Finding Favor Week 2 -Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: God’s favor belongs in the footprints of His followers.
Introduction: This is our second week of Finding Favor devotional, sermon series, and church-wide fast! If you don’t have a copy of the devotional, you can find links to the Kindle copy and the free YouVersion Bible app plan here:
https://faithpromise.org/findingfavor
Or, pick up a free paper copy at your local campus. We are all looking for favor, but are you looking for favor in your walk with God, every step of the way?
Discussion Starter: God’s favor is already at work for anyone and everyone who seeks Him. Discuss how you can seek God’s favor in different areas of your life.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15, Haggai 2:21-23, Philippians 2:1-8, Exodus 33:14
Discussion Questions
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- When things are challenging, we can look to disconnect. Are you connected? In a group? Serving others? Serving in our community? Giving? Discipling someone? Staying connected can mean growing spiritually not simply in your own life, but also by helping others. Are your connections Godly? Discuss how to have Godly connections where you work, shop, study, and play.
- Pastor has been reminding us to dedicate our life to Christ—not just a piece of it, or most of it, but all of it. Last week, we checked our source. This week, Pastor challenges us to help others in our circle to check their source. This goes back to our Godly connections in question 1. Dedicating all of yourself to God means helping those around you and being burdened for those who are far from God. Is there a part of your life that are you still holding on to that may be preventing you from experiencing more of God’s favor?
- We often talk about “following in the footsteps of Jesus,” but what does that mean? When we think about Christ’s life and ministry, how did people treat Jesus, and how did Jesus treat them back? In Philippians 2:1-8, we see a clear explanation of how we are supposed to pay attention to those around us. According to this passage, with focus on verses 7-8, what was the key personality trait that Jesus exhibited? (If you need help with your discussion, consider this question: Can you imagine Jesus ever asking to talk to the manager at his local carpentry supply store?)
- God’s favor leaves the signature of God’s presence that stamps His glory into our walk. Read Exodus 33:14 and discuss how God answered Moses’ prayer. We are called to worship God even in tough circumstances when we may feel far from Him. How do you worship and glorify God in the tough times? How are you helping others in tough times?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Haggai 2:21-23 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.
We talked about having your word of the year, verse of the year, being on the Bible reading plan, and creating a personal growth plan. Share your word with your group, and commit to pray for one another about each of your words. Can you help someone else with their growth plan?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: New groups will be starting soon. Is God leading you to lead a group or start a Freedom group? Find out about becoming a group leader here.
Engaging in the Community: At the end of each daily devotion, there are faith declarations. Are you just reading them to yourself or are you sharing them with others in your circle? Your family? Part of declaring things is to say them out loud to others that can hold you accountable.
Engaging in World: God’s favor belongs in the footprints of His followers. We have Promisors all over the world, not only our missionaries. Walking with God is not a solo walk; it involves others. Pray for not just our missionaries, but all missionaries who may feel isolated or alone (many do). Over the next eight weeks, the Southern Baptist’s International Mission Board will train and commission new missionaries to be sent out to spread the Gospel. Join us in praying for those families as they embark on their journey.
Expand God’s Kingdom
We are only one week into Pastor’s Finding Favor devotional. Grab an extra copy and invite someone to read it with you. If they don’t live near you, invite them to join you with the devotional on the YouVersion Bible app.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
