The Waiting Church (Acts 1:1-11)

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Due to the numerous requests that we've received from our small group leaders, we will now be offering the sermon-based study guides every week, with the exception of holiday weeks when most small groups will not be meeting. So regardless of whether the Real Community small groups are in session or not, we will continue to offer these studies.

SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
The book of Acts is the story of the early church, which filled with the Holy Spirit, exercised an irresistible influence that transformed the surrounding culture. Acts is filled with issues that churches still face today – crisis over leadership, money, ethnic divisions, persecution, change, missions, and morality – to name just a few. As we begin our journey through the book of Acts, we are faced with the reality of waiting on God and how difficult it can be. However, through the spiritual discipline of waiting, in prayer and with others, the church grows in humility and hope, becoming the irresistible church that it’s meant to be.


GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. Have you ever waited in line for a very long time to watch your favorite performer, or to buy something you really wanted? Why were you willing to wait so long? Was the wait worth it? Briefly share your experience.
2. Have you ever waited for something that you weren’t sure was ever going to happen? How did it make you feel? On the other hand, have you ever waited for something that you knew for sure was going to happen? How was the wait in this case different from the wait in the previous case?
3. What would be some good reasons for making someone wait? As you look back into your life, what valuable lessons have you learned through waiting?


INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Briefly explain.

2. Read Luke 2:21-40:

“21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then had been a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.”

• In verses 21-24 we see that even though Jesus transcended the Law, he was raised in a context of strict observance to the Law. What does that tell us about how we should live our lives in this age while waiting for the fullness of the age to come?
• Who was Simeon? How was he described by Luke? (v. 25) Do you believe that these characteristics of Simeon increased his ability to hear from the Holy Spirit?
• What does it mean to be “righteous and devout”? As we wait on the Lord, how can we be “righteous and devout”? What was Anna’s attitude as she waited on the Lord? (v. 37)
• What was Simeon waiting for? What was the promise that had been given to him by the Holy Spirit? (vv. 25-26)
• What was Simeon’s response to the fulfillment of the promise given to him? (v. 28) What was Anna’s response to seeing Jesus? (v. 38) Have you ever responded in a similar fashion? Briefly share your experience.
• How did Jesus fulfill both Simeon’s expectation for the consolation of Israel and Anna’s expectation for the redemption of Jerusalem? (vv. 25, 38)

3. Take some time to share with the group about some of the things you are waiting on the Lord for.

• Has waiting on the Lord brought you closer to Him? Why or why not?
• What role, if any, has your small group played as you wait?
• What are some practical things you can do to encourage the members of your group as they wait on the Lord.
• Please allow plenty of time at the end of your group to wait on the Holy Spirit and to pray for one another, especially for those who are struggling as they wait on the Lord.

Boasting in the Cross (Galatians 6:11-18)

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD


SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
The cross is the logo and trademark of the Christian faith. Contrary to conceptions that it is too morbid or shameful of a symbol, Paul speaks in this passage about boasting in the cross. It is not Christ’s example or teaching that Paul boasts in, but the cross, which is the central thing in the Gospels. It is also the central feature in Paul’s letters, the New Testament, and the Church. The cross is an unexpected and undesirable means of liberation and salvation, and it offends every religion and people group. The cross has power to transform us; if we make it central to our lives, it will never fail us like other things in which we find our identity.


GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. As you think about your life, of what accomplishments are you the most proud?
2. Do you think of the events of your life more fondly in hindsight, or as you live them out in the present?
3. When you talk about your faith, on what portions do you focus? Is it difficult to discuss the relevance and necessity of the cross? If so, why do you think that is?
4. When you think of God’s justice, do you tend to think of God responding to your sins, or responding to the sins of others?



INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Briefly explain.

2. Read Numbers 21:4-9:

“4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"
6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people.8 The LORD said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.”

