flowmaster – Mariners Church Flow Questions

Art of Relationships Wk 1 // Comparison: The Thief

Message Recap

One of the greatest killers to healthy relationships is comparison. No matter your age or season of life, there are traps around every corner luring us into the land of “er and est.” The land of er and est is mark with phrases like, “if I only I were rich-er, funny-er, or the smart-est and pretti-est.” Or how about these…“Why can’t they be bett-er, friendli-er?” Whether we look up and compare (jealousy), or look down and compare (pride), there is no win in comparison. When I compare… “I sin.”

Guiding Verses

“Love is not jealous or boastful or proud.”

1 Corinthians 13:4

“A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.”

Proverbs 14:30

Discussion Questions

1. What were some of the groups in your High School and which ones did you hang out with?

2. When was a time you felt “less than” or excluded?

3. Where are you currently playing the comparison game?

4. Describe how that game is playing out. What are the effects on your emotions and relationships?

Moving Forward

One of the remedies to comparison is found in understanding where our identity and worth comes from. Galatians 4:4-7 reminds us that while we were “slaves to the law” God sent his son to “adopt us as his very own children.” We have all we will ever need in Christ! Pray in your group for God’s Spirit to speak truth where lies have taken ground and for healing and freedom to break through places of hurt and bondage.

To learn more about the Art of Relationships series, including how to join or host an Art of Relationships Series Group click here.

Praying Is Cool // Luke 18:1-8

Art of Relationship Series Groups are launching next week!

Here’s what you need to know…

Regular Flow Questions will be on pause. You must sign up here to receive special Art of Relationship group questions.
We are encouraging all groups to open up to new members during this 6 week series.
All groups are encouraged to register and join us for our Life Group Launch with Kenton Beshore on Thursday, January 21st. Join us at the event for a chance to win one of two iPad Mini’s!

Get more info here on Art of Relationship Series Groups or contact our team directly.

Lean In // 5 minutes

You just won the 1.5 billon power-ball! What do you do?

Leader Note: People were in a frenzy this past week as the lottery hit an historic high of 1.5 Billion! Have fun with this question. What would you first purchase be? Would you work still. What do you spend, what do yo save?

Transition your group to the passage by saying something like this… “one thing we know for sure is that there were plenty of people praying to win this week! Let’s look at the passage and see what we can learn about prayer.”

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 18:1-8

What do you learn about the Judge?

Sample answers may include…

He has power
People come to him for help
He doesn’t know God
He is compassionless
He is neither just nor does he care for people or what they think about him
He is motivated to action by his own selfish desires, he gave justice just to get the widow off his case

What do you learn about the widow?

Sample Answers May Include…

She’s in a desperate situation where someone is opposing her
She has nowhere else to turn for help
She is extremely persistent

Commentary: Widows are identified throughout scripture as hopeless, vulnerable, and poor. They stand in isolation without rights, with no advocate or anyone to provide for them. (Exodus 22:2-24, Isaiah 1:17, 1 Timothy 5:3, James 1:27)

Look Out // 20 minutes

What is the difference between this judge and our God?

Leader Note: The judge has no honor; he is unrighteous and lacks compassion. He appears to be annoyed with her request, has no time for her. He finally acts but only to appease himself. While he has power to “fix” certain things he does so in a disengaged and self-seeking manner.

God on the other hand is involved with us. He is compassionate, righteous, kind and full of love. God is more than a “problem fixer.” He is someone that we can trust in. He is quick to act, gracious and just. God doesn’t not view us as desperate, annoying people only out to get something. He see’s us his loved children whom he invites into relationship with himself.

Why is it important to understand the difference?

Leader Note: If we view God as a (this) judge we may conclude that He doesn’t have time for us and that He only answers our request when He has something to gain by it. We may also come to believe that God can be persuaded by our hopeless begging versus our prayers that our full of faith. This judge is distant and is viewed as someone that we get something out of while our God is near and is someone we come to know. God is not a means to an end for us. He is our creator and sustainer and He desires to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:7-11).

