flowmaster – Page 5 – Mariners Church Flow Questions

Matthew 5:27-30 // A Fatal Distraction

Lean In // 5 minutes

What is your favorite Super Bowl commercial?

Leader Note: Transitional statement could be… much of advertising has to do with selling us stuff we crave but don’t need. Advertisers play on what we want, when we want it and how we want it. This is the essence of lust and lies at the heart of what Jesus is getting at in this passage.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Matthew 5:27-30

What do you learn about adultery and divorce?

Sample answers may include…

Adultery doesn’t just apply to a married couple.
Adultery starts in the heart.
Jesus re-frames adultery.
There is a cost and severity to adultery.
The grounds for divorce are limited.

Commentary: As with anger in the previous passage, Jesus is not simply drawing an new “line in the sand”. Rather he is drawing a circle around all of us. We all find ourselves unable to stand on our own righteousness as Jesus is defining it. We need Him and His grace. With regard to divorce, the Pharisees had manipulated the law to the point where people -mostly men- could divorce their spouse for any reason. Jesus is not only limiting how divorce is to be applied, he is also attending to an issue of social justice.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do you see lust woven into the fabric of society?

Sample answers may include…

Fashion
Marketing (Madison Avenue)
Sex industry (pornography, literature, movies)
Consumerism

How does lust unravel the fabric of society?

Sample answers may include..

Broken marriages
Addiction
Sex trade
Violence
Financial hardship (overspending)
Misuse of others

Leader Note:

Look In // 20 minutes

Leader Note: Due to the subject matter and the nature of the questions below this may be an opportunity to break out into same gender groups.

Where have you let lust creep into your heart?

Sample answers:

My struggle with sex.
Pornography and masturbation.
For the way I’ve used others.
My divorce.
Fantasies I get stuck in.
Forgiving my spouse for divorcing me.

What steps can you can take to set boundaries around these places?

Where do you need to receive God’s grace?

Leader Note: These questions lead to a natural time of confession. We know that confession is not only freeing it is healing (James 5). This is a time to receive, hold and release one another. If group members express a desire to set a boundary by walking out healing in a care or recovery environment, you can point them to http://www.marinerschurch.org/irvine/ministries/care-and-recovery/about-care-recovery/

Live it Out // 5 minutes

What if we extended grace to others where you need it most?

Key Verse(s): “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:17-18

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.

Matthew 5:21-26 // The Anger Games

Lean In // 5 minutes

What makes you angry?

Sample answers may include…

Waiting at the DMV
Traffic – getting cut off
Kids disobedience
Vandalism
Poor restaurant service

Leader Note: Pay attention to each person’s answer, as it more than likely will give insight into the area they struggle with themselves.

Leader Note: Transition your group to the text by saying something like… “Anger is nothing new! It’s one of the human emotions that has always been around and will continue to exist. Let’s look together and what Jesus has to say about anger.”

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Matthew 5:21-26

What is the danger of anger?

Sample answers may include…

Makes us subject to judgment
Puts our souls is in jeopardy
Brings hell to earth
Enslaves us
Destroys relationships
Creates crippling debt
There’s danger in thinking types of anger are ok, just words or thoughts

What does Jesus say about dealing with anger?

Sample answers may include..

Dealing with anger is a priority, before we offer our worship
It’s personal and requires an action “go and be reconciled to that person”
Deal with it quickly, don’t let it linger, build loving relationships now
The longer you let it go the more accountable you become

Look Out // 10 minutes

What does it look like to have anger under control?

Sample answers may include…

Keeping it to yourself, frustration
When it’s restrained, not expressed outwardly
Words muttered under your breath
When it’s a one time event
When it’s masked with sarcastic or coupled with humor

What does it look like to loose control of anger?

Sample answers may include..

