Small Group Discussions Week 1

Dwell

Week 01 – God Came to Dwell with Us

Transition:

This year our Christmas series is called Dwell. The premise is that God came to dwell with us so that we (His children) can dwell with Him. Each message will be predicated on the word dwell (although the meaning will be used in various ways).

Context:

The first message is based on the reality that God Himself came to earth to dwell with us. (And not just live among us, of course, but came to save us from our sins and restore our eternal relationship with Him.)

Opening Questions:

• Why do people struggle with believing that Jesus Christ is God? Have you ever tried to convince/show someone that Jesus is God? How did you go about it?

• Have you ever personally struggled with believing that Jesus is God? If so, what was/is your struggle specifically? If you eventually became convinced that Jesus is God, what was it that convinced you?

Scripture/Storying: Colossians 1:15-23, 2:8-15

Discipleship Questions:

• From the two passages, what words, terms, phrases, or statements are difficult for you to understand? Tell the group and discuss them together.

• From the two passages, what are the different ways that Paul expresses that Jesus is God? Which ones speak to you the most, and why? Which ones are difficult for you to grasp?

• A variation of the word dwell appears in each passage (in the ESV). What is your best definition of what Paul means by it?

• Why must God Himself be humanity’s redeemer from sin and death? Why is it important to you personally that God Himself came to dwell with humans? How does it affect the way you live and the choices you

make?

• From these passages, what would you say to someone who was sincerely struggling whether Jesus is God or not?

• In what ways has the truth from these passages and your group’s discussion of them encouraged your walk with Christ? Think of a situation that you’re currently facing...how will you apply what you’ve learned and believed?

Prayer time:

This week we are praying for Hope Resource Center, a ministry that Providence supports.

Please pray for...

• Emily Ratliff, the new Executive Director

• The organization – that the transition to new leadership will be smooth

• Emily’s leadership – that she would be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom from above