LG Questions : JAN 08, 2012 (KD)

Life Group Questions : 01/08/2012

"NOT SO MODERN FAMILY" Series

Sandy Lake Wesleyan : Pastor Shawn

Shawn talked about how we sometimes avoid instructions because they’re overly complex or, on the flipside, are overly simple (i.e., “open box before eating pizza”). Talk as a group… Can you think of some instructions you found too difficult or too simple?

As we step into a series on family (“Not So Modern Family”), we may think that family issues are too complex, or on the flipside, are too simple. We may even find this topic irrelevant. Discuss this question… Why do you think talking about this issue is important for everyone?

We all have family… whether single, married, married with or without kids, single parent, divorced, widowed, etc. The list goes on and on. Quick question for discussion… tell your group about one of your favorite relatives, and why he or she is your favorite!

[Scheduling Note : Please try and make it to our free movie night on Friday, January 27, at 7pm. We’ll be watching the movie, “Courageous” as a church family together.]

Shawn asked us to look at the life of Joseph, the Old Testament hero who had some really difficult family moments. Consider and discuss this… What are some of the struggles Joseph faced, particularly in relationship to his family?

Read Genesis 50:19-20… how did Joseph ultimately respond to his adversity? What encouragement might you take from the response of Joseph?

Read Psalm 78:1-8… What lessons does this section of Scripture bring to light? Take time to reflect on this section of Scripture together as a group.

Shawn repeatedly uttered these two statements today… “Wherever you are, God can use you for good,” and “God is not so much concerned about your happiness as He is your holiness.” Take time to discuss these two statements as a group, considering a couple of questions. First, why would Shawn feel so compelled to repeatedly share these with us? And second, where do you see the reality of these two statements showing up in your life and the lives of those around you?

Shawn talked about the statement on the latest Reader’s Digest… “Everything we do must be for our children.” He said that this statement sounded right, but in light of Scripture, it’s actually a false statement. We love kids – and those of us who have them love our children – but everything we do must be for God. As a group, discuss the challenges and opportunities to do this in our world today.

God uses families and relationships – our connections with friends and those in the community – to make us holy, to make us better than we could be on our own. Discuss this… How has your family, group of friends, and even those in the church/community helped you become more of the person God wants you to be?

Read Psalm 78:56-59… What does this section of Scripture tell us of those who turn away from God?

So What / Now What? What is the trajectory of your family? Where are you headed? What would it look like for you to influence your family toward God this week?

Share with the group some ways God may be calling you to respond, then close in prayer together.