Before We Get Started

For our discussion today, we will be using the sermon series discussion guides. If you would like to follow along you can access this discussion guide on the website at mosaicchurchaustin.com and then select “community group resources” in the menu options.

Prayer

Because the primary goal of our time together is to establish relationships and learn how to walk with one another in all that God has called us to be and do, we’d like to begin by praying for one another. So, does anyone have anything you’d like us to pray for or anything to share regarding how you’ve seen God moving in your life that we can celebrate together?

This Week’s Topic

GOD + US

Today’s Topic

Do You Feel In Charge?

Discussion Questions

God’s Authority

Jeremiah 2:2-9

2 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem,
Thus says the Lord,

“I remember the devotion of your youth,
your love as a bride,
how you followed me in the wilderness,
in a land not sown.
3 Israel was holy to the Lord,
the firstfruits of his harvest.

5 Thus says the Lord:

“What wrong did your fathers find in me
that they went far from me,
and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?
6 They did not say, ‘Where is the Lord
who brought us up from the land of Egypt…

8 The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’
Those who handle the law did not know me;
the shepherds[a] transgressed against me;
the prophets prophesied by Baal
and went after things that do not profit.

9 “Therefore I still contend with you,
declares the Lord,
and with your children’s children I will contend.

 

What is the central message God is communicating to the people of Israel in Jeremiah 2:2-9?

What are some reasons people struggle to relinquish control to God?

How does the backdrop of our world affect our ability to remain close to God and submit to his authority?

Our Self-Salvation Attempts

Jeremiah 2:11-18

11 Has a nation changed its gods,
even though they are no gods?
But my people have changed their glory
for that which does not profit.
12 Be appalled, O heavens, at this;
be shocked, be utterly desolate,
declares the Lord,
13 for my people have committed two evils:
they have forsaken me,
the fountain of living waters,
and hewed out cisterns for themselves,
broken cisterns that can hold no water.

18 And now what do you gain by going to Egypt
to drink the waters of the Nile?
Or what do you gain by going to Assyria
to drink the waters of the Euphrates?
Know and see that it is evil and bitter
for you to forsake the Lord your God;
the fear of me is not in you,
declares the Lord God of hosts. 

 

In his message, Pastor Morgan named five ways people try to save themselves: 

1. Control
2. Perfection
3. Always knowing the answer
4. Always being there for people
5. Approval

 

Which of these strategies do you tend to lean into most when you’re in a stressful or challenging situation?

How do you imagine God would respond if you asked him to give you total control of everything in your life?

How would your faith be affected if you could achieve perfection all on your own?

If we always knew all the answers, how would that change our relationship with God?

What would your life be like if you actually had to be there for everyone you cared about, whenever they needed something?

How does receiving approval from the people in your life compare to all God offers you through the gospel?

Our Homecoming

Jeremiah  4:1-2

“If you, Israel, will return,
    then return to me,”
declares the Lord.
“If you put your detestable idols out of my sight
    and no longer go astray,
2 and if in a truthful, just and righteous way
    you swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’
then the nations will invoke blessings by him
    and in him they will boast.”

 

What desire for his people does God express in his words to Jeremiah 4:1-2? 

What practices or perspectives help you return to God when you have allowed your heart to distance itself from him?

What are some signs that show people have returned to God?

A Summons to Stand

Jeremiah 1:17-19

Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

How does our knowledge of God’s word help us to stand firm and trust God?

What is one scripture that helps you stand when you face challenges in life?

How is Jesus the fulfillment of God’s promise in Jeremiah 1:17-19?

Closing Thought

Eugene H. Peterson, Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best

Love? Yes, God loves us. But his love is passionate and seeks faithful, committed love in return. God does not want tame pets to fondle and feed; he wants mature, free people who will respond to him in authentic individuality. For that to happen there must be honesty and truth. The self must be toppled from its pedestal. There must be pure hearts and clear intelligence, confession of sin and commitment in faith.

 

End your time in prayer for one another, focusing on asking God to draw each person close to him and help them trust him in greater measure.