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Main Idea: When was the last time you checked the locks and doors to the gateway of greed in your life?

Introduction: When we think of greed the first thing that typically comes to mind is money. However, that is not what the enemy is after. Greed wants more than our wallets. Greed wants our wants.

Discussion Starter: In Luke 12:15, Jesus said, “[…] life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Pastor Zac tells us that nothing in our lives closes the door and locks out greed faster than generosity, but we have to be willing to let go and allow the door to close. What do you need to let go of? Comparison, identity in your work, your own comfort, or something else?

Grow

Primary Scriptures: Luke 12:15, Matthew 6:24, Proverbs 15:27, Proverbs 28:25, James 5:1-3

Discussion Questions:

1. Greed prompts us to ask others, “What will you give me?” Pastor Zac reminded us that the fastest way to lock the greed in our lives is to be generous with our time, treasures, and tithe. Discuss someone who has been generous with you and what they did?
2. Read Philippians 4:19. What will you give to God and others?
3. What will you give from your talents and gifting?
4. What will you give God back from what He’s already given you?

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Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

In Proverbs 15:27 we read, “The greedy bring ruin to their households […]” We were reminded in the message that greed can ruin our household because it invites more destructive things inside. Greed gives the enemy a foothold into our lives and homes. What area of your life do you need prayer where greed affects you? Your time? Your treasures? Your tithe? Share with one another and then spend time in prayer together.

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Main Idea: Are you already settling for less this year? 

Introduction: We learned that the world constantly tries to press us into its mold. How can we see what that mold produces and then learn to break it?

Discussion Starter: Have you ever settled or taken the easy way out on something? Have you lowered your expectations so that you wouldn’t get disappointed? Why do we settle for less hope, joy, purpose, and blessings?

Grow

Primary Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 4:8, Romans 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Isaiah 40:31, Hebrews 4:12-13

Discussion Questions:

1. When we settle for less, we basically say that we’re ok with just ok. We believe the lie that God can’t transform us into anything better than what we are now. Read Romans 12:1-2. “Conformed by the world” is passive and requires nothing from us. It is the influence of the world and the lies of the enemy. “Transformation” is what God does to mold us into His image. Do you trust the world or God? Discuss some ways you have seen His work of transformation; if not in your life, someone else’s life, or even a story you have seen on social media.
2. Philippians 4:8 gives us some adjectives that can help us transform or renew our minds. How can we focus on what Paul tells us and not what the world says?
3. Read Isaiah 40:31. Transformation has an element of waiting or hoping in God. But there is also an active piece; creating a Personal Growth Plan, having a word and verse of the year, being a part of a Bible reading plan, and joining a group. Do you have all of these for 2022? If not, begin to plan your spiritual growth with your group and loved ones and commit to holding each other accountable.
4. Hebrews 4:12-13 may sound scary since God can see everything about us. There is nothing we can hide from Him. In truth, this should be encouraging. We don’t have to put any effort into hiding anything because God already knows everything in our hearts. He knows us, and He sees us. He also made us in His image, and He loves us. What are you trying to hide? What have you settled for in your life that God wants you to surrender to Him?

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Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Read Romans 7:14-25. It is true that our flesh is at war with the Spirit. But we are set free from the body, death, and sin through Jesus Christ. Romans 7:22 specifically says, “For I joyfully agree with the law of God in the inner person,” but we have a part of us that is a prisoner of our sin. How can we carry what we have learned in the Transformation series into our next series on spiritual warfare series, Deadly Door, to continue the transformation process? Meditate on Pastor Chris’ message that transformation is a process in which God does the action.

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Main Idea: Christmas is about Jesus’ birth and death, and it was for you.

Introduction: The gift of myrrh represented what Jesus would experience, it was crushed and cut, used for burial.

Discussion Starter: Whether the wise men knew it or not, the gift of myrrh was foreshadowing. How far in advance have you bought a gift for someone?

