Small Group Guide based on September 7, 2025 Sermon

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:

1. Knowing something is different from understanding it, especially when it comes to pain and suffering.
2. We should be careful not to underestimate others' pain or overestimate our ability to deal with suffering.
3. Hope can masquerade as desperation—those who are desperate haven't given up.
4. God can show up in both mystical and practical ways during our times of need.
5. Jesus walked in our shoes, taking on our suffering and giving us His presence.

Discussion Questions:
1. What does the story about Kyle, Tom, and the unnamed swimmer in lane seven teach us about empathy and supporting others?

2. Job tells his friends, "What you know, I also know. I'm not inferior to you." Have you ever felt misunderstood by others during a difficult time? How did you handle it?

3. The sermon mentions that "hope endures." How have you seen hope manifest in your life or the lives of others during challenging times?

4. Job says, "Though he slay me, yet I will hope in him." What does this statement reveal about Job's faith? How can we cultivate this kind of trust in God?

5. Dennis mentioned the importance of allowing children to experience age-appropriate disappointments. How can this help build resilience? Share examples from your own life.

6. How has God shown up for you in practical ways during difficult seasons? How can we be more attentive to God's presence in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:
1. This week, practice active listening when someone shares their struggles. Instead of offering immediate solutions, focus on understanding their perspective.

2. Identify someone in your life who might be going through a difficult time. Find a practical way to "walk alongside" them.

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a challenging situation. Write it down and share it with the group next week as a testimony of God's faithfulness.

4. Choose a verse or passage from the book of Job to meditate on this week. Consider how it applies to your life or current circumstances.

5. Look for opportunities to be the practical presence of God for someone else this week, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present.

Closing Prayer

Small Group Guide based on September 14, 2025 Sermon

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:

1. We often get offended when our core beliefs or identity markers are challenged.
2. Our understanding is always limited, and there are exceptions to almost every rule.
3. Our primary identity should be rooted in God's love, not lesser identities.
4. We need to give God freedom to work beyond our boundaries and expectations.
5. Every person is made in God's image and someone for whom Christ died.

Discussion Questions:
1. Dennis asked us to reflect on a time we felt offended. Share your experience with the group. What triggered the offense, and how did you respond?

2. Zophar's worldview was challenged by Job's situation and his response to it. Have you ever encountered information or experiences that challenged your understanding of God or how the world works? How did you handle it?

3. The sermon mentions "a priori assumptions" - beliefs we hold and accept without examining them to see if they are true or not. Can you identify any unexamined assumptions in your own life or faith?

4. How do you typically respond when your core beliefs are challenged? Do you react like Zophar, or are you able to listen and consider other perspectives?

5. Dennis emphasized rooting our identity in God's love above all else. What other identities might compete with our identity in Christ? How can we prioritize our Christian identity?
6. Discuss the two truths mentioned about every person: they are made in God's image and Christ died for them. How might keeping these truths in mind change how we interact with others, especially those we disagree with?

Practical Applications:

1. This week, when you feel offended, pause and ask yourself: "Why am I really upset? What core belief or identity is being challenged?"
2. Practice empathy by intentionally trying to see a situation from someone else's perspective, especially when you disagree with them.
3. Reflect on your various identities (e.g., nationality, profession, political affiliation). How can you ensure your identity in Christ takes precedence?
4. When interacting with others, especially those different from you, consciously remind yourself that they are made in God's image and loved by Him.
5. Commit to responding with love in a situation where you would normally take offense. Share your experience with the group next time.

Closing Prayer