Proverbs
Proverbs is a book of wisdom. It is direct and demanding, but also clever and fun. It lacks the angst and ambiguity of books like Psalms and Job, but it also serves as a corrective or at least helpful conversation partner with such books because it reminds us that while much in the world is gray, much is also black and/or white. Obey God and it tends to go well; disobey God and it tends to go poorly. While we must guard against overly moral arithmetic, prosperity-gospel-ish interpretations, it’s important to remember that Scripture teaches us to live with the moral grain of the universe, and that doing so tends to create a life less filled with splinters than would otherwise be the case.
Remember to find time to practice confession/accountability in your group. These get honest questions are a great resource.
If you want more context on the book of Proverbs watch this video!
The Rights of the Poor - November 10th
We're in the midst of a fussy cultural conversation about social justice and human rights, but what does Scripture say about these things? A lot! Imploring us to care for the vulnerable because that's what God did for us, Scripture also specifies that the most important political question for Christians is not "How do we vote?" but "Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a church?"
Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Proverbs 31:8-9. Why is caring for the vulnerable important to God?
2. Do you think of yourself as a member of the Church over being an American? Why does it matter to keep your identity rightly ordered?
3. Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a small group? How are we going above and beyond for the vulnerable (orphans, widows, poor)?
4. Is there anyone in your life you could be more intentionally caring for?
Action Step: Care for the vulnerable in your life.
Any Fool Will Quarrel - November 3rd
Is it OK to be angry? Yes! But Scripture also tells us to be very careful with our anger, and quick to let go of it instead of pouring gas on it in the name of an allegedly greater good. Because while we like to tell ourselves we're good at being angry for a good cause, Scripture disagrees.
Questions/Discussions:
1. What do stories in the Bible like Moses shattering the Ten Commandments (Exodus 32:19) and Jesus flipping tables (Matthew 21:12-13) teach us about anger?
2. Read Proverbs 14:29-30, Proverbs 19:11, and Proverbs 20:3. Scripture presents anger as something that’s mostly bad, and thus should mostly be avoided, because we mostly cannot handle it. Therefore, how are you (should you) limiting your exposure to anger? (think about the chemotherapy analogy)
3. How should remembering that Jesus is the truth and you are not change the way you respond to people and situations?
4. How can we, as a small group, get uncomfortable with resentment and grievances? Remember that Jesus is anti-resentful. Read Luke 23:34 and James 1:19-20.
5. In the prayer time that Austin led us through, did the Lord reveal anything to you that you want to share with the group?
Action Step: Quit indulging your grievances.
Becoming the "right" person - October 27th
If we're single, we tend to spend a lot of our time looking for the "right" person to spend our lives with. If we're married and having trouble, we tend to spend a lot of time trying to fix the "right" person (our spouse). However, the writers of Proverbs seem far more concerned with us becoming the "right" person that God wants us to be. What does it look like to be the right kind of woman or the right kind of man in God's eyes?
Questions/Discussions:
We'd encourage groups to consider splitting up guys and girls for tonights discussion!
Guys:
1. Read Proverbs 31. When it comes to finding your spouse or improving your marriage, have you been spending your time/energy trying to fix the "right" person or are you working on becoming the "right" person who God has called you to be?
2. Dave listed 5 points from Proverbs 31 that are characteristics of a wise man. Discuss how we as men are doing/want to improve in each area.
4. How are we guarding against sexual temptation? Does anyone need to confess sexual sin? (Prov. 5:3, v.8)
5. If you're married, are you pursuing intimacy with your spouse well? If you are single, how are your boundaries to protect God's design for sex in marriage? (Prov. 5:15-20)
Girls
1. Read Proverbs 31. When it comes to finding your spouse or improving your marriage, have you been spending your time/energy trying to fix the "right" person or are you working on becoming the "right" person who God has called you to be?
2. Dave listed 5 points from Proverbs 31 that are characteristics of a wise woman. Discuss how we as women are doing/want to improve in each area.
