2 Cities Church Podcast

Big Idea: Love is the root system that allows you to reach toward Heaven.1 Corinthians 13:1-13I. Love is greatest1 Corinthians 13:1-3If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give away all my possessions, and if I give over my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. II. Love has grit1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.III. Love lasts 1 Corinthians 13:8-13Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known. Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.Next Steps: Believe: I accept the love of Jesus for the first time today.Become: I will ask God to help me love like him this week. Be Sent: I will show God's love to someone in need this week.Discussion Questions: Besides the cross, what is the greatest act of love you've ever witnessed? How does biblical love differ from other forms of love, such as romantic or friendship love?Does love separate people from the animals?  Explain your answer.What would you say to someone who says they are “falling out of love”?What aspect of love in 1 Corinthians 13 do you need to work on this week?How will you let love guide the way you use your spiritual gifts this week?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you accept and show God's love this week. 

Big Idea: God sets the order of service for his church.  It's up to us to keep it orderly.1 Corinthians 14:26-40What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything is to be done for building up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, there are to be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no interpreter, that person is to keep silent in the church and speak to himself and God. Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. And the prophets' spirits are subject to the prophets, since God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but are to submit themselves, as the law also says. If they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home, since it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. Or did the word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only? If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord's command. If anyone ignores this, he will be ignored. So then, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything is to be done decently and in order.I. If prophecy is so important, why do so many people want to speak in tongues?II. If someone is speaking in tongues and no one is around to interpret, what should I do?III. What is the "purpose" of praying in tongues?IV. Why do some people accept 1-2 gifts but reject the others?  Are they a package deal?V. Because you spoke a word of prophecy, does that give you the title “prophet”?Next Steps: Believe: I need the Holy Spirit to give me the gift of new life today.Become: I will learn or develop my spiritual gift(s) this week. Be Sent: I will use my spiritual gift to grow Jesus's Kingdom.Discussion Questions: Where or to whom do you look when you are confused about spiritual issues?Who do you turn to first? Why?How can you tell if someone speaking in tongues is genuine?How confident are you that your source for answers aligns completely with the Bible?When is the last time you heard a word of prophecy?  What made you certain it was prophecy?What would you say to someone who is using their spiritual gift to draw attention or praise to themself?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you push back darkness this week. 

Big Idea: “… that same prophet must die.”1 Corinthians 14:1-25Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. So now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I speak to you with a revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds—whether flute or harp—if they don't make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized? In fact, if the bugle makes an unclear sound, who will prepare for battle? In the same way, unless you use your tongue for intelligible speech, how will what is spoken be known? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different kinds of languages in the world, none is without meaning. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker will be a foreigner to me. So also you—since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to excel in building up the church. Therefore the person who speaks in a tongue should pray that he can interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with my understanding. I will sing praise with the spirit, and I will also sing praise with my understanding. Otherwise, if you praise with the spirit, how will the outsider say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? For you may very well be giving thanks, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers and sisters, don't be childish in your thinking, but be infants in regard to evil and adult in your thinking. It is written in the law, I will speak to this people by people of other tongues and by the lips of foreigners, and even then, they will not listen to me, says the Lord. Speaking in tongues, then, is intended as a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church assembles together and all are speaking in tongues and people who are .......I. What does the gift of prophecy look like today?   Is it the same as in Old Testament times?II. How do you determine if someone's prophecies are from the Holy Spirit or some other spirit?III. Can someone tell me where to buy the winning lottery ticket?IV. What should I do when someone speaks a word of prophecy to me?Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to speak life into my soul today.Become: I want to live out God's words about me this week. Be Sent: I will speak words of life to someone this week.Discussion Questions: Have you ever heard a prophecy?Did you know at the time it was prophetic?  If so, how?Does the gift of prophecy today differ from the role of prophet in the Old Testament?Do you know someone who believed a false prophecy?  If so, what happened to them?Have you heard a word from the Holy Spirit about your church, your community, or you recently?  If so, explain.Can God give prophecy through unbelievers?  Explain your answer from Scripture. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you push back darkness this week. 

Big Idea: Why do tongues cause so much trouble in the church?1 Corinthians 12:27-31Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.I.    Should I pray for the gift of tongues?II.   Are all Christians supposed to speak in tongues?III.  Why don't we offer the chance for people to speak in tongues here?IV.   Do you have to be baptized by/in the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues?Next Steps: Believe: I need the gift of the Holy Spirit today.Become: I will develop my spiritual gift this week. Be Sent: I will use my spiritual gift to push back darkness this week.Discussion Questions: Do you know anyone with the gift of tongues?  If so, how do they use that gift to build God's kingdom?Do you know anyone with the gift of interpretation of tongues?  Did you receive all of the Holy Spirit when you became a Christian?  Explain your answer from Scripture.Which is better, the gift of tongues or the interpretation of tongues?Is it a sin not to use your spiritual gift?Since spiritual gifts come from God, is there anything you can do to grow them?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you develop your spiritual gift(s) this week. 

Big Idea: Which is better, unity or uniformity?1 Corinthians 12:12-26For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink. Indeed, the body is not one part but many. If the foot should say, “Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don't need you!” Or again, the head can't say to the feet, “I don't need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that are weaker are indispensable. And those parts of the body that we consider less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unrespectable parts are treated with greater respect, which our respectable parts do not need. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.I. Are spiritual gifts permanent?  II. Should we pray for (specific) spiritual gifts?III. If all gifts are important, why are some called “miracles”?Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to give me the gift of new life today.Become: I will honor someone else's gifts this week. Be Sent: I will use my gift to help someone who is suffering this week.Discussion Questions: What do you consider the most important spiritual need in the church right now?  Why?Have you taken a spiritual gift test more than once?  If so, did it change?How does seeing another person honored make you feel?How can you grow personally when others are being honored instead of you?How does it make you feel to give someone else praise for their efforts?How can the church grow stronger when individuals better understand their personal gifts?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you use your spiritual gift this week. 

Big Idea: Every Honest Question Deserves An Honest Answer.1 Corinthians 12:1-11I. God's greatest gift is the Holy Spirit.1 Corinthians 12:1-3Now concerning spiritual gifts: brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. II. God's gifts have equal worth in his eyes.1 Corinthians 12:4-6Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person.III. God gives gifts as He chooses.1 Corinthians 12:7-11A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues, to another, interpretation of tongues. One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he wills.Next Steps: Believe: I need the Holy Spirit to give me the gift of new birth today.Become: I will find my SPOT this week. Be Sent: I will use my gift to serve others.Discussion Questions: Do you believe that these same spiritual gifts continue to this day? Explain your answer. How can you discern whether a spiritual gift is being used in a way that glorifies God?What is a practical step you can take to ensure your gift is serving others well?How can you encourage others to recognize and utilize their spiritual gifts appropriately?How do you balance using your gifts for personal fulfillment versus serving others?How can you identify when a gift is being misused or misapplied, and what actions should you take in those situations?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help reveal your gift this week. 

Big Idea: Beware: the sin of the social gospel.1 Corinthians 11:17-34I. A Gospel that doesn't change lives is no gospel.1 Corinthians 11:17-19Now in giving this instruction I do not praise you, since you come together not for the better but for the worse. For to begin with, I hear that when you come together as a church there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. Indeed, it is necessary that there be factions among you, so that those who are approved may be recognized among you.II. Jesus's Gospel shatters all social barriers.1 Corinthians 11:20-22When you come together, then, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper. For at the meal, each one eats his own supper. So one person is hungry while another gets drunk! Don't you have homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I do not praise you in this matter!III. A church that promotes anything other than Christ Crucified isn't a church.1 Corinthians 11:23-26For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.IV. The seed of the Gospel takes root only in the heart.1 Corinthians 11:27-34So, then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sin against the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself; in this way let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. For whoever eats and drinks without recognizing the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself. This is why many are sick and ill among you, and many have fallen asleep. If we were properly judging ourselves, we would not be judged, but when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, welcome one another. If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you gather together you will not come under judgment. I will give instructions about the other matters whenever I come.Next Steps: Believe: I accept Jesus's Gospel for the first time today.Become: I will live my faith before unbelievers this week. Be Sent: I will explain the need for the cross to someone this week.Discussion Questions: Is it easier to talk to someone about their problems in society or their sin problems?  Explain your answer. How has the Gospel changed your views on society?What is an area that churches must be careful not to get distracted by?What difference will it make in Heaven if we change society but don't change people's souls?Do you know anyone who believes that God will accept them into Heaven because of the good deeds they do for others? If so, what does this view say about Jesus's death on the cross?Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you push back darkness this week. 

