The Fellowship Offering | Leviticus 3:1-17, 7:11-38
Discussion Questions
For this week’s discussion questions, we’re going to ask that you take an inventory of your life as you focus on the truth that the fellowship offering reminds us that in the presence of God, there is shalom. Breakout into smaller groups of 2-3 people and discuss the following questions.
Share one meaningful moment or season of life when you experienced God’s shalom.
Take an inventory of your life in the following areas of finance, emotion, spiritual, physical, and relational.
Are their areas in your life that you feel out of sorts, alone and without shalom?
Have any of these situations or feelings led you down a path of sin?
In what ways have you tried to fix your circumstances that still left you without shalom?
Share practical ways you can encourage and be encouraged to:
Focus on Christ over circumstances.
Allow your heart to rest.
Fellowship with the church.
End the discussion by reading Psalm 16.
Prayer Points
Praise God for the shalom he gives us through Jesus!
Pray that the Holy Spirit would remind us of God’s truth and empower us to practice shalom.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would help us share the good news of Jesus so that people may be reconciled and receive true peace.
The Grain Offering | Leviticus 2:1-16
Discussion Questions
What does “free will” offering mean to you and why do we sometimes want God to command a certain offering from us?
If grain/bread was a symbol of life for the people of Israel, what would be a corresponding symbol for us today?
How does giving offerings play an important part of our worship?
Why is it important that giving offerings be costly to the worshiper?
How would a worshiper have to plan ahead to be able to give a costly offering?
What does it say about God that he made provision for people of all economic levels to participate in worship through offerings? How does this translate into our worship today?
What baggage or hang-ups might you have about giving offerings through the church?
Why is money and the management of money a touchy subject in churches?
How is giving a food offering (like grain/bread) in Leviticus different from giving food to idols/false gods?
Prayer Points
Pray that God will enrich our worship of him through a better understanding of the sacrifices and offerings in Leviticus.
Pray that each worshiper at Sound City Bible Church will feel led to worship through free-will offerings proportionate to the way God has blessed them.
Pray for healing for individuals who have been harmed in the past by church leaders that wrongly emphasized money or misused the offerings given to God.
Pray a blessing on the offerings brought to God through our church that God will guide the church to use them for his purposes, the advancement of his kingdom, and the exaltation of Jesus.
The Burnt Offering | Leviticus 1:1-17, 6:8-13
Discussion Questions
Discuss ways in which you’ve previously misunderstood biblical offerings and sacrifices. Additionally, share and discuss specific areas that you would still like more clarity.
Why were burnt offerings and sacrifices such an important part of Jewish life?
What does it mean for Jesus to be a burnt offering? How does this impact you as a disciple?
Read together Ephesians 5:1-2. What would your life look like as a burnt offering in the following areas:
Giving in response | not earning God’s love, responding to God’s love and grace
Giving of everything | money, time, food, house relationships, sexuality
Giving your best | prioritize things to put God first
Giving to enjoy God | if anyone wants to offer a sacrifice, let him come near
Think about your non-Christian family, friends, and coworkers. How can you share Jesus through what you’ve learned about burnt offerings and sacrifices?
Prayer Points
Praise God for providing the greatest offering and sacrifice in Jesus!
Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower us to joyfully respond as we remember Jesus as our burnt offering.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would help us share the good news of Jesus through a clearer understanding of the offerings and sacrifices.
Set Free to be Holy | Exodus 19:1-13
Discussion Questions:
What were some of your preconceived notions or reservations about the book of Leviticus? In what ways do you believe this has shaped your view of God?
Why was the tent of meeting such an important place for the Jewish people and what does it mean that Jesus is the ultimate tabernacle?
What does it mean to be made holy by Jesus?
Paul refers to Christians as temples of the Holy Spirit. How does this truth impact you as a disciple?
As we recognize our holiness through unity with Christ, what are some specific ways God is calling you to a life of holiness?
Prayer Points:
Praise God for the way he reveals himself to us through his word and the working of the Holy Spirit. Praise God for making us holy through unity in Christ.
Pray that God would shape a clearer understanding of who he is through the study and teachings from Leviticus.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower us to live holy lives pleasing to the Lord.
Renewed Church | Matthew 16:13-20
Discussion Questions
How has God used the last few months of studying the theme of renewal in your life? Where has God shown you that your life is in need of renewal?
What are some common misconceptions regarding the church? In what ways are you prone to think wrongly about the church? Why?
