Small group questions.
Use these with your small group or on your own this week.
Connection
- What do you remember most from last week’s sermon?
- How did you hear God’s voice or sense His presence this past week?
- What are you looking forward to most this week?
Reflection
- Summarize this week’s sermon in one to three sentences. What was the main point of the message?
- What did the message say about you, God’s people or the world?
Application
- What influences your thinking more than you might realize? Pastor Ryan talked about how our beliefs shape the way we see the world and live our lives. What are some ideas, cultural influences, or personal beliefs you’ve picked up over the years that might not actually align with Jesus? How do you recognize when your thinking needs to change?
Additional reading: Romans 12:2 - Do you ever find yourself living as though Jesus isn’t enough? Paul reminds us that we are complete in Christ, not through religious traditions, good works, or anything else we add to our faith. Have you ever felt like you needed to do more to earn God’s approval? What would change in your life if you truly believed you were complete in Christ?
Additional reading: Ephesians 2:8–10 - Pastor Ryan shared how he once justified lying and manipulating people in his sales career without recognizing how sinful it was. Have you ever looked back at something you used to do and realized it was wrong, even though it seemed perfectly normal at the time? What helped you recognize it? How has following Jesus changed your understanding of right and wrong?
- Paul says that Jesus made us alive, not simply better. What’s the difference? Think about your life before following Jesus compared to today. Where have you experienced genuine transformation rather than just improved behavior? Are there areas of your life where you’re still trying to improve yourself instead of allowing Christ to transform you?
Additional reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - Pastor Ryan declared, “Death has lost its sting! Sin has lost its power! Shame has lost its grip! Guilt has lost its claim!” Which of those statements means the most to you personally, and why? If Jesus has already canceled our debt and defeated the powers of evil, why do you think so many Christians still struggle with guilt, shame, and fear? What would it look like for you to live more confidently in Christ’s victory this week?