Big Idea: Never put society above Scripture!1 Corinthians 11:2-16I. Only your Creator can define your identity.1 Corinthians 11:2-6Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions just as I delivered them to you. But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ. Every man who prays or prophesies with something on his head dishonors his head. Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, since that is one and the same as having her head shaved. For if a woman doesn't cover her head, she should have her hair cut off. But if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her head be covered.II. God created the roles of human relationships.1 Corinthians 11:7-10A man should not cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God. So too, woman is the glory of man. For man did not come from woman, but woman came from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man. This is why a woman should have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.III. Honor God by honoring one another.1 Corinthians 11:11-12In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, and man is not independent of woman. For just as woman came from man, so man comes through woman, and all things come from God.IV. Nature doesn't set our example, but the God of nature does.1 Corinthians 11:13-16Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her as a covering. If anyone wants to argue about this, we have no other custom, nor do the churches of God.Next Steps: Believe: I surrender to my Creator today.Become: I will surrender my appearance to my King tomorrow. Be Sent: I want people to see that Jesus is worthy of my worship this week.Discussion Questions: Did your personal appearance honor Jesus last week? Explain your answer using Scripture. Do you still follow your parents' rules for dress in church?  Explain.Has anyone pushed their views on gender roles as if they were God's rules? How has gender identity affected your community? How do you distinguish God's commands from church tradition?Why does it honor God when you honor others before yourself?Pray for the Holy Spirit to be the only voice you listen to this week.

Big Idea: Every student wants to imitate their master.1 Corinthians 11:1Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.I. Just like Jesus.II. Just like Paul.III. Just like you.Next Steps: Believe: I want to start my walk with Jesus today.Become: I will walk more like Jesus tomorrow. Be Sent: I will start leading someone to walk with Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: Who introduced you to Jesus?  Who have you introduced to Jesus this year?What areas of your life look just like the Apostle Paul?  What areas of your life don't?Who would you consider your “master” in the faith?On a scale of 1-10.  How closely would you say you are following Christ?  Would you ask someone to follow Jesus exactly like you?  Explain your answer. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you whom to share Jesus with this week. 

Big Idea: Laying every decision at the throne of King Jesus.1 Corinthians 10:23-33I. Love people more than your personal freedom. 1 Corinthians 10:23-24“Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything builds up. No one is to seek his own good, but the good of the other person.II. Listen to the Holy Spirit over your conscience.1 Corinthians 10:25-30Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, without raising questions for the sake of conscience, since the earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it. If any of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions for the sake of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This is food from a sacrifice,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience. I do not mean your own conscience, but the other person's. For why is my freedom judged by another person's conscience? If I partake with thanksgiving, why am I criticized because of something for which I give thanks?III. Let others see Jesus through your personal conduct.1 Corinthians 10:31-33So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved.Next Steps: Believe: I want to start my relationship with Jesus today.Become: I will surrender every decision to Jesus this week. Be Sent: I will show love to someone far from Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: What are some everyday choices that your faith influenced this week?Did you make a decision last week that didn't align with your faith?How can you use Scripture to guide your decisions?When dealing with a tough decision, what steps do you take to make sure you don't choose poorly?What boundaries can you set to make better decisions this week?How will you invite Jesus into your decisions this week?Surrender your week to the Holy Spirit. 

Big Idea: Will you rise above your family's failures?1 Corinthians 10:1-22I. There are dark moments in every story. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5Now I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our ancestors were all under the cloud, all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless God was not pleased with most of them, since they were struck down in the wilderness.II. Knowing your family history won't change your future.1 Corinthians 10:6-11Now these things took place as examples for us, so that we will not desire evil things as they did. Don't become idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and got up to party. Let us not commit sexual immorality as some of them did, and in a single day twenty-three thousand people died. Let us not test Christ as some of them did and were destroyed by snakes. And don't grumble as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come.III. Every generation is tempted to turn from Jesus1 Corinthians 10:12-13So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.IV. Today is a chance to change the course for your family.1 Corinthians 10:14-22So then, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I am speaking as to sensible people. Judge for yourselves what I am saying. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, since all of us share the one bread. Consider the people of Israel. Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? What am I saying then? That food sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I do say that what they sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons! You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share in the Lord's table and the table of demons. Or are we provoking the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to wash away my sin today.Become: I will flee from temptation this week. Be Sent: I will set an example by my words and actions this week.Discussion Questions: If you could write a book about your family history, what would your title be?Are there any repetitive cycles in your family history?Have you learned a lesson from a family mistake?What is your vision for your family in 20 years? Are you working toward that vision?Since temptation is common in every generation, what can you do to prepare for it? Have you made a mistake that you hope the next generation will avoid?Ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to break a cycle of sin.

Big Idea: Why race, if not to win?1 Corinthians 9:15-27I. Sacrifice to prepare for the race. 1 Corinthians 9:15-18For my part I have used none of these rights, nor have I written these things that they may be applied in my case. For it would be better for me to die than for anyone to deprive me of my boast! For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if unwillingly, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? To preach the gospel and offer it free of charge and not make full use of my rights in the gospel. II. Stretch to get ready for the race.1 Corinthians 9:19-23Although I am free from all and not anyone's slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without the law, like one without the law—though I am not without God's law but under the law of Christ—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings.III. Strain for the prize at the end of the race.1 Corinthians 9:24-27Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize. Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown. So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.Next Steps: Believe: I want to start my journey with Jesus today.Become: I will run my race this week. Be Sent: I will stretch myself to help someone connect with Christ this week.Discussion Questions: What is the hardest sporting event you've ever finished?Have you ever started an event but didn't not finish (DNF)?What event have you prepared the longest and hardest for?Who currently serves as an example of the kind of faith you'd like to have? Have you found yourself trying to run someone else's race lately?Who do you know that needs to start a walk with Jesus?Pray for this person by name this week. 

Big Idea: No sacrifice is too great for … 1 Corinthians 9:1-14I. … the Gospel, 1 Corinthians 9:1-6Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, because you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. My defense to those who examine me is this: Don't we have the right to eat and drink? Don't we have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife like the other apostles, the Lord's brothers, and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I have no right to refrain from working?II. … God's people,1 Corinthians 9:7-11Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink the milk from the flock? Am I saying this from a human perspective? Doesn't the law also say the same thing? For it is written in the law of Moses, Do not muzzle an ox while it treads out grain. Is God really concerned about oxen? Isn't he really saying it for our sake? Yes, this is written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes should thresh in hope of sharing the crop. If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you?III. …, or the glory of King Jesus. 1 Corinthians 9:12-14If others have the right to receive benefits from you, don't we have an even greater right? Nevertheless, we have not exercised this right; instead, we endure all things so that we do not obstruct the gospel of Christ. Don't you know that those who conduct the temple services eat the food provided there, and those who serve at the altar share in the altar's offerings? Similarly, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should support themselves through the gospel.Next Steps: Believe: I offer my life to King Jesus for the first time today.Become: I will offer Jesus everything again tomorrow.Be Sent: I will sacrifice so that someone can start a relationship with Christ.Discussion Questions: What sacrifice did you make for King Jesus last week?Can you recall a time when you made a sacrifice for someone? How did it change your relationship?Are you in a loving relationship if one person refuses to sacrifice for another? Explain your answer.How do you balance your needs with the needs of those you love?How do you respond when your sacrifice goes unnoticed?What sacrifices will you make for King Jesus this week?Ask the Holy Spirit to help you surrender it all to Jesus again this week. 

Big Idea: Law will always push out love… if you let it.1 Corinthians 8:1-13I. Wisdom without love only hurts people.1 Corinthians 8:1-3Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks he knows anything, he does not yet know it as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, he is known by him.II. There's no greater sacrifice than the one that set you free. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.III. Let love set the limits of your liberty!  1 Corinthians 8:7-13However, not everyone has this knowledge. Some have been so used to idolatry up until now that when they eat food sacrificed to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not bring us close to God. We are not worse off if we don't eat, and we are not better if we do eat. But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, the one who has knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, won't his weak conscience be encouraged to eat food offered to idols? So the weak person, the brother or sister for whom Christ died, is ruined by your knowledge. Now when you sin like this against brothers and sisters and wound their weak conscience, you are sinning against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother or sister to fall, I will never again eat meat, so that I won't cause my brother or sister to fall.Next Steps: Believe: I surrender my life to King Jesus today.Become: I will build up someone's faith this week.Be Sent: I will serve someone far from Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: What does it look like in your life to give up your freedom to serve someone?Has there been a time when serving others brought you joy?Besides Jesus, who do you know who sacrifices to serve others?What fear holds most people back from serving others?How has your faith influenced your view of freedom?What is one thing you will do this week to serve someone far from Jesus this week?Surrender your freedom to the Holy Spirit this week. 

