The Tennessee God Sees – Week 4 – Discussion Questions
MAIN POINT:
God is the gift and the giver.
ICEBREAKER:
What is the greatest gift you have ever received? Why was/is it great to you?
INTRODUCTION:
Most often with gifts the value of something is enhanced by the relationship of the person who gave the gift or by the history behind it. This principle is true with our relationship with Jesus just as much as it is with our family and friends in this life. Today we will read and discuss some gifts God gives us. Most importantly, we will discuss the ultimate gift He gives us – himself. Through the life and sacrifice of Jesus, God has made this gift available to us all. However, just because it’s available to all does not mean that all have received it. We receive this gift by putting our faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Have you received and opened this gift?
ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:
1. Let’s look at Jesus’ encounter with a rich young ruler. Read Matthew 19:16-22.
How did the rich young ruler respond when Jesus answered his question?
Did the rich young ruler want God or what God can give?
Have you ever desired what God can give more than God himself? Specifically, what gifts have you elevated above the Giver?
2. Let’s look at how God gave us himself through Jesus’ sacrifice. Read 1 Peter 3:18.
How is God’s gift of salvation through his son Jesus different than other gifts?
3. Let’s look at another way God gives us himself. Read John 14:15-18 and 16:7.
What does Jesus promise us?
How is it for our good that Jesus is no longer with us in the flesh?
How do you respond to the truth that the same spirit that was in Jesus is available to us (as Christians)? If you find this encouraging, discuss why so.
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit in your life?
4. Let’s look at some gifts we receive when we are in Christ. Read Ephesians 1:3-14.
What are some spiritual blessings (gifts) in Christ mentioned by Paul?
How do you react to the truth that the moment you believe in Jesus, as being the Son of God, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit? Do you doubt this?
5. Pastor Chris mentioned he is a pusher because he wants people to know and grow in the grace of God.
Read Exodus 40:34-38, 1 Kings 8:10-12, 1 Kings 9:2-3, John 1:14, John 14:15-18, and Revelation 21:1-3.
Do you see a pattern of God pushing His presence among His people so they may know Him better?
Have you seriously considered that God, the creator of the universe, consistently throughout scripture comes to his people to be with them so they may know Him more? What do these scriptures say about God’s care for his people? What do they say about God’s care for you?
Do you believe that God desires to dwell with you? Why so or why not?
PRAYER
Pray as a group that God would reveal His pursuing love and ultimate gift of himself to all people so they may come to know Him (more or for the first time). Pray for a vision to see the Tennessee God sees.
LEADER NOTES:
2. We have received other gifts in our life both from God and from man. Think about how these gifts differ from the ultimate gift. God gave us the one thing that can never run out, get old, be taken, or fail – Himself.
3. We are loved. We are chosen. We are adopted. We receive grace. We are free. God grants us wisdom and understanding. God gives us the Holy Spirit. We have a promise of a future inheritance. Regarding doubts: Groups are a place to vulnerable and transparent. Group members should feel free to share doubts and problems. Leaders and members, please meet these doubts and problems with love, kindness, and encouragement.