When it turns violent, physical
Slander, using words to inflict pain, cursing
When it’s repetitive

Leader Note: Another way to frame this question is… “how far is too far with anger?” The point of this question is have your group wrestle with the idea of “How good is good enough.” Throughout the sermon on the mount Jesus combats this idea that there are managble and measurable lines that make us holy and un-holy.

Look In // 20 minutes

Where have you tolerated anger?

Leader Note: Another way to ask this question may be… “Where have you allowed anger to take hold of you?” You’re looking for personal examples, relationships and situations here. Model and encourage honesty by being the first to answer this question.

Where have you been the offender?

Leader Note: Set up this question by first drawing your groups attention to the two illustrations Jesus uses in verses 23 – 25. Notice that in both examples Jesus illustrates the person as the one who has caused the offense… “someone has something against you” and “your accuser.” Jesus is very intentional in these examples. Letting go of anger requires taking ownership of where we have played the part of the “offender.” In this we move past blame and resentment and move toward honesty, vulnerability and forgiveness.

Leader Note: Tie this in with the above response. Challenge yourself and your group to think about their part as the offender, where and how they have have instigated or held onto to anger. Of course this may not be the case in situations of abuse and violence. Use care and caution as you move forward with this question.

What would it look like to ask for forgiveness?

Leader Note: As you ask this question be sure to also highlight for your group what forgiveness is and what it is not. Again, be clear that this may not be the case in situation of abuse and violence.

Forgiveness is…

Motivation: God forgave me
You owe, I pay
Refusing isolation, bitterness and vengence
Trusting God to make it right

Forgiveness is not…

Excusing, justifying or denying
Pardoning, letting of consequences
I heal myself, anger, taking control
Reconciliation. It takes one person to forgive but two to be reconciled

This is the gospel, recognizing our part in sin and admitting that we are helpless in making ourselves clean.

This is what God has done for us
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

This is what God calls us to do
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionated to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

Live it Out // 5 minutes

What would change in your relationships if you lived this way?

Key Verse(s): “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! Matthew 5:21-22

Key Thought: In order to deal with anger we need to see our part as the offender and take the humble posture of seeking out forgiveness,

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.

Matthew 5:17-20 // All About That Grace

Lean In // 5 minutes

What are some headlines that have captured your attention?

Sample answers may include…

OJ Simpson
North Korea and the release of The Interview.
Justin Beber and Salena Gomez are back together.
Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant’s “no catch” call.
Fire pit removal of Newport Beach.

Leader note: There are lot of headlines that provide controversy. This week we are going to look at some words from Jesus that would have instigated controversy in the ears of the hearers.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Leader note: Give your group the Look Down question before reading the passage.

What do you learn about the law?

Read Matthew 5:17-20

Sample answers may include…

Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.
Every part of the law matters to Jesus.
If you set aside, minimize or trivialize the law, then you are considered least in the kingdom.
Scribes and Pharisees were thought of as righteous followers of the law.

Commentary: The Law and the Prophets encompassed the biblical texts of Jesus day. By fulfilling every part down to the smallest part, Jesus is placing the highest value on all of Scripture. The “righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees” represents the religious leaders’ attempt to make the law manageable and serve their own purposes, which looks like legalism. Jesus is challenging their attempts to earn their way to God’s blessing. Therefore, a righteousness that surpasses that of the Scribes and Pharisees is a different kind of righteousness – one that God always intended. It is a righteousness that captures every part of the law including the spirit of the law because it is empowered by God’s Spirit. This kind of righteousness is available to all, not just the spiritual elite (Scribes and Pharisees), and comes through God’s love offered to us through Jesus.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Where do people pick and choose the rules they follow?

Sample answers could include…

Dieting
Jaywalking
Media piracy
Texting and driving
“Where is the line?” (about anything)

Where do people pick and choose with God?

Sample answers could include…

“White lies”
Generosity
Living in community
“How far is too far”
Sabbath
Serving others

Leader note: Divorce may come up in this question. This topic will be handled directly in two weeks. It may serve the group to delay discussion around divorce until then to give the topic adequate space to unpack.