Big Idea: Every relationship grows stronger in better soil.1 Corinthians 7:25-40I. Beware- relationships are messy1 Corinthians 7:25-28Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I do give an opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is faithful. Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you.II. Be careful how much time you invest in human relationships1 Corinthians 7:29-31This is what I mean, brothers and sisters: The time is limited, so from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they didn't own anything, and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away.III. Be focused on your relationship to Christ1 Corinthians 7:32-35I want you to be without concerns. The unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the things of the world—how he may please his wife—and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but to promote what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction.IV. Be happily married1 Corinthians 7:36-40If any man thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage, and he feels he should marry—he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; they can get married. But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will) and has decided in his heart to keep her as his fiancée, will do well. So, then, he who marries his fiancée does well, but he who does not marry will do better. A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants—only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.Next Steps: Believe: I want to start my relationship with Jesus today.Become: I will put my relationship with Christ first this week. Be Sent: I will help someone start a relationship with Christ.Discussion Questions: What do you look for in a spouse or closest friendship?Do deep relationships come easily for you?  Explain your answer. Are your single friends happier than your married friends? Have you set some boundaries to protect your relationships from affecting your walk with Jesus? How quickly do you work through relationship problems? What patterns would make you walk away from a relationship?Surrender all your relationships to the Holy Spirit this week. 

Big Idea: Growing your relationship with Jesus will also grow every other relationship.  - Part 21 Corinthians 7:10-241. Marriage is a covenant from God.1 Corinthians 7:10-13To the married I give this command-not I, but the Lord-a wife is not to leave her husband. But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband-and a husband is not to divorce his wife. But I (not the Lord) say to the rest: If any brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce her husband.2. It reflects Christ and the Church. 1 Corinthians 7:14-16For the unbelieving husband is made holy by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy by the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife.3. Live for God where you are right now. 1 Corinthians 7:17-20Let each one live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches. Was anyone already circumcised when he was called? He should not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? He should not get circumcised. Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter. Keeping God's commands is what matters. Let each of you remain in the situation in which he was called.4. Allow God into your situation1 Corinthians 7:21-24Were you called while a slave? Don't let it concern you. But if you can become free, by all means take the opportunity. For he who is called by the Lord as a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called as a free man is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of people. Brothers and sisters, each person is to remain with God in the situation in which he was called.Next Steps: Believe: I need God to restore my relationship this week.Become: I will seek God in my relationship today. Be Sent: I will set the example as a spouse, single, divorced, or widowed this week. Discussion Questions:1.    Do you feel God intends for everyone or most people to get married? Why or why not?2.    How would you deal with being in an unequally yoked marriage?3.    What are your thoughts on divorce?4.    In what ways can believers direct their current marital or single life for the glory of God?5.    Do you judge people who are single between 25-50, and wonder why they haven't gotten married and have kids?6.    How does Paul's teaching on marriage challenge or affirm your personal views?7.    How can the church better support both single and married individuals?8.    Pray for people in whatever status (married or single) they are in this week.

Big Idea: Growing your relationship with Jesus will also grow every other relationship. 1 Corinthians 7:1-9I. Sex can't take the place of Jesus 1 Corinthians 7:1-2Now in response to the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband.II. A spouse can't replace Jesus1 Corinthians 7:3-5A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband. A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does. Do not deprive one another—except when you agree for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again; otherwise, Satan may tempt you because of your lack of self-control.III. Singleness is a gift from Jesus1 Corinthians 7:6-7I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all people were as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one person has this gift, another has that.IV. Self-control is only possible through Jesus 1 Corinthians 7:8-9I say to the unmarried and to widows: It is good for them if they remain as I am. But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, since it is better to marry than to burn with desire.Next Steps: Believe: I surrender my life to Jesus today.Become: I surrender my relationships to Jesus today.Be Sent: I will help someone develop a relationship with Jesus this week. Discussion Questions: What is your most important relationship right now?  Why? Do your most important relationships always come easily? Has Jesus ever radically changed one of your relationships? If so, explain.Do you view single people as missing something in their lives? If singleness is a gift from God, can marriage also be a gift from God?Where do you need relationship self-control today?Surrender control of all your relationships to the Holy Spirit this week

Big Idea: Only the Gospel can free you from your flesh.1 Corinthians 6:12-20I. Your body no longer belongs to you1 Corinthians 6:12-14“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. God raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.II. …because you are Christ's body.1 Corinthians 6:15-17Don't you know that your bodies are a part of Christ's body? So should I take a part of Christ's body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! Don't you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.III. But your body still matters. 1 Corinthians 6:18Flee sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the person who is sexually immoral sins against his own body.IV. So, fill your body with what matters most.1 Corinthians 6:19-20Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.Next Steps: Believe: I surrender my body and my soul to Christ today.Become: I surrender my body to Christ all over again today.Be Sent: I will be his body to someone far from Christ this week.Discussion Questions: If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?  Why?Are there some religious rules you no longer feel like you need to follow?  If so, what and why?Did someone see your good deed and praise your Father in Heaven last week (Matthew 5:16)?How exactly does Christ change a person when they become a Christian? (I.E. looks, personality, desires, habits, etc.)Is there a habit that we can pray for Jesus to give you the power over?  How will you surrender your flesh to the Holy Spirit this week?Pray for the Holy Spirit to have greater control over your flesh this week. 

Big Idea: Let others take all they can today; we embrace eternal ethics!1 Corinthians 6:1-11I. Judge here like you're preparing for Heaven.1 Corinthians 6:1-4If any of you has a dispute against another, how dare you take it to court before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Or don't you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the trivial cases? Don't you know that we will judge angels—how much more matters of this life? So if you have such matters, do you appoint as your judges those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame!II. It's better to be wronged than to do wrong.1 Corinthians 6:5-8Can it be that there is not one wise person among you who is able to arbitrate between fellow believers? Instead, brother goes to court against brother, and that before unbelievers! As it is, to have legal disputes against one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat—and you do this to brothers and sisters! As it is, to have legal disputes against one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves do wrong and cheat—and you do this to brothers and sisters!III. Live as someone with a past, not controlled by it.1 Corinthians 6:9-11Don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or males who have sex with males, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom. And some of you used to be like this. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to free me from my past today.Become: I will not let my past sins control me this week. Be Sent: I will explain to someone how Jesus has changed me. Discussion Questions: How did you focus on eternity this week?How can you prepare yourself to judge the world and angels this week?Did you give up some temporary pleasure this week because it dishonored God?  If so, explain. How do you respond when someone in the faith wrongs you?  What about someone outside the faith?Are you embarrassed by your past, or do you embrace how Jesus has rescued you from it? How will you live for eternity tomorrow?Ask God to help you share how Jesus saved you this week. 

Big Idea: Living like King Jesus- different but not disconnected!1 Corinthians 5:9-13I. Double down on those dead in sin. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with sexually immoral people. I did not mean the immoral people of this world or the greedy and swindlers or idolaters; otherwise you would have to leave the world.II. Expect forgiveness of each other.1 Corinthians 5:11But actually, I wrote you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister and is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbally abusive, a drunkard or a swindler. Do not even eat with such a person.III. Leave repentance up to God1 Corinthians 5:12-13For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders? Don't you judge those who are inside? God judges outsiders. Remove the evil person from among you.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to forgive my sins today.Become: I will ask for and expect forgiveness this week. Be Sent:  I will meet with someone far from Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: What ratio of time did Jesus spend with sinners compared to people in church?Did you interact with someone far from Jesus last week? If so, explain.How close was your ratio of time compared to Jesus' last week?How were you different from those far from Jesus last week?Do you tend to judge sinners harshly and saints easily? Who do you know who claims to follow Jesus but lives like the world?Pray for this person to repent and live like Jesus this week. 

Big Idea: It's better to abandon your brother to Satan than to ignore his sin.1 Corinthians 5:1-8I. The Church's Purpose. 1 Corinthians 5:1It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated among the Gentiles—a man is sleeping with his father's wife. II. The church's Pain.1 Corinthians 5:2-3And you are arrogant! Shouldn't you be filled with grief and remove from your congregation the one who did this? Even though I am absent in the body, I am present in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who has been doing such a thing.III. The church's Power.1 Corinthians 5:4-5When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus, and I am with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, hand that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.IV. The Church's Purity.1 Corinthians 5:6-8Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough? Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as indeed you are. For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us observe the feast, not with old leaven or with the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.Next Steps: Believe: I need to be rescued from Satan's grip today.Become: I want to join a Life Group today. Be Sent: I will push back darkness this week. Discussion Questions: How did you push back darkness last week?Have you ever been part of a church that practiced discipline? Why don't most churches practice discipline?What does it say to society about a church that openly tolerates sin?Have you influenced someone's eternity lately?  Explain. Who do you know who is in the clutches of Satan? Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict them this week. 

