Small Group Resources

February 1 - 7

What in the World

Week 1

Ice Breaker, If Needed

Share six or seven (clean!) slang words from your youth. Do you still use them, or do you try to keep up with the times?

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to remember God stays constant even as the world around us changes? How are today’s struggles and upheavals different from the past? How are they the same? How can recognizing patterns help us to navigate and anticipate the Enemy’s schemes? What is the Enemy’s goal?

2. The Enemy will misinterpret the circumstances to you. Read Genesis 3:1-5. How did Satan twist God’s loving command in the Garden into something Adam and Eve should take offense to? What should you do when you don’t have the whole story? Why are we especially vulnerable to schemes when we forget God’s intentions for us are always good? How can standing on God’s goodness help us when Satan’s falsely completes what feels incomplete? 

3. The Enemy will play on your ego and insecurities. Read Acts 5:1-4. Why did Ananias and Saphira lie? What did their lie reveal about where they placed their trust? What did this lie reveal about how they wanted to be seen by others? Why do we compromise our values just to feel a little better about ourselves? How does this scheme lose power when we remember because we are in Christ, we have a seat at the table? 

4. The Enemy will offer a lesser purpose and highlight shortcuts. Read Matthew 16:21-23. What was Satan attempting through Peter’s plea? How does Satan twist good gifts, needs, and deep desires into deadly traps? What is an idol? How do you know if a good thing in your life has become outsized, an object of worship?

5. The Enemy will accuse you. Read Job 1:8-12 and Revelation 12:10. How do you know you are living in his accusations? What does he accuse you of doing, or failing to do? Why does he want you to think you must earn your standing in God’s Kingdom? How do you answer that when you feel accused? 

6. The Enemy will lie to you. Read John 8:44. How can you be poised to recognize lies as they pour in? What tools has the Spirit given you to actively resist deception? Why is it important to be aware of both little mis-directions and complicated, but false, worldviews? 

7. Read Isaiah 54:10. How does this verse provide perspective on the schemes of the Enemy? Thank God for the peace He lavishes on you through His unshakeable love and compassion!