"The Big Picture" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. What did you do to discover more of God’s vision for your life over the past week? Have you gained further vision or clarity? If so, how?

Main Thought

One of the greatest truths conveyed by the Bible is that we, as people, are made in God’s image. God rules and reigns in all of creation. It was God’s will for us to rule and reign on earth. He mandated that humanity be fruitful and multiply; this was conveyed in a literal sense, but can also be applied in a figurative sense. Yet the process of ruling and reigning requires great work. We receive God’s strength to rule and reign when we first love God with all of our strength.

Main Passages

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
- Genesis 1:27-28

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Discussion Questions

1. What major life area feels like it’s out of your control? How might you be able to work toward ruling and reigning in a way that would honor God?

2. The Bible commands us to love God with everything we have. What holds you back from loving God and surrendering everything to Him?

Application

1. Surrender an “out of control” area in your life in prayer to God. Ask Him for breakthrough in that area so that you can begin to rule and reign.

"God's Vision for My Life" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. Did any critical decisions or situations come about in your life over the past week? If so, do you feel that you honored God in your response?

Main Thought

Almost all of us can identify a major area in our lives in which we desire improvement or further clarity. Lasting life change requires more than changing our behavior. If we want our lives to change, then we need to change our vision. We need God’s vision for our lives! He knows our future, and He knows how to get us there. Discovering God’s vision begins with waiting on Him. We need to disconnect from distractions and focus on Him daily. Then, we can begin to watch for God-given vision and clarity as God inspires us through His Word and prayer. Working with the “tools” that we have - things like our gifts, passions, and even pain - can also bring clarity to that which we should do with our lives. We then walk forward in faith as God’s Word illuminates our path like a lantern: one step at a time.

Main Passages

5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
- John 15:6

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…
- Ephesians 1:17-18

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace… in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
- 1 Peter 4:10-11

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
- Psalm 119:105

Discussion Questions

1. Is there an area of your life in which you’re frustrated or confused, and need further clarity? What is it and why does it bother you?

2. The four keys to discovering God’s vision for our lives are waiting on God, watching out for His vision, working with the “tools” we have, and walking forward practically in faith. Which of these four things do you need to start doing this week? How might it help you?

Application

1. Take the time to wait on God quietly, patiently, and expectantly this week. Ask Him for His vision for your life, write down any impressions you may have, and share it with your Community Group to test whether it’s from God.

"Christ Centered Vision" Discussion Guide

Recap

1. Did you do anything to boldly represent Jesus Christ as a witness last week? If so, what?

Main Thought

Our individual lives, which include our faith, are journeys that have a destination. We can expect to encounter good, bad, and unknown situations along any long journey. The key to arriving at the right destination is to focus on the right direction. We do this by following Christ, and ignoring any distractions along the way. Following Jesus is like having GPS navigation. He sees the ultimate destination He has planned for us, and He knows how to get us there. We’ll discover purpose and perform good exploits when we walk with Christ and live to honor Him.

Main Passages

9 But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”
- 1 Corinthians 2:9

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
- Matthew 6:33-34

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
- Hebrews 11:1

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
- Jeremiah 29:11

Discussion Questions

1. Do you feel like there are any past events, mistakes, or selfish ambitions that caused you to drift off course in life or from God’s plan for you? What was it, and how did you realize you were off track?

2. Think about a decision you need to make, or a step of faith you may need to take. How can living for God’s glory and obeying His Word bring clarity or confidence to your situation?

Application

1. Choose to honor God when faced with any critical decisions or situations in your life!