This Fall our church is preaching through the life of Elijah. We had some great guests start the series out as I was on sabbatical but now that I'm back I want to share these small group questions with you. The life of Elijah is a story of encouragement to life for God when others around you might be living an ungodly life. Elijah learns to deeply depend on God to meet all his needs. His life is a life lived by faith; no retirement plan, no 401K, and no vacation policy. Elijah stands up to point God's people back to their true King during a dark time in the life of Israel. Study these questions by yourself or with others to grow in your faith!
Small Group Questions | Defined by Prayer | James 5:13-20
This Fall we’re studying the life of Elijah in the Old Testament. Elijah is known as one of the primary prophets who confronted idol worship in Israel. This Sunday we looked into the New Testament to bring the mission and vision back in front of us. The mission of our church is quite powerful and simple— Helping people find and follow Jesus. Our vision is— Coastline is united in reaching and discipling 1% of our community for Jesus. We have a big vision, a big vision to see life change in our community; marriages healed, kids growing up in Godly homes, people saved from addiction, and so much more. Study these questions to see how we can become a praying church.
1) Think of a time in your life when you needed to make a big decision. This decision was so big that you really didn’t have the margin to mess it up. Share with your group about that decision and the role prayer played in helping you make the choice.
2) Read James 5:17. James teaches us that Elijah is a human being just like us. So often in the Christian life we put the heroes of the Bible of a pedestal. How does James teaching help you see yourself differently?
3) Thinking more about our humanity, share some stories with your group about when you’ve seen God use ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the Kingdom? This might be helping others out, emotional support, or times of prayer.
4) Read James 5:17. We read that Elijah’s life was defined by earnest prayer. What are some things that you are earnestly praying for God to do right now? What are the things that distract you from earnestly praying?
5) Throughout the Scriptures we find several examples of regular and faithful prayer. Read Mark 1:35, Psalm 5:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Daniel 6:10. When looking at these examples of prayer when is the best time for you to commit to praying?
6) Read James 5:17-18. We read that God answered Elijah’s prayer. God is a God who hears the prayers of His people. Read Jeremiah 33:3, Mark 11:24, and Matthew 7:7-8. What are some prayers that you are longing for God to answer right now?
7) At the end of his letter James instructs the early church to bring people back from their wandering sin (read James 5:19-20). When you think about sharing your faith what comes to mind? Does it scare you, thrill you, or somewhere in the middle?
Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.