Look In // 15 minutes

What do you do on the outside while hoping for change on the inside?

Sample answers could include…

I feel bad, so I serve others to feel better about myself.
I give money because I want to be a good person.
I do the right thing so I don’t feel guilty on the inside.

When you follow the rules, what are your expectations?

Sample answers could include…

Following the rules means:

I won’t be disappointed, or hurt.
Things will always work out.
God will only bless me if I follow the rules.

If I take care of myself and have good health, I won’t get cancer.

Leader note: It will be helpful to review the syllogism below Kenton used in the message as you discuss the following Look In questions.

Legalism/Contract: I obey God >> God sees my obedience >> God accepts me and blesses me

Grace/Covenant: God loves, accepts and blesses >> I see God’s love >> I obey God

That we obey is as important as why we obey. The why reveals our attitude behind what we do. If we expect God to love and bless us because we obey, we miss the grace covenant. God loves us, period. And it is His love that empowers us to obey (Phil. 2:13).

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would it look like to follow Jesus because you are loved?

Leader Note: The question makes the assumption that sometimes we do what is right hoping God will love us in return. The reality is he already loves us deeply and blesses us. This reality gives us the motivation to pursue Him and be a blessing to others.

Key Verse(s): For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20 (NIV)

Key Thought: We are loved beyond comprehension not because we pursue God, but so we can pursue Him. This is true happiness.

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.

Matthew 5:13-16 // Light It Up: Pursuit of Happiness

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s your favorite bag of chips?

Leader note: Use this question to engage your group and get everyone playing. Make it fun by having group members describe the brand, flavor, etc.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Leader note: Give your group the Look Down question before reading the passage. For this week’s study, the passage is taken from The Message translation.

What does Jesus say about why we are here?

Read Matthew 5:13-16

Sample answers may include…

To be Salt of the earth, bring out the God flavors of everything (v.13)
To be Light of the world, illuminating God’s truth (v.14)
To be like cities on a hill, refuge and guidance (v.14)
To be like lamps that give light in everyone (v.15)
To do good deeds that cause people to praise God (v.16)
To be open with others—generous with our lives (v. 15)

Commentary: In Jesus’ culture, salt was very important to every day life and had multiple uses. It was even used as a medium of exchange in commercial ventures like money. One of the primary uses was a preservative. Before refrigeration, people would rub salt into their fish or meat to delay it from decaying. Salt was also used to enhance the flavor of food. Light, too, was significant in the ancient world as it illuminated the darkness both metaphorically and practically.

Look Out // 10 minutes

Leader Note: Before asking this next question prompt your group to recall the two qualities that both salt and light offer from the sermon. The author says that disciples are here to be salt-seasoning that bring out the God-flavors of the earth and to be light that brings out the God-colors of the world. Salt is a preservative and enhancer. Light is illuminates what is beautiful about God. With these thoughts in mind, lead the questions.

How are the God-flavors preserved in our world?

Sample answers could include…

Speaking truth—giving a voice to the voiceless
Standing for justice issues
Living ethically
Being good neighbors
Building healthy marriages and families

How are the God-colors illuminated?

Sample answers could include…

Being creative—writing, painting, starting businesses, etc.
Through generosity—giving our time, talent, and treasure
Bringing beauty to our places of work through excellence
Discovering and living out our calling and purpose

How are the flavors spoiled and the colors hidden?

Sample answers could include…

Cut off from God
Selfishness
Busyness
Sin
Worry/Anxiety

Look In // 15 minutes

Where has God uniquely placed you to be salt and light?

Leader Note: No matter where you are placed there is still opportunity to bring the God-flavors and the God-colors to your unique life positioning.

How are you living this out?

Where do you hold back? And, why?

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What would change in our community and relationships if you lived this out?

Key Verse(s): Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth…You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world…Matthew 5:13,14 (The Message)

Key Thought: Light it up and pass the salt.