Big Idea: The rescue mission was a triumph!Galatians 1:3-5I. Rest despite the battle around youGalatians 1:3Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ…II. Restored despite weakness inside youGalatians 1:4…who gave himself for our sins…III. Rescued despite the evil before youGalatians 1:5…to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father. To him be the glory forever and ever. AmenNext Steps: Believe: I need to be rescued from myself. Become: I will rest despite the battle around me. Be Sent: I will tell someone I've been rescued.Discussion Questions: Was there a time when your life was in danger? How were you rescued?Who stepped in during tough times to help you out?What does it feel like to need rescue?  What is your strongest emotion after being rescued?Can you repay a rescuer?  Explain your answer.Who do you know that needs a helping hand right now?What battle is still happening around you or inside you this week?Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you peace this week. 

Big Idea: Dad's love is different.1 Corinthians 4:14-21I. He challenges you out of your comfort zone.1 Corinthians 4:14-15I'm not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children. For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don't have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.II. He corrects you when you get off track.1 Corinthians 4:16-17Therefore I urge you to imitate me. This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.III. He calls out your sass.1 Corinthians 4:18-21Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?Next Steps: Believe: I surrender my heart to God the Father today. Become: I want to show God's heart to someone this week.Be Sent: I will invite someone to sit with me next Sunday.Discussion Questions: What do you most remember about your dad?  How has your dad's guidance shaped your faith?What specific teachings did your dad instill in you that impact your worldview today?In what ways did your dad's actions reflect his faith, and how did that influence you?Can you recall a moment when your dad's support helped you through a spiritual challenge?Do you see your dad's influence on how you live out your faith today?Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow us to demonstrate humility this week. 

Big Idea: Now Hiring:1 Corinthians 4:1-13I. Stewards to struggle against prejudice…1 Corinthians 4:1-5A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don't even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.III. …to be slandered for faithful service…1 Corinthians 4:6-7Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn't receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn't received it?III. …and to suffer like the scum of the earth!1 Corinthians 4:8-13You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us—and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone's garbage.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to replace my selfish heart today.Become: Sign me up!  I'm willing to suffer as King Jesus did for me.Be Sent: I will be a spectacle to someone far from Jesus this week.Discussion Questions: What is your #1 trait for a great leader? Explain your answer. What resources has God given you stewardship?Give an example of how to display humility without calling attention to yourself. Do you have a weakness that God wants to use for his glory?How did you respond the last time you were mistreated?Is there any reward that would make a life of suffering worthwhile?  Explain your answer.Pray for the Holy Spirit to make you a spectacle to someone who needs Jesus this week. 

Big Idea: Will your life leave a dent on Hell?1 Corinthians 3:10-23I. Quality that passes the toughest test 1 Corinthians 3:10-13According to God's grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, each one's work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one's work.II. Setting your faith on fire 1 Corinthians 3:14-15If anyone's work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will experience loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire. III. Which way to the sanctuary?1 Corinthians 3:16-17Don't you yourselves know that you are God's temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, and that is what you are.IV. Fooling no one but yourself 1 Corinthians 3:18-20Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, let him become a fool so that he can become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness; and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are futile.V. You have everything when you have Christ1 Corinthians 3:21-23So let no one boast in human leaders, for everything is yours—whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come—everything is yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.Next Steps: Believe: Today, I place my life in Jesus's hands. Become: I will spend my time and energy on what matters for eternity.Be Sent: I will live out my faith at work or school this week.Discussion Questions: What happens if you throw paper in a fire?  What happens if you throw silver in a fire?Will the most precious parts of your life survive a house fire? Explain your answer. Why should you “go' to church when the Holy Spirit lives inside you?How can it be possible for people to “deceive themselves” about their own faith?What part of your faith is missing in your life?What measure do you use to ensure that your life will leave an eternal impact?Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you how to impact eternity this week.  

Big Idea: You can't buy running shoes for your hands and knees.1 Corinthians 3:1-91. Only babies crawl on hands and knees  1 Corinthians 3:1-4For my part, brothers and sisters, I was not able to speak to you as spiritual people but as people of the flesh, as babies in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, since you were not yet ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready, because you are still worldly. For since there is envy and strife among you, are you not worldly and behaving like mere humans? For whenever someone says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not acting like mere humans?2.    Are you walking with God if you're still crawling?1 Corinthians 3:5-9What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, then, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's coworkers. You are God's field, God's building.Next Steps: Believe: I want to start my walk with Jesus today.Become: I need Jesus to help me deal with some worldly ways this week. Be Sent: I will work with God to push back darkness this week.Discussion Questions: Rate your spiritual maturity on a scale of 1-10. What would it take for your maturity to grow by 1 point next week?What mark of spiritual maturity are you working on right now?What role do your efforts play in your spiritual maturity? What roles does the Holy Spirit play in your spiritual maturity?Since you're God's field, what kind of crop is growing in your heart right now?  Explain your answer. Pray for the Holy Spirit to grow your faith more this week.

Big Idea: Can you read the mind of Christ?1 Corinthians 2:10-16I. Connecting with God at the spiritual level. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except his spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.II. Choosing which spirit you're following.1 Corinthians 2:12-14Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. But the person without the Spirit does not receive what comes from God's Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually.III. Knowing that you know him.1 Corinthians 2:15-16The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, and yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. For who has known the Lord's mind, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.Next Steps: Believe: I need to meet the Holy Spirit for the first time. Become: I will get to know the Holy Spirit more this week. Be Sent: I want people to see the Holy Spirit at work in me this week.Discussion Questions: Who do you know more than anyone else in the world? Can you read their mind?On a scale of 1-10, how much deeper did your relationship with Jesus grow last week?Describe what makes you different than every other person on earth.Are all people spiritual?  Is it possible that some are not at all spiritual? Explain your answer. How certain are you that you know the mind of Christ?Name someone who is following the wrong spirit?Pray for that person by name this week. 

Big Idea: Only the Holy Spirit can translate the wisdom of the cross. 1 Corinthians 2:1-9I. He shouts its message through weakness. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5When I came to you, brothers and sisters, announcing the mystery of God to you, I did not come with brilliance of speech or wisdom. I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not be based on human wisdom but on God's power. II. He hides its message from the wise. 1 Corinthians 2:6-7We do, however, speak a wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age, or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. On the contrary, we speak God's hidden wisdom in a mystery, a wisdom God predestined before the ages for our glory.III. He reveals its mystery to those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:8-9None of the rulers of this age knew this wisdom, because if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has conceived— God has prepared these things for those who love him.Next Steps: Believe: I realize my need for the cross today.Become: I will look only to the cross to fill my heart this week.Be Sent: I will explain God's mystery to someone this week.Discussion Questions: In your own words, describe God's reason for sending Jesus to the cross. When did you first realize your need for God's forgiveness?  Who helped you understand your need for the cross?What part did you play in God's predestination?Have you ever tried to explain to someone their need for salvation who doesn't view themselves as a sinner? What was their response?What is the minimum level of maturity required for someone to understand the message of the cross?What measure do you use to determine if a sermon is powerful?Pray for the Holy Spirit to remind us of the cross daily this week.

Big Idea: Is faith merely a crutch for weak people?1 Corinthians 1:26-31I. Embrace the demotion1 Corinthians 1:26-27Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. II. Kill your pride 1 Corinthians 1:28-29God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, so that no one may boast in his presence.III.    Make Jesus famous1 Corinthians 1:30-31It is from him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption —in order that, as it is written: Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to give me new life today.  Become: I need the Holy Spirit to help kill my pride this week. Be Sent: I will put Christ's strength on display this weekDiscussion Questions:  How would you respond to someone who claims that faith is a crutch for weak people?  How often did you reflect on yourself compared to thinking about God yesterday? Provide a ratio.  In which areas of your life are you most likely to take pride?  How can you surrender that area of your life to Christ?  Does boasting in Christ mean you cannot feel good about your successes?  When did you have the opportunity to make Christ famous last week? How did it go? Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach us humility this week. 

