TextLab

This week Jake and David discuss the beginning story of Joseph found in Genesis 37. They offer you a rapid-fire, detailed conversation so that you can engage deeper with the text this week.

This week David and Jake discuss Roman’s 8:31-39 where we hear that nothing can separate us from the love of God. They discuss the way this truth affects the way we live on mission in our pray-watch community.

• How does understanding us never being separated from God affect our daily lives?
• How do these verses build a foundation for our identity in Christ as well as who Christ is?
• How does this truth change the way we interact with our pray-watch community?

This week Jake and life group leaders Jenae and Shawn discuss the promise of suffering and how the Holy Spirit comes alongside us, intercedes on our behalf, and helps us to come alongside others as they go through difficult times.

• In what ways do you personally experience or witness the groaning and longing described in this passage? How does this understanding affect your understanding of the brokenness in the world and your role as a Christian?
• Reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, how can we actively cultivate a dependence on the Spirit’s guidance and strength in our weaknesses? Share examples or experiences where the Holy Spirit has helped you in your weaknesses.
• How can the truths in Romans 8:18-27 shape our response to suffering, both personally and when supporting others who are going through difficult times?

This week David and Jake discuss life in the Spirit and the identity shift that occurs when the Spirit dwells within us. We encourage Life Group leaders to take their own time with Christ, giving the Spirit space to draw them closer to Him as they lead their groups this week.

• What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? How does this influence our daily lives and decision-making? 
• What significance does the term “Abba, Father” hold in the context of believers’ relationship with God? How does it reflect intimacy and trust?
• How can the truth of being children of God and co-heirs with Christ influence our understanding of our worth and value in God’s eyes?
• How can we practically live out our identity as children of God and co-heirs with Christ in our daily lives?

This week Jake and Adam discuss the post-resurrection position that each believer stands in and the implications of the Holy Spirit living within us.

• Are there times when you feel it’s hard to believe that there is no condemnation?
• What does this text tell us about the Holy Spirit?
• What personally resonates with you in this text?

This week Jake and Hannah discuss the beautiful benefits of the gospel and the joy it produces naturally in our hearts as we grasp its implications. They dive into the breakdown of Romans in order to grasp the entirety of the epistle of Romans seen within these 4 verses.

• How does our understanding of no longer being condemned affect our workdays, relationships and engaging with the yet-to-believe?
• What sticks out to you specifically from these four verses?
• Where do you see shame in our culture?

This week Jake and Jen talk about our desperate and dependent nature through Romans 7:13-25. We discuss the different positions held in the exegesis of the text as well as the implications of our position before and after Christ.

1. How does “Wretched man…” describe our desperate and dependent nature?
2. What do you think Paul hoped would be the application of these verses?
3. Where do you see your spirit wrestling with this?

This week Jake and David discuss Romans 7:7-12 and the misconceptions surrounding the law in their town as well as our town today. They hit on the idea that the law is holy, righteous and a gift to us and how it applies practically today.

• Why is the law an act of grace (a gift) from God?
• How does the law point us to Jesus?
• What perception of the law and God do you think your pray-watch community has?

 This week Jake and Zack discuss Romans 7:1-6 and what being dead to the law looks like and how Christ has perfectly fulfilled the law and given us His righteousness.

• How do you view the law?
• What does it mean that Jesus has fulfilled the law?
• How would you explain this passage to your yet-to-believe friends who had questions?

This week Jake and Hannah discuss Romans 6:20-23 where Paul describes why a life lived to God is better for us and more joyful than a life enslaved to sin. They encourage the Life Group leaders to create space for authenticity and vulnerability in their groups.

• What is sitting on the throne of your heart?
• Where have you seen fruit come from actions, good or bad?
• What does it mean to be set free from sin?