What does it mean that the church is a spiritual entity, not merely a human endeavor? Put another way, why is it important to remember that the church only exists because of and for Jesus?
What are some things that you appreciate about our specific local church? And what are some ways that God has gifted and equipped you to help our church in this season of renewal?
Prayer Points
Pray that God would continue to renew our local church so that we could be effective witnesses to his gospel in our region.
Pray for the various leadership transitions that are coming up in the months ahead. And pray for God to continue to raise up new leaders to serve this church.
Pray specifically for the church renewal team as they work to help clarify our mission, vision, and focus for the season ahead.
Pray that God would use our meager endeavors to bring much glory to himself, and to bring many people to saving faith in Jesus.
Renewed Hope | Luke 24:13-24
Prayer Points:
Praise Jesus, our resurrected savior, who has conquered sin and death, ascended to the right hand of God and is reigning as the King of kings!
Pray for the Holy Spirit to help lead and guide those recently saved and baptized to grow as disciples.
Pray that Sound City would be filled with Christians continually living in the awe and wonder of Jesus' resurrection.
Renewed Leadership | Mark 10:32-45
Discussion Questions
1. Read 1 Peter 5:1-5. What are the qualities of renewed leadership that we should look for in the leaders around us?
2. Is there a priority of these qualities or are they all of equal value in leadership?
3. How would you feel about following leaders who live out these qualities of godly leadership?
4. How do you feel about being called a leader? Even if you don’t feel like a leader, can you articulate how you can lead others in your life?
5. What are areas of growth regarding leadership that you see in our church? In your own life?
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the leaders in our church that they would increasingly grow in godly leadership qualities and abilities.
2. Pray that God will raise up new leaders to serve his people well and be on mission with him in proclaiming Jesus and making disciples.
3. Pray for the leaders in other areas of your life (work, politics, family, etc.) that they would humbly follow God’s guidance and use wisdom in their leadership.
4. Pray for God to show you the ways that you can lead others for their good and growth.
5. Pray for God to lead our church into a fresh vision of his purpose and mission for us during our time of renewal this year.
Renewed Evangelism | 1 Peter3:13-22
Discussion Questions
Read together 1 Peter 3:13-22 and answer the following questions: What stood out to you? What do these passages teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
From the five parts of knowing the Messiah, which part(s) do you struggle to understand and communicate when sharing the gospel?
Jesus Christ | Messiah = the story of Israel
Holy | Utterly unique and set apart
Substitute | The righteous for the unrighteous
Victorious | Made alive by the Spirit
Ruling | Ascended to heaven, authorities subjected
Have you responded to the gospel message through repentance and baptism?
Can the gospel be shared without including your testimony, why or why not? Can you share your testimony without the gospel, why or why not?
Breakout into smaller groups of 2-3 and each take turns sharing the gospel with one another.
Prayer Points
Pray that Sound City would be a church filled with joy and passion to share the gospel.
Pray that God would bring opportunities in your life and the life of other Christians to share the gospel.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead, guide, and help you share the gospel when the opportunities become present.
Renewed Community | Ephesians 4:1-16
Discussion Questions
Read together Ephesians 4:1-16 and answer the following questions: What stood out to you? What do these passages teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
Centered around Christ, how do you see elements of individualism and collectivism in Christian community?
In what ways do we intentionally or unintentionally make a lesser community (affinity, activity, or affection) the primary foundation for community?
The work of the Christian community is to help each other mature as followers of Jesus. Share ways the group can guard itself from consumerism and overreach.
Share and Celebrate ways you’ve experienced God working in and through a Christ centered community.
Prayer Points
Pray that Jesus would be the head of every discipleship ministry at Sound City Bible Church.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal, remove and protect our community groups from chasing after a “lesser community”.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would encourage and embolden you to live in Christian community through the ups and downs of life.
Renewed Service | 1 Peter 4:7-11
Discussion Questions
Read together 1 Peter 4:7-11 and answer the following questions: What stood out to you? What do these passages teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
We defined serving as a heartfelt activity in a clearly defined role for the blessing of another. In what ways can you identify similarities and differences between the biblical and secular understanding of serving?
In what ways do you struggle with the distorted serving categories of laziness, business not fruitfulness, self-focus not others, and heartless, not joyful?
How does Jesus' service on the cross and his continual serving of his children encourage us to live a life of service?
Share with your group ways you would like to begin serving at home, at church and in your community.
