Small Group Guide: Suffering and Grace

Opening Prayer

Bible: Luke 13:1-9

Key Takeaways:

Suffering and tragedy are not punishments from God or indicators of a lack of faith.

The Church is called to be a "gardener," nurturing those who are marginalized.

A theology of the cross teaches us that God is present in suffering and calls us to address systemic issues that contribute to tragedy and injustice.

Discussion Questions:

Pastor Amy mentions Archbishop Oscar Romero and his advocacy for the poor. Can you think of modern-day examples of religious leaders or organizations standing up for marginalized groups? How does this reflect Jesus' teachings?

Jesus clearly states that tragedies are not punishments from God. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your own understanding of suffering? How might this change the way we respond to others who are going through difficult times?

In what ways do we sometimes fall into the trap of blaming victims for their misfortunes, and how can we cultivate a more compassionate and nuanced perspective?

Reflect on the parable of the fig tree. How does interpreting the Church as the gardener, rather than Jesus, change the meaning of the story? What responsibilities does this interpretation place on us as members of the Church?

Pastor Amy suggests that we should examine the systems that allow or contribute to suffering. Can you think of examples where this approach might lead to positive change?

In what ways does a 'theology of the cross' change our understanding of where God is present and active in the world? How might this impact our mission and outreach as a church?

Pastor Amy ends by saying that God is not "keeping score" of our sins. How might this understanding of God's grace impact how we live our lives and treat others?

Practical Applications:

This week, identify a "fig tree" in your community - a person or group that might be overlooked or struggling. Brainstorm ways you could offer support or care.

Reflect on times when you've experienced suffering. How did your faith community respond? Based on today's discussion, how might you support others differently in the future?

Research a systemic issue in your community that contributes to suffering (e.g., homelessness, food insecurity). Identify one concrete action you can take to address this issue.

Want to hone your actual gardening skills as a way to remember our call to be good gardeners in other ways?Contact the team that works on our community garden and offer to help!

Closing Prayer:

God of mercy, you meet us with love and compassion in the shadows of death, working to bring us new life. As we reflect on Jesus suffering on the cross, help us to see that we, too, are called to live with compassion, extending grace to those who hurt, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"Grow Spiritually" is a monthly guided devotional, offered for use with your family or on your own. March's theme is Ashes.

Pastor Josh - March 9, 2025

Small Group Guide: Temptation

Opening Prayer

Key Quotes

Luther says that God actually is most clearly revealed to us in the cross, in Jesus' suffering on the cross. Luther says if you want to understand who God is and what God is like, you have to start here.

Self-serving power has always been and will always be the most deceptive and dangerous temptation for the church.

A theology of power calls, or a theology of glory, excuse me, calls power good. It calls dominance good. It calls defeating others good. But a theology of the cross calls a thing what it actually is.

The theology of the cross chooses compassion over power. It chooses love over dominance. It chooses reconciling over winning.

The theology of the cross shows us that we were never meant to be alone, and it proves to us that we never, ever are alone.

Bible

Read together Luke 4:1-13

Discussion Questions

How have you seen religion and power combined in negative ways in today's world? What are the consequences?

Pastor Josh mentioned "fundamental sickness in Christianity in our country." Do you agree? How do you see this manifested?

Reflect on Luther's statement: "A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theologian of the cross calls a thing what it actually is." What does this mean to you?

In Jesus' temptation, what were the "temptations behind the temptations"? How do these relate to temptations we face today?

How does the concept of a "theology of the cross" challenge our understanding of God and how He works in the world?

How has the combination of prayer, Scripture, and community helped strengthen you? Where is God inviting you to lean more into one or more of these areas?

Practical Ideas

Prayer: Commit to spending intentional time in prayer each day this week, focusing on aligning your heart with God's will.

Community: Make an effort to connect face-to-face with someone from your church or small group this week. Share a meal or engage in a meaningful conversation.

Self-reflection: Take time to examine your own life for areas where you might be tempted by self-serving power or a "theology of glory." Journal about your insights.

Act of service: Choose one way to serve others this week that requires humility and self-sacrifice, embodying the "theology of the cross" in a practical way.

