Finding Favor Week 5 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
God’s favor working in us and through us makes a difference.
Introduction:
Some of us had never thought about God’s favor in our lives. We have been hearing and reading about favor and how it comes alive. Think about the persons whose stories have been in Pastor Chris’ book “Finding Favor.” These are individuals whose prayer lives are active. Conversations with God are key to finding His favor. Another factor that helps with seeking God and His favor is talking about the search with other Christians in a group setting. Members of a group can help one another find answers through discussions and prayer.
Discussion Starter:
Finding God’s favor can be on a large scale or a small scale. Anytime you have asked God to help you find a parking place close to the building entrance (and have found that place), you have found God’s favor. If you have asked God to show you whether you should take a job that requires moving long distance, His answer is giving you His favor. Has God ever given you an answer to prayer? Share with your group.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Psalm 90:17, Psalm 5:11, 1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 18:20, John 10:10
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean for God “to confirm the work of your hands?” Have you experienced this confirmation?
- Share about a time when you felt God’s protection, as in Psalm 5:11.
- Were there any cliques in your high school? Were you in the “in” group? In 1 Peter 2:9 God calls us a “chosen people,” a “royal priesthood,” a “holy nation.” How does this verse make you feel?
- Matthew 18:20 and John 10:10 each give a promise of favor. What promises are given? Is a group of three too small? What is your idea of an abundant life?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Psalm 90:13-17 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 have been talking about receiving God’s favor, but sometimes God allows us to participate and lets His favor flow through us to other people. Have you experienced this?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: What is your ministry at Faith Promise? Do you feel God’s favor as you serve?
Engaging in Community and the World: Send a text or an email to neighbors who are a blessing to you. Is God showing you favor through them? Tell them so!
Engaging the World: In what ways, other than money, can you share God’s favor with missionaries?
Expand God’s Kingdom
Prepare to share with your family, friends, or others in your life how God demonstrates His favor in your life. Practice this sharing in your group.
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.