4. How are we guarding against sexual temptation? Does anyone need to confess sexual sin? (Prov. 5:3, v.8)
5. If you're married, are you pursuing intimacy with your spouse well? If you are single, how are your boundaries to protect God's design for sex in marriage? (Prov. 5:15-20)
Action Step: Re-read Proverbs 31 and Proverbs 5 this week. Write down your own action step from the text specifically dealing with an area of your life where God is working to grow you into the right person
Wisdom With Our Words - October 20th
Proverbs has a lot to say about how we use our words. Wise people are careful with their words and use them to speak life. Various New Testament writers say the same thing. For example Col. 4:6 says that "our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt." So, what does it mean that our speech should be "seasoned...?" What are some practical ways we can season our speech in order to be people who speak life with our words?
Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Prov. 13:3, Prov. 17:27, Prov. 18:6 and Prov. 18:21. Wise people are careful with their words. How are you doing with your words? What do your words reveal about your heart? Would people know you love Jesus by the way you use your words?
2. Read Col. 4:6. What does it mean that our speech should be "seasoned?" (Dave said by: Telling the Truth, Expressing Gratitude, Offering Praise, & Speaking Blessing)
3. Choose one of these ways to practice using your words to bring life in group tonight:
a. Express gratitude: Go around the circle and everyone share one thing they are grateful for!
b. Encourage: Do a honey roast! Go around the circle and encourage one person at a time with the ways you see God working in them or affirming their gifting etc. (for big groups consider splitting up girls and guys)
4. Share one way your are going to use your words to bring life this weeks!
Action Step: Think of one specific way you can use your words/speech to bring life to those around you this week.
Iron Sharpens Iron - October 13th
Scripture makes it clear that good and wise company is a necessary component to cultivating wisdom in our lives. Proverbs gives us incredible insight into the characteristics of good and wise company, the kind of company we need in our lives if we want to grow in wisdom. But also the kind of company we should strive to be for others.
Questions:
1. Read Proverbs 13:20. Sarah reminded us that good and wise company is a necessary component to growing wisdom in your own life. How have you seen Proverbs 13:20 be true in your life?
2. How are we doing in being good company to each other as a small group?
The Righteous Give - October 6th
How do we best steward our resources? By gaining them righteously, using them wisely, and giving them generously. Threading the needle between prosperity and poverty gospel readings of Scripture, Proverbs offers a blunt but generous set of teachings on the intersection of wealth and possessions in God's economy.
Questions:
1. Have different people read Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 10:2-4, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 11:28 and explain in your own words. Why is it important to remember these are principles not promises?
2. Austin said, "wealth is complicated, but generosity is simple." What from Jesus' life and ministry supports this statement (hint: Matthew 19:24, but there's so much more!)? Has this statement proven true in your life? Why or why not?
3. What is stewardship? How is it different than charity?
(Austin's Answer: Well I’d say that stewardship is understanding that everything you have, no matter how hard you’ve worked for it, is God’s and not yours, and that you are to use whatever you have (wealth, talents, resources) to make the world more like God’s kingdom. And so in this sense Willard distinguishes stewardship from charity, and prioritizes stewardship, because stewardship’s goal is the creation of a community where charity is less and less necessary, because charity is only necessary when stewardship has failed (I mean that more culturally than individually).)
4. Where do you need to grow in living like everything is God's? How are you doing gaining righteously, using wisely, and giving generously?
5. Austin said, "if you want to take seriously stewarding your resources for the blessing of others, then the most important thing that you can do is contribute financially to your church." So are you tithing to your church? Why or why not?
Action step: Ask a friend for feedback as to whether you're stewarding your resources well.
An Ode to Prudence - September 29nd
We should spend more time understanding what will not change than trying to anticipate what will change. This is a fundamental lesson of Proverbs, and in Proverbs 8 we learn it is not prudent people who are naive and sheltered, but foolish people. Because prudence makes holy play possible.