Big Idea: The gospel is foolishness to nonbelievers, but to believers, it is the power of God for salvation. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25I. The foolishness of the gospel.1 Corinthians 1:18-23For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn't God made the world's wisdom foolish? For since, in God's wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of what is preached. For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. II. The power of the gospel.1 Corinthians 1:24-25Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, because God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God's weakness is stronger than human strength.Next Steps:  Believe: I need God to save me today. Become: Pray for me to live by God's wisdom this week. Be Sent: I'm ready to look foolish to those who don't share our faith.Discussion Questions:  What separates worldly wisdom from God's wisdom?  What are some practical ways to seek God's wisdom in your daily decisions? In what situations have you found distinguishing between worldly and godly wisdom challenging? How can we cultivate an attitude of humility that allows us to learn from others, regardless of their background or beliefs? What role does prayer play in guiding us toward wise living? How can we encourage one another to live by God's wisdom? Pray for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom this week. 

Big Idea: No one wants to ride in a car with fighting children. 1 Corinthians 1:10-17I. We have a common family.  1 Corinthians 1:10Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. II. We can't allow factions.1 Corinthians 1:11-16For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by members of Chloe's people, that there is rivalry among you. What I am saying is this: One of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in Paul's name? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say you were baptized in my name. I did, in fact, baptize the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't recall if I baptized anyone else.III. We all share the same mission1 Corinthians 1:17For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its effect.Next Steps: Believe: I want to become part of the family of God today. Become: I repent of spreading lies or gossip today.Be Sent: I will serve Christ's mission this week.Discussion Questions: Did your family fight a lot?  If so, over what reasons?Since there is no division in the trinity, where does division among God's children originate?Do denominations honor God?  Explain your answer.Who did you last argue with about faith?Define gossip?  Is it a sin?  Are you guilty of gossip if you fail to stop it when you hear it?What happens to the time, energy, and resources when factions develop in the church?Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you humility with other Christians. 

Big Idea:God can grow saints in any soil.1 Corinthians 1:1-9I.Every plant starts from a seed.1 Corinthians 1:1Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's will, and Sosthenes our brother:II.Every saint starts from a sinner. 1 Corinthians 1:2-3To the church of God at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—both their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.III.Every strong tree starts from a struggling sapling.1 Corinthians 1:4-9I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Next Steps: Believe: I need Jesus to transform me from a sinner to a saint. Become: I will allow the Holy Spirit to grow me toward Christ's likeness this week. Be Sent: I will put my faith on display this week.Discussion Questions: Describe the goal to which God wants to grow you. How did you grow this week? Do strong winds prevent trees from growing?  Do you look, act, and think more like a saint this week than last?Who started your growth as a follower of Christ?Name someone who you believe needs to grow in their faith. Pray for the Holy Spirit to use you to encourage their faith this week. 

Big Idea: Become humble or be humbled: which is more painful? Romans 9:30-33 I. Righteous through humble submission crushes… Romans 9:30-31 What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith. But Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not achieved the righteousness of the law. II. religious through human struggle ultimately!  Romans 9:32-33 Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written, Look, I am putting a stone in Zion to stumble over and a rock to trip over, and the one who believes on him will not be put to shame. Next Steps: Believe: I repent of my religious efforts and receive Jesus today. Become: I will surrender my troubles to Jesus this week. Be Sent: I will have my 1 Corinthians 11:1 conversation this week. Discussion Questions: Describe humility.  On a scale of 1-10, how humble would you rate yourself?  Does rating yourself automatically lower your humility rating? (Meaning, does talking about humility make you less humble?) How do you remain humble in a society that rewards pride? Is pride a sin?  Explain your answer using Scripture. What is the last great book you read about humility?  Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow us to demonstrate humility this week. 

Big Idea: Just PUSH your ROCK. Psalm 18:1-6 I. What do you do when your deliverance is delayed…just PUSH your ROCK. Psalm 18:1-2 I love you, Lord, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliver, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. II. When you don't feel worthy… just PUSH your ROCK. Psalm 18:3-4 I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies. The ropes of death were wrapped around me; the torrents of destruction terrified me. III. When life gets you down… just PUSH your ROCK Psalm 18:5-6 The ropes of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. I called to the LORD in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. Next Steps: Believe: I will push my rock this week. Become: I need to exercise my faith this week. Be Sent: I will serve others by being more obedient to God this week. Discussion Questions: 1.    How do you respond to delay in your deliverance from a problem or situation? 2.    Have you ever felt unworthy? If so, explain. 3.    Do you have someone to call on to pray with you in a crisis? 4.    Do you consider the LORD as your ROCK? If so, explain. 5.    What are some spiritual steps you take to deal with depression and stress? 6.    Do you immediately thank GOD when your situation gets better? 7.    Do you believe God won't put more on you than you can bear? Why or why not. 8.    Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you patience that surpasses all understanding this week.

Big Idea: Duty will either shape or shake your faith! Luke 6:46-49 I. Worship is worthless without Lordship Luke 6:46 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. II. Stress will test your foundation Luke 6:47-48 I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn't shake it, because it was well built. III.  There's no safety where the ground shakes.  Luke 6:49 But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great.” Next Steps: Believe: I've been standing on the wrong foundation. Today, I need Jesus to change my life. Become: I will practice my bible reading every day this week. Be Sent: I will show an unshakable faith this week. Discussion Questions: Did you experience any stresses that tested your faith this week? What is your Bible reading habit (explain how and when you read)? How did you apply your Bible study last week? Did you have the chance to live out your faith today? If so, explain. Have you witnessed someone whose faith collapses due to life's storms? Do you know anyone claiming to love Jesus but not living by His teachings? Pray for the Holy Spirit to place someone on your heart for discipleship.

Big Idea: You have no home without the Corner Stone! 1 Peter 2:1-8 I. Getting milk from a stone 1-3 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, if you have tasted that the Lord is good. II. God only builds from this stone  4-6 As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by God—you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture: See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and honored cornerstone, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame. III. You can't avoid this stone.     7-8 So honor will come to you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected— this one has become the cornerstone, and A stone to stumble over, and a rock to trip over. They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to become a newborn in Christ today. Become: I need to grow up into my salvation today. Be Sent: I offer myself as a sacrifice to God this week. Discussion Questions:  Was Jesus a stumbling block for your friends or neighbors last week? If so, explain.  What was your spiritual sacrifice to God last week? Be specific.  How can we assist each other in offering an acceptable sacrifice this week?  What is one thing you will eliminate from your life this week?  How will you do that?  Did the church influence your identity last year? Explain.  What actions did you take to be a better living stone for Jesus's church last week?  Pray for the Holy Spirit to help us demonstrate our faith before unbelievers this week.

What King Jesus expects of his church in 2025:  I. We will make any sacrifice to become disciples-makers.  1 Cor 11:1  Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ. II. We will live life together as followers of Christ as we grow and push back darkness in our community. Acts 2:42-47  They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.  Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. III. We will honor a wide range of cultures and styles with our music.  Psalm 117: 1-2  Praise the LORD, all nations! Glorify him, all peoples! For his faithful love to us is great; the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. Hallelujah!  Next Steps:  Believe:  I believe Jesus wants me to follow him today. Become: I will get in a group this month.  Be Sent:  I will serve in my community. Discussion Questions:  What was the topic of your last family meeting? How can a family stay focused and united without a family meeting? What traditions did your family have to encourage quality time together?   How can you honor the differences in your family?   How effective was your family at making everyone feel they were heard or valued?   What strategies can you implement to keep your family close and unified?   Pray for the Holy Spirit to show you where to serve this month.

Big Idea: Praying as Spiritual Warfare. Daniel 10:10-14 When prayers shoot straight to the heart of God. Suddenly, a hand touched me and set me shaking on my hands and knees. He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I'm saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling. “Don't be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the last days, for the vision refers to those days.” I. Do spiritual work through passionate prayer 2 Corinthians 10:3–6              We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient. II. Do spiritual warfare through persistent prayer Lk 18:1-8  Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. “There was a judge in a certain town who didn't fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.' “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don't fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn't wear me out by her persistent coming.' ” Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” III. Be a spiritual warrior through powerful prayer Rev 12:11  They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; for they did not love their lives to the point of death. Next Steps:  Believe:  I prayed for Jesus to change me for the first time today. Become: I will lay open my soul before I pray this week.  Be Sent:  I will pray for one person every day this year.  Discussion Questions:  Who prayed for your soul before Jesus saved you? What was the last prayer that God answered for you? Can you describe how you engaged in spiritual warfare last week? Have you ever given up on your prayers because they didn't seem to make a difference? On a scale of 1-10, how passionate have your prayers been lately? Who will you pray for every day this year? Vow to pray for one soul this year.