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.

Advent :: Preparing For Jesus

There are no flow questions for this week. We encourage your Life Group to use our five week Advent study which is is available in the bookstore now.

Advent: Preparing for Jesus, by Kenton Beshore, is a five week study designed to center Life Groups around the true power of Christmas. This study utilizes the flow question model with weekly reading and group discussion questions. Grab a copy for $8.99 for you and your group in the Irvine Campus bookstore this weekend.

1 Peter 1:3-7; 13-21 // Ho-Ho-Hope: Christmas is…

Lean In // 5 minutes

What holiday food do you wait for all year?

Sample answers may include…

Stuffing
Cookies—gingerbread, sugar, etc
Tamales
Pie
Candy Canes
Turkey
Casseroles
Eggnog
Peppermint Bark

Leader note: The question is intended to get everyone playing and also to highlight the hope and expectation of Christmas.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read 1 Peter 1:3-7

What have we been given in Christ?

Sample answers may include…

New birth
Living hope
An inheritance
Resurrection from the dead
Salvation
Mercy
A faith shielded by God’s power

Read 1 Peter 1:13-21

How do hopeful people live?

Sample answers may include…

Not conformed to evil desires
Called to be holy or set apart
In reverent fear of God
Alert
Fully sober
Don’t trust in perishable things
Set hope in Jesus’ coming
Called to be obedient children
Put their faith and hope in God

Look Out // 10 minutes

What’s the difference between a hope and a wish?

Leader note: A wish is something that might happen but seems highly unlikely and passive. Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Hope is active.

Where have you seen someone live with hope? Give examples and describe their qualities.

Leader note: Define what it looks like to have an active hope (standing firm) as opposed to passively waiting.

Sample story: A couple went through a difficult and challenging season in their marriage. Family and friends expected the couple to get a divorce but instead they decided to go to counseling both individually and as a couple. Through the counseling, the couple learned how to find healing and trust in God. As a result, the couple believes they are stronger than ever and although painful, they would not trade the experience. They didn’t run away when things got hard and waited for God to show up. They were courageous and believed the best about the other even in the difficulty.

Look In // 15 minutes

When was a time God showed up when you thought he wouldn’t?

Where do you need God to show up?

What would it look like to embrace hope while you wait?

Leader note: The passage reminds us of the living hope we have received in Jesus and encourages us to not trust in things outside of him. As a follow-up, you may want to ask group members where they feel tempted to place their hope outside of God’s promises.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if you waited expectantly for God to show? How would you be different? Who would be impacted?

Key Verse(s): Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel—God with us. – Isaiah 7:14

Key Thought: Hope is God with you and God for you.

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.

Advent :: Preparing For Jesus

There are no flow questions for this week. We encourage your Life Group to use our five week Advent study which is is available in the bookstore now.

Genesis 25:29-34 // Thanksgiving: Obsessed Wk 3

Lean In // 5 minutes

What do you reach for in the grocery store checkout lane?

Sample answers may include…

Candy bar
Gum
Magazine
A movie
A drink (soda, water, energy)
Toy

Leader note: When standing in the grocery store checkout aisle, what are the last second purchases your group members are most likely to make? Give everyone an opportunity to participate.

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Genesis 25:29-34

What does Esau want?

Sample answers may include…

Esau is empty-handed and wants some of Jacob’s stew
He is famished so he’s hungry
He doesn’t want to wait: Quick…
It looks like red stew (meaty stew) and wants it now
He’s “desperate”—From famished (v. 29) to Look, I’m about to die (v. 32)
The stew for his birthright

Commentary: Esau was a skilled hunter and a man of the open country (Genesis 25:27) so he had an appetite for meat. So, when he comes in empty-handed and see’s Jacob’s stew, he wants some of that red stew that he thinks is a meaty stew. Later in the story, it is revealed that Jacob only had bread and a lentil (bean) stew. However, what he traded was very costly. Esau’s birthright as a first son in Israel was a priceless thing. He was regarded as the first fruit’s of his father’s strength, dedicated to God, privileged during his lifetime, and received a double share of the inheritance. Esau’s birthright was priceless.

