The Breakdown

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

1. If you had to blindly follow someone’s directions for a day, who would you trust—and who would you definitely not?

2. What’s something in your life that’s hard to surrender to Jesus’ leadership—even though you believe in him?

ENCOUNTER

Faith is more than belief—it’s allegiance. After rising from the dead, Jesus didn’t disappear. He met with his followers, gave them a mission, and called them to live under his authority.

In John 20, we meet Thomas—the disciple who missed Easter morning. He voices his doubts, but when Jesus appears, he responds not with understanding, but surrender: “My Lord and my God!”

Faith isn’t passive. It’s personal. It surrenders to Jesus as Lord.

Turn to John 20:24–29 and read the passage aloud. Let’s consider what it means to truly respond to the risen Jesus.

3. What emotions or tension do you see in Thomas’ words before he sees Jesus?

4. What does Jesus’ response reveal about how he treats honest doubt?

5. How does Thomas’ confession in verse 28 go beyond belief into worship?

6. What does verse 29 suggest about the kind of faith Jesus blesses today?

TRANSFORM

Faith is not just how we start the Christian life—it’s how we live it. Jesus invites us to trust him with everything, even what we cannot see.

7. How do you wrestle with believing in an unseen Savior in a world that values proof and visibility?

8. What is one area of your life this week where you need to submit more fully to the lordship of Jesus?

PRAY

9. Ask Jesus to strengthen your faith and help you surrender every area of life to him. Bring before him the doubts, burdens, and fears that make full trust difficult—and ask for help to follow him as Lord.

10. One More Disciple – Pray for those who have heard the Easter message but have not yet responded in faith. Ask Jesus to open their eyes, soften their hearts, and use you to help them see and follow him.

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

1. When you think about your sin, do you tend to minimize it, manage it, or bring it honestly before God?

2. What’s a “normal” or everyday sin in your life that’s easy to overlook but still needs regular confession?

ENCOUNTER

Some sins weigh us down with guilt. Others cling quietly through pride, selfishness, or unspoken thoughts. Psalm 32 speaks to both. David isn’t just confessing one dark moment—he’s modeling a rhythm of repentance that leads to joy.

This psalm shows the weight of hidden sin and the relief that comes through forgiveness. As we prepare for the cross, we’re reminded that confession isn’t just for big failures—it’s part of daily life with God.

Turn to Psalm 32:1–5 and read it aloud. Let God’s Word reframe confession—not as shame, but as grace.

3. How does David describe the weight of unconfessed sin—in both body and emotion?

4. In verse 5, what does David finally do that brings relief?

5. What does this psalm reveal about God’s heart toward those who confess—even repeatedly?

6. How might a daily rhythm of confession change the way you relate to God?

TRANSFORM

David doesn’t just talk about forgiveness—he rejoices in it. Confession isn’t just unloading guilt; it’s entering the joy of being fully known and forgiven.

7. What’s one “respectable” or routine sin you need to confess and bring into the light this week?

8. Would one person share a time—recent or long ago—when you experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness in a personal, freeing way?

PRAY

9. Pray this prayer of confession together aloud:

“Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.”

10. One More Disciple – Confess any fear, excuses, or distractions that have kept you from reaching out to someone who needs Jesus. Ask for a heart that sees others clearly and the boldness to speak with grace.

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

In some situations we are tempted to treat God casual ,as though he were common rather than holy. We do this in our worship, speech, faith, busyness, and suffering.

1. Rank these five categories from most difficult to least difficult for you personally. Which one is the greatest struggle in your life right now?
2. What thoughts or emotions arise when you consider God's holiness?

ENCOUNTER

As Easter approaches, we reflect not only on the suffering Savior but on the holy King. Jesus’ life revealed divine authority—he forgave sins, calmed storms, and received worship. Isaiah 6 gives us a vision of God’s throne room filled with glory. John 12:41 says Isaiah “saw his glory and spoke about him,” identifying the Holy One on the throne as Jesus. This passage invites us to adore the crucified and risen Christ for who he truly is—holy, exalted, and worthy.

Turn to Isaiah 6:1–8 and read the passage aloud. Let’s meditate on the holiness of our God and Savior.

1. What details in Isaiah's vision reveal God's holiness? How does Isaiah respond to what he sees?
2. What is God's response to Isaiah's confession? What transformation takes place by the end of the passage?

TRANSFORM

Just as the burning coal touched Isaiah's lips and atoned for his sin, Jesus cleanses us by the fire of his sacrifice, making us fit to worship and serve.

1. How would your worship change if you regularly remembered that Jesus is the one seated on the throne in Isaiah 6?
2. What's one area of your life that needs to be reoriented in awe and adoration of Christ?

PRAY

1. Adore Jesus for his holiness and exalted glory. He is majestic, worthy of worship, holy, glorious, and forgiving.
2. One More Disciple – Pray for one unbeliever in your life and ask God for boldness and opportunities to invite them to church this Easter.

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

James Worship Guide

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

1. Think about a time when you were eagerly counting down the days to something–a vacation, a wedding, the birth of a child, or another big event. How did that anticipation shape your thoughts, actions, and emotions?

2. How did this week's sermon deepen your longing for Christ's return?

ENCOUNTER

Jesus is coming again–hallelujah! When he comes, sin and suffering will be no more. praise God!

But right now, we wrestle with struggles, pain, and uncertainty. In the midst of this, James encourages believers: "Be patient until the Lord's coming.... Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near" (James 5:7–8).

How do we wait well? Let's turn to Revelation 22 and see what God's Word says.