Big Idea: The roots of God's tree grow so deep that no storm can topple it. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I. Jesus gives his strength amid conflict The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.  Romans 16:20 II. Jesus will settle your concerns “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled or fearful.  John 14:17 III. Jesus offers security amid chaos  Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Next Steps:  Believe:  I need Jesus to give me his peace today. Become: I will rest in Jesus's supernatural peace this week.  Be Sent:  I will be a person of peace this week.  Discussion Questions:  What does peace in your personal life look like? Provide 1-2 specific examples.  How can you nurture God's peace during times of conflict?  How does the biblical concept of peace differ from merely lacking war?  How can you make time for peace in your busy holiday schedule?  What is one action you can take to promote peace in your neighborhood this week?  In what ways was your faith stronger than your challenges last week? Pray for the Holy Spirit to make you a person of peace for someone in chaos this week.

Big Idea: Our son will serve as our brother and become our Father. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I. Our Son, the source II. Our Brother, the sample III. Our Father, the savior Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to save me from my sins today. Become: I will spend a few minutes focusing on my relationship with Jesus each morning.  Be Sent: I will serve someone like Jesus served this Christmas. Discussion Questions:  What is the most important Christmas tradition your family passed on to you? How will you focus your thoughts and your family on Christ this Christmas? In what way did you model your life after Christ yesterday?  What area of your relationship with Christ would you like to work on this week?  What influenced God to give you his greatest gift on the first Christmas? How can you let your community know about the love of Jesus this week? Pray for your relationship with Jesus to grow deeper this Christmas season. 

Big Idea: An Almighty King must be greater than your mighty problems.  Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. I. More mighty than your greatest enemy  Isaiah 9:4 For you have shattered their oppressive yoke and the rod on their shoulders, the staff of their oppressor, just as you did on the day of Midian. II. Mighty enough to make an extraordinary future Isaiah 9:5 For every trampling boot of battle and the bloodied garments of war will be burned as fuel for the fire. III. Might that lasts for ageless eternity Isaiah 9:7 The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I surrender my soul to the Almighty King. Become: I will turn my problems over to my Almighty Father. Be Sent: I will spread the word of my God Almighty this week. Discussion Questions:  If you could have more strength in one area of your life, what would it be?  Why? On a scale of 1-5, how well do you turn your troubles over to our Almighty Father?  What would you do with it if you had all power for one day? Do you find it hard to focus on eternity when facing pressing challenges today?  Explain your answer.  What is your greatest struggle this week? How did you rely on God's strength this week? Pray for the grace to trust the Holy Spirit when facing challenges this week.

Big Idea: Wise leaders are awesome… foolish leaders make your life awful. Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:1 I. Glory from gloom Nevertheless, the gloom of the distressed land will not be like that of the former times when he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali. But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. II. Honor from humility But in the future he will bring honor to the way of the sea, to the land east of the Jordan, and to Galilee of the nations. III. Light from darkness  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness. Next Steps:  Believe: I will start following King Jesus today.  Become: I will follow the Holy Spirit entirely this week.  Be Sent: I will push back darkness in my city this week. Discussion Questions:  Who is the wisest person in your life?  What set them apart as wise in your eyes? Have you worked for a boss who negatively impacted the team? What are some examples of foolish leadership? How do you communicate your frustration with a foolish coach or teacher? Many people quit the team or company of a foolish leader. Why do others stay? How do you remain professional when working for a foolish boss? Pray for the faith to follow the Holy Spirit more closely this week. 

Big Idea: Passing the torch takes steady hands.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 50:15-26 I. Hand off what God handed to you. 15-21 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said to one another, “If Joseph is holding a grudge against us, he will certainly repay us for all the suffering we caused him.” So they sent this message to Joseph, “Before he died your father gave a command: ‘Say this to Joseph: Please forgive your brothers' transgression and their sin—the suffering they caused you.' Therefore, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when their message came to him. His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” But Joseph said to them, “Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. Therefore don't be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.   II. Thank God for the faith that was handed to you. 22-23 Joseph and his father's family remained in Egypt. Joseph lived 110 years. He saw Ephraim's sons to the third generation; the sons of Manasseh's son Machir were recognized by Joseph.   III. Only hand off what's most important.   24-26 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will certainly come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land he swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” So Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath: “When God comes to your aid, you are to carry my bones up from here.” Joseph died at the age of 110. They embalmed him and placed him in a coffin in Egypt. Next Steps:  Believe: I need to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will show gratitude to those who shared Jesus with me. Be Sent: I will present my faith to someone this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Who handed you their faith? How did this happen? Who are you actively handing your faith to this week? Read Matthew 5:14.  What happens to a city that has no light?  What happens to a world without a gospel presence? If you could only pass one thing to your family and friends, what would it be? Did anyone encourage your faith this week? Have you thanked someone who influenced your faith this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone to pass your faith. 

Big Idea: Jesus turns a funeral into a birthday.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 50:1-14 I. The distance of death hurts. 1-6 Then Joseph, leaning over his father's face, wept and kissed him. He commanded his servants who were physicians to embalm his father. So they embalmed Israel. They took forty days to complete this, for embalming takes that long, and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. When the days of mourning were over, Joseph said to Pharaoh's household, “If I have found favor with you, please tell Pharaoh that my father made me take an oath, saying, ‘I am about to die. You must bury me there in the tomb that I made for myself in the land of Canaan.' Now let me go and bury my father. Then I will return.” So Pharaoh said, “Go and bury your father in keeping with your oath.” II. We grieve differently. 7-11 Then Joseph went to bury his father, and all Pharaoh's servants, the elders of his household, and all the elders of the land of Egypt went with him, along with all Joseph's family, his brothers, and his father's family. Only their dependents, their flocks, and their herds were left in the land of Goshen. Horses and chariots went up with him; it was a very impressive procession. When they reached the threshing floor of Atad, which is across the Jordan, they lamented and wept loudly, and Joseph mourned seven days for his father. When the Canaanite inhabitants of the land saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a solemn mourning on the part of the Egyptians.” Therefore the place is named Abel-mizraim. It is across the Jordan.   III. Go any distance to honor a dying wish. 12-14 So Jacob's sons did for him what he had commanded them. They carried him to the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave at Machpelah in the field near Mamre, which Abraham had purchased as burial property from Ephron the Hethite. After Joseph buried his father, he returned to Egypt with his brothers and all who had gone with him to bury his father. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will live for eternity this week.  Be Sent: I will show others that Jesus lives this week. Group Discussion Questions:  What makes funerals so painful? Have you ever spoken during a funeral?  If so, what did you say? Has death changed your family's dynamics?  Why? Read John 11:33.  What touched Jesus so profoundly? Are you attempting to live out someone's last words to you?  If so, explain.  What would your last words be to your family and friends? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus more on eternity tomorrow. 

Big Idea: Only the Gospel creates flourishing from failure!  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 43:13-33 I. The conditions of flourishing. 13-21 Zebulun will live by the seashore and will be a harbor for ships, and his territory will be next to Sidon. Issachar is a strong donkey lying down between the saddlebags. He saw that his resting place was good and that the land was pleasant, so he leaned his shoulder to bear a load and became a forced laborer. Dan will judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan will be a snake by the road, a viper beside the path, that bites the horse's heels so that its rider falls backward. I wait for your salvation, Lord. Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels. Asher's food will be rich, and he will produce royal delicacies. Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.   II. The fruit of flourishing. 22-27 Joseph is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine beside a spring; its branches climb over the wall. The archers attacked him, shot at him, and were hostile toward him. Yet his bow remained steady, and his strong arms were made agile by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob, by the name of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, by the God of your father who helps you, and by the Almighty who blesses you with blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, and blessings of the breasts and the womb. The blessings of your father excel the blessings of my ancestors and the bounty of the ancient hills. May they rest on the head of Joseph, on the brow of the prince of his brothers. Benjamin is a wolf; he tears his prey. In the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the plunder.”   III. The length of flourishing. 28-33 These are the tribes of Israel, twelve in all, and this is what their father said to them. He blessed them, and he blessed each one with a suitable blessing.Then he commanded them, “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my ancestors in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hethite. The cave is in the field of Machpelah near Mamre, in the land of Canaan. This is the field Abraham purchased from Ephron the Hethite as burial property. Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried there, Isaac and his wife Rebekah are buried there, and I buried Leah there. The field and the cave in it were purchased from the Hethites.” When Jacob had finished giving charges to his sons, he drew his feet into the bed, took his last breath, and was gathered to his people. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to forgive my failures this week.  Become: I will enjoy God's goodness, no matter my circumstances. Be Sent: I will help someone flourish this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Describe the basic elements of human flourishing in your own words. Who is the greatest example of flourishing that you know? Does God define flourishing in the same way as the human definition?  Explain your answer.  Are you flourishing if you're not emotionally or spiritually healthy? What impact do relationships have on a person's flourishing? Can you flourish without contributing to someone else's life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you flourish in the Gospel this week. 

