Small Group Guide: “Get Up Out of That Grave”

Opening Prayer: Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help apply the teachings to your lives.

Key Takeaways:

The resurrection of Jesus is both a historical fact and a powerful picture for our own lives.
We are called to live a resurrection life, breaking free from things that hold us back.
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us and can quicken our mortal bodies.
Common “graves” we need to get out of include past regrets, shame, stubbornness, and selfishness.
The resurrected life calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?

PB mentioned several “graves” people might be stuck in. Which of these resonated with you personally, and why?

How does understanding the historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection impact your faith?

The message emphasized the importance of integrity over perfection. How might this perspective change the way you approach your spiritual life?

Discuss the concept of stubbornness as a grave. In what areas of your life might you be stubbornly resisting God’s leading?

How does the idea of “losing your life to save it” (as Jesus taught) challenge our cultural norms?

PB said, “He doesn’t just want to save you for eternity. He wants to save you for Tuesday.” What does this mean to you practically?

Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for the main themes discussed:

Explicitly Mentioned:

Luke 24:1-12 (The resurrection account)
Romans 8:11
Isaiah 43:18-19
Hebrews 12:2
1 Samuel 15:22-24
Matthew 16:24-25 (or Mark 8:34-35, Luke 9:23-24)
1 Peter 1:3-4

Alluded to:

Genesis 1:27 (Creation of male and female in God’s image)
1 Corinthians 15:6 (500 witnesses of the resurrected Christ)
Ephesians 2:1-5 (Dead in sin, made alive in Christ)
Acts 16:16-18 (The girl with the spirit of divination)

Relevant verses for main themes:

Past Regrets:

Philippians 3:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:17
Shame:

Romans 8:1
1 John 1:9
Stubbornness:

Proverbs 29:1
James 4:6
Selfishness:

Philippians 2:3-4
Galatians 5:13
Resurrection Power:

Ephesians 1:19-20
Philippians 3:10
New Life in Christ:

2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:20
Forgiveness:

Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
God’s Love:

John 3:16
Romans 5:8

Practical Applications:

Identify one “grave” in your life that you need to get out of. Share with the group and commit to praying for each other in these areas.

Practice gratitude this week by daily listing three good things, even on tough days. Share your experience with the group next time.

If struggling with shame, memorize Hebrews 12:2 and reflect on how Jesus “despised shame” for our sake.

Challenge yourself to serve others this week as a way of combating selfishness. Share your experiences with the group.

Reflect on areas where you might be theologically stubborn. Commit to studying Scripture with an open mind on these topics.

Closing Prayer: Close the session by praying for each other, especially in the areas of struggle or “graves” that were shared during the discussion.

FIVE DAY DEVO

Day 1: Embracing New Life in Christ Reading: Romans 6:1-14 Devotional: Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too are called to walk in newness of life. Today’s passage reminds us that through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. This means our old self - bound by sin and regret - has been crucified, and we are now alive to God. Reflect on areas of your life where you might still be living as if you’re trapped in a grave of past mistakes or shame. How can you practically “consider yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” today? Remember, the resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you, offering hope, healing, and transformation. Embrace this new life and let it permeate every aspect of your being.

Day 2: Overcoming Stubbornness Through Obedience Reading: 1 Samuel 15:22-23 Devotional: Samuel’s words to Saul remind us that obedience is more valuable to God than sacrifice. Stubbornness can become a grave that traps us, preventing us from fully experiencing God’s best for our lives. Consider areas where you might be resisting God’s leading or holding onto your own way. How might your life change if you approached God with a heart of submission rather than stubbornness? Today, practice listening for God’s voice and responding with quick obedience. Remember, true freedom is found not in asserting our own will, but in aligning ourselves with God’s perfect plan.

Day 3: Breaking Free from Shame Reading: Psalm 34:1-8 Devotional: The Psalmist declares, “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Shame can be a powerful force that keeps us trapped in a cycle of self-condemnation and unworthiness. But the good news of the gospel is that Christ’s resurrection offers us freedom from shame. Meditate on the truth that God looks at you with love, not condemnation. How might your life be different if you truly believed and lived in this reality? Today, whenever you feel shame creeping in, consciously turn your gaze to God. Declare His goodness over your life and allow His love to wash away the residue of shame.

Day 4: From Selfishness to Selflessness Reading: Philippians 2:1-11 Devotional: Paul’s beautiful hymn about Christ’s humility provides a powerful antidote to the grave of selfishness. Jesus, though divine, did not cling to His privileges but emptied Himself for our sake. This selfless love is at the heart of the resurrection life we’re called to live. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be overly focused on your own interests. How can you cultivate a mindset more like Christ’s today? Look for practical ways to put others first, whether it’s in your family, workplace, or community. Remember, in losing our life for Christ’s sake, we ultimately find true life.

Day 5: Hope in the Midst of Suffering Reading: Romans 8:18-39 Devotional: Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The resurrection of Jesus assures us that pain and death do not have the final word. Even in our darkest moments, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, interceding for us when we don’t know how to pray. Today, bring your struggles and sufferings before God. Allow the hope of resurrection to infuse your perspective on your current circumstances. How might your approach to challenges change if you truly believed that nothing can separate you from God’s love? Let this assurance embolden you to face whatever lies ahead with courage and faith.