3. Read Revelation 22:1–6. How do the descriptions of the river of life and the tree of life connect with Genesis 2–3? What do these images teach us about God's restoration plan?

4. In verses 6–7, John emphasizes, "These words are faithful and true." How should the certainty of heaven shape our daily mindset?

5. Identify Christ's titles in Revelation 22. What do they reveal about his character and mission? How do they encourage you personally?

6. Jesus says his return is imminent, yet no one knows the exact time. Why might God choose to keep this timing unknown? How does this impact how we live?

TRANSFORM

7. Revelation 22:17 invites people to "come" and drink freely from the water of life. Who in your life–family, friends, neighbors, coworkers–needs this invitation? What are some specific ways you can share it with them this week?

8. If you truly lived as if Jesus could return at any moment, what specific changes would you make in your priorities, habits, or relationships?

PRAYER

9. One More Disciple (Pray for the people you mentioned in question 7.)

10. Come, Lord Jesus!

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

1. The modern proverb says, "More money, more problems." How have you experienced this truth personally?

2. The Apostle Paul said, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." If you had twice as much money as you had now, in what ways could you be tempted to abuse your wealth?

ENCOUNTER

In James 5, the biblical author condemns the unbelieving rich who extort the poor for their own selfish gain. They will weep and wail and be devoured by fire in the last days. And when Jesus returns, this will certainly happen. God’s justice on sin will be finally meted out. James warns of coming judgment for those who misuse wealth, but Revelation 21 paints a picture of a world where wealth is pure and just. In our forever home, wealth will flow more freely than any earthly kingdom can claim because God is a perfect King. And yet, this will be a place without death, grief, crying, and pain.
Before answering the following questions, read Revelation 21 and glory in the hope of our eternity with God.

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

1. Share a time when God "ruined" your plans, and they turned out better than what you had in mind.
2. Were you angry that your plans changed? How did you feel when things turned out better than you originally planned?

ENCOUNTER

Biblical wisdom teaches that "pride comes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18). And in chapter four of his letter, James ties non-religious business endeavors to pride. These endeavors are proud for two reasons: (1) they are done for selfish, greedy gain and (2) they are accomplished without any faith in, dependence on, or service to God. Because of this, destruction creeps in.

Jesus poignantly taught on the destruction of pride through some of his parables. Two that might come to mind are the parables of "The Rich Fool" and "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector." Read each of these parables and discuss how they relate to pride's destruction.

1. Read the parable of "The Rich Fool" in Luke 12:13–21. What is the main point Jesus communicates in this parable (v. 15)? How are greed and pride related.
2. Read the parable of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" in Luke 18:9–14. What is the main point Jesus communicates in this parable (v. 14)? How would James 4:13–17 describe the Pharisee and the tax collector?

TRANSFORM

1. What character(s) from the parables do you relate to the most? Why?
2. To get off the highway of destruction, we need to take the exit marked "humility." What is one area of pride in your heart that you need to overcome this week?
3. What conversations do you need to have to overcome that area of pride?

PRAYER

Even though we are prideful, God is merciful. Pray the truths in Titus 3:4–7 with a focus on how your pride is forgiven and destroyed in Christ.

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

1. Would anyone be willing to confess a moment over the past week when you were unfaithful to God in thought, speech, or action?
2. What is the significance of James’ use of the term “adulterous” in James 4:4? How does this strong language reflect the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?

ENCOUNTER

In the opening to his letter, James states that he is writing to a predominantly Jewish audience. Naturally then, James assumes his readers are familiar with the Old Testament. When he opens up James 4:4 saying, “You adulterous people!”, he expects them to think back on Hosea’s prophecy. In this prophecy, God likens Israel’s idolatry to marrying a prostitute who continually falls back into unfaithfulness. And yet, God is still faithful to his people.

Compare the following passages in Hosea with James 4:4–8 and notice the gravity of James’ words.

1. Compare Hosea 13:4–9 with James 4:4–6. What did Israel’s pride lead them to do?
2. Rather than honoring God as supreme, Israel trusted in lesser things. What did Israel esteem in God’s place in Hosea 8:4–6?
3. Compare Hosea 14:1–3 with James 4:7–8. What does God call Israel to?
4. When Israel draws near to God again, how does God respond in Hosea 14:4–7?

TRANSFORM

James’ charge is serious. In likening worldliness to adultery, James’ audience would have trembled in fear. But Hosea’s prophecy and James’ preaching is a pleading to grow deeper in faithfulness to God.

1. Which of these poor responses to your own sin do you gravitate toward? Self-Deceit (convincing yourself that it’s fine), Self-Righteousness (condemning others and making excuses), Self-Atonement (making up for your sin by doing good works), Self-Indulgence (medicating with worldly pleasures), and Self-Grief (acting like the victim rather than the perpetrator).
2. James calls believers to “Draw near to God,” and promises that “He will draw near to you.” Instead of the response you gravitate toward, how can you draw near to God this week?

ENCOUNTER

The believer’s internal battle with sin ripples externally in church relationships. Psalm 133:1 says, “How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!” These calls for peaceable living among God’s people are bountiful in Scripture. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done.

Read the following passages and discuss what qualities of our godly walk are essential to holding back the chaos and toxicity that division and quarrels bring.

Read 2 Corinthians 5:19–20 and Matthew 5:9 to inform your answers in this section.

James 4:1–3 shows how both conflict and unanswered prayer are the result of wrong motives in our hearts.

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠Soteria Church⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

REFLECT

Godly speech is tied to biblical wisdom. Growing in wise speech is tied to growing in Christlikeness. As King Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).