Small Group Questions

November 23 - 29

Sermon Series: Friends & Family

Week 4: Showing Up

Ice Breaker, if Needed:

What are you most thankful for that would surprise others? 

Discussion Questions for Small Groups or Individual Study

1. Showing up in our crucial relationships demonstrates competency. Why should we desire to be people who do more than show up, whether in pursuit of deepening our faith or within our personal relationships? How do you know if you are showing up vs. being fully present in your relationships? In your faith? 

2. Read the story of Cain and Abel, found in Genesis 4:1-10. 
• Focus on verses 1-5. What did the brothers have in common? What was the difference in their offerings to God? What does God see? Cain showed up with an offering, like Abel, but something kept him from the same favor. What do you think it was? 
• Read Hebrews 11:3-4. What did Abel have that Cain didn’t? 
• Return to Genesis 4:6-7. Identify how God responded to Cain. What would have been the right response from Cain? What did Abel seek that Cain did not? What do these verses show about the care and character of God?
• In Genesis 4:8, Cain rejected God’s call to righteousness and His warning that sin desired to have him. Why didn’t Cain listen? Read 1 John 3:11-12 and re-read Hebrews 11:3-4. What do these verses demonstrate about the difference between showing up (Cain did bring an offering) and truly being there (the heart behind it)?

3. Honestly assess how you approach crucial relationships: God, family, friends. 
• Are you a box-checker or an active seeker of a deeper connection? 
• Read Isaiah 29:13. What is God interested in? 
• What are you are looking for? What is your likelihood to truly listen, not only to God but to those you are in relationships with? Ask, “Holy Spirit, would you please show me their heart?” How would you respond differently if you were shown? 

4. Part of fully showing up is sharing your heart. How does this challenge you? What does sharing your heart force you to consider? Why does God want you to share your heart with Him? With others?