Prayer Points
Pray that God would make the people of Sound City Bible Church servants who are fueled by the gospel.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal and remove any distortions that would hinder you and your group members from serving.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead you in identifying new ways to serve at home, at church and in community.
Renewed Rest | Mark 2:23-28
Discussion Questions
Read together Mark 2:23-28 and answer the following questions: What stood out to you? What do these passages teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
Sabbath rest was created by God, created for us and fulfilled in redemption. Which of these aspects of sabbath rest do you find difficult to understand, challenging to believe, or find to be most misunderstood?
Share ways in which you struggle with the common sabbath traps of over legalization, over spiritualization and over conceptualization,
Jesus is our sabbath rest. In what ways do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to sabbath rest for healing, worship and connection?
Share with your group the practical way(s) you are planning on regularly taking sabbath rest. Additionally, share ideas in ways you can help others regularly take sabbath rest.
Prayer Points
Pray that God would provide the people of Sound City a renewed understanding of rest that shapes when and how we rest.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal traps and root out any idols in our hearts that draw us away from rest.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead you in regularly taking sabbath rest.
Renewed Work | Genesis 2 & 3 (selections)
Discussion Questions
From the passages in Genesis 1-3:
What stood out to you?
What do these passages teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
Which aspect of the “Nature of Work” do you find difficult to understand, challenging to believe, or find to be most misunderstood?
What are some reasons why you’ve suppressed your gifts at the workplace to build up others?
The gospel shapes why and how we work. In what ways do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to use your gifts to build up others at your workplace and in the church?
Share with your group the ways you worship during work.
Prayer Points
Spend time reading and praying through Colossians 3:22-24 “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Pray that God would provide the people of Sound City a renewed meaning and joy in our work.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal and root out any idols in our hearts that distort the calling of work that God gifts us.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would lead you in using your gifts to build up those at your workplace.
Renewed Money | 1 Timothy 6:2b-10
Discussion Questions
This passage begins with the reality that we all need to be taught about money. What is your gut-level response to this reality?
What are some examples of your functional doctrine of money? What should they be?
What are the consequences of pursuing a love of money? How have you seen this play out with friends or family?
Ironically, Paul urges the rich to use their money for good works so that they might “grab hold of what is truly life.” (6:19). What kinds of good works do you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to do?
Prayer Points
Pray that God would make our church full of people who are eager and willing to receive His instruction, even instruction on money.
Pray that God would remove any root of a love of money in your life, even if you don’t believe it’s there.
Pray that God would grant you new realizations of Christ’s riches poured out for you.
Renewed Friendships | John 15:9-17
Discussion Questions
As a group, spend time reading John 15:9-17 and answer the following questions. What stood out to you from this passage? What does this passage teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
Why do you think that friendship is so often misunderstood in our culture? What are the ways that our culture gets it right/wrong? How does the biblical picture of friendship by the way of the Trinity stand in contrast?
Do you agree that friendship involves vulnerability, commitment and enjoyment? How can we help one another to open our hearts and lives to have this type of friendship with one another?
How do our friendships showcase the gospel of Jesus to a world that is fragmented and isolated? How should our friendships be used to further our witness, not hinder it?
Prayer Points
Pray that God would grow us as people who practice true, biblical, committed, and loving friendships.
Pray that God would heal us from pains that we’ve experienced in friendship.
Pray that our friendships would serve as a gospel witness to a lost and broken world, a world that deeply longs to be loved and known.
Renewed Singleness and Dating | 1 Corinthians 7:32-38
Discussion Questions
As a group, spend time reading 1 Corinthians 7:32-38 and answer the following questions:
What stood out to you from this passage?
What does this passage teach us about God (his character, his will, his plans, his principles)?
When you were single, or if you are currently single, do you find yourself struggling to pursue a devotion to Christ that reminds you that your identity is greater than your singleness?
If you’re currently in a dating relationship, the goal of this season like all seasons of life is devotion to Christ while remembering that Jesus understands and cares. Where in your relationship do you sense a loving conviction of the Spirit to honor God by seeking wisdom and growth?
For those who are married,
In what ways do you sense a loving conviction of the Spirit to refocus your marriage towards a devotion to Christ.
Share creative ways in which you can support and care for the singles and dating demographic at Sound City.
Prayer Points
Pray that our church body would seek to be devoted to Christ in all seasons of our lives.
Pray for the single and dating members at Sound City to be reminded of their identity in Christ.
Pray for the Spirit to stir the hearts of married couples to serve and care for the single and dating members at Sound City.
