SMALL GROUP GUIDE
SESSION 1 SESSION 1 YOU MATTER TO GOD PREPARE FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP YOU MATTER TO GOD What insights did I gain from my daily reading this week in What On Earth Am I Here For? What insights did I gain from this weekend s message? What do I want to ask or discuss further with my Small Group this week? 2
SESSION 1 YOU MATTER TO GOD JANUARY 18-19 SESSION WARM UP If this is your first time to meet together as a group, or if you have anyone new to your group, be sure to introduce everyone. Why did you join a Small Group, or what are you hoping to get out of this study of What On Earth Am I Here For? YOU MATTER TO GOD YOU MATTER TO GOD POWER VERSE But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Galatians 1:15 (NLT) VIDEO LESSON 1. God Created us to us. even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV) 3 4
SESSION 1 YOU MATTER TO GOD 2. I find my in God. The Lord has made everything for its purpose. Proverbs 16:4a (ESV) Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb Isaiah 44:2a (ESV) For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (ESV) GROUP DISCUSSION 1. If you could describe your perspective of God in just one word, what would it be? Why? 2. Pastor Jeff talked about how God, as our Father, created us to love us. How does God s love affect how we relate to Him? 3. Tell us about a time when you realized or experienced God s love. 4. Why is it so difficult for us to discover our purpose? What are some of the roadblocks to discovering our purpose? 5. How does knowing God help us find purpose? 5 6
SESSION WRAP PRAY TOGETHER Pray for your group s prayer requests. You can record the requests on the Small Group Prayer and Praise Report form on page V. Pray that each person in your group would come to know God s love to a greater degree. Pray that your group would find purpose through knowing God. Remember the 3 things Pastor Jeff asked us to commit to during this series: 1. Commit to meet with your Small Group for 6 weeks 2. Attend church each weekend 3. Read each day in What On Earth Am I Here For? If you haven t started reading What On Earth Am I Here For? yet, begin reading days 1-7. You can use the Daily Reading Plan chart on page VIII to track your progress. Be sure to answer the questions each week in the Prepare for Your Small Group section of your Study Guide. Read this week s Power Verse every day as part of your daily devotions. See if you can have it memorized before your next Small Group meeting. Turn to the Small Group Calendar on page VI of this study guide. Healthy groups share responsibilities and group ownership. Fill out the calendar together, at least for next week, noting who will facilitate your meeting and who will provides snacks. Also, start collecting basic contact information like phone numbers and email addresses. The Small Group Roster on page VII of your study guide is a good place to record this information. 7 8
SESSION 2 SESSION 2 YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD S PLEASURE PREPARE FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD S PLEASURE What insights did I gain from my daily reading this week in What On Earth Am I Here For? What insights did I gain from this weekend s message? What do I want to ask or discuss further with my Small Group this week? 10
SESSION 2 YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD S PLEASURE JANUARY 25-26 YOU WERE PLANNED YOU FOR MATTER GOD S PLEASURE TO GOD POWER VERSE And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37 (ESV) SESSION WARM UP If anyone is new to your group, be sure to introduce everyone. What comes to your mind when you think of the word worship? When, where and how do you feel closest to God? VIDEO LESSON And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 22:37-40 (ESV) 1. Worship is expressing my to God. 11 12
SESSION 2 YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD S PLEASURE My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:2 (ESV) Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Joshua 22:5 (ESV) We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NKJV) 2. Worship is focusing my on God. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word... Ephesians 5:25-26 (NIV) Do not conform 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. Romans 12:2 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 (NIV) 3. Worship is using my for God. 13 14
SESSION 2 YOU WERE PLANNED FOR GOD S PLEASURE Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 (NIV) Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth... John 16:13a (NIV) GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Do you have a real relationship with God? How can you know? 2. What s the difference between having a relationship with God and just having religion? 3. What do you think it means to worship God with all your heart? 4. How can we worship God with our minds? 5. What do others see in you that you re good at or passionate about? How could you use those things as an act of worship to God? 15 16