Look In // 25 minutes

What in your life are you currently concerned about?

Where are you turning to with those concerns?

How could this passage shape your prays with God?

Live It Out // 10 minutes

How might this passage shape your prays for others?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Acts 2:42-47 // Words With Friends

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some things that just go together?

Sample answers may include…

Super Bowl & commercials
The 405 & traffic
Pizza and pizza
Cookies & milk
Babies & puppies
Netflix & your couch

Leader Note: The goal of the question is to engage the group, create some energy, and have fun. As the leader, be prepared to share a few things to get the conversation started. Allow some space for group members to share stories around their answers.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Acts 2:42-47

What do you learn from this group of believers?

Sample answers may include…

Gathered regularly together
Devoted to Apostles’ teaching (studying scripture)
Committed to doing life together and sharing meals (including communion)
Constantly in prayer
Experienced miracles, wonders, and awe
Faithfully generous
Worshiped together
Regularly expressed their praise to God and enjoyed favor from people
Embodied God’s intention for life in community

Look Out // 10 minutes

When do people look for advice? And, who do they turn to for it?

Sample answers may include…

Consumer decisions → Consumer reports
Relationship challenges → Friends
Picking a career/changing career → Author/Expert
Parenting → Parents/Grandparents
Navigating family → Counselor/Therapist
Finances → Financial planner
Exercise & Diet → Trainer
Faith → Pastor

Leader note: We often seek direction for our lives through the people in our community. So, help your group to think about the various crossroads people face—whether funny or serious—and who they turn to for advice. Although you could answer “parents” to all of these places, draw out the other people that speak into these areas.

Look In // 15 minutes

When was a time you felt God speak to you through community?

Where are you looking for Him to speak today?

How might you tune in to God through community?

Live it Out // 5 minutes

What would change if you regularly heard God’s Voice through community?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Luke 2:8-15 // Good News!

In this season we have a great opportunity to jump into the story of Celebrate Differently as our Life Groups serve and bless others with the transformational love of Jesus! We want to hear your stories. How is God using your Life Group to engage Celebrate Differently?

Follow and tag @marinerslifegroups on Instagram with your Celebrate Differently Stories and pictures. Use the hashtags #mclifegroup and #celebratedifferently in the text of your post.

The first 100 people to follow us and share their #mclifegroup #celebratedifferntly stories will be entered to win a dinner at a local restaurant with your Life Group to celebrate this holiday season together as well as a $200 Target Gift Card for your Life Group to be used anyway you can dream of helping others to Celebrate Differently. Three Life Groups will be chosen. You can also share your stories using this online form.

What’s Your Life Group’s Story? // Tag, Bag, Serve and Share With Us!

View list of serving opportunities here.

Lean In // 5 minutes

Christmas memory share!

Leader Note: Have each person in your group share one of their favorite Christmas memories. From a childhood present to other family traditions, encourage everyone to jump in here.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Luke 2:8-15

What do you learn about the first Christmas?

Leader Note: Read the passage twice. On the second time ask your group to close their eyes and picture themselves in the story of the passage. What stands out? What phrases and emotions stand out?

Ordinary night, ordinary people in an ordinary place
Extraordinary show of God’s power and presence
The shepherds were terrified
Good news for all people
No fear – reassurance – what seems overwhelming turns out to be good news
The good news is subversive, not what they expected… a baby!
Promise of peace, joy and comfort
Promise of a savior, the Messiah has been born
News of the Messiah’s birth inspired worship
News of the Messiahs birth compelled the Shepherds to go and search for him

Leader Note: Transition your group to the next section by highlighting verse 10 “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” Jesus’ brith singles to the world that a new age has begun. The age of God’s Kingdom present on Earth which brings the good news of healing, hope, redemption and salvation for all people.

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does the world call good news and is it actually good?

Look In // 20 minutes

What good news have you received lately?

Where are you in need of good news?

