Life Group Questions

1. If you could not hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What main ideas did you gain from the message? Do you have any questions?

2. Go back and read Judges 8. How is the situation with Ephraim and Gideon similar to that of Jephthah’s experience? How did Jephthah’s response differ from Gideon’s?

3. Instead of outside resistance, there is now tension between the tribes of Israel. What does this tell us about the atmosphere in the land? Why do think there is so much unrest in the land? Why does the same lack of rest exist in our land?

4. Define and describe jealousy. Why is jealousy so dangerous and destructive? Consider the following passages and comment: Job 5:2; Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 27:4; Galatians 5:19-20; James 3:14. Do you ever struggle with jealousy? If so, are you willing to confess and repent of that sin?

5. False accusations are a terrible act and of such a nature that God addressed them in the Ten Commandments. What is so bad about false accusations? How do false accusations differ from lying? Is there anybody that you have falsely accused and need to ask forgiveness? Will you confess and repent of that sin? Consider the following: Exodus 20:16; Matthew 15:19; 19:18.

6. Describe and define Christian unity. Why is unity so important to a church (cf. Proverbs 6:16-19; Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:8). How can you do better at promoting biblical unity at Macedonia Church?

7. Fighting and quarreling are things that should not exist in the body of Christ. Why do these things occur even within the church (cf. James 4:1-2)? Read the words of Christ in Matthew 5:21-22. Is there anybody with which you are angry and need to confess your sin and ask forgiveness? Will you let anger go?

8. We are all aware that discrimination and personal attacks are common in our world today. How do these things contradict the heart of God’s commands (cf. Galatians 5:14)? Read James 2:1-4. Do you need to confess any sin of bias or discrimination? Are you willing to repent of these sins and work toward unity?

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision