Grace Community

1. Peter's question about forgiving "seven times" was already generous by rabbinic standards (which taught forgiving three times). What does this reveal about Peter's understanding of grace at this point in his discipleship?

2. How does the concept of "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" help us understand the nature of our debt to God?

3. Our debt's magnitude relates both to "who we have sinned against" and the "volume and pervasiveness" of our sin. How do these two factors compound our guilt before God?

4. The parable seems to suggest that forgiveness can be revoked (v. 34). How do we reconcile this with the doctrine of eternal security? Is Jesus teaching salvation by works?

5. Jesus warns that the Father will treat unforgiving people as the king treated the wicked servant. How seriously should we take this warning, and what does it tell us about God's character?

6. Do you agree our problem with forgiveness is practical, not theoretical? What specific barriers prevent you from forgiving others, even when you know you should?

7. Unforgiveness often shows up as bitterness, desire for revenge, or inability to bear seeing certain people. Which of these manifestations, if any, do you recognise in your own life?

8. The first servant's debt was cancelled because he "wasn't able to pay." How does acknowledging your complete inability to atone for sin change your perspective on both receiving and extending forgiveness?

9. Romans 12:19 teaches us to "leave it to the wrath of God" rather than seeking vengeance. What practical steps can you take to truly entrust justice to God when you've been wronged?

10. There is a distinction between forgiveness and saying someone "didn't really hurt us." How can you practice true forgiveness that acknowledges real harm while still releasing your right to revenge?

11. How should the reality that we're commanded to forgive change the way we approach apologies with fellow Christians? How freely do you apologise, and how do you expect others to respond?

12. The sermon suggests we can forgive even when someone hasn't asked for forgiveness. What would this look like in a specific relationship where you've been hurt but received no acknowledgment of wrongdoing?

13. The sermon concludes that "the one who ends up unforgiven is the one who won't forgive." Looking at your current relationships, are there people you need to forgive? What specific steps will you take this week to begin that process?

Home Group Questions:  

1. Jesus deliberately makes discipleship sound difficult when crowds are following him. How does this approach contrast with modern evangelistic methods, and what does it reveal about Jesus' priorities?

2. What does it mean that following Jesus is "free but costs everything"?

3. Do you agree that discipleship is connected with persecution (John 15:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:12)? How essential is suffering to authentic Christian discipleship?

4. How does the "salt" metaphor at the end of the passage relate to the cost of discipleship? What does it mean for Christians to "lose their saltiness”?

5. Jesus says we cannot be his disciples if we don't "hate" (love less) family members. What would this look like practically in your current family relationships and responsibilities?

6. What specific areas of your life do you find most difficult to submit to Jesus' lordship?

7. For Christians today, what a some examples of things that might be evidence of wholehearted discipleship? What equivalent sacrificial choices might God be calling you to make?

8. Some people who at one point claimed to be Christians have gradually walked away from their faith. What factors in your life might gradually erode your commitment to Christ? How can you guard against them?

9. Do you agree that recognising our "utter impotence" is the first step toward faith? Why or why not?

10. What would it look like in your current circumstances to live with an "eternal perspective" as suggested in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31?

11. The sermon connects all sin to "loving something else more than Jesus." What specific idols in your life compete with your love for Christ? How can you practically "hate" these competing loyalties?

12. When we realise following Jesus is too hard for us to do on our own, what should we do? 

Home Group Questions

1. Revelation 4:11 reminds us that even our very existence is a reason to thank God. What are some “ordinary” blessings in your life that you might overlook but that reflect God’s generosity?
2. 1 John 4:10 says that God loved us first and sent His Son as the propitiation for our sins. How does understanding that God’s love is not dependent on our love change the way you relate to Him?
3. Romans 8:35–39 emphasises that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. How does this assurance give you strength in times of trial or uncertainty?
4. Ephesians 1:5 says that God predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ. What does it mean to you personally to be called a child of God, and how should this identity shape the way we live?
5. We ought to live with constant thankfulness to our Heavenly Father. What practical habits (prayer, journaling, worship, serving, etc.) can help us cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and dependence on God?

What caught your attention most as you were reading it? 

How would you describe the picture of God presented by this psalm? Anything that surprised you or would be a surprise for those who are not Christian?

Why is it important for us to remember what God did for Israel in the past, especially at Sinai, or with Deborah etc?

God in the Old Testament is one of wrath. Jesus in the New is the God of love. Discuss this statement.

Compare verse 18 to Ephesians 4:8. What do you notice?