Leader Note: You may want to ask these questions as one question to each person in the group. Pay to attention to each answer so you and your group and pray for one another at the end of the group discussion.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How can you be a person of good news this Christmas Season?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Looking to Join a Life Group? Check out our online group directory to get in touch with leader today.

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Celebrate Differently

Follow and tag @marinerslifegroups on Instagram with your Celebrate Differently Stories and pictures. Use the hashtags #mclifegroup and #celebratedifferently in the text of your post.

What’s Your Life Group’s Story? // Tag, Bag, Serve and Share With Us!

View list of serving opportunities here.

Celebrate Differently Stories

Follow and tag @marinerslifegroups on Instagram with your Celebrate Differently Stories and pictures. Use the hashtags #mclifegroup and #celebratedifferently in the text of your post.

What’s Your Life Group’s Story? // Tag, Bag, Serve and Share With Us!

View list of serving opportunities here.

Romans 8:31-39 // Celebrate Differently

In this season of celebration, we are reminded that God saw us when we were far off and He chose to come near; Immanuel, God with us. In the same way, Jesus calls us to love the people around us – friends, family, the lonely, poor, and marginalized. As to-do lists and plans begin to pile up – let us truly see the people around us and CELEBRATE DIFFERENTLY.

Life Groups, let’s jump all in and show our community and beyond the transformational love of Jesus! Let us know how your Life Group is Celebrating Differently by tagging at sharing @marinerslifegroups, #mclifegroup and #celebratedifferently.

Lean In // 5 Minutes

What makes for a great love story?

Leader note: Great passion to family drama, every great love story is filled with intensity and power that attracts all people. Transition your group by pointing out the power behind the actions and the way the love in those examples is compelling and draws in both characters/people to the other and how God’s love does the same thing. Invite someone in the group to read the passage out loud and to begin exploring the greatest love story ever told.

Look Down // 10 Minutes

Read Romans 8:31-39

What do you learn about God’s life-changing love?

Sample answers may include…

It spares no cost
It’s powerful, able to back us up
It protects and defends us
It’s alive and active
It keeps us close to God
There’s nothing that can separate us from God’s love
We are victorious, more than conquers through God’s love
It’s given and expressed through Jesus
It is sacrificial
It is freely given and all of God is available to us

Leader Note: Point out verse 38 -39 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” There is a reality we get to live in as believers in being the Children of God. Even when we don’t chose ourselves, God continuously chooses us. Life-changing love is stronger than all these things that used to overtake us.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where have you seen life-changing love lived out, what did it look like?

Leader note: Invite your group to share stories here. As the leader, be attentive for points where you can ask follow up questions and engage with your group.

Look In // 15 Minutes

Leader Note: Point your group back the five questions we looked at during the weekend message that Paul addresses in this passage. Read each of the questions and then ask your group to share which one resonates with them the most, which one do they relate with and why? Then ask how God’s word can give them hope in the middle of their question, doubt or fear.

Which of the following questions do you identify with the most?

Will enemies, opposition and challenges ruin my life? (Romans 8:31) – God is for me
Will I have what I need? (Romans 8:32) – God gave His Son and He will provide all I need
Will critics and accusers take me down? (Romans 8:33) – God chose me and declared me innocent
Will my failures ruin everything? (Romans 8:34) – Jesus died for me and was raised to be my advocate
What if I let go? (Romans 8:35,38-39) – Even when I let go, God will not let go of me

How does God’s word give you hope in those questions?

Leader Note: When your group begins point out the ones they identify with, follow up with them reading out the truth that speaks against that lie. Having them say it out loud makes it experiential. When you say it out loud, you affirm whatever it is that you are saying. This gives each person a chance to wrestle with what they really are accepting as truth.

Live It Out // 5 Minutes

What if we lived out life changing love?

How are those around us impacted? How are we impacted?

Leader Note: Serving is not something that we have to do as believers. It’s something we get to do! This is what it means to be a life group that lives in the community for the community. Meeting the needs of those around us both locally and globally is how people come in contact with the life changing Love of Christ. Brainstorm as a group where you can engage the Celebrate Differently campaign this Holiday Season! (Click the Banner or Here).

