- Services
- Groups
- Ministries
- Media
- Resources
- Locations
- Campaign
- About Us
Growth Group Handouts
1 Peter 1:3, Week #3, 01-22-12, Real You, Trials
January 22, 2012, Finding the Real You, Week 3 of 17, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Hope amidst Trials
I PETER - FINDING THE REAL YOU
Growth Group Discussion Questions
Week #3: January 22, 2012
“Real Hope Amidst Trials”
Evergreen News
• Evergreen University begins 1/23 – Spir Disciplines, FPU, Crave, FTBT (2/27)
• Couples Conference, 2/10-11 @ Double-Tree in Mpls
• Mid-Winter Singles Conference, 2/28 @ Evergreen-Bloomington
Warm-Up
If you could describe yourself using 3 words, they would be…
Catch-Up
Reflect on the weekend message… Was there anything that God impressed on your heart?
Bible Passages & Discussion Questions
Break into Tiny Groups of 3-5 people (if married, break into men’s & women’s sub-groups)
The Christians that were scattered across 5 provinces receiving Peter's letter were suffering great persecution. The trials they were being subjected to were brutal, and they needed encouragement. Peter wrote them to encourage the suffering Christians within Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia to stand firm in the true grace of God. To set their sights Heavenward. He reminded them that the great grief they were feeling and trials they were experiencing, if responded to appropriately, would purify their faith and, in the end, result in great praise, glory and honor.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (I Peter 1:3-9 NIV)
1. What truths was Peter communicating to encourage the scattered believers?
2. What promises are revealed in this passage?
3. How do trials purify our faith?
4. What does Peter mean when he says "greatly rejoice"? How do we do this in the middle of heavy trials?
5. Where is Peter encouraging the Christians to find real "living" hope?
Application
6. What trials are you facing right now? (Emotional or physical? Social? Made fun of/teased? Ignored? Financial struggles? Etc.)
7. What makes it hard for you to "greatly rejoice"? What have you learned from this message/passage that can help you?
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
The Bible tells the growing Christian to expect persecution. 1 Peter 4:12 emphatically states that "we are not to be surprised" when persecution comes, or think that "some strange thing" is happening to us when we are persecuted as Christians. (See also Acts 14:22; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 John 3:13.)
8. Are you “surprised” by some kind of persecution for your faith – that perhaps should not surprise you?
Prayer
Pray for the person on your left – as he responds to trials/persecutions in his life.
1 Peter 1:3, Week #3, 01-22-12, Real You, Trials
Week #3 of 17, 1 Peter 1:3-9, Hope Amidst Trials, January 22 2012
I PETER - FINDING THE REAL YOU
Growth Group Discussion Questions
Week #3: January 22, 2012
“Real Hope Amidst Trials”
Evergreen News
• Evergreen University begins 1/23 – Spir Disciplines, FPU, Crave, FTBT (2/27)
• Couples Conference, 2/10-11 @ Double-Tree in Mpls
• Mid-Winter Singles Conference, 2/28 @ Evergreen-Bloomington
Warm-Up
If you could describe yourself using 3 words, they would be…
Catch-Up
Reflect on the weekend message… Was there anything that God impressed on your heart?
Bible Passages & Discussion Questions
Break into Tiny Groups of 3-5 people (if married, break into men’s & women’s sub-groups)
The Christians that were scattered across 5 provinces receiving Peter's letter were suffering great persecution. The trials they were being subjected to were brutal, and they needed encouragement. Peter wrote them to encourage the suffering Christians within Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia Minor, and Bithynia to stand firm in the true grace of God. To set their sights Heavenward. He reminded them that the great grief they were feeling and trials they were experiencing, if responded to appropriately, would purify their faith and, in the end, result in great praise, glory and honor.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (I Peter 1:3-9 NIV)
1. What truths was Peter communicating to encourage the scattered believers?
2. What promises are revealed in this passage?
3. How do trials purify our faith?
4. What does Peter mean when he says "greatly rejoice"? How do we do this in the middle of heavy trials?
5. Where is Peter encouraging the Christians to find real "living" hope?
Application
6. What trials are you facing right now? (Emotional or physical? Social? Made fun of/teased? Ignored? Financial struggles? Etc.)
7. What makes it hard for you to "greatly rejoice"? What have you learned from this message/passage that can help you?
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12
The Bible tells the growing Christian to expect persecution. 1 Peter 4:12 emphatically states that "we are not to be surprised" when persecution comes, or think that "some strange thing" is happening to us when we are persecuted as Christians. (See also Acts 14:22; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 John 3:13.)
8. Are you “surprised” by some kind of persecution for your faith – that perhaps should not surprise you?
Prayer
Pray for the person on your left – as he responds to trials/persecutions in his life.
1 Peter 1:1, Week#2, 01/15/12, Real You, New Birth
01/15/12 - New Birth
Finding The Real You - Week #2 - 01/15/12 - New Birth
Seeking and Finding God - Week #8 - November 20
seek, find, purpose
“Seeking and Finding God”
Growth Group Discussion Questions
Week #8: November 18
“Savoring His Purpose”
Evergreen News
- Baptisms on Sunday, 12/4, call Pastor Jeff at 612.250.3539
- Women’s Christmas Tea on 12/3
- Singles Masquerade Christmas Party on 12/10
- Christmas Services on Weds 12/23 @ 7:15 & Thurs 12/24 @ 2:15 & 4:15
Warm-Up
- Have you ever wondered about God’s purpose for your life? Briefly describe.
- Have you ever taken a Spiritual Gifts test? What would you say are your gift areas? What do you think others would say?
