C- Group Discussion Booklet - Final · Week 1 | Sept. 15 Matt 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then

September 2019

This is exciting. For the first time, we as a church are launching C-groups, and YOU have a huge part to play. Whether you are opening up your home to let strangers in, or you are taking a leap of faith and actually leading a group, we thank you!

The idea is simple. Small groups connect people. They connect people to each other and to their Lord. That is why we have named ours C-Groups. The “C” represents Community, Compassion, and Christ-centeredness. Our desire for each member in every C-Groups is that they would be connected deeply in community, cultivate compassion for each other and the world around them, and grow deeper in discipleship with Jesus.

One thing I have discovered is that the relational dynamics with a group will determine the growth and connection that occurs. When someone walks into your C-Group for the first time one of the questions they ask is, “Can I be known here?” Tim Keller writes, “to be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.”

When we experience relationships with others who know us deeply, but love us through our brokenness and pain, we get a taste of God’s love. It is through this type of vulnerability where shame is broken, fears are overcome, sin is defeated, and we experience real transformation in Christ. I believe God will do this very thing in your C-Group!

Imagine the faith family of Anthem Chapel not only participating in C-Groups but being transformed by them. In turn impacting our community within and without the church as we “look to Him to be saved.”

I told you this was exciting!

Blessings,

Pastor Nate

From day 1, Nate and I have been dreaming about launching small groups. Now that we’re here, we can hardly believe it! We have prayed for each one of you, and are so thankful that God has called you to lead during the season. You are a part of breaking ground in a new ministry in our church. Each of these C-Groups is very precious to us and to Jesus.

As you lead your people this season, we wanted to give you some practical things to consider. I’ve been involved in small groups for 15 years, and had the opportunities to oversee small group ministry for 10 years. Having made my own mistakes and successes, I put together my top ten list of things great leaders and groups do:

1. As a leader, you are the shepherd to the group. Being a shepherd means that you focus on helping each one connect with Jesus through the discussion, fellowship, and prayer. Pray for each member of your group and think how you can care for each one.

2. Spend time reading and praying over the scripture at least once a day before your group for God to speak to you.

3. Be careful not to talk too much. At the beginning of the study, encourage a balanced discussion with the opportunity for everyone to participate. Encourage asking questions rather than giving personal advice.

4. Encourage each one to share about their own lives rather than the lives of others. 5. Make the group a safe and confidential place, so everyone feels comfortable sharing. 6. Listen attentively to what others have to say. Ask questions based on how the group

responds. 7. Stick to the topic being discussed and focus on the particular passage of Scripture. 8. Leave time for prayer at the beginning of the group or end of the group. 9. Follow up with your group throughout the week. Emphasize the importance of showing up. 10. Most importantly, expect God to move, and follow His lead!

Remember, that we’re here for you! Please let us know if there is a matter that requires more pastoral care than you feel equipped to provide. Finally, tell us amazing things that God did in your C-Group. We love to hear stories of God showing up!

Grace to you,

Pastor Lars

Week 1 | Sept. 15

Matt 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He

was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then He opened His mouth and taught

them, saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the

meek, For they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for

righteousness, For they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall

obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God 9 Blessed are

the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who

are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil

against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is

your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

CONTEXT - What does the Scripture say?

• What does verse 1 and 2 tell us about the setting of this message?

CONNECT - What does the Scripture mean?

• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • Describe each beatitude in your own words. • What do you think it means to be blessed?

CONTEMPLATE - What does the Scripture mean to me?

• Which Beatitude challenged you the most and why?

• How do the hunger and thirst for righteousness resemble physical hunger and thirst?

• Would you say your appetite for righteousness is sharp or dull? Explain.

COMMUNITY - How will you live this out in your life?

• In what ways do you think Jesus embodied these beatitudes?

NOTES

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PRAYER REQUESTS

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Week 2 | Sept. 22

Matt 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall

it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled

underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill

cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a

lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine

before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.


• What is the role and purpose of salt and light? • Why do you think Jesus used these words to describe his followers?


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • How does Eph 5:8-10 help us understand better what it means to be light?


• What things do we do to hide our light? • What makes Christians less salty? What causes you to lose your saltiness? • What prevents our lights as Christians from being seen?


• Think of some ways in which you could shine more brightly in your workplace or community.

• What will you do this week to be a greater influence as salt and light around you?

NOTES

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Week 3 | Sept. 29

Matt 5:17-26 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did

not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth

pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and

teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does

and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say

to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes

and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have

heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders

will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his

brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to

his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’

shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and

there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift

there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then

come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the

way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over

to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by

no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.


• What does Roman 3:20 tell us about the role of the law?


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • How do you see Jesus in relation to the Old Testament? • What is the difference between righteous anger and unholy anger?


• Do you have a tendency to be a law keeper in order to receive good standing with God or do you accept the righteousness of Christ?