Big Idea: Forget being blessed - focus on being a blessing.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 49:1-12 I. Squandered future. 1-4 Then Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the days to come. Come together and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel: Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the firstfruits of my virility, excelling in prominence, excelling in power. Turbulent as water, you will not excel, because you got into your father's bed and you defiled it—he got into my bed.   II. Swords of fury. 5-7 Simeon and Levi are brothers; their knives are vicious weapons. May I never enter their council; may I never join their assembly. For in their anger they kill men, and on a whim they hamstring oxen. Their anger is cursed, for it is strong, and their fury, for it is cruel! I will disperse them throughout Jacob and scatter them throughout Israel.   III. Son of favor. 8-12 Judah, your brothers will praise you. Your hand will be on the necks of your enemies; your father's sons will bow down to you. Judah is a young lion— my son, you return from the kill. He crouches; he lies down like a lion or a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah or the staff from between his feet until he whose right it is comes and the obedience of the peoples belongs to him. He ties his donkey to a vine, and the colt of his donkey to the choice vine. He washes his clothes in wine and his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth are whiter than milk. Next Steps:  Believe: I want to be accepted into God's family today.  Become: I want to live a life that blesses God this week.  Be Sent: I will bless someone far from Christ this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Have you ever compared your gift with someone else's? How did you feel after the comparison? Has the Holy Spirit shown you someone He wants you to bless? If so, how? How did it impact your self-perspective when someone blessed you unexpectedly? Blessing someone often doesn't require money. How can your skills or talents bless others in need? Is it easy to identify someone who needs God's blessing if you don't feel blessed by God lately? Explain your answer. What is one way you can look for someone to bless this week? Ask the Holy Spirit to shift your focus to someone else this week.

Big Idea: God doesn't promote based on seniority. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 48:1-22 I. Jesus offers an unexpected future. 1-7 Some time after this, Joseph was told, “Your father is weaker.” So he set out with his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. When Jacob was told, “Your son Joseph has come to you,” Israel summoned his strength and sat up in bed. Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. He said to me, ‘I will make you fruitful and numerous; I will make many nations come from you, and I will give this land as a permanent possession to your future descendants.' Your two sons born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you in Egypt are now mine. Ephraim and Manasseh belong to me just as Reuben and Simeon do. Children born to you after them will be yours and will be recorded under the names of their brothers with regard to their inheritance. When I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way, some distance from Ephrath in the land of Canaan. I buried her there along the way to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem). II. Jesus invites unworthy children into his family. 8-12 When Israel saw Joseph's sons, he said, “Who are these?” And Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons God has given me here.” So Israel said, “Bring them to me and I will bless them.” Now his eyesight was poor because of old age; he could hardly see. Joseph brought them to him, and he kissed and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring.” Then Joseph took them from his father's knees and bowed with his face to the ground.   III. Jesus gives unearned blessings. 13-20 Then Joseph took them both—with his right hand Ephraim toward Israel's left, and with his left hand Manasseh toward Israel's right—and brought them to Israel. But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger, and crossing his hands, put his left on Manasseh's head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. Then he blessed Joseph and said: The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may he bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow to be numerous within the land. When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim's head, he thought it was a mistake and took his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's. Joseph said to his father, “Not that way, my father! This one is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know! He too will become a tribe, and he too will be great; nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a populous nation.” So he blessed them that day, putting Ephraim before Manasseh when he said, “The nation Israel will invoke blessings by you, saying, ‘May God make you like Ephraim and Manasseh.' ” IV. Jesus offers an underserved legacy. 21-22 Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you back to the land of your fathers. Over and above what I am giving your brothers, I am giving you the one mountain slope that I took from the Amorites with my sword and bow.” Next Steps:  Believe: I want to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will trust God's hand on me this week.  Be Sent: I will push back darkness this week. Group Discussion Questions:  Do you work in a job where they hire family members?  If so, are people suspicious of promotions? What qualities do you think are most important to reward (promote)? Have you ever been passed over for a promotion?  If so, how did you handle it? Have you ever worked for someone who was promoted beyond their capabilities?  What was it like working for them? If you had several children, what would you look for in the one who takes over the family business? What criteria does God use to promote his children?  Back your answer up using Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on your family's faith tomorrow. 

Big Idea: You will give away what no one can take from you.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 47:13-31 I. Your fortune and future. 13-17 But there was no food in the entire region, for the famine was very severe. The land of Egypt and the land of Canaan were exhausted by the famine. Joseph collected all the silver to be found in the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan in exchange for the grain they were purchasing, and he brought the silver to Pharaoh's palace. When the silver from the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan was gone, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us food. Why should we die here in front of you? The silver is gone!” But Joseph said, “Give me your livestock. Since the silver is gone, I will give you food in exchange for your livestock.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for the horses, the flocks of sheep, the herds of cattle, and the donkeys. That year he provided them with food in exchange for all their livestock. II. Your time and toil. 18-26 When that year was over, they came the next year and said to him, “We cannot hide from our lord that the silver is gone and that all our livestock belongs to our lord. There is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. Why should we die here in front of you—both us and our land? Buy us and our land in exchange for food. Then we with our land will become Pharaoh's slaves. Give us seed so that we can live and not die, and so that the land won't become desolate.” In this way, Joseph acquired all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, because every Egyptian sold his field since the famine was so severe for them. The land became Pharaoh's, and Joseph made the people servants from one end of Egypt to the other. The only land he did not acquire belonged to the priests, for they had an allowance from Pharaoh. They ate from their allowance that Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their land. Joseph said to the people, “Understand today that I have acquired you and your land for Pharaoh. Here is seed for you. Sow it in the land. At harvest, you are to give a fifth of it to Pharaoh, and four-fifths will be yours as seed for the field and as food for yourselves, your households, and your dependents.” “You have saved our lives,” they said. “We have found favor with our lord and will be Pharaoh's slaves.” So Joseph made it a law, still in effect today in the land of Egypt, that a fifth of the produce belongs to Pharaoh. Only the priests' land does not belong to Pharaoh. III. Your dying desires. 27-31 Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the region of Goshen. They acquired property in it and became fruitful and very numerous. Now Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 17 years, and his life span was 147 years. When the time approached for him to die, he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If I have found favor with you, put your hand under my thigh and promise me that you will deal with me in kindness and faithfulness. Do not bury me in Egypt. When I rest with my ancestors, carry me away from Egypt and bury me in their burial place.” Joseph answered, “I will do what you have asked.” And Jacob said, “Swear to me.” So Joseph swore to him. Then Israel bowed in thanks at the head of his bed. Next Steps:  Believe: Today, I give my soul to King Jesus.  Become: I will focus on things of eternally importance this week.  Be Sent: I will help someone see the value of their soul. Group Discussion Questions:  1. Can you put your dying wish in one sentence? 2. What would you like others to say was your greatest contribution in life after you're gone? 3. What would you use to measure the value of your life? 4. Can a person's soul be bought or sold?  Explain your answer.  5. Read Matthew 13:44-16. a. What is the common price in both stories?  b. Does it look like the farmer and the merchant are sad about the price of the treasure? c. What do these stories teach about our time and energy this week? 6. Pray for the wisdom to focus your energy on eternity this week. 

Big Idea: Only Jesus can create a life brighter on the inside than the outside. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 47:1-12 I. Life is more than a nice home. 1-4 So Joseph went and informed Pharaoh: “My father and my brothers, with their flocks and herds and all that they own, have come from the land of Canaan and are now in the land of Goshen.” He took five of his brothers and presented them to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh asked his brothers, “What is your occupation?” They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants, both we and our ancestors, are shepherds.” And they said to Pharaoh, “We have come to stay in the land for a while because there is no grazing land for your servants' sheep, since the famine in the land of Canaan has been severe. So now, please let your servants settle in the land of Goshen.” II. Life is more than a great job. 5-6 Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Now that your father and brothers have come to you, the land of Egypt is open before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They can live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”  III. Life is more than health and old age. 7-10 Joseph then brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How many years have you lived?” Jacob said to Pharaoh, “My pilgrimage has lasted 130 years. My years have been few and hard, and they have not reached the years of my ancestors during their pilgrimages.” So Jacob blessed Pharaoh and departed from Pharaoh's presence. IV. Life is more than food on the table. 11-12 Then Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father's family with food for their dependents. Next Steps:  Believe: I need Jesus to give me new life today.  Become: I will live for Jesus's glory this week.  Be Sent: I will offer someone life this week. Group Discussion Questions:  What is the ultimate goal of your life? How closely do your efforts today match the goal of your life? Do you know someone who has regretted how they lived their life? Can any career serve your ultimate goal in life? Explain.  What does age have to do with fulfilling your ultimate goal in life? If life is more than just possessions and providing the necessities, why do we spend so much time and energy on these two areas? Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the power to live for Jesus's glory this week. 