• What was the attitude of the Israelites as they were walking (vv. 4-5)? Who does the author say that they complained against (v. 5)? What are the attributes of the desert that play into the Israelites’ complaints? In your own life, have you made a connection between complaining and feeling like you were in the desert? Briefly share.
• What strikes you as odd about the nature of the complaints in verse 5? Knowing what you know of Israel’s story, had they not also complained about being slaves in Egypt? What does it mean that they complained that there was “no bread” when they go on to state that they “detest this miserable food?” How does a sense of entitlement blind us to what God has already provided? Discuss this reality in your own lives.
• Why does God send the venomous snakes (v. 6)? What was God showing the Israelites? Do you think that God was showing them what life would be like without His blessing and protection? What does it say about God’s character that He was also quick to provide a cure (v. 8)?
• What were the Israelites focused on when things went wrong (v.5)? What were they focused on that persuaded God to provide a cure (v.7)?
• Did God provide a cure, or did He take the snakes away? Why? What do you suppose would have happened if the Israelites instead had focused on killing the snakes instead of their sinful actions? In your own lives do you focus on the condition of your heart, or do you focus more on what you want God to take away that is unpleasant? Briefly discuss.
• What do the venomous snakes represent? What does the snake on the pole represent – who else was put up on a pole to bring a cure to our sinful nature? What was the outcome of being bitten here (v.6)? What does that say about the effects of sin?
• What did the Israelites have to do to be healed? Something of their own strength or effort, or merely to look upon a cure? If we’ve all been “bitten” by sin, where must our focus be? On our sin? Or on the cure that was raised up? What does it look like for us to stop focusing on sin and to have the discipline to look at the cross? Don’t settle for easy answers here; discuss concrete actions.



3. “The desert” is a popular metaphor for spiritual dryness, feelings of abandonment, and isolation throughout Christian history. It also often literally represents these qualities in stories throughout the Bible. Ask your group if any among them feels like they are in a “desert” time of life right now, whether it is through joblessness, isolation, illness, strained relationships, etc. Gather around them to pray as a whole group or a few large groups. Invite the Holy Spirit to give the gifts of His favor and presence, as well as encouraging the individuals to focus on the cross that offers permanent victory and healing.

Sowing and Reaping (Galatians 6:6-10)

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD


SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Reaping and sowing is the basic recipe of how God created the world to work. In general, and particularly in regard to character formation, if you sow good things in wisdom, you will reap good things. The gospel makes it possible to not be doomed forever to the results of our poor choices. We are free to begin sowing good at any time with God’s help. We can be released from the trend of reaping bad things. The Apostle Paul warns that God is not deceived by appearances. Even if you convince those around you that everything is coming up good in your life, God is not fooled, and you will ultimately reap destruction. On the plus side, if we sow to please the Spirit, we will reap eternal life with God.


GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. What are your plans for the summer?
2. Have you ever done something to be helpful that had the opposite effect? Please share.
3. When you buy a gift for someone, do you prefer it to be something practical, or something that is either sentimental or something that the recipient would not buy for themselves?
4. When you think of God’s will, do you typically think in terms of major life decisions and direction, or of the way God wishes us to treat others around us? Discuss briefly.


INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Briefly explain.

2. Read Matthew 25:31-46:

“18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.' 44 "They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?' 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."”

• Who does the “Son of Man” refer to in verse 31? Is anyone exempt from this scene of judgment (v. 32)? What is the significance of the Son of Man placing the sheep on his right (note where the Son of Man sits compared to God the Father in Matthew 26:64)? Which side then, has Jesus positioned in between them and God the Father: those on Jesus’ left, or His right?
• What kind of things did the sheep sow to reap eternal life with God (vv. 35-36)? What do all of these acts have in common? What does this emphasis on people in need say about God’s character?
• Were the sheep aware that God was noting their actions favorably (vv. 37-38)? What does this say about service in the kingdom of God and the nature of the kingdom of God? Is the kingdom always visible to us? Is “kingdom work” often loud and flashy, or quiet and unseen by crowds?
• Do you get the impression that the sheep were busy tracking all the good they were doing (vv. 37-38)? If the sheep had been focused on doing “great things for God,” do you suppose that they would have lived their lives in the same way? Briefly discuss this based on your own life.
• What is the reason these good works matter to Jesus (v. 40)? Why does Jesus make a point of referring to His “brothers” as the ones that were helped (v. 40)?
• Consult Matthew 7:21-23 and compare it to Matthew 25:41-45 above. Do we get to plead our case before Jesus, telling Him all the wonderful things we feel we have done for Him? In Matthew 25:41-45, Jesus points to the inactivity of the condemned. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus points to their activity, but both groups are condemned. Why do you think God is pleased by the activity of the sheep in this passage? Briefly discuss.