What does Esau get?

Sample answers may include…

He wanted red stew (meaty stew) but he received some bread and some lentil stew
He leaves dissatisfied: He ate and drank, and then got up and left
He traded his birthright for a bowl of beans

Look Out // 10 minutes

What are the “birthrights” that people trade for “bowls of beans”?

Sample answers may include…

Family for career
Faith in God for trust in self
Love/Intimacy for sex/pornography
Character for financial gain
Marriage for independence
Health for busyness
Community/friendship for independence/autonomy
Identity for acceptance

Leader note: In the story, Esau traded away something priceless for a common, everyday meal. As you lead your group, help them to identify where they see people trading away the priceless for the common, everyday thing.

Look In // 15 minutes

Where do you feel tempted to make a trade?

Leader note: Help your group picture the priceless things or people in their lives. Then, ask group members where they feel a temptation to leverage those priceless things and people to satisfy a need. As the leader, you want to lead them to a place where they can see this temptation because the next question is about countering this feeling.

What could it look like to pause and give thanks?

Leader note: Often, our needs and wants demand that we satisfy them…immediately. Help your group imagine what it could look like to pause at such a place and counter the feeling with thanksgiving. Giving thanks is a powerful tool in shifting our focus off of what we do not have and rightly placing it on what has been provided. This could be a good place to have group members list some things that they are thankful for in this season.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if you regularly gave thanks in this season and beyond? Who might be impacted by a thanksgiving lifestyle?

Leader note: Help your group come up with a “Thanksgiving Plan” in this season. Perhaps, they could create an ongoing list of things or people to be thankful for and reflect on it daily. Collect ideas from the group and revisit it the next time your group meets.

Key Verse(s): Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. – Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT)

Key Thought: I want what I have; it couldn’t be better

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.

Exodus 18 // First Things First: Obsessed Wk 2

Lean In // 5 minutes

What’s your favorite time waster?

Sample answers may include…

Watching TV or a movie
Social media- Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Surfing the internet—ESPN, Pinterest, etc.
Playing video games or phone games
Napping

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Exodus 18:5-12

Leader note: Read Exodus 18:5-12 and then pause before reading the rest of the passage. Exodus 18:13-27 will be the focus of the discussion. The first part of Exodus 18 provides some context for the story of Moses and Jethro and the second part is Jethro’s advice to Moses.

Read Exodus 18:13-27

What motivated Moses to work so hard?

Sample answers may include…

Called by God: “…the people come to me to seek God’s will…”
He’s God’s mediator: “…I decide…and teach them God’s [ways]…”
Feels responsible for the people’s well being: “…show them [how] to live and behave…”
Fulfilling a big need: “…You must be the people’s representative before God…”
Possibly believes he’s the only one capable
Concerned it could fall apart if he stops
Doesn’t see another way: “…[Jethro replied] What you are doing is not good…”

Commentary: The point is that Moses had some great reasons and not-so-great reasons for his workload and pace.

Why does Jethro say, “What you are doing is not good?”

Sample answers may include…

The workload and pace is unsustainable
Moses is wearing himself and others out
The work is too heavy to do alone
Moses’ work is important but the strategy was not effective
Moses wasn’t prioritizing his strength

Commentary: Remember, the nation of Israel that Moses led was roughly 2 million people. So, Moses’ strategy was not only unsustainable but was also not effective, which makes Jethro’s advice even more important.

Look Out // 10 minutes

What energizes people?

Sample answers may include…

Being creative
Pursuing dreams
Connecting with family and friends
Achieving goals
Feeling a sense of purpose
Playing

And, what overwhelms people?

