missio Dei: Falcon

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: The historical context of Ezra-Nehemiah.
2: God stirs the heart of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4).
3: God stirs the hearts of His people (Ezra 1:5-11).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• When your loves become dis-ordered, what is it that typically takes the place of God as your primary love?
• If God really is sovereign and faithful, as Ezra says He is, how does that impact your day to day living?
• In light of these themes, what do you hope the Spirit stirs in your heart as we study Ezra-Nehemiah over the next few months?

SERMON OUTLINE:

• Philippians 1:12-18a (Living for the Gospel Advanced).
• Philippians 1:18b-26 (Living for Christ in Life or Death).
• Philippians 1:27-30 (Living Worthy of Christ Through Suffering).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What in your life makes you say, "Now this is living?" How has God's word changed your thinking?
• What does it look like to suffer for Christ? And why do we try and avoid suffering?
• How have you seen God work in and through you in the midst of suffering?

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: How our Discipleship Collectives help us grow (Col. 1:28).
2: A model for how to wisely disciple others (1 Thes. 5:14).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Do you have any examples from your life when God used a “spiritual director” to admonish/encourage/help you? How did you grow because of that? 
• How has your past experience with Discipleship Collectives modeled this kind of intentional maturing in Christ?  
• What are some barriers that prevent DCs from helping one another mature?

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: The challenge of forgiveness (Mt. 18:21-22).
2: A parable about forgiveness (Mt. 18:23-34).
3: The implications of forgiveness (Mt. 18:35).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• In your own words, why is forgiveness so difficult? 
• Can you think of a time you experienced true forgiveness from another person? What did that feel like? 
• What is Jesus calling you to do with this topic of forgiveness? What feels scary or difficult about it? Encourage one another at your table.

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: The presence of other believers (Rom. 1:11a).
2: The of giving of oneself to other believers (Rom. 1:11b).
3: The mutually encouraging role of fellow believers (Rom. 1:12).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• Think of a time where you felt isolated from the encouraging relationships described here. What was the hardest part? 
• Describe some times God has used His people to encourage you. What made the encouragement effective? 
• How has God gifted you to bring encouragement to others?
• Who is the Holy Spirit calling you to encourage this week? Make a plan and do it!

SERMON OUTLINE:
● The tongue is the fruit of our words (James 3:1-8)

1. ○ Words are influential (v.1)
2. ○ Words are powerful (v. 3-4)
3. ○ Words are destructive (v.5-6)
4. Words are untamable (v.7-8)

● The heart is the root of our words. (James 3:9-12)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• If your words reveal the condition of your heart, what are some areas in your life where the Lord is leading you to repent of? Anger in parenting? Gossip around friends? Bitterness toward a co-worker?
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• Knowing how impactful words are, what are some practical and authentic ways you can love and bless those around you with your words? 

SERMON OUTLINE:

• Bible Passages on Peacemaking:
• 3 Difficulties in Peacemaking:

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What does being Irenic mean to you?  How have you been able to practice this at home/work/school?   
• Have you noticed yourself score-keeping with others or operating out of past wounds or pain?  What does the Gospel say to that? 
• Is there a scenario this week where you need to make peace?  Pray for anyone at your table who is headed into that kind of situation.  

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: Friendship: Why we need it.
2: Friendship: What it isn’t.
3: Friendship: What it is.
4: Friendship: Who it is ultimately about.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• What, in your experience, makes friendship difficult?
• What have been some key characteristics of godly friendships you have experienced?
• How do you need to mature in order to become a better friend? How does Jesus demonstrate that maturity to you already?

SERMON OUTLINE:
1: The invitation of Christian Fellowship (Acts 2:42-47).
2: The need for endurance within Christian Fellowship (Ephesians 4:1-16).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

• In light of all the Scripture we read this morning, how would you summarize the promise of fellowship/community? How would you describe the pain of fellowship/community?
• Where do you sense God calling you to endure in love? How is God convicting you of areas you need to mature?
• What do you need from your church community?

SERMON OUTLINE: 

• 1: Love: Why it’s important and appealing. 
• 2: Love: Why it’s difficult and elusive. 
• 3: Love: Where it can be found and shared. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
• What are some signs that you are around a person (or in a place) where you are loved? 
• What specific ways will focusing on Jesus help you become more loving this upcoming week? 
• What specific areas does our church need to grow in to become more loving?