SESSION WRAP PRAY TOGETHER Did anyone in your Small Group commit his or her life to Jesus Christ after watching Pastor Jeff s video? If so, be sure to celebrate with that decision! Begin your prayer time by having each person offer a short, onesentence prayer of thanksgiving to God for His blessings in your lives. For instance, you might say, Thank You for my spouse, or Thank You for my health, or Thank You for providing for my family, etc. Pray for your group s prayer requests. You can record the requests on the Small Group Prayer and Praise Report form on page V. If anyone in your Small Group committed their life to Jesus Christ this week, email smallgroups@milestonechurch.com to let us know. We ll follow up with them with information and materials to help them start their new walk with Christ. Read Days 8-14 in What On Earth Am I Here For? before your next Small Group. Be sure to answer the questions in the Prepare for Your Small Group section of your Study Guide. Read this week s Power Verse every day as part of your daily devotions. See if you can have it memorized before your next Small Group meeting. DON T FORGET... The next Discovery 101 class takes place on Sunday, February 2 at 12:30pm in the Video Café. If you are new to Milestone Church, come and discover more about the heart and vision of our church at Discovery 101. You ll get to meet Pastor Jeff, our pastoral team, and many others who are relatively new to the church. Lunch and childcare are also provided. If you would like to attend, please email joy-ann.curd@milestonechurch.com to register. 17 18
SESSION 3 SESSION 3 YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD S FAMILY PREPARE FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD S FAMILY What insights did I gain from my daily reading this week in What On Earth Am I Here For? What insights did I gain from this weekend s message? What do I want to ask or discuss further with my Small Group this week? 20
SESSION 3 YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD S FAMILY FEBRUARY 1-2 SESSION WARM UP If anyone is new to your group, be sure to introduce everyone. YOU WERE FORMED YOU FOR MATTER GOD S TO FAMILY GOD POWER VERSE God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 (NLT) VIDEO LESSON What s a favorite family memory that you have? How is the church like a family? 1. God places you in His (a local church). Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts... Acts 2:46 (NIV) 21 22
SESSION 3 YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD S FAMILY God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6a (NIV) If one member suffers, all suffer together. 1 Corinthians 12:26a (ESV) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NKJV) 2. You from Him through His family. The whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16 (NLT) 3. You need to His family. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5 (NIV) Share each other s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NLT) 23 24
SESSION 3 YOU WERE FORMED FOR GOD S FAMILY GROUP DISCUSSION 1. What do you think the term spiritual family means? Is that a new concept for you? 2. Why do people sometimes underestimate the value of spiritual family? 3. In what ways could the concept of spiritual family be difficult for some people? 4. Tell us about a time when your spiritual family met a need or took care of you in some way. 5. What are some ways your Small Group can grow deeper together as a spiritual family? 25 26
SESSION WRAP PRAY TOGETHER Pray for your group s prayer requests. You can record the requests on the Small Group Prayer and Praise Report form on page V. Also pray that God would deepen the friendships in your Small Group as you grow together in the Lord. Read Days 15-21 in What On Earth Am I Here For? before your next Small Group. Be sure to answer the questions in the Prepare for Your Small Group section of your Study Guide. Read this week s Power Verse every day as part of your daily devotions. See if you can have it memorized before your next Small Group meeting. DON T FORGET... The next Dream Team 201 class takes place on Sunday, February 9 at 12:30pm in the Video Café. The Milestone Dream Team is made up of amazing volunteers who use their gifts to serve in our church home and in our community. Come discover your unique gifts with a fun personal assessment, and let us help you find a place to connect on the Dream Team. If you would like to attend, please email joy-ann.curd@milestonechurch.com to register. 27 28
SESSION 4 SESSION 4 YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST PREPARE FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST What insights did I gain from my daily reading this week in What On Earth Am I Here For? What insights did I gain from this weekend s message? What do I want to ask or discuss further with my Small Group this week? 30
SESSION 4 YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST FEBRUARY 8-9 SESSION WARM UP If anyone is new to your group, be sure to introduce everyone. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? And did you? YOU WERE CREATED TO YOU BECOME MATTER LIKE TO CHRIST GOD POWER VERSE Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) VIDEO LESSON 1. Grow. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV) 31 32