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Primary Scriptures: Isaiah 53:1-6, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, John 3:16

Discussion Questions:

1. Take a few moments in silent reflection. Meditate on the reality that Christmas is for you. Not the presents, the lights, or the peppermint mochas, but that Jesus was born and died for your sins. Discuss what that means to you.
2. Read Romans 3:23 No one is left out of this verse, the ground at the foot of the cross is level. How does this resonate with you?
3. Why is it important that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners? Do you ever feel like you have to “work for it?” If so, how are you encouraged that you can’t do that?
4. Who in your life doesn’t really know what Christmas is about? How will you tell them this year? Or get them to a place where they can hear it?

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Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

John 3:16 famously says that God loved us so much that He sent Jesus to die for us. The Gospel of John goes on, read John 3:17-18. Discuss how these verses shine more light on why the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice was offered.

Discuss how you can pray for each other to not live in condemnation and how you can pray for and serve those who do not believe.

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Main Idea: What would your life look like if hope was a reflex and not just a response?

Introduction: This weekend Hallerin Hilton Hill reminded Promisors that hope is a habit and like most habits is a discipline that requires practice.

Discussion Starter: What’s the difference between a reflex and a response? What is something that causes a strong reaction from you? What is something that causes a strong reflex in you?

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Primary Scriptures: Colossians 1:24-27; Ephesians 3:14-20

Discussion Questions:

1. Read Colossians 1:24-27. What is the “mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations?” What is God’s plan to reveal this mystery to everyone (and not just His people)?
2. Read Ephesians 3:14-20. How can followers of Christ get the strength to build up the reflex of hope? And what will result from exercising the discipline of Hope?
3. Hallerin Hilton Hill shared four  ways to practice the habit of H.O.P.E. (seek Healing, find Opportunities in the obstacles, make Progress, and give Encouragement). Which of these four practices is a struggle for you? And which practice will you begin this week?
4. Practice part of the discipline of Hope as a group — take turns Encouraging one another together. Commit to text or talk with each other through the week and continue practicing the encouraging habit of Hope.

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Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section.

Take some time to pray over each other in smaller groups and commit to follow-up and connect with each other during a non-group time of serving, sharing a meal, or worshipping and praying together (maybe meet at your campus for First Saturday Prayer Service next Saturday at 9am).

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Main Idea: Miracles glorify God, demonstrate the compassion of God, and draw people closer to Jesus.

Introduction: This weekend we kicked off our Heart for the Harvest (H4H) season and began our 21 days of prayer. We are believing for miracles, provision, restoration, reconciliation, healing, and freedom. We spent time in prayer at every campus asking for God’s favor.

Discussion Starter: Take a few moments and reflect on a time when you experienced the favor of God in your life. Was it a moment of restoration, healing, or a miracle? Share about this experience with one another.

Grow

Primary Scriptures: Mark 2:12, Mark 1:40-42, Luke 7:22

Discussion Questions:

1. How do miracles glorify God? What evidence do you have of this in your own life?
2. Read Mark 1:40-42. In Scripture, the leper cries out to Jesus and asks Him if He is willing to cleanse him, to make him clean. Jesus shows His compassion by replying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” The Lord has compassion for us and is willing to meet our needs beyond what we can imagine. What miracle do you need to take to Him in prayer?
3. Read Luke 7:22. Pastor Chris told us that miracles draw people closer to Jesus. What miracles have you experienced in your life that you can share with others? How can we include the miracles the Lord has performed in our lives as we tell others of Him in hopes to draw them closer to Him?

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Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes for this section. 

Read Mark 1:40-42. We are designed for community. We are not meant to do this life alone. The Lord is ready and willing to shower us with His favor and provide miracles in our lives. Spend time sharing with one another what you need in your life. Do you need healing? Do you need financial provision? Do you need restoration within a relationship? Once you have shared, spend time praying for one another.