Shadow of a Doubt Week 2 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
Faith Promise Value: We serve others. God showed us through His Son how our lives are to be.
Discussion Starter:
Can you think of some members of your campus whose hearts are set on serving Jesus? How do you see Jesus through their service?
Introduction:
God’s supernatural love for us should lead to a supernatural Spirit-filled love for others, but spiritual warfare can keep us stagnant in spirit. Becoming a servant runs counter to the world’s culture. However, a serving life unites the Church in common life, common cause, and common action. Love and service to others is what makes the church different and powerful. God’s desire is for us to serve!
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Matthew 20:25-28 and Philippians 2:1-8
Discussion Questions:
- Read Matthew 20:25-28. Compare the description of the Gentiles’ behavior to Jesus’ instructions on the disciples’ behavior. We all sin and fall short. Are there circumstances and situations where you are tempted to “lord it over others”? Who in your life might soften to the message of the Gospel if they saw your real life example of Jesus’ servant heart toward them?
- Read Philippians 2:1-2. How do you experience the benefits of Christian community in verse 1: encouragement, love, fellowship, affection, and compassion? Reread verse 2. What does it mean to be “united in spirit” and “intent on one purpose”?
- Read Philippians 2:3-7. Can you share an example of how someone looked out for your interests rather than their own? How are you looking out for the interests of others?
- Read 1 Peter 4:10. What is your spiritual gift, and how can you use it to serve others?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Philippians 2:1-8 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. How can your spiritual gift be used to unify and build up the Church?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: On the third weekend each month, Faith Promise Next Steps focuses on spiritual gifts and serving. Attend a Next Steps class at your campus to find out more! Next Steps is available at every campus every weekend during the 11:30 AM Sunday experience. It is also available during the 6:15 PM Saturday experience at the Pellissippi Campus.
Engaging in Community: Visit the Faith Promise Love Local page to find ministry opportunities in your backyard!
Engaging the World: How can we demonstrate unity to the world as a group and as a church?
Expand God’s Kingdom
Serving is a great way to expand God’s Kingdom! Who can you serve this week?
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.
