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 main 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

This week we begin a new series titled You May Regret That Later. For the month of November, we are looking at how the Gospel empowers us to live better stories with fewer regrets, especially in the areas of our finances and relationships.

Today’s Topic

A Story In Light of Eternity

Discussion Questions

What story do you want your life to tell?

Genesis 39:7-9,11-12,19-20

“And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” But one day, when he went into the house to do his work and none of the men of the house was there in the house, she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house. As soon as his master heard the words that his wife spoke to him, “This is the way your servant treated me,” his anger was kindled. And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined, and he was there in prison.”

Do you think this decision was easy or difficult for Joseph? Why?

What might have been going through your mind if you were in Joseph’s position?

What is the difference between making decisions based on your feelings/emotions, and making decisions based on the story you want your life to tell?

Which is easier, making emotional decisions at the moment, or making wise decisions based on a desired future? Why?

C.S. Lewis

“Every time you make a choice you are turning the central part of you, the part of you that chooses, into something a little different from what it was before. And taking your life as a whole, with all your innumerable choices, all your life long you are slowly turning this central thing either into a heavenly creature or into a hellish creature.”

If you feel comfortable sharing, what is an impactful (good or bad) decision you have made in your life?

What was going on in your life when that decision was made?

How can our current circumstances impact the choices we make? Why is that?

Matthew 26:38-39

“Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

How did Jesus model great decision-making in the Garden of Gethsemane? 

What did Jesus’ willingness to obey God in His decision-making lead to for Him?

What did Jesus’ willingness to make the wise choice here lead to for you and me?

What does that teach us about the choices we make?

Closing Thought

Is there any decision you are facing right now, or you know you will be facing soon, that we can pray for as you seek the will of God?