"Inviting Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We invite our friends, family, and other acquaintances whenever we throw a party or celebration. If that were God’s criteria, then we would have lost our invitations into God’s presence because of our sin. Yet God extended His “inviting grace” to us through Jesus Christ! We’re invited to experience God’s presence, on earth and for eternity. Experiencing God’s grace transforms us. We should be able to look at ourselves and see a difference over time. God’s grace should also empower us to make a difference in the lives of others. God’s grace works in us, with us, and through us for God’s glory and the benefit of others.

Main Passages

9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
- 1 Corinthians 15:9-10

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
- Matthew 4:19

18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 
- 1 Corinthians 18-20

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. Think back at your life since becoming a Christian. Share one of the biggest changes in your life that came about because of God’s grace. What is it? (If you aren’t a Christian, what’s one positive change that happened in your life? What catalyzed that change?)

3. How does God’s grace flow through you to others on a regular basis?

Apply:

1. One of the “Three Fs” of Discipleship is “Fishing for people.” Who can you “fish for,” or invite to experience God’s grace in their lives? Pray for an opportunity and step out in faith!

"Enriching Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

We all need things and want things. New opportunities present themselves all the time. In the face of these unlimited choices, we often find that our finances are limited. We’re forced to choose; God gave to us generously through Jesus, and invites us to choose to be generous. Being generous makes us more like Jesus and helps us grow in our relationship with Him. If we give generously, then we release God’s enriching grace into our lives. God’s enriching grace causes us to be content in every situation and every season, and to excel for God-given purpose. We’re able to both extend generosity to others, and experience God’s generosity for ourselves.

Main Passages

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
- 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
- Matthew 6:19-20, 24

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. The state of our hearts can be revealed by our “Giving Posture.” We might feel obligated to give (Got to Give), be looking for something in return (Give to Get), or perhaps we’re excited to give generously (Get to Give). Which Giving Posture best describes you right now? 

3. What do you think your Giving Posture reveals about you?

Apply

1. Think of one way to be generous, or of a way to improve your Giving Posture. Do that in faith this week.

"Sufficient Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Pain and suffering come in different shapes and sizes. These things range from being inconvenient to being dangerous; from mildly frustrating to life-threatening. We’re all suffering through something. You might’ve wondered whether your suffering was caused by the Devil, or if God sent trouble your way to teach you. Both might be true to an extent. The Devil attacks us, but God allows it so that we can experience His “sufficient grace.” In God’s sufficient grace, He strikes a mysterious and grand balance. God provides us with supernatural help, and with opportunities to grow into the best versions of ourselves. These things give us hope and purpose in the midst of our pain. We respond by shifting our perspective, by praying, and by practicing actions and attitudes that honor God. 

Main Passages

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. How do you typically respond to difficulties in life?

3. What do you want God to do for you in a current trial? What might God want to do in your relationship with him, your knowledge or skills, or your character? 

Apply

1. Meditate on a new perspective or decide on a new course of action to support whatever God might be doing in your life. Pray for the strength to persevere.

"Sanctifying Grace"

Main Thought

In the Disney’s Iron Man film series, Tony Stark initially creates the “Arc Reactor” to save himself from deadly shrapnel. The Arc Reactor is then used to power the Iron Man suit. Tony becomes a superhero and lives differently from then on. God’s grace is similar for Christians. Grace is the undeserved favor we received through Jesus’ sacrifice. We’re saved from sin by grace and then sanctified by grace, or transformed to live a new life. God transforms our will, as we begin to desire things that please Him. It’s our job to respond by “working out” our salvation, and making decisions that honor God.

Main Passages

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - Titus 2:11-14

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. How does God, through grace and the process of sanctification, train us to live a new life?

3. How have you seen sanctification at work in your own life?

Apply

1. How might God be sanctifying you in this season of your life?

"Justifying Grace" Discussion Guide

Main Thought

Augmented Reality is an interesting technological tool. The user puts on goggles and headphones. Then, their experience of the world is transformed by the system. But nothing has really changed! The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to change our lives, and the lives of others. We all begin distant from God and disillusioned by the world. Jesus appeared into the world to intervene in an amazing way. If we trust in Jesus, then He will truly transform our lives. Our futures can be very different from our past! This is more than a temporary, conditional transformation - because our ultimate inheritance from God becomes an eternity with Him.

Main Passages

3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
- Titus 3:3-7

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn about God based on the main passages above?

2. We all know, deep down, that our world could be and should be better than it is? Why is that?

3. What has God brought you from? What do you think God might want to bring you into this year?

Apply

1. Act based on your answer to Question 3!