Questions:
1. Read Proverbs 8. What does this text teach us about wisdom?
2. Read Proverbs 8:12. Why is prudence such an important characteristic of wisdom?
3. Would you say your life is marked by self-control or self-expression/self-assertion. How are you welcoming discipline and boundaries into your life so that the fruit of the spirit, self-control, can grow?
4. Is there anywhere you're being resistant to discipline because it is violating your desires?
5. How can Christians live a life of both prudence and fun?
6. Bonus For Groups With Parents: How are you heeding the direction of Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, & 23:13-14 and being a loving, yet disciplined parent?
Action step: Ask a trusted person to identify an area of your life where you lack self-control.
Walking in Wisdom - September 22nd
Proverbs is a book about wise living. God wants his people to walk in wisdom rather than live lives of foolishness and folly. So, how do we become wise people? Where does wisdom come from and how do we practically learn to walk in it in all areas of our lives?
Questions:
1. What does it mean that Proverbs are principles not promises? Why does it matter that we keep that in mind throughout this series?
2. Read Proverbs 1:1-7. What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?
3. Read Proverbs 1:7. What does it look like to have a healthy fear of God vs. unhealthy fear? How does fear of God affect the way you live? (Dave talked about healthy fear being a reverence of God that causes us to run towards him in obedience and confidence.)
4. What does it mean to live by the Spirit of God? Read Galatians 5:16-25. Do you need to confess anywhere you are giving into your flesh (foolishness)?
5. Where are you seeking wisdom in your life right now?
Action step: As you read through Proverbs during this series, ask God to show you the area(s) of your life where you need more wisdom... Then pray that God would help you grow in wisdom in those areas.
Remember to find time to practice confession/accountability in your group. These get honest questions are a great resource.
If you want more context on the book of Proverbs watch this video!
The Rights of the Poor - November 10th
We're in the midst of a fussy cultural conversation about social justice and human rights, but what does Scripture say about these things? A lot! Imploring us to care for the vulnerable because that's what God did for us, Scripture also specifies that the most important political question for Christians is not "How do we vote?" but "Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a church?"
Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Proverbs 31:8-9. Why is caring for the vulnerable important to God?
2. Do you think of yourself as a member of the Church over being an American? Why does it matter to keep your identity rightly ordered?
3. Are we practicing the politics of Jesus as a small group? How are we going above and beyond for the vulnerable (orphans, widows, poor)?
4. Is there anyone in your life you could be more intentionally caring for?
Action Step: Care for the vulnerable in your life.
Any Fool Will Quarrel - November 3rd
Is it OK to be angry? Yes! But Scripture also tells us to be very careful with our anger, and quick to let go of it instead of pouring gas on it in the name of an allegedly greater good. Because while we like to tell ourselves we're good at being angry for a good cause, Scripture disagrees.
Questions/Discussions:
1. What do stories in the Bible like Moses shattering the Ten Commandments (Exodus 32:19) and Jesus flipping tables (Matthew 21:12-13) teach us about anger?
2. Read Proverbs 14:29-30, Proverbs 19:11, and Proverbs 20:3. Scripture presents anger as something that’s mostly bad, and thus should mostly be avoided, because we mostly cannot handle it. Therefore, how are you (should you) limiting your exposure to anger? (think about the chemotherapy analogy)
3. How should remembering that Jesus is the truth and you are not change the way you respond to people and situations?
4. How can we, as a small group, get uncomfortable with resentment and grievances? Remember that Jesus is anti-resentful. Read Luke 23:34 and James 1:19-20.
5. In the prayer time that Austin led us through, did the Lord reveal anything to you that you want to share with the group?
Action Step: Quit indulging your grievances.
Becoming the "right" person - October 27th
If we're single, we tend to spend a lot of our time looking for the "right" person to spend our lives with. If we're married and having trouble, we tend to spend a lot of time trying to fix the "right" person (our spouse). However, the writers of Proverbs seem far more concerned with us becoming the "right" person that God wants us to be. What does it look like to be the right kind of woman or the right kind of man in God's eyes?
