Fixer Upper Week 4 – Discussion Questions
Main Point
A faith built in the Word shelters from the storms.
Start the Conversation
Tell about a time when you undertook a project without the right tools or realized too late that a part was missing. What was the impact on the quality of the finished product? You did finish, right?
Introduction
We conclude our month-long renovation we called Fixer Upper with a workshop. A life worth living is a life worth working on. As we finish our renovation think of this as a do-it-yourself project with great opportunity for growth. We have taught you to build on a firm foundation, how to frame frustration in your favor, and the importance of closet space with a powerful prayer life. When you leave today we want you to feel equipped and encouraged, knowing you have the right tools to build a strong foundation of faith built with the bricks of the Word.
Encounter God through Bible Study
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
1. All scripture is inspired by God. Why is this fact of utmost importance?
2. When we study the Word of God it is like gathering our tools. According to this scripture how do these “tools” equip us?
Read John 9:1-4.
3. When the disciples encountered the man blind from birth they immediately thought either he or his parents had sinned. Why do you think we automatically assume someone is living in sin because a tragedy strikes their lives?
4. Jesus stressed a sense of urgency in doing God’s work. He wasted no time in healing the man. What message did this send to the disciples?
Read Hebrews 4:12.
5. Discuss the Word of God living and being active. How can words on paper be active and alive? How has God spoken to you through his word this week?
6. The Word is described as sharper than a two-edged sword that pierces to our very core. How can this be a good thing? What makes this a tool instead of a weapon?
7. Reading and studying the Word is like opening our toolbox. The Word gives us “bricks” to finish building a strong house that can withstand strong wind and storms. Discuss what “bricks” you think we can find in God’s Word.
Read 1 Peter 2:2.
8. Each time we go back to our toolbox (the Bible) we pick up more bricks. As we continue to grow in the Word, we become stronger in Christ. Why is it important to continuously open our toolbox (the Bible) to retrieve more bricks? Discuss a time when you relied on God’s Word to carry you through a difficult life event. Do you feel you would have been as strong without God? Why or why not?
9. How does the way we weather storms in our lives help us continue to build solid strong houses? What will others learn from our perseverance?
Embrace Biblical Community
How can you help each other as a group to fortify the houses of your lives? This was a do-it-yourself series, however, we at Faith Promise want to help equip you with the right tools for the job. Share one area in which the group can either help strengthen you or pray for you. Remember even DIY projects sometimes require a more skilled laborer to help finish the project.
Expand God’s Kingdom
We’ve spent four weeks learning how to renovate our lives and to be prepared to brace against the storms. We are all in various stages of renovating our lives. Who do you know that could use some assistance in their life renovation? Think of their name and pray for them this week. As you pray ask God how He can use you to encourage them.
Leader Notes
We encourage groups to try the Discovery Bible Method as an alternative to these discussion questions. You will find details for this Bible study method here. For this week, please study Ephesians 2:11-22.
1. Inspired by God means the scriptures were given to man by God. Instead of the writer’s human ideas, we are reading and experiencing the thoughts of God.
2. Through study of the Word we are equipped. We by learn of God’s plan and desires by being taught, corrected, reproofed, and trained. We are allowed a peek inside the mind of God through His inspired word.
3. Answers may vary. You may discuss how our pride causes us to think we know how God’s justice works. We think people get what they deserve.
4. We have no idea how much time we have, so we need to take advantage of every opportunity.
5. The Word is alive through the inspiration of God. It comes alive (God speaks through it to us) as we read. Encourage the group to share about what God is teaching them in their “closet space” (daily quiet time).
6. A two-edged sword both cuts and fillets. This allows for penetration to the very core of our soul and spirit. As the Word makes a hole it allows room for God to insert an anchor. This anchor will secure and hold us during the storm.
7. Again, encourage group members to share what they are learning in their quiet time, and also what “anchor” verses they hold on to in the midst of storms.
8. This is an optional time to share experiences. If a group member isn’t comfortable sharing then let them know this is open for those that wish to share an experience with the group and not a requirement. As a group leader, model transparency for your group. Remember to stress the importance of confidentiality within the group.
9. Answers may vary.
