Wk4.Study Small Group Guide

SMALL GROUP GUIDE
The Spiritual Disciplines

WEEK 4: STUDY
QUICK REVIEW:
OVERVIEW FROM SUNDAY:
1. We defined the spiritual disciplines as:
a. A way to replace old, destructive/unproductive habits with godly, energizing and worthwhile habits – growing in holiness.
b. Kind of like relationship advice, things we can do to make our relationship with God better, rather than rules.
2. STUDY:
a. What is study?
i. Generally, study enables the mind to move in a certain direction.
ii. Totally different than lame ‘school’ studying because you know the author and want to hear what they say.
iii. Different than meditation (though they overlap) – Meditation = relationally listening applying
iv. It’s NOT gaining knowledge so you can flaunt it.
v. Work. – like a sport – not always in the mood, but to grow we’ve got to do it regardless of mood. (2 Peter 3:15-17)
vi. We can study:
1. The Bible
2. Ourselves
3. Whatever is pure, lovely, etc (Philippians 4:18)
b. Why should I study?
i. Because God uses it to transform us to His likeness (Romans 12:2)
ii. It’s absolutely essential if we want to have any impact for Jesus on the people around us. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
c. How should I study?
i. Repetition
1. Even if you don’t fully grasp it, God can use what you memorize to change you & get a hold of you 
ii. Concentration
1. We suck at it, especially for long amounts of time, but this is important as Christians.
iii. Comprehension
1. Understanding first the Objective meaning, then the Subjective (what it means for us).
iv. Reflection
1. Self-evaluation in relation to what you read & prayerfully planning an application strategy.
ICE BREAKER Q OPTIONS:
o What is the lamest/most boring/worst thing you’ve ever had to study?
 AND
o What has been the most interesting/enjoyable thing you’ve had to study in school? What made the difference for you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Think about how often you read the Bible this week. Was it a lot or a little? Discuss What most often prevents you
from reading the bible. And then punch the person to the right of you.
2. Read these verses on the back of this sheet: Jude 1:23, 1 Peter 3:15-16. Have you ever viewed reading the bible as
‘training’ so you can share the love of God with friends? What can you do to keep this in mind & motivate you to
read more throughout the week?
3. For some of us, there’s a danger in reading, knowing and becoming ‘spiritually arrogant,’ as Christians. How can
you keep that from happening?
4. Many times reading the Bible is more like ‘skimming’ the Bible and then we check it off of our list of things to do.
Talk about what you can do to ensure that your time in God’s Word is quality and legit. (Deuteronomy 11:18)
5. Last week, we talked about ‘flash prayers,’ or praying continually, starting a prayer journal, or you may have
committed to read through the verses on the handout during the week. Talk with your group about how you did,
and the results of your praying.
6. Commit to read through a couple verses on the back of this sheet each day for the week. Just DO it… mkay?
PRAYER GROUPS:
o Everyone shares a prayer request on anything in his or her life, especially making fasting measurable this week.
Have kids pray for each other
1
RESOURCE VERSES:
 Jude 1:23
o ‘snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing
stained by corrupted flesh.’
 Joshua 1:8
o Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful
to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
 Romans 12:2
o 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
 Philippians 4:8
o 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
 John 8:32
o 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
 Deuteronomy 11:18
o 18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your
foreheads.
 Psalms 119:9-11
o 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not
let me stray from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
 2 Timothy 3:16-17
o 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so
that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
 2 Peter 3:15-17
o Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the
wisdom that God gave him. 16He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His
letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do
the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your
guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.
 1 Peter 3:15-16
o 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience,
so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

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SMALL GROUP GUIDE

The Spiritual Disciplines

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