SESSION 4 YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV) For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 (NLT) Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 (ESV) Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 (NLT) 2. Grow more like. 3. Keep on. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV) 33 34
SESSION 4 YOU WERE CREATED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST Then Jesus said to them,...the farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown. Mark 4:13-20 (NIV) Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity Hebrews 6:1a (ESV) So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (ESV) GROUP DISCUSSION 1. In what area of your life do you feel an urge or a desire to grow the most? 2. What s something you can do to grow in this area? 3. What are some of the things that get in the way of growing in our walks with Christ? 4. How do we grow in Christ? 5. Tell us about a time when your walk with Christ grew significantly. What happened? What caused the growth? 35 36
SESSION WRAP PRAY TOGETHER For the prayer time this week, break into smaller groups of 2-3 people and ask each other this question: What is something you will do this week to grow in your walk with Christ? Then pray for each other to grow in those areas this week. Pray for your group s prayer requests. You can record the requests on the Small Group Prayer and Praise Report form on page V. Read Days 22-28 in What On Earth Am I Here For? before your next Small Group. Be sure to answer the questions in the Prepare for Your Small Group section of your Study Guide. Read this week s Power Verse every day as part of your daily devotions. See if you can have it memorized before your next Small Group meeting. DON T FORGET... Water Baptism weekend is February 22nd-23rd. Water Baptism is a great way of showing others that you have entered in to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and it s something we celebrate here at Milestone. If anyone in your Small Group would like to get baptized, email smallgroups@milestonechurch.com. 37 38
SESSION 5 SESSION 5 YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING PREPARE FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING What insights did I gain from my daily reading this week in What On Earth Am I Here For? What insights did I gain from this weekend s message? What do I want to ask or discuss further with my Small Group this week? 40
SESSION 5 YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING FEBRUARY 15-16 SESSION WARM UP If anyone is new to your group, be sure to introduce everyone. Who is someone you would describe as a true servant? What is that person like? YOU WERE SHAPED YOU MATTER FOR SERVING TO GOD POWER VERSE I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV) VIDEO LESSON 1. Serving means being. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 (ESV) 41 42
SESSION 5 YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. Matthew 25:21 (ESV) 3. Serving means being. If you can help your neighbor now, don t say, Come back tomorrow, and then I ll help you. Proverbs 3:28 (NLT) 2. Serving means being. Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NLT) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 (NIV) Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV) Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) 43 44
SESSION 5 YOU WERE SHAPED FOR SERVING GROUP DISCUSSION 1. It s impossible to get close to Jesus and not want to serve. Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not? 2. What holds us back from serving sometimes? 3. Availability, faithfulness, and generosity which of these attitudes do you need to work on the most? What can you do to grow in this area? 4. Do you feel like God is leading you to serve in a specific area right now? Where is God leading you to serve? 5. If you have already found a place of service, what is it? How did you find it? And what s exciting about it? 45 46
PRAY TOGETHER Pray for your group s prayer requests. You can record the requests on the Small Group Prayer and Praise Report form on page V. Thank God for the opportunities of service that He gives to each of us. Pray that each person in your Small Group would find a place of service at Milestone Church, and that you would all find purpose and joy as you serve. SESSION WRAP There s only one session left in this study of What On Earth Am I Here For? Take some time to talk about what your Small Group will do at the conclusion of the study. Will your Small Group continue to meet for the rest of the Small Group semester? If so, start talking about where you will meet, who will lead the group, and what you ll study next. We also encourage your Small Group to plan a seventh session together where you can celebrate what God has done in your lives through this Small Group study. This could be a dinner, barbecue, or picnic where the focus is on fellowship. Also think about inviting other people to the party. It might be a great way of getting them connected with your Small Group for the rest of the semester. Read Days 29-35 in What On Earth Am I Here For? before your next Small Group. Be sure to answer the questions in the Prepare for Your Small Group section of your Study Guide. Read this week s Power Verse every day as part of your daily devotions. See if you can have it memorized before your next Small Group meeting. DON T FORGET... Water Baptism weekend is February 22nd-23rd. Water Baptism is a great way of showing others that you have entered in to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and it s something we celebrate here at Milestone. If anyone in your Small Group would like to get baptized, email smallgroups@milestonechurch.com. 47 48
