Small Group Studies

In or Out Week 1 Study

BIG IDEA

When life throws difficult, surprising, or uncertain circumstances our way, it becomes clear that we are not in control. We can do everything we can to control our health, finances, relationships, and more, but the truth is, these things are simply not in our control.  The curveballs in life help us see that truth. However, in a world where so many things are out of our control, there is one thing we can control: our attitudes. We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control our response and our attitudes through whatever we face. The question is, will we give these over to God and have Christ-like attitudes, or will we respond in the way of the world instead?

BREAK THE ICE

What is your attitude when you are stuck in traffic? Why?

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

Bible Study Questions

1. Why do you think it is so hard to get a grip on our attitudes?

WATCH SERMON RECAP

2. Read Philippians 2:5-11. Describe Christ’s attitude listed in these verses.

Philippians 2:5-11

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,

he did not think of equality with God

as something to cling to.

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;

he took the humble position of a slave

and was born as a human being.

When he appeared in human form,

8 he humbled himself in obedience to God

and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

and gave him the name above all other names,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

3. Read Luke 9:46-48. How does a person grow to become the least rather than the greatest?

Read Luke 9:46-48

46 Then his disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side. 48 Then he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me also welcomes my Father who sent me. Whoever is the least among you is the greatest.

4. Read John 13:34. If we are called to love people in the way that Jesus loved, how would you describe the way He loved people?

John 13:34

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Application

1. As you think about the call to live humbly and without prejudice, which do you find most challenging? Why?

2. In what ways would you like to grow in humility?

3. How is Jesus’ definition of loving others different than the world's? How can you show the love of Jesus this week?

MOVING FORWARD

We talked this week about two different ways we can get a grip on our attitudes: live humbly and live without prejudice. Pick one of these to focus on this week. Share that with your group. Think of at least two specific ways you will grow in that area over the next week. After everyone has shared, pray for each other. Pray that God would give you all courage and boldness to grow and become more like Him in your attitude and actions.

Going Deeper

Throughout Scripture, we are warned about pride and the negative consequences that come with it, so let’s take some time to gain a deeper understanding of what it is and what it leads to.

  • Definition:

    • Using your phone, look up a dictionary definition of pride. Have different group members share different definitions they found.
    • After exploring several dictionary definitions of pride, how would you define pride in just a few words?
    • How does pride show itself in people's lives today?

  • What does Scripture say?

    • Read Proverbs 16:18-19.
      • What are the consequences of pride?
    • Read James 4:6.
      • What does this verse teach about how God feels about pride?
      • What are the consequences of pride, according to this verse?
    • Read Proverbs 11:2.
      • What are the consequences of pride?
      • What are the consequences of humility?
    • How does what you have read in Scripture help you have a better definition of pride?
    • Based on both of these verses, what is the better way than pride, and what are the benefits of this better way of living?

  • Evaluate: Pride is sneaky. It’s easy to notice in others’ lives, but difficult to see in our own lives. Because of this, we need to take a look at our own lives and see where pride might be hiding.

    • What area of your life has pride been evident, maybe obviously or maybe not-so-obviously?
    • What would it look like for you today to let go of that pride and live humbly? (Maybe this means you practice generosity, forgive someone who has hurt you, or look out for the needs around you rather than your own. Whatever this looks like for you, share this with your group. Try to be as specific as possible.)
    • After everyone has shared, re-read Philippians 2:5-8. Then, pray together, asking God to help you become more like Christ, especially in the humility He modeled for us on this earth.

MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)

Luke 2:10 But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people."