Big Idea: Why family reunions are always weird. In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 45:16-46:34 I. Every family has issues. 45:16-28 When the news reached Pharaoh's palace, “Joseph's brothers have come,” Pharaoh and his servants were pleased. Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals and go on back to the land of Canaan. Get your father and your families, and come back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you can eat from the richness of the land.' You are also commanded to tell them, ‘Do this: Take wagons from the land of Egypt for your dependents and your wives and bring your father here. Do not be concerned about your belongings, for the best of all the land of Egypt is yours.' ” The sons of Israel did this. Joseph gave them wagons as Pharaoh had commanded, and he gave them provisions for the journey. He gave each of the brothers changes of clothes, but he gave Benjamin three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothes. He sent his father the following: ten donkeys carrying the best products of Egypt and ten female donkeys carrying grain, food, and provisions for his father on the journey. So Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Don't argue on the way.” So they went up from Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. They said, “Joseph is still alive, and he is ruler over all the land of Egypt!” Jacob was stunned, for he did not believe them. But when they told Jacob all that Joseph had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to transport him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Then Israel said, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go to see him before I die.” II. There's no distance too far for family. 46:1-7 Israel set out with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, and he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. That night God spoke to Israel in a vision: “Jacob, Jacob!” he said. And Jacob replied, “Here I am.” God said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you back. Joseph will close your eyes when you die.” Jacob left Beer-sheba. The sons of Israel took their father Jacob in the wagons Pharaoh had sent to carry him, along with their dependents and their wives. They also took their cattle and possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan. Then Jacob and all his offspring with him came to Egypt. His sons and grandsons, his daughters and granddaughters, indeed all his offspring, he brought with him to Egypt. III. You can't pick your family name. 8-27 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt—Jacob and his sons: Jacob's firstborn: Reuben. Reuben's sons: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. Simeon's sons: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. Levi's sons: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Judah's sons: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. Issachar's sons: Tola, Puvah, Jashub, and Shimron. Zebulun's sons: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. These were Leah's sons born to Jacob in Paddan-aram, as well as his daughter Dinah. The total number of persons: thirty-three. Gad's sons: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. Asher's sons: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and their sister Serah. Beriah's sons were Heber and Malchiel. These were the sons of Zilpah—whom Laban gave to his daughter Leah—that she bore to Jacob: sixteen persons. The sons of Jacob's wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. Manasseh and Ephraim were born to Joseph in the land of Egypt. They were born to him by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, a priest at On. Benjamin's sons: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. These were Rachel's sons who were born to Jacob: fourteen persons. Dan's son: Hushim. Naphtali's sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem. These were the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to his daughter Rachel. She bore to Jacob: seven persons. The total number of persons belonging to Jacob—his direct descendants, not including the wives of Jacob's sons—who came to Egypt: sixty-six. And Joseph's sons who were born to him in Egypt: two persons. All those of Jacob's household who came to Egypt: seventy persons. IV. Only one family that lasts forever. 28-34 Now Jacob had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to prepare for his arrival at Goshen. When they came to the land of Goshen, Joseph hitched the horses to his chariot and went up to Goshen to meet his father Israel. Joseph presented himself to him, threw his arms around him, and wept for a long time. Then Israel said to Joseph, “I'm ready to die now because I have seen your face and you are still alive!” Joseph said to his brothers and to his father's family, “I will go up and inform Pharaoh, telling him, ‘My brothers and my father's family, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. The men are shepherds; they also raise livestock. They have brought their flocks and herds and all that they have.' When Pharaoh addresses you and asks, ‘What is your occupation?' you are to say, ‘Your servants, both we and our ancestors, have raised livestock from our youth until now.' Then you will be allowed to settle in the land of Goshen, since all shepherds are detestable to Egyptians.” Next Steps:  Believe: I need to be adopted into God's family today.  Become: I will become part of a group this week.  Be Sent: I will invite someone into my life this week. Group Discussion Questions:  When was your last family reunion?  What did the shirts look like? Is your family reunion worth traveling to?  Explain your answer. How do you handle family conflicts during family reunions?  How do you stay positive when dealing with difficult family members How can you pass on family values at a reunion? Explain. Is it easy to involve multiple generations at a reunion?? Pray for Jesus to show you someone who he wants in his family this week. 

Big Idea: The bedrock bottom of your pit is God's Mercy.  In the Beginning: Joseph Genesis 44:1-45:15 I. Mercy is undeserving. 1-17 Joseph commanded his steward, “Fill the men's bags with as much food as they can carry, and put each one's silver at the top of his bag. Put my cup, the silver one, at the top of the youngest one's bag, along with the silver for his grain.” So he did as Joseph told him. At morning light, the men were sent off with their donkeys. They had not gone very far from the city when Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Pursue the men, and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you repaid evil for good? Isn't this the cup that my master drinks from and uses for divination? What you have done is wrong!' ” When he overtook them, he said these words to them. They said to him, “Why does my lord say these things? Your servants could not possibly do such a thing. We even brought back to you from the land of Canaan the silver we found at the top of our bags. How could we steal silver or gold from your master's house? If it is found with one of us, your servants, he must die, and the rest of us will become my lord's slaves.” The steward replied, “What you have said is right, but only the one who is found to have it will be my slave, and the rest of you will be blameless.” So each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground and opened it. The steward searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack. Then they tore their clothes, and each one loaded his donkey and returned to the city. When Judah and his brothers reached Joseph's house, he was still there. They fell to the ground before him. “What have you done?” Joseph said to them. “Didn't you know that a man like me could uncover the truth by divination?” “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “How can we plead? How can we justify ourselves? God has exposed your servants' iniquity. We are now my lord's slaves—both we and the one in whose possession the cup was found.” Then Joseph said, “I swear that I will not do this. The man in whose possession the cup was found will be my slave. II. Mercy is uncompromising. 18-34 The rest of you can go in peace to your father.” But Judah approached him and said, “My lord, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are like Pharaoh. My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?' and we answered my lord, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy's brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother's sons left, and his father loves him.' Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him to me so that I can see him.' But we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father. If he were to leave, his father would die.' Then you said to your servants, ‘If your younger brother does not come down with you, you will not see me again.' “This is what happened when we went back to your servant my father: We reported to him the words of my lord. But our father said, ‘Go again, and buy us a little food.' We told him, ‘We cannot go down unless our younger brother goes with us. If our younger brother isn't with us, we cannot see the man.' Your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. One is gone from me—I said he must have been torn to pieces—and I have never seen him again. If you also take this one from me and anything happens to him, you will bring my gray hairs down to Sheol in sorrow.' “So if I come to your servant my father and the boy is not with us—his life is wrapped up with the boy's life—when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die. Then your servants will have brought the gray hairs of your servant our father down to Sheol in sorrow. Your servant became accountable to my father for the boy, saying, ‘If I do not return him to you, I will always bear the guilt for sinning against you, my father.' Now please let your servant remain here as my lord's slave, in place of the boy. Let him go back with his brothers. For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the grief that would overwhelm my father.” III. Mercy is overwhelming. 45:1-15 Joseph could no longer keep his composure in front of all his attendants, so he called out, “Send everyone away from me!” No one was with him when he revealed his identity to his brothers. But he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and also Pharaoh's household heard it. Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But they could not answer him because they were terrified in his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me,” and they came near. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt. And now don't be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. “Return quickly to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me without delay. You can settle in the land of Goshen and be near me—you, your children, and your grandchildren, your flocks, your herds, and all you have. There I will sustain you, for there will be five more years of famine. Otherwise, you, your household, and everything you have will become destitute.” ' Look! Your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin can see that I'm the one speaking to you. Tell my father about all my glory in Egypt and about all you have seen. And bring my father here quickly.” Then Joseph threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin wept on his shoulder. Joseph kissed each of his brothers as he wept, and afterward his brothers talked with him. Next Steps:  Believe: I need God's mercy for the first time today.  Become: I will face my pit to find God's mercy.  Be Sent: I will reach down into someone's pit this week. Group Discussion Questions:  When did someone last show you mercy?  Explain. Do you believe some people don't deserve mercy? Why or why not?  How does mercy impact your mental health?  In what situations do you think it's most important to show mercy?  Do you find it easier to show mercy to people closest to you- or just acquaintances?  To whom do you need to offer mercy this week? Plead with the Holy Spirit to help you feel a sense of God's mercy again this week.