Renewed Parenting | Ephesians 6:1-4
Discussion Questions
1. What was something about your own parents that you appreciate now that you are older? What was something about how you were parented that you do not want to repeat?
2. What are some out-workings of the wrong motives in parenting (such as over-emphasizing what the parents want or what the child wants)? What pitfalls do parents need to watch for as they are seeking to be godly parents?
3. What verses about parenting or biblical parenting principles stand out to you?How have you seen these lived out well?
4. If you are someone who does not have children, how do you experience being part of a church that includes a lot of families and children?
5. What are some ways that non-parents can partner with families to support their “parenting as disciple-making?”
Prayer Points
1. Pray for new parents and future parents that they will enter parenthood with a commitment to follow God’s design for parenting.
2. Pray for parents of preteens and teens that they will persevere in their parenting, continuing to grow and learn in these important final years of having their children in their home.
3. Pray that parents of adult children who are not walking with God will hold on to the hope of the Gospel and the power of Jesus to reach into their lives and redeem them.
4. Pray that those who do not have children will see their valuable role in making disciples and that they experience joy and satisfaction in being a child of the Father.
5. Pray that our church can be a source of help and support for families as they seek to raise their children amidst the challenges of our day.
6. Pray for all parents that they will humbly depend on God for the outcome of their parenting and for his grace and power to be at work in their children’s lives.
Renewed Marriages | Ephesians 5:22-33
During this first month of our All Things New series we are encouraging everyone to join us in a month of focused, intentional prayer. Don’t forget to check out our prayer guide to participate.
Discussion Questions
Share with others the expectations and assumptions that you have held around marriage based on your own family of origin? In what ways did they line up with a biblical worldview? In what ways did they fall short?
Read Matthew 22:23—33 and Jesus’ teaching on the temporal nature of marriage. Why do we as human beings tend to make romantic love ultimate? How might this even play out in the church? How can we still honor and value marriage while not ultamatizing it? (See also selections from 1 Corinthians 7).
Why is it significant that God made marriage as a portrait of the gospel? What can we learn about the nature of marriage, the nature of God, and our own marriages when considered from this perspective?
For those who are married, what tangible steps is God asking you to take to bring your own marriage closer to Jesus? For those who are unmarried, Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage should be held in honor by everybody. How might that play out in your relationships with married couples?
Prayer Points
Pray that we would hold marriage in high esteem, while remembering that our earthly marriages are a portrait of the gospel and our relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Pray that God would strengthen the marriages in our church and protect them from harm.
Pray that our loving, healthy, Christ-centered marriages would serve as a witness to those who have yet to believe.
Pray that Jesus would return soon so that we could enjoy the marriage feast of the Lamb forever!
Renewed Bodies | 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
During this first month of our All Things New series we are encouraging everyone to join us in a month of focused, intentional prayer. Don’t forget to check out our prayer guide to participate.
Discussion Questions
Which of the two ditches—worship of the body or denigration of the body—are you personally more prone toward? How do you see these ditches playing out in our broader culture or in your smaller communities?
Read through 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10 and notice the way that Paul speaks of the physical body. What observations do you have? How does our future hope help us in our present distress?
Why is embodied worship such an important practice for followers of Jesus? Discuss things like raising hands or kneeling while singing, the physical acts of communion and baptism, even the value of in-person conversation (as opposed to digital). Why did God make things this way?
Where do you sense the loving conviction of the Spirit as it relates to “honoring God with your body”? Is there sin that you need to flee from? Is there training you need to embrace?
Prayer Points
Pray that we would use our bodies to glorify God. Pray that we would flee from sin and instead, use our bodies to love and serve others.
Pray that we would live as one larger, unified church body made up of many smaller parts.
Pray for the return of Jesus and the restoration of all things, including our bodies.
Renewed Hearts | Psalm 23
During this first month of our All Things New series we are encouraging everyone to join us in a month of focused, intentional prayer. Don’t forget to check out our prayer guide to participate.
Discussion Questions:
When was a time that you feared you would do without? How did God show Himself faithful in that situation?
Describe a time that God used gentle nudging to correct your course, to discipline you.
Do you ever find yourself ungrateful? How can you integrate gratitude into your life?
If you don’t practice Silence and Solitude in your personal spiritual practices, what keeps you from doing so?
Prayer Points:
Join and follow along in our month of dedicated, collective prayers by going to https://www.soundcitybiblechurch.com/articles.