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Looking to Join a Life Group? Check out our online group directory to get in touch with leader today.

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Romans 8:17-30 // The Road to Glory

Lean In // 5 Minutes

What is a great underdog story?

Leader Note: There is something about a great underdog story that inspires us to believe just like them, we can overcome adversary and become all we are meant to be. It points out that anyone and everyone, no matter what life has dealt them, that there is an opportunity of greatness available. Keep in mind in sharing to point out the suffering they went to and how it connects to the ultimate victory those characters experience.

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Passage – Read Romans 8:17-30

What do you learn about suffering?

Sample Answers:

it is impacting all of creation
creation is groaning because of it
it is causing frustration
it it is causing bondage and decay
it is not worth comparing to the glory that is being revealed in us
it is causing pain

What do you learn about hope?

Sample Answers:

That we are having glory revealed in us
That we have the hope of adoption
That the best is being revealed in us
That good is being worked out for the children of God
We are justified
We are called
We have to be patient for this hope

Leader Note: Be sure to really point out the way the passage brings up groaning as an expression of the present suffering that is happening. This will help in your transition to the following questions and the discussion. Highlight the work of the spirit as the one creating opportunity to see and experience this Hope.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where is our world groaning?

Leader Note: Refer back to the passage and how it talks about the way the Earth is groaning and experiencing this across all of creation. A couple examples of answers would be:

Relationships (Marriage, Friendships, Family, Kids)
Sickness
Taxes
Politics
Conflict
Injustice

Look In // 20 minutes

Where are you groaning, waiting for things to get better?

Where is the Spirit at work? What is your hope in this season of suffering?

Leader Note: This is a great time to lean into stories. The hope is that people will identify their struggle and in the second portion of the lean in, to sit in silence for a moment and really listen in for what God might be saying to them in this season of struggle. Take time either right after they share or at the end to pray for each person for renewed patience in the suffering and a greater sense of the Spirit’s work in this season. Don’t be hesitant if someone responds with “I don’t hear anything.” Simply ask for the Spirit to reveal Himself when praying over them.

Live It Out // 10 minutes

How could you bring hope to those who are suffering?

Leader Note: “There is strength for today because there is hope for tomorrow.” Have this be the theme in praying for those in the group that voiced a struggle they are waiting to be released from? Talk about the healing service from the weekend. Be bold and lay hands and pray with boldness. Point back to the Lean In and remind them that the groaning makes way for the glory.

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Looking to Join a Life Group? Check out our online group directory to get in touch with leader today.

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Romans 8:12-17 // Off With The Old

We’re looking for Life Groups to help us put on the biggest party of the year for our community on Friday, Oct 30th. From manning the rides, serving up food to helping in the reptile petting zoo, there are plenty of ways for your group to jump in! Contact our special events team to learn more.

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?

Leader Note: From the guy that hates to admit watching The Bachelor, to bing watching House Hunters, most of us have shows that we love because they offer us an escape or a way to unwind! Transition your group to the next section by saying something like… “A lot of the shows we watch are based in some form of a false reality. Let’s see what our passage has to say about the reality and identity we are called to live in as believers.”

Look Down // 15 minutes

Read Romans 8:12-17

What do you learn about God’s Spirit?

We have a choose to live by it or by the flesh
Living by God’s Spirit puts to death the ways of our flesh
Living by God’s Spirit brings life
God’s Spirit leds us and marks us children of God
God’s Spirit brings us intimacy, a personal relationship “Abba, Father”
The Spirit “testifies” or bears witness to remind us that we are God’s children
God’s Spirit does not make us fearful or slaves
God’s Spirit is given to us, we receive it we don’t earn it

Leader Note: Highlight these key four observations from the weekend message.

1. I am a loved son/daughter // God is our Heavenly Father, He choose us, adopted us to be His! Because of this we have an intimate and personal relationship with him. Our identities, whatever they used to be… our now rooted in Him, our identities our in Him!