SESSION 6 SESSION 6 YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION PREPARE FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION What insights did I gain from my daily reading this week in What On Earth Am I Here For? What insights did I gain from this weekend s message? What do I want to ask or discuss further with my Small Group this week? 50
SESSION 6 YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION FEBRUARY 22-23 SESSION WARM UP If anyone is new to your group, be sure to introduce everyone. Who is the person most responsible for introducing you to Jesus Christ? How did that happen? YOU WERE MADE YOU FOR MATTER A MISSION TO GOD POWER VERSE But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 (NLT) VIDEO LESSON Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) 1. Jesus not only calls us to Him but to for Him. 51 52
SESSION 6 YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION [ Jesus] said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15 (NIV) MY ACTIVITIES (hobbies, sports, work, kids clubs, dining out, etc.) PEOPLE TO IMPACT (friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, teammates, etc.) You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NIV) 2. Live it where you. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT) 3. fuels the journey. 53 54
SESSION 6 YOU WERE MADE FOR A MISSION But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24 (NLT) GROUP DISCUSSION 1. Take a moment to go around the room and have everyone share: What is something that you enjoy doing or that you are passionate about? 2. How can you intersect that passion with God s mission to reach others? 3. God expects me to bring people to Jesus. What do you think about that statement? 4. How much effort do you put into reaching others for Christ in your life? Are you satisfied with where you re at? 5. What keeps us from reaching out to others for Christ? And how can we overcome these areas? 55 56
SESSION WRAP Congratulations! You have finished your Small Group study of What On Earth Am I Here For? We hope this study has been a blessing to you. PRAY TOGETHER Take a few minutes to complete the chart on page 54 in your Study Guide. List the people who you could start reaching out to for Christ. Pick one or two of those individuals to pray for right now. Ask God to strengthen your heart and give you courage to share Christ with them. Ask God to give you opportunities to tell them about your relationship with Christ. Ask God to soften their hearts and prepare them to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. Pray for your group s prayer requests. You can record the requests on the Small Group Prayer and Praise Report form on page V. Take some time now to finalize your plans for a party next week and decide if your Small Group will continue to meet for the rest of the semester. Read Days 36-42 in What On Earth Am I Here For? during the next week. Share with others what you learned by placing a favorite quote from the book on your Facebook page. Read this week s Power Verse every day as part of your daily devotions. See if you can memorize it this week. DON T FORGET... The next Discovery 101 class takes place on Sunday, March 2 at 12:30pm in the Video Café. If you are new to Milestone Church, come and discover more about the heart and vision of our church at Discovery 101. You ll get to meet Pastor Jeff, our pastoral team, and many others who are relatively new to the church. Lunch and childcare are also provided. If you would like to attend, please email joy-ann.curd@milestonechurch.com to register. The Next Foundations 301 class begins on Monday, March 24. This 7-week course will equip you to grow spiritually and provide you with a solid biblical foundation for your life. It s also a great way to build relationships with others and learn the core values that form the culture of Milestone Church. Childcare is provided. Please email joy-ann.curd@milestonechurch.com to register for the class. 57 58
ANSWER KEY SESSION 1 1. God created us to love us. 2. I find my purpose in God. SESSION 2 1. Worship is expressing my affection to God. 2. Worship is focusing my attention on God. 3. Worship is using my abilities for God. SESSION 3 1. God places you in His family. 2. You receive from Him through His family. 3. You need to prioritize His family. SESSION 4 1. Grow up. 2. Grow more like Christ. 3. Keep growing. SESSION 5 1. Serving means being available. 2. Serving means being faithful. 3. Serving means being generous. SESSION 6 1. Jesus not only calls us to Him but to go for Him. 2. Live it where you are. 3. Passion fuels the journey. 59