Sermon Study Guide

Small Group Guide: "Unexpected - A Twist of Faith" part 1 - "The Unexpected Journey"

Summary:
In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the unexpected journeys God calls us to take. Centered on the story of Abraham in Genesis 12, we're reminded that faith often begins with stepping into the unknown. God's call to Abraham to leave his homeland echoes in our lives today - are we ready to leave our comfort zones when God calls? The message emphasizes that faith isn't about having all the answers, but about trusting the One who does. We're challenged to consider: what 'country' or comfort zone is God asking us to leave behind? What new path is He inviting us to walk? This sermon beautifully illustrates how our willingness to obey often unlocks God's blessings, even when we don't fully understand the 'why' behind His call. It's a stirring reminder that God's plans for us are greater than we can imagine, and that true worship is about offering our entire lives to Him, not just our Sunday mornings.

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:
1. God often calls us to step out in faith before revealing the full picture.
2. Faith begins with going, not knowing.
3. God's blessings often come through our obedience.
4. We're never too old to be used by God.
5. True worship is offering our entire lives to God.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that "faith begins with going, not knowing." How does this challenge your understanding of faith? Share an experience where you had to step out in faith without knowing the full outcome.

2. Abram was called by God at 75 years old. How does this challenge our assumptions about age and usefulness in God's kingdom? Have you ever felt too old or too young for God to use you?

3. The pastor said, "Faith moves." What's the difference between having faith and acting on faith? Are there areas in your life where you need to move from belief to action?

4. How does the concept of worship as "offering your bodies as a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) differ from common ideas about worship? What might this look like in daily life?

5. The sermon emphasizes trusting God's plan without knowing all the details. How do you balance planning for the future and trusting God's guidance?

6. Reflect on the statement: "Faith is not about having the whole map. It's about trusting the one who draws the map." How can we cultivate this kind of trust in our lives?

Practical Applications:

1. Identify one area in your life where God might be calling you to step out in faith. What's one small step you can take this week?

2. Practice daily surrender by starting each morning with a prayer offering your day to God as an act of worship.

3. Look for opportunities to be a blessing to others this week, remembering that God blesses us so we can bless others.

4. If you've been hesitating to follow God's leading in some area, commit to taking action. Share your commitment with the group for accountability.

5. Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal any "comfort zones" He might be calling you to leave.

Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His guidance and ask for the courage to follow His unexpected calls in our lives.

Here’s a small group study guide and outline based on the sermon from June 29, 2025, based on 2 Kings 16:1–20 and its connections to Isaiah 7, Leviticus 20, Romans 1, and Matthew 10:

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📖 Small Group Study Guide

Title: Compromise Comes at a Cost
Text: 2 Kings 16:1–20
Focus: The danger of compromise, the call to fear God over man, and trusting God’s way over our own.

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🧭 Study Outline

I. The Fall of a King (2 Kings 16:1–4)
•Background Context: Israel is divided — Ahaz rules Judah (South), Pekah rules Israel (North).
•Spiritual Condition: Ahaz follows the evil ways of the northern kings.
•Sin Highlight: Sacrifices his own son to Molek (Leviticus 20 warning).
•Key Truth: When we turn from God, we inevitably turn toward idols.

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II. Fear Opens the Door to Compromise (2 Kings 16:5–6; Isaiah 7:1–17)
•Crisis Hits: Judah is attacked. Fear overwhelms Ahaz.
•God’s Mercy: He offers help through Isaiah — “Stand firm in your faith” (Isaiah 7:9).
•Ahaz’s Choice: Refuses God’s offer, pretends to be “pious.”
•Key Truth: Fear of people often outweighs our fear of God when we forget His faithfulness.

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III. Misplaced Trust (2 Kings 16:7–9)
•Ahaz’s Move: Turns to Assyria for help instead of trusting God.
•Cost of Help: Pays off Assyria with the temple treasures.
•Key Truth: Trusting in man-made solutions often leads to spiritual bankruptcy.