Questions/Discussions:
We'd encourage groups to consider splitting up guys and girls for tonights discussion!
Guys:
1. Read Proverbs 31. When it comes to finding your spouse or improving your marriage, have you been spending your time/energy trying to fix the "right" person or are you working on becoming the "right" person who God has called you to be?
2. Dave listed 5 points from Proverbs 31 that are characteristics of a wise man. Discuss how we as men are doing/want to improve in each area.
- He is willing to both receive and give wise counsel and instruction (Prov. 31:1)
- He is a protector and defender (Prov. 31:8-9)
- He respects and values women (Prov. 31:10-11 and v.28)
- He takes responsibility and is worthy of respect (Prov. 31:23)
- He honors his wife above all other women (Prov. 31:28-29)
4. How are we guarding against sexual temptation? Does anyone need to confess sexual sin? (Prov. 5:3, v.8)
5. If you're married, are you pursuing intimacy with your spouse well? If you are single, how are your boundaries to protect God's design for sex in marriage? (Prov. 5:15-20)
Girls
1. Read Proverbs 31. When it comes to finding your spouse or improving your marriage, have you been spending your time/energy trying to fix the "right" person or are you working on becoming the "right" person who God has called you to be?
2. Dave listed 5 points from Proverbs 31 that are characteristics of a wise woman. Discuss how we as women are doing/want to improve in each area.
- She is a diligent worker (Prov. 31:13-19, v.24, v. 27)
- She is generous and compassionate (Prov. 31:20)
- She lives with joy (Prov. 31:25)
- Her speech is full of wisdom and kindness (Prov. 31:26)
- She has the right priorities (Prov. 31:28-30)
4. How are we guarding against sexual temptation? Does anyone need to confess sexual sin? (Prov. 5:3, v.8)
5. If you're married, are you pursuing intimacy with your spouse well? If you are single, how are your boundaries to protect God's design for sex in marriage? (Prov. 5:15-20)
Action Step: Re-read Proverbs 31 and Proverbs 5 this week. Write down your own action step from the text specifically dealing with an area of your life where God is working to grow you into the right person
Wisdom With Our Words - October 20th
Proverbs has a lot to say about how we use our words. Wise people are careful with their words and use them to speak life. Various New Testament writers say the same thing. For example Col. 4:6 says that "our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt." So, what does it mean that our speech should be "seasoned...?" What are some practical ways we can season our speech in order to be people who speak life with our words?
Questions/Discussions:
1. Read Prov. 13:3, Prov. 17:27, Prov. 18:6 and Prov. 18:21. Wise people are careful with their words. How are you doing with your words? What do your words reveal about your heart? Would people know you love Jesus by the way you use your words?
2. Read Col. 4:6. What does it mean that our speech should be "seasoned?" (Dave said by: Telling the Truth, Expressing Gratitude, Offering Praise, & Speaking Blessing)
3. Choose one of these ways to practice using your words to bring life in group tonight:
a. Express gratitude: Go around the circle and everyone share one thing they are grateful for!
b. Encourage: Do a honey roast! Go around the circle and encourage one person at a time with the ways you see God working in them or affirming their gifting etc. (for big groups consider splitting up girls and guys)
4. Share one way your are going to use your words to bring life this weeks!
Action Step: Think of one specific way you can use your words/speech to bring life to those around you this week.
Iron Sharpens Iron - October 13th
Scripture makes it clear that good and wise company is a necessary component to cultivating wisdom in our lives. Proverbs gives us incredible insight into the characteristics of good and wise company, the kind of company we need in our lives if we want to grow in wisdom. But also the kind of company we should strive to be for others.
Questions:
1. Read Proverbs 13:20. Sarah reminded us that good and wise company is a necessary component to growing wisdom in your own life. How have you seen Proverbs 13:20 be true in your life?