2. I have a Heavenly Father // God is our Father and he loves us more than we can ever imagine! Consider Matthew 7:11… “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

3. I have a witness // God also gives us his Holy Spirit to remind us of what we so often forget… that we are loved! The Holy Spirit stands to give testimony and witness to what is true about us.

4. I have a heavenly inheritance // God brings us into relationship with Himself and makes available to us all that is His.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do you see people creating their own identity?

How do they manage it and what happens when it collapses?

Leader Note: Invite stories here from you group. What are things people shape their reality and identity around, what does that look like, where have they seen it? What do they do to maintain that image, what are the effects of living that way?

Look In // 20 minutes

What parts of the passage are hard for you to embrace and why?

Why do you need to embrace it?

Leader Note: Point back to the observations from question 2, paying special attention to the four main observations… We are Loved, We Have a Witness and We have a heavenly inheritance. Ask your group to read out the four statements aloud. Which ones are most difficult to beleive, which ones cause the most emotion? Challenge your group to think not only about which of these truths they wrestle with but why do they think God would want this for them and what difference would that make?

Live it Out // 10 minutes

How might your life and the lives of others be impacted if you embraced these truths?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Looking to Join a Life Group? Check out our online group directory to get in touch with leader today.

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.

Romans 8:1-12 // I’ve Got The Poweri

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s something you used to be afraid of? How did you overcome it?

Leader Note: Transition you group by saying something like… “it’s amazing how many of our fears feed off the power of our thinking and imagination. Fears become the strongest when we believe that the worst possible outcome of any given situation is the more than likely outcome!” Let’s see what our passage says about that kind of power.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Romans 8:1-12

What do you learn about life in the spirit? What about life in the flesh?

Sample answers may include…

Life in the Spirit

– Life in the Spirit removes guilt and condemnation
– There’s power in the Life of Spirit
– The power of the Spirit frees us from the power of sin and death
– A spirit filled life causes us to think about things that please the spirit, that bring life/peace and not death
– Without the Spirit we can not please God
– We have the Spirit living in us, he controls us
– The Spirit gives life and makes us right with God
– The power of the spirit in us is the same that raised Christ to life

Life in the Flesh

– It is weak, is drawn to sin
– It thinks about sinful things
– Allow it to control out lives and our thoughts led to death
– It stands directly against ways of God
– It never obeys God’s standards and can never please God
– We do not have to do what it wants us to do

Leader Note: Point your group back to verse 5… “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” This passage and verse highlight the fact the we are given a choice to think powerless thoughts of the flesh or power-filled thoughts which come from and please the Spirit.

Paul is talking about something greater than “positive thinking” to change ourselves. Positive thinking tells us that we can create what we want through our thinking. Paul is saying that power is not simply in our thoughts but in the source of those thoughts. Are we living out the Spirit and allowing him to transform our thoughts and our lives or are we living out the powerlessness of the Flesh?

Powerless flesh guided thoughts will be…
Defensive, judgmental, blaming, fear based, stressed, angry, self loathing and depressed.

Powerful Life in the Spirit thoughts will be…
Grateful, wise, resourceful, full of hope, confident, compassionate, patient and joy-filled.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do you see things overwhelming peoople’s lives?

Why do they feel overwhelmed?

Leader Note: Invite stories from your group here. Have them talk through what they see in those situations. What’s the powerless thinking that’s associated with them?

Look In // 20 minutes

Where do you experience powerlessness?

What would it look like to embrace the power of the Spirit over those things?

Leader Note: Another way to ask these questions could be to say… “what are things in your life that seem like they will never change, what’s the hope in this passage for you?” Challenge your group to consider where they (and you!) are living… in the way of the old self which is powerless, or in the Life of the Spirit which is full of power

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How would others be impact if you lived this way?

Click here for Life Group Serve Opportunities

Looking to Join a Life Group? Check out our online group directory to get in touch with leader today.

Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.