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IV. Altering the Altar (2 Kings 16:10–16)
•What He Does: Ahaz builds a pagan altar, pushes God’s altar to the side.
•Romans 1 Connection: Replaces God’s truth for a lie.
•Worship Shift: Uses God’s altar only for “guidance,” not worship.
•Key Truth: Compromise redefines worship — God becomes a backup plan instead of the focus.

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V. The Long-Term Consequences (2 Kings 16:17–20)
•Desecrating the Temple: Removes sacred items to please Assyria.
•Loses Honor: Ahaz dies without dignity; his son, Hezekiah, has to undo the damage.
•Romans 12:2 Connection: Do not conform… be transformed.
•Key Truth: Compromise always leads to deeper bondage and spiritual decay.

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💬 Discussion Questions

1. Icebreaker:

What’s a funny example of a time you thought your shortcut was smarter than the instructions?

2. Dig In:
•In what ways did Ahaz compromise his faith?
•Why do you think he sacrificed his son, even though he was a king of Judah?
•What does Isaiah 7:9 mean by “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all”?
•What’s the difference between fear of man and fear of God?
•What happens when we try to blend worship of God with the values of the world?

3. Apply It:
•Where are you tempted to compromise because of fear, pressure, or comfort?
•Have you ever put God “off to the side” while doing things your way?
•What does compromise look like in your generation? In school, relationships, or entertainment?
•What “altars” (habits, beliefs, influences) in your life might need to be torn down?

4. Commit:
•What’s one change you can make this week to choose truth over trend?
•How can your group encourage each other to stay faithful when fear and pressure rise?

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🙏 Prayer Prompt

“Lord, help us recognize the altars we’ve built that are not from You. Teach us to stand firm in our faith, to fear You above all else, and to tear down any compromise in our lives. Be our only source of guidance, worship, and hope.”

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🧠 Memory Verse

Isaiah 7:9b (NIV) – “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.”

Living the Resurrected Life: Small Group Guide

Opening Prayer: 
Begin by asking a group member to lead in prayer, focusing on applying the truths from Colossians 3:12-25 and 4:1 to our daily lives.

Sermon Outline:
1. Get Your Clothes On / Dress the Part (3:12–14)
  - New identity fuels new behavior
  - Clothed in Christ
      - Characteristics: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience
      - Forgiveness as a command
  - Love holds it all together

2. Let Christ Rule Your Hearts (3:15–17)
  - Peace as the referee
  - Word-drenched community
      - In the Word
      - In our worship
  - New motivation for all of life

3. Reflect Christ in Relationships (3:18–21)
  - Gospel-centered households
      - Marriage: submission and love
      - Parenting: discipline with gentleness
      - Children: obedience as worship

4. Reflect Christ in Your Work (3:22–25)
  - Work as worship
  - Sincerity, wholeheartedness, and reverence
  - God sees and rewards
  - Christian leadership

Closing – Live Everyday Transformed
  - Christ touches every aspect of life

Key Takeaways:
1. As believers, we are called to "put on" Christ-like characteristics in our daily lives.
2. The peace of Christ should rule in our hearts and guide our decisions.
3. Our words, actions, and relationships should reflect Christ's lordship.
4. We are to work as if working for the Lord, regardless of our earthly position.


Discussion Questions:

1. Identity and Behavior (Colossians 3:12-14)
   - How does understanding our identity as "God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved" impact how we live?
   - Which of the characteristics mentioned (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) do you find most challenging to "put on"? Why?

2. Peace and Gratitude (Colossians 3:15-17)
   - What does it mean practically to let the peace of Christ "rule in your hearts"?
   - How can we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in our daily lives?

3. Relationships (Colossians 3:18-21)
   - How do these instructions for family relationships differ from cultural norms?
   - In what ways can we better reflect Christ in our closest relationships?

4. Work and Service (Colossians 3:22-25, 4:1)
   - How does viewing our work as "serving the Lord" change our approach to daily tasks?
   - For those in leadership positions, how can you apply the principle in Colossians 4:1 to your role?