Break into Tiny Groups of 3-5 people
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
- What does this tell us about the source and purpose our natural gifts?
- How would you define “good works” in this passage?
- Looking at this passage, would you say it’s important that we take our purpose seriously?
Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Matthew 8:19-20 (NIV)
- What does this passage tell us about the cost of following Jesus?
- How can living our purpose/gifting cost us? Give some practical examples.
- Is God’s purpose worth following if it makes life less secure or comfortable?
Read the following 3 passages:
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. John 4:31-34 (NIV)
- Looking at these three verses, why should we trust God enough to let go of our own plans/preferences and embrace his calling for our life?
- What makes this hard to do sometimes? What are the obstacles?
- Looking at these passages, would you say God’s call is a delight or burden?
Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (NIV)
- Here we see some of the extreme cost Paul paid for following his purpose from God. Do you think these trials mean he had the wrong purpose?
- Is it possible to have greater joy and greater trials at the same time? Explain.
Application:
- Have you ever prayed, “Lord, I’m available. Show me your purpose for me.” Why or why not?
- Is it hard for you to trust God’s call on yourlife? Why or why not?
- Take turns praying. Tailor your prayers to where you’re at right now. For example:
o “Lord help me to trust you with my whole life”
o “Lord, I’m available to you. Please show me what you want me to do.”
o “Lord, I feel I’m doing what you want me to do, but please tell me tell me if you want me to change, add or subtract anything.”
o Etc.
Seeking and Finding God - Week #7 - November 13
The Flavor or Intimacy with God
http://www.evergreenbloomington.com/uploads/service_notes/GG Week%237 11-13-11.doc
Seeking and Finding God - October 9
Weekend Service - October 9
“Seeking and Finding God”
Growth Group Discussion Questions
Week #2: October 9
“God’s Presence in Us”
Evergreen News
· Women’s Mentoring Info Meeting, Sunday 10/16 @ 1pm, room 200
· Harvest Carnival, Sunday 10/30 @ 5-7pm
· Prayer Walk @ church, 11/19, 2-hr slots from 9am to 9pm
Warm-Up
1. The journal asked you every day this past week, What is God speaking to you about? What “message” did God put on your heart to share? Who is someone you can share this message with? Would a few from the group share their responses?
2. Why is it such a privilege to be in the presence of God?
Bible Passage & Discussion Questions – Break into Tiny Groups of 3-5 people
5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged. 12 “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ 16 “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.” 17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.” John 16:5–18 (NLT)
1. What are the disciples feeling now? And have you felt this way at times? And this emotion is keeping them from understanding something (v. 17) – what is it?
2. How would you paraphrase the three “works” of the Spirit (vv. 8-11)? Therefore, why is it good that Jesus goes away?
3. The word “convict” means “to bring to light, to expose, to refute, to convict and convince.” Describe a time when the Spirit “convicted” you. Was it hard? Was it good? What happened?
Application
How can you be in position (available/attentive) to hear from the Holy Spirit more?
Prayer
Please pray briefly & out-loud for the person on your right to hear more frequently from the Spirit.
GG Handout #4 PROVERBS 5-22-11
How to Get Wisdom - sb speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
GG Handout #3 PROVERBS 5-15-11
Guard Your Heart - bk speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
GG Handout #2 PROVERBS 5-08-11
Marriage, Men & Submission - sb speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
Growth Group End-of-Year Survey 2011
1-page Survey for GG leaders & 1-page Survey for GG members - 2011
Download GG Survey HERE
GG Handout #1 PROVERBS 5-01-11
The Fear of the Lord - bk speaking
Download GG Discussion Sheet HERE
GG Handout #15 1-Thessalonians 4-17-11
Prayer - sb speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
GG Handout #14 1-Thessalonians 4-8-11
“How To Pursue Peace at Home and At Church” BK speaking
Download Discussion Sheet HERE.
GG Handout #13 1-Thessalonians 4-01-11
When is the END? Part 3 of 3… BK speaking
Download GG Discussion Sheet HERE
GG Handout #12 1-Thessalonians 3-27-11
When is the END? Part 2 of 3… BK speaking
Download GG Discussion Sheet HERE
GG Handout #11 1-Thessalonians 3-20-11
The End is Near - Wk 1 - BK speaking
Download GG Discussion Sheets HERE
GG Handout #10 1-Thessalonians 3-13-11
Comfort in Death - SB speaking
Download GG Discussion Sheet HERE
GG Handout #9 1-Thessalonians 3-6-11
Love - SB speaking
Download GG Handout HERE
GG Handout #8 1-Thessalonians 2-27-11
Standing Strong; Bringing God to Work - BK/SB speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
GG Handout #7 1-Thessalonians 2-20-11
Standing Strong; Sexual Purity - SB speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
GG Handout #6 1-Thessalonians 2-13-11
Standing Strong; Cave In or Stand Strong? - BK speaking
Download GG Sheet HERE
GG Handout #5 1-Thessalonians 2-6-11
Standing Strong; Becoming A Person God Can Use - SB speaking
Find GG sheet here
GG Handout #4 1-Thessalonians 1-30-11
Becoming a Person God Can Use - part 2 - BK speaking
Download the handout HERE
Growth Group Question for Jan 21 - 23
Standing Strong – 1 Thessalonians #3
Download the GG handout here.
Growth Group Question for Jan 14 - 16
Standing Strong – 1 Thessalonians #2
Download the GG handout here.
Discussion Questions #1 - january 9 - 2011
Standing Strong - 1 Thessolonians - 01/09/11