3. In his sermon, Rich talked about sowing and reaping things of eternal worth. Often, we live with a subconscious idea of when and what kind of reward we should get for our efforts. In the above passage, we learn that reaping ultimately comes when we stand before Jesus as condemned or approved.

As a group, pray over the following questions:
• Think of particular disappointments in your life. In hindsight, were you looking more to a certain earthly reward more than the ultimate reward, approval in the eyes of Christ?
• If you have been discouraged by not seeing any good coming from all your efforts, what has been your response? Thinking that God is less good than you previously believed? Giving up on your efforts? Ceasing to pray about the issue?

As a group, pray that God’s Spirit would grant you His encouragement and His power to choose to keep on sowing good things. Repent of any ways that you have given up on or underestimated God, and receive the power of God’s forgiveness that can free you to resume sowing good things.

Helping Someone You Love Find Freedom (Galatians 6:1-5)

Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD


SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Individualism is the number one threat to our Christian freedom and growth. If we truly want to be free, we must be in relationship with other Christians. It is not just us and God. Everyone falls into a trap of sin at some point in their lives. To get out of the trap of sin and be restored to health and freedom, we need to open up our lives to other Christians. This creates the only context for true restoration and freedom: Christian community. We aid in restoring our brothers and sisters through prayer and bearing each others’ burdens. Gentleness and caution are required as we help restore one another, or we may also fall prey to the same traps of sin. This helps us to become an interdependent family who assist each other in times of need.


GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.

1. What situations make you feel the most impatient? Describe a recent situation where you lost your patience.
2. Has anyone ever enthusiastically helped you when you felt like you were being an absolute burden to them? Please share your experience.
3. When you get impatient, is it because you feel you have been wronged, or because someone else has been wronged?
4. Where have you seen God be most patient with you? Briefly share.


INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
1. In 5 minutes or less. Briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Briefly explain.

2. Read I Corinthians 12:18-27:

“18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

• Hoes does Paul describe the relationship between Christians (v. 18)? Do we have a say in what part of the body that we play? Why do you think that God does not let us choose which part of the body we would like to be (v. 19)?
• Read verses 21 and 22. What are the consequences of alienating and not bearing with people in our community? Are these serious or very minor consequences?
• Why does Paul bother to emphasize that God honors parts of the body that lack honor? If God gives “honor to the parts that lacked it” (v. 24), what are we to do with these parts of the body?
• As a Christian, do we get to choose to be part of the body or not? If we are all members of the body of Christ whether we like it or not, who all are we hurting by ignoring, isolating, or devaluing a member of our body? How much concern should we have for each person/part of the body (v.25)?
• Being part of a body means that we should each feel things happening to other parts of the body (v.26). Is this true of your life? How does the image of a body aid us in carrying out Paul’s command in Galatians 6:2 to “bear one another’s burdens?” If people around you feel like a burden, do you see them as part of your body, or as someone you consider completely apart from you?



3. In his sermon, Rich said:
“If you are carrying a load, friend, have you considered the fact that God may want to help you carry it through the assistance of your brothers and sisters? Don’t push away the help that God wants to give you because of your pride or your self-sufficiency. The way you are going to know in a deeper way that God loves you, that God is there for you, that God cares about you, you who are overwhelmed, is by bringing into the light a burden, a concern, a sin with brothers and sisters who could help you.”

As members of one body, it is imperative to aid in restoring broken, hurting parts of that body to full health. Take some time to do the following:
1. Spend time waiting on God. Ask Him to reveal areas where folks are burdened, particularly areas where they have not asked for help.
2. Ask people to share these things. Follow up by having several people lay affirming hands on each person and pray for their restoration. Please follow up in the upcoming weeks to offer continued support.