2. How are we doing in being good company to each other as a small group?
- Do we fear God? (Proverbs 16:6)
- Do we speak the truth in love? (Proverbs 27:17, Proverbs 27:6, )
- Are we able to hear and receive Godly truth from each other life? (Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 25:11-12)
- Do we carry each other's burdens well? (Mark 2:5, Proverbs 28:13)
- Do they fear God?
- Do they speak the truth in love?
- Are they able to hear and receive Godly truth in their own life?
- Do they help carry the burdens of others?
The Righteous Give - October 6th
How do we best steward our resources? By gaining them righteously, using them wisely, and giving them generously. Threading the needle between prosperity and poverty gospel readings of Scripture, Proverbs offers a blunt but generous set of teachings on the intersection of wealth and possessions in God's economy.
Questions:
1. Have different people read Proverbs 3:9-10, Proverbs 10:2-4, Proverbs 11:25, Proverbs 11:28 and explain in your own words. Why is it important to remember these are principles not promises?
2. Austin said, "wealth is complicated, but generosity is simple." What from Jesus' life and ministry supports this statement (hint: Matthew 19:24, but there's so much more!)? Has this statement proven true in your life? Why or why not?
3. What is stewardship? How is it different than charity?
(Austin's Answer: Well I’d say that stewardship is understanding that everything you have, no matter how hard you’ve worked for it, is God’s and not yours, and that you are to use whatever you have (wealth, talents, resources) to make the world more like God’s kingdom. And so in this sense Willard distinguishes stewardship from charity, and prioritizes stewardship, because stewardship’s goal is the creation of a community where charity is less and less necessary, because charity is only necessary when stewardship has failed (I mean that more culturally than individually).)
4. Where do you need to grow in living like everything is God's? How are you doing gaining righteously, using wisely, and giving generously?
5. Austin said, "if you want to take seriously stewarding your resources for the blessing of others, then the most important thing that you can do is contribute financially to your church." So are you tithing to your church? Why or why not?
Action step: Ask a friend for feedback as to whether you're stewarding your resources well.
An Ode to Prudence - September 29nd
We should spend more time understanding what will not change than trying to anticipate what will change. This is a fundamental lesson of Proverbs, and in Proverbs 8 we learn it is not prudent people who are naive and sheltered, but foolish people. Because prudence makes holy play possible.
Questions:
1. Read Proverbs 8. What does this text teach us about wisdom?
2. Read Proverbs 8:12. Why is prudence such an important characteristic of wisdom?
3. Would you say your life is marked by self-control or self-expression/self-assertion. How are you welcoming discipline and boundaries into your life so that the fruit of the spirit, self-control, can grow?
4. Is there anywhere you're being resistant to discipline because it is violating your desires?
5. How can Christians live a life of both prudence and fun?
6. Bonus For Groups With Parents: How are you heeding the direction of Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, 22:15, & 23:13-14 and being a loving, yet disciplined parent?
Action step: Ask a trusted person to identify an area of your life where you lack self-control.
Walking in Wisdom - September 22nd
Proverbs is a book about wise living. God wants his people to walk in wisdom rather than live lives of foolishness and folly. So, how do we become wise people? Where does wisdom come from and how do we practically learn to walk in it in all areas of our lives?
Questions:
1. What does it mean that Proverbs are principles not promises? Why does it matter that we keep that in mind throughout this series?
2. Read Proverbs 1:1-7. What is the purpose of the book of Proverbs?
3. Read Proverbs 1:7. What does it look like to have a healthy fear of God vs. unhealthy fear? How does fear of God affect the way you live? (Dave talked about healthy fear being a reverence of God that causes us to run towards him in obedience and confidence.)
4. What does it mean to live by the Spirit of God? Read Galatians 5:16-25. Do you need to confess anywhere you are giving into your flesh (foolishness)?
5. Where are you seeking wisdom in your life right now?
Action step: As you read through Proverbs during this series, ask God to show you the area(s) of your life where you need more wisdom... Then pray that God would help you grow in wisdom in those areas.
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