BEGIN WITH YOUR HEART

LEADER - Depending on your time, you may choose one question or have only one person answer each question to keep things moving. I would focus on questions 3 and 4.
Read Matt. 5:17-19 and answer the following questions as a group:

What stands out to you in this passage?
Why would Jesus need to make such a statement about the law?
What does Jesus seem to think about scripture?
What is my opinion about scripture? What or who has informed my thoughts and convictions on it?
What questions do I have in regards to God’s Word?

Pray: Father you have written your Word to be a light to our path and to encourage us. Would you help us to have a humble posture like Josiah and place ourselves under its authority? Would you help us to rightly know who you are as we chew on your Word?

A LOOK IN GOD’S WORD

LEADER - In order to have an honest discussion, your group will need to trust you and feel the freedom to admit that this is an area to grow in. Start by sharing your own weaknesses in being distracted from God’s Word.
Consider the following passages and discuss as a group:

Josiah’s Reign as King: 2 Chron. 34:1-7

Read this passage and ask the following questions:
What does it mean that Josiah didn’t turn to the left or the right?
In your answer, consider that he spends a great deal of effort cleansing the idols and symbols of idolatry from his kingdom.

What are the things in my life that I turn to the left and right for?
Ie. What are the things that distract me from following God wholeheartedly? Does scripture speak (directly or indirectly) to any of those things I turn to? If so, what does it say?

God’s Word is good for… 2 Tim. 3:16-17

How do Paul’s words here in the NT fit with Josiah’s response to God’s Word 650 years earlier?

What stands out to you from Paul’s words to Timothy here?

What is one action step you can take to enjoy God via his Word in a fresh or new way this week? What about as a family?

MY LIFE- OUR MISSION

LEADER - These catergories of applicaiton are a quick reminder that applying God’s Word to our life begins with us personally, extends to our family and then to our mission as a church in the world.
MY LIFE – Where are the most natural avenues for me to share about a God who creates & restores? Who are in those places? Consider: Home, work, & play (gym, community activities, sports leagues, reading groups, clubs, etc.)

YOUR FAMILY – At a dinner table this week, review the 6 LIFE QUESTIONS. Explore with your family members their understanding of what each question means. Which question(s) resonate best with you…and your kids? Do you think it might help to discuss these together as a family each week?

OUR MISSION – Our LIFE QUESTIONS help us assess if our every-day walk with God is engaging in our church’s mission. The more regular our meeting with God, the more we ask for the Spirit’s flowing presence, the more we share our tough stuff with spiritual accountability partners, the more we “put out the welcome mat” to people not yet in God’s family…well, the more the Lord connects people to life-defining relationships in Christ. Right? Let’s lean into our Father’s provisions, and these great questions, together!!