Set the Table Week 1 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
Set the table for a Spirit-filled legacy in your family.
Discussion Starter:
Most everyone has one favorite meal or dessert that only mom could make best. What is the one you most vividly recall?
Introduction:
As our lives have become more hectic and more things have begun to vie for our attention, the center of the home has changed. Historically, the “table” was the centerpiece of the home. The table was a place where families gathered for meals, to play games, plan vacations, fold clothes, and to have prayer. Today we begin a new series on family, and we will learn to set the table to form a Spirit-filled legacy for our families.
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Psalm 128:3 and Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Discussion Questions:
- Sunday dinner used to be the time of week when families gathered around the table for a meal after church. Much time was spent sharing and getting to know each other. Memories were made during this meal that last a lifetime. How do you think the Psalm we read portrays this scene? Can you share an example of how you experienced this in your family history–or how you want to experience this in your family in the future?
- Pastor Michele quoted John Piper: “God is most satisfied when we are most satisfied with Him”. What do you think this means? Where do you seek satisfaction for your needs and wants?
- We must set the table for the legacy of our families before it is set for us. We must be intentional in providing our families spiritual nourishment. Read Deuteronomy 6:4-7. Brainstorm specific examples of how you can remember and talk about God during each of the times listed in verse 7.
- Pastor Michelle said, “set enough on the table that there are spiritual leftovers for your children to take home with them to their tables after they leave.” This is an obvious reference to the legacy we leave, but how do we ensure there are “leftovers”? What must we do to provide enough that those that come after us can carry on the same “spiritual meal”?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Deuteronomy 6:4-7 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
Getting to know you: How is God using this group to equip you to spiritually feed yourself? How is He preparing you to feed others?
Getting to know them: How can your group nourish and encourage each other during the week between meetings?
Getting to know Him: We learned this week that the place settings are centered around the plate. The plate is the place where the substance is that nourishes us. Let’s fill our hearts with substance. This week memorize Deuteronomy 6:4-7.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: As you greet those around you during service this week, take time to share a word of encouragement or something that you have seen God do this week.
Engaging in Community: Take the time to listen to your neighbors and your co-workers as they share with you. Ask how you can pray for them this week.
Engaging the World: As our attention spans grow shorter and we become more accustomed to hearing sound bites instead of stories, remember that we do not have to be physically at the same table to “break bread together.” This term merely means to share fellowship as you share a meal. This week as you are on social media, “break bread” with your domestic and international friends. Take a few moments to share something of substance with them.
Expand God’s Kingdom
As we set the table for a Spirit-filled life, we must first make sure we are nourished. Studying God’s word and meditating upon it will help write God’s message on our hearts. Strengthening our relationship with God will help us to nourish others. Don’t be afraid to share with others what God has done and is doing for you. Let them know His love is available to them as well.
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.
