereignty be working through that mess right now?

Philemon 1-7

1. Who were the two people introduced in this sermon? What are they like? What was the conflict between them? What happened to Onesimus?

2. What are the evidences of the work of the gospel?

3. How has your identity changed?

4. How has God changed the way you love others?

5. Is your faith alive just when it is convenient, or is it marked by faithfulness?

6. What gifts has God given you to use and share?

7. How can you pray for your community this week?

Ethos V: The Longing of Belonging by Citizens Youth