5. Personal Reflection
   - Which area of your life (character, relationships, or work) needs the most transformation to align with living a "resurrected life"?
   - What's one practical step you can take this week to live out the teachings in this passage?

Practical Applications:

1. Character Challenge: Choose one characteristic from Colossians 3:12 to focus on developing this week. Share with the group next time how it went.

2. Gratitude Journal: Start a daily gratitude journal, writing down three things you're thankful for each day.

3. Relationship Audit: Evaluate one key relationship in light of this passage. What's one way you can better reflect Christ in that relationship?

4. Work as Worship: Identify one aspect of your work or daily responsibilities that you struggle with. How can you approach it differently, viewing it as service to Christ?

5. Scripture Memorization: Commit to memorizing Colossians 3:17 this week as a reminder to do everything in the name of Jesus.

Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for each other, specifically in areas where group members expressed a desire for growth or transformation.

Small Group Guide: Colossians 1:1-14 - Living a Life Pleasing to God

In this profound exploration of Colossians 1, we're reminded of our true identity in Christ. As believers, we're called 'saints' and 'God's holy people' - not because of our perfection, but because of Christ's work in us. This challenges us to live up to our calling, even when we feel far from holy. The message emphasizes that our faith should be evident through our love for others, springing from the hope we have in heaven. It's a powerful reminder that our actions and relationships reflect our spiritual condition. As we delve deeper into God's Word, we're encouraged to bear fruit, grow in knowledge, develop spiritual strength - particularly in patience and endurance, and be thankful. This journey isn't about achieving perfection, but about continual growth and transformation through Christ's power. Let's embrace our identity in Christ and allow it to shape our daily lives and interactions.

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:
Explicitly Mentioned:

1. Philippians 1:6
2. 1 John 4:20
3. Philippians 3:14
4. Romans 12 (likely referring to Romans 12:2)
5. Psalm 119:105
6. Colossians 1:1-14 (main text being discussed)
7. Ephesians 2:1-4
8. John 14:6

Alluded to or Implied:

1. Proverbs 20:24 (steps of a righteous man are ordered)
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 (saved by grace, not works)
3. Ephesians 2:10 (created for good works)

Key Takeaways:
1. All believers are saints and holy people in Christ, regardless of our struggles.
2. True faith in Christ is evidenced by love for God's people.
3. Our hope in Christ sustains us through difficulties.
4. The true message of the gospel is the foundation for our faith.
5. God's will for our lives is revealed through His Word.
6. A life pleasing to God involves bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, being strengthened spiritually, and giving thanks.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that all believers are called "saints" and "holy people." How does this impact your view of yourself and other Christians? Why might we struggle to see ourselves this way?

2. Pastor emphasized the connection between faith in Christ and love for God's people. How have you seen this play out in your own life or in the lives of others?

3. What role does hope play in your faith journey? How does focusing on our eternal destination affect how we live our daily lives?

4. The sermon warns against "secret teachings" and emphasizes the importance of Scripture. Have you encountered teachings that seemed to go beyond Scripture? How can we discern truth from error?

5. Pastor stressed the importance of knowing God's will through His Word. What practical steps can we take to better understand and apply God's Word in our lives?

6. The sermon outlines four aspects of a life pleasing to God (bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, being strengthened, and giving thanks). Which of these areas do you feel strongest in? Which area needs the most growth?

7. How does understanding the two kingdoms (dominion of darkness vs. kingdom of the Son) impact how we view evangelism and our responsibility to share the gospel?

Practical Applications:

1. Commit to a daily Bible reading plan to grow in your knowledge of God's Word.

2. Identify one way you can show love to a fellow believer this week, especially someone you might find difficult to love.

3. Write down three things you're thankful for each day this week, focusing on spiritual blessings.

4. Choose one area of spiritual fruit (e.g., patience, kindness, self-control) to intentionally work on this week, asking God for strength.

5. Share your testimony of how Christ has transformed your life with at least one person this week.

6. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal areas where you need to repent and realign with His will for your life.

7. Memorize Colossians 1:10 as a reminder of what a life pleasing to God looks like.