Closing Prayer

Other Helpful Bible Readings on Theology of the Cross

Philippians 2:1-8

1 Corinthians 1:21-25

Mark 10:35-45

Romans 5:1-8

1 Corinthians 12:9-10

https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-228581.html

Small Group Guide: Hear Act

Opening Prayer

Bible: Matthew 7:15-27

Key Takeaways:

Faith is not just a noun, but a verb - it's about actively following Jesus.

Our actions define us and shape the world around us.

Hearing Jesus' teachings without acting on them can harm both ourselves and others.

Grace is always available, and even small actions can make a difference.

Practicing "faithing" in daily life builds a strong foundation for facing bigger challenges.

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

Pastor Amy says, "Faith is following Jesus." How does this perspective change your understanding of faith?

Can you share an example of a time when your actions (or inactions) impacted your community, either positively or negatively?

How do you feel about the idea that our fruit (actions) defines us more than our beliefs or religious labels?

Bad fruit can give people the wrong impression of God. Have you ever witnessed or experienced this? How can we prevent this?

What are some "mundane" ways we can practice following Jesus in our daily lives?

How does the concept of repairing relationships being 'more powerful than getting it right the first time' impact your approach to conflict and reconciliation?

What "faith muscles" do you feel you need to strengthen? How can you start building those?

Practical Applications:

This week, choose one teaching from Jesuss Sermon on the Mount and intentionally practice it in your daily life. Journal about your experiences.

Write no injustice here on an index card and put it somewhere that you will see it most days this week (office, bathroom, car, etc.) Let it remind you that when you feel overwhelmed by all of the needs in the world, your job is to follow Jesus in your immediate surroundings.

Look for opportunities to show compassion to people your community might think of as others. Notice how it feels to do so.

Closing Prayer:

God of action, you hear our cries and you move toward us. In the same way, help us to listen to Jesus and then to boldly follow him with our whole lives, that we might create a beloved, just, and compassionate community together. Amen.

https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46163/note-227957.html

Small Group Guide: Humble

Opening Prayer

Bible: Matthew 7:1-5, Philippians 2:1-8, Micah 6:8

Opening Question:

Share a time when you misjudged someone or a situation. What did you learn from that experience?

Key Quotes:

Jesus invites us to avoid condemning others and instead to practice self-reflection and humility. Jesus requires compassion over condemnation.

Humility helps us to be open to feedback and learn from others, allowing personal growth. That is openness to growth.

Focus on listening others without judgment and seeking to understand before forming an opinion.

Key Takeaways:

Jesus warns against condemning others and encourages self-reflection and humility.

We often judge without knowing the full story of someone's life.

Judgment can lead to self-righteousness and overlooking our own faults.

Humility promotes empathy, compassion, and personal growth.

Discussion Questions:

The sermon mentions that the Greek word for judgment can mean both "discern" and "condemn." How can we practice discernment without falling into condemnation?

Reflect on the examples given in the sermon (food stamp shoppers, speeding car caller). How do these stories illustrate the dangers of judging others?

Pastor Varinia mentions three benefits of fostering humility: self-awareness, compassion, and openness to growth. Which of these do you find most challenging to practice, and why?

How can we cultivate humility in our daily lives, especially when faced with the temptation to judge others?

How can we balance the need for discernment with Jesus' call to avoid condemnation?

What are some practical steps we can take to 'put ourselves aside and help others get ahead' as mentioned in Philippians?

Practical Applications:

Practice Active Listening: This week, make a conscious effort to listen to others without immediately forming judgments. Focus on understanding their perspective.

Self-Reflection Exercise: Each day, take a few minutes to reflect on moments when you might have judged others. Consider what you didn't know about their situation.

Humility Challenge: Choose one area of your life (work, family, church) and intentionally practice putting others first, as suggested in Philippians 2:3-4.

Prayer Focus: Commit to praying daily for insight into others' struggles and guidance to show compassion, as suggested in the sermon.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, help us to see others through Your eyes of compassion. Guide us in practicing humility and refraining from hasty judgments. May our interactions with others reflect Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.