Sermon

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS

1. What was one thing you found particularly interesting, insightful, helpful or difficult to understand from this Sunday?
2. Share a time when you personally experienced injustice. What happened? How did it turn out?
3. Read and discuss Luke 4:14-21, Isaiah 58:1-14, Micah 6:8, Psalm 10:17-18, and Ecclesiastes 4:1. What common themes are in these scriptures? What do they tell us about God? What do they tell us about loving others? How do they point us to Christ?
4. What is justice? What does justice have to do with human dignity? Why is this important?
5. “A passionless life is a passive, purposeless life.” How do you respond to this statement?
6. What passions has God given you? How do you believe you are stewarding those passions?
7. How does the gospel of Jesus frame the themes of justice and injustice for us? What does the gospel compel us to think, feel and do toward others in regards to justice?
8. When people have been rescued, they want to rescue others. Do you agree? Why or why not? How have you experienced this?
9. Spend some time in prayer for the things you have discussed. Give thanks to the Lord that He hears the cries of the oppressed. Ask Him what part He might have you play in doing right, seeking justice and defending the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17).

“NO GREATER LOVE” FOCUS: GOING TO THE SCRIPTURES

Continue working on your personal story, as outlined here, and providing opportunities for each group member to share their story and receive feedback.

It is important for each of us to identify specific Scriptures which are helpful in sharing our own story as well as articulating the critical elements of the Gospel message. Look up the following list of Scriptures for use in sharing the Gospel. In addition to these, share other Scriptures you many have used that are not on this list. It is helpful for each of us to have several Scriptures ready at all times. Consider printing out effective Scriptures and pasting them in the front cover of your Bible for memorization and future reference.

• Titus 3:5
• Ephesians 2:8-9
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• 1 Peter 3:18
• John 3:16-17
• John 1:12
• 1 John 5:11-13
• Romans 8:1
• Hebrews 9:27-28

Although there are several approaches to sharing the Gospel, one of the more common tools is known as The Romans Road. These are a great set of verses to have at the ready when you have the opportunity to share the Gospel.

• There is a problem – Romans 3:23
• There is a penalty for the problem – Romans 6:23
• There is a solution to the problem – Romans 5:8
• Each one must choose to embrace the solution – Romans 10:9-10

What other means or methods of sharing the Gospel have you used?

Here are some additional resources on sharing our faith to consider and recommend:

• How to Give Away Your Faith by Paul Little
• Share Jesus Without Fear by William Fay