Sample answers may include…

Having too much to do
Not enough time
Always saying “yes”
Doing things alone
Not doing what’s important to them
Thinking, “Who else will do it?”
Not delegating

Leader note: The goal of this Look Out question is to set up the following Look In question. Usually, we are energized when we have healthy priorities and overwhelmed when priorities get left out in life. Help your group to really think about the things that energize and overwhelm people.

Look In // 15 minutes

What are the big “rocks” or priorities in your life?

Leader note: In Pastor Kenton’s message, he referred to an illustration by Stephen Covey in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The illustration identified the big priorities or “rocks” in life such as: God/Faith, Family, Marriage, Health, Rest, Work, Finances, Friends, etc., and what it looks like to place them first. Help your group identify what is important in their life or what they want to make a priority. It may be helpful to have group members write them out so they can visualize them.

What does it look like when you lose sight of your priorities?

Leader note: Remember, it’s not about fitting more into your life but rather it’s about putting the big rocks in first.

Who is a Jethro in your life?

Leader note: Who is a person or persons that has the ability to speak into your life? As a leader, take time to ask the group who is their Jethro and if they don’t have one then what steps could they take.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

What if you lived life by putting the big “rocks” first? How would your life be different? Who else could it impact?

Leader note: As you ask this question, go around the group and have them list one step they could take to put a big “rock” first. For an experiment, follow up with the group to see how life was different because they took that step.

Key Verse(s): If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied. – Exodus 18:23

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. –Psalm 90:12

Key Thought: Without priorities, everything is a priority.

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.

Psalm 23 // Obsessed Wk 1

Lean In // 5 minutes

What posters were on your wall in high school?

Sample answers may include…

Cars/Trucks
Movies/Movie Stars
Athletes/Sports Teams
Singers/Bands
Travel Destinations

Leader note: Help your group remember some of the posters they or their friends hung on their walls when they were younger. The goal of this question is get your group thinking about the ways we compare ourselves to others. You may want to say something along the lines of… “the truth is many of us tend to compare ourselves to those we look up to or to things we do or don’t have.”

Look Down // 10 minutes

Read Psalm 23

Circle the words or phrases that evoke emotion.

Sample answers may include…

“lack nothing”
“he leads me”
“green pastures”
“refreshes my soul”
“fear no evil”
“cup overflows”
“goodness and love will follow me”

Leader note: As your group reads Psalm 23, ask them to identify words or phrases that create emotion. Then, give everyone an opportunity to name 2-3 words or phrases that made an impression on them. This is an important step as the discussion will involve some of the words or phrases the group identifies.

Look Out // 10 minutes

What do people look forward to during the holiday season?

What can create tension during the season?

Sample answers may include…

Family
Money/Finances
Work
Marriage
Relationships/Loneliness
Future
Time

Leader note: After the group lists some things that people generally look forward to during the holiday season, help them list or categorize some things that might create stress or worry. As the leader, you might want to help capture and categorize the different areas.

Look In // 15 minutes

What challenges are you facing this season?

Where can you apply Psalm 23 to those challenges?

Sample answers may include…

Money/Finances = “I lack nothing”
Job/Vacation = “He guides me”
Marriage = “My cup overflows”

Leader note: The holiday season tends to bring various areas of life into focus which can create thoughts, feelings, and emotions of all kinds. Help your group to identify 2-3 areas of life to where they can apply a Psalm 23 word or phrase. For example, “In my finances…I will lack nothing…” Often, the area of life that creates the most emotion is the primary place that God wants to speak. As the group “connects the dots”, encourage them to hold onto that Psalm 23 word or phrase through the season and beyond.

Live It Out // 5 minutes

How will applying Psalm 23 impact your life and others this season?

Leader note: The work that God does individually has an impact on all of us collectively. As your group identifies their area of life to apply the Psalm 23 word, help them to see how it will impact those around them—spouse, kids, co-workers, etc.

Key Verse(s): The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. – Psalm 23:1

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.