In the OT, one had to go to the sanctuary/temple to find God. Where do we go now that we’re in NT times? 

As much as you feel comfortable, share what worries and anxieties you have. What would God’s intervention look like?

1) The passage begins with God promising His people, "rest from your pain and turmoil." How does this promise encourage Christians who are facing persecution or opposition today? How can we find rest in our lives, even amid difficulties? (Consider Matthew 11:28–30)

2) The taunt is a proverb—a parable—for the Israelites to "take up," meaning it would become part of their rhetoric. What would you say is the purpose of this taunt or proverb? What would it teach them? Why can believers already "take up the taunt" against the enemies of God, and even against our greatest enemies, while still experiencing suffering? (Colossians 2:15)

3) In verses 7–8, even creation (such as cypresses and cedars) rejoices over the oppressor’s downfall. Considering Romans 8:18–22 as well, why do you think creation is portrayed in this way? What does this reveal about the impact of human pride on the world?

4) Look at verses 9–11, which describe the sarcastic welcome into Sheol. What does this teach us about the ultimate fate of those who oppose God? (Psalm 49:12-13) How should this affect the way we view powerful oppressors?

5) The king of Babylon said, "I will make myself like the Most High" (v. 14). How do we see this same attitude in our culture today? What are some modern examples of people or movements attempting to "dethrone" God? What should our response be?

6) This passage serves as a profound warning against human pride. In what subtle ways does pride manifest in our lives? How should the life and example of Jesus help us overcome our pride? (Philippians 2:5–9) What are some ways in which we might humble ourselves?

How would the oracle against Babylon, written 100 years before the actual event, have comforted and strengthened the faith of the Jewish people? With Babylon representing any anti-God institution, whether a nation or political party, how do Isaiah 13 and Revelation 18 build the faith of believers? 

Revelation 18:4–5a says: 

Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,
 “Come out of her (Babylon), my people,
 lest you take part in her sins,
 lest you share in her plagues;
 for her sins are heaped high as heaven…” 

How is this a warning for us today—both as a church and individually? 

In our preaching and evangelism, why must we not shy away from speaking of God’s wrath and judgement? Why do you think Christians often struggle with the idea of God’s fierce anger? 

In Isaiah, God speaks often of judgement against pride and arrogance. How does God’s righteous anger reveal the seriousness of human pride and sin? How can we avoid pride both individually and as a church? 

The language of Isaiah 13:9–13 is very similar to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:29–31 about the signs of the end of the age. And as Jesus hung on the cross there was cosmic unrest, judgement on sin, and the outpouring of God’s wrath. How does this help us understand Old Testament prophecy and God’s use of typology (i.e. that events in history can be repeated and point forward to a final and complete fulfilment)? 

Verses 15–16 are very shocking to us—and rightly so. Read Psalm 137. How does this help us understand why such things would happen to the Babylonians? 

How do Isaiah 14:1–2 bring comfort to God’s people, and how does it make us appreciate Jesus all the more in light of the coming day of the Lord? 

Isaiah 11:1-10 

Read Isaiah 11:1-10 

1.      What is the significance of the coming king being both the branch that comes from Jesse’s root (v.1) and also the root from which Jesse comes (v.10)? (See also Rev 22:16.) How does this—and the fact that Isaiah is writing about a time yet to come—encourage you in your faith? 

2.      Take a moment to think about and discuss how Jesus displays the sevenfold Spirit of God: 

·       The Spirit rests upon Him 

·       The Spirit of wisdom (the ability to render right judgments) and understanding (insight and perception into things that others don’t see) 

·       The Spirit of counsel (having a plan and strategy) and might (having the power to carry out that plan) 

·       The Spirit of knowledge (a close, intimate relationship with God) and the fear of the Lord (reverence and a desire to live according to the will and plan of God) 

3.      What is the significance of the fact that Jesus delights in the fear of the Lord? What difference would it make in our lives if we also delighted in the fear of the Lord? (Consider Psalm 112:1; Psalm 34:7.) How could we grow in our delight? (Consider Jeremiah 15:16.) 

4.      Jesus is a king who judges with righteousness, in faithfulness to God’s will and moral law. How does this help believers in times of injustice and persecution? How should the fact that Jesus sees the motives of the heart and the thoughts of the mind guide us in our everyday life? 

5.      Why do you think God paints a picture of animals and small children dwelling together, rather than just talking about people dwelling in peace? How does this picture of a restored earth, and the thought of a glorious resting place, make you feel? How can it encourage you in times of difficulty? (Consider Romans 8:18.)