• How has this passage challenged you to watch what comes out of your mouth and what goes into your thoughts?


• How will you respond this week when someone offends or hurts you? • Do you need to take steps to reconcile with someone?

NOTES

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Week 4 | Oct. 6

Matt 5:27-32 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not

commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her

has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you

to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of

your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your

right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable

for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into

hell. 31 “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her

a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any

reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever

marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.


• Notice Jesus’ first 3 words in verse 32, “But I say.” How is He being countercultural in His response?


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • Why do you think Jesus uses such strong language and a graphic illustration to

address adultery and lust? • When discussing what the Bible says about divorce, it is important to keep in

mind the words of Malachi 2:16, “I hate divorce, says the Lord God.” Whatever grounds the Bible possibly gives for divorce, that does not mean God desires a

divorce to occur. Rather than asking, “Is ______ a grounds for divorce,” often the question should be, “Is _______ grounds for forgiveness, restoration, and/or counseling?” How do you respond to this?


• How does the principle of ‘cutting something off’ apply to other areas of sinful struggles such as: pride, anger, lying, stealing, gluttony, slander, gossip, jealousy?

• What has impacted you from this passage and sermon this week?


• How will you respond to the sermon’s application this week?

NOTES

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Week 5 | Oct. 13

Matt 5:33-37 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not

swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not

swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His

footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you

swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let

your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the

evil one.


• Go verse-by-verse and put it in your own words being sure to stick to the context of the verses.


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • Jesus is challenging us in the area of speech and how we use our words. How

powerful are the words that we speak? See James 3:1-12. • What is the underlying point Jesus makes when he says not to use oaths at all?


• Has the Spirit convicted you in the area of your speech? • Are you a person of your word? Do you say what you mean and mean what you

say?


• Where can you start to make changes to be more pure in heart, thought, motive, and action?

• As you go through the coming week, notice the promises/statements you make, how truthful you are, and how likely you are to fulfill them.

NOTES

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Week 6 | Oct. 20

Matt 5:38-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a

tooth.’ 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your

right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take

away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go

one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants

to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You

shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your

enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for

those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your

Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends

rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what

reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet

your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax

collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is

perfect.


• According to Jesus, what does this passage say about how we are to treat our enemies? (see vv. 44-45) Look carefully at each verse.

• What do you think is the relevance of the sentence in verse 45, “ for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust”?


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • Have you ever been persecuted for your faith? What did that look like? How did

you respond?


• What does it look like to love your enemies? Get really practical here. • How can you turn the other cheek toward someone who harasses you or seeks

to harm you in some way?


• How are you demonstrating this kingdom response of loving and praying for your enemies and extending love outside of your own circle of friends?

NOTES

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Week 7 | Oct. 27

Matt 6:1-4 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be

seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as

the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory

from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a

charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that

your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will

Himself reward you openly.


• As you read through this passage what stands out to you? What questions come to mind?


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • See Jesus’ description of a hypocrite in verse 2. In what ways are we tempted to

be hypocritical in our life? • According to Jesus, what is the spiritual danger in religious activities like giving to

people in need?


• How do we purify or test our own motives? Read Proverbs 16:2.


• What could you do this week to secretly give to another or to serve God in secret?

NOTES

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Week 8 | Nov. 3

Matt 6:5-18 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love

to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may

be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when

you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father

who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you

openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For

they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like

them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In

this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10

Your kingdom come.Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this

day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is

the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 “For if you forgive men

their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not

forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.


• As you read through this passage what stands out to you? • What questions come to mind?


• How did the sermon inform you and impact your understanding of this passage? • Does Jesus’ teaching about prayer mean that we are never to pray in public out

of concern that we might have the wrong motive?


• If God knows what we need before we ask him, why do we need to pray at all? • What do you understand by “bread” in v. 11 - and why does Jesus want us to

ask for daily bread?


• In what situations do you think fasting might be a proper spiritual activity in your life?

NOTES

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Sermon on the Mount Teaching Schedule

Sept 15 Matt 5:1-12 Beatitudes

Sept 22 Matt 5:13-16 Salt and Light

Sept 29 Matt 5:17-26 Law and Murder

Oct 6 Matt 5: 27-32 True Love

Oct 13 Matt 5: 33-37 Credibility Gap

Oct 20 Matt 5:38-48 Revenge

Oct 27 Matt 6:1-4 Giving

Nov 3 Matt 6:5-18 Prayer

END OF C-GROUPS

Nov 17 Matt 6:19-24 Treasure and Things

Nov 24 Matt 6:25-34 Worry

Dec 1 Matt 7: 1-6 Judging

Dec 8 Matt 7:7-12 Persistent Prayer

Dec 15 Matt 7:13-20 Narrow Way

Dec 22 Matt 7: 21-29 Solid Rock

Documents

C- Group Discussion Booklet - Final · Week 1 | Sept. 15 Matt 5:1-12 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. 2 Then