DCC Small Group Discussion Guide:  Questions About Baptism

Main Idea

Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward work of grace. It is a public declaration that a believer has repented, turned to Christ, died to the old life, and been raised to walk in new life with Jesus.

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Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for saving us and calling us to follow You. Open our hearts as we talk about baptism, obedience, repentance, and new life. Help us understand Your Word and respond with faith and courage. Amen.

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Icebreaker

Have you ever taken a public step of commitment that was meaningful to you? What made it important?

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Scripture References

* Matthew 3:13–17
* Acts 2:37–38
* John 3:3
* Acts 8:26–39
* Matthew 28:18–20
* Mark 16:15–17
* Romans 6:3–4
* 2 Corinthians 5:17
* Galatians 3:26–27
* Colossians 2:12

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Discussion Questions

1. Why Should Believers Be Baptized?

Jesus was baptized in obedience to the Father, setting an example for every believer to follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized even though He had no sin?
2. What does Jesus’ baptism teach us about obedience?
3. Why is baptism important if baptism itself does not save us?
4. How does baptism show that a person has responded to the Gospel?

Scripture References:

* Matthew 3:13–17
* Acts 2:37–38

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2. What Comes Before Baptism?

Before baptism, a person must repent, turn to God, and be born again. Baptism is not the starting point of salvation; it is the outward declaration of salvation.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to repent?
2. Why is being born again necessary?
3. How would you explain the difference between salvation and baptism to someone?
4. Why is baptism meaningful only when it follows personal faith in Christ?

Scripture References:

* John 3:3
* Acts 2:37–38
* Romans 10:9–10

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3. How Should a Believer Be Baptized?

The word baptism carries the idea of being immersed or submerged. Baptism by immersion gives a clear picture of death, burial, and resurrection.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is the picture of going under the water and coming back up so powerful?
2. How does baptism symbolize leaving the old life behind?
3. What does baptism communicate publicly to the church and the world?
4. Why is obedience more important than tradition or preference?

Scripture References:

* Romans 6:3–4
* Colossians 2:12
* Galatians 3:26–27

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4. When Should a Believer Be Baptized?

In Scripture, baptism often happened soon after a person believed. The Ethiopian eunuch responded immediately when he saw water.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the Ethiopian eunuch wanted to be baptized right away?
2. What can delay people from taking this step of obedience?
3. How can the church encourage people to follow through with baptism?
4. What does immediate obedience reveal about faith?

Scripture References:

* Acts 8:26–39
* Acts 2:37–38

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5. Where Can Baptism Take Place?

Baptism can take place wherever there is water. The location is not the most important part. The heart of obedience is what matters.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the location of baptism is less important than the meaning of baptism?
2. What makes baptism sacred?
3. Have you ever witnessed a baptism in a unique place? What stood out to you?
4. How can baptism become a testimony to others?

Scripture References:

* Acts 8:36–38
* Matthew 28:18–20

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6. By What Authority Are We Baptized?

Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism carries the authority of Jesus Himself.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important that baptism is connected to the command of Jesus?
2. What does it mean to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
3. How does baptism connect to discipleship?
4. Why should baptism not be treated as optional for a believer?

Scripture References:

* Matthew 28:18–20
* Mark 16:15–17

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Group Reflection

1. What stood out to you most from this discussion?
2. How has your understanding of baptism grown or changed?
3. Have you personally followed Jesus in water baptism?
4. Is there anyone in your life who may need encouragement to take this step?

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Application

This week, take time to reflect on your own obedience to Christ.

Ask yourself:

1. Have I repented and turned to Jesus as Savior and Lord?
2. Have I publicly declared my faith through baptism?
3. Am I walking in the new life Jesus has given me?
4. Is there an area where God is calling me to obey without delay?

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Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the new life we have in Him. Help us walk in obedience, not just in baptism, but in every area of our lives. Give courage to those who need to take this step of faith, and help each of us live as public witnesses of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Key Takeaway

Baptism does not save us, but it is a powerful act of obedience that declares we belong to Jesus. Through baptism, we identify with His death, burial, and resurrection and publicly proclaim that we have been raised to walk in new life.

Living the Enoch Lifestyle — Part II

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Main Idea

Enoch shows us that the wisest way to prepare for what is ahead is also the simplest: walk with God. His life teaches us that God’s desire has always been for His people to live in close fellowship with Him, not from a distance, but in daily communion, obedience, faith, and surrender.

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Opening Scripture

Genesis 5:22, 24
“Enoch walked with God… And Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.”

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Opening Prayer

Father, thank You for inviting us to walk closely with You. Open our hearts tonight as we study the life of Enoch. Help us not only to understand what it means to walk with You, but to practice it daily. Teach us to draw near, listen, obey, and remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Icebreaker

Who is someone you know who has modeled a steady walk with God? What stood out to you about their life?

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Discussion Section 1

Enoch Walked With God

Enoch lived in a time of increasing corruption, yet Scripture tells us twice that he “walked with God.” This was not a casual religious habit. It was his way of life.

Enoch’s life points us back to God’s original desire for humanity: close fellowship with Him. Just as Adam once walked with God in the garden, Enoch shows us that God still calls His people to walk with Him in intimacy, trust, and obedience.

Read Together

Genesis 5:21-24

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out to you about the simplicity of the phrase, “Enoch walked with God”?
2. Why do you think Scripture repeats this statement twice?
3. What does it mean to walk with God instead of simply believing about God?
4. In what ways can a person know God academically but not experientially?
5. What is one area where you feel God is inviting you into closer fellowship with Him?

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Discussion Section 2

What Walking With God Looks Like

Walking with God includes several important marks: closeness, communication, conformity, constancy, correction, control, contemplation, uprightness, forward movement, and endurance.

Enoch’s walk was not occasional or shallow. He lived close to God, listened to God, yielded to God, received correction from God, and continued forward with God.

Read Together

James 4:8
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Colossians 3:2
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Discussion Questions

1. Which part of walking with God challenges you the most right now: closeness, communication, obedience, consistency, correction, surrender, meditation, integrity, growth, or endurance?
2. What does it look like practically to “draw near to God” in everyday life?
3. How does God usually speak to His people today?
4. Why is receiving correction an important part of walking with God?
5. What are some signs that a person is moving forward spiritually?
6. What can cause a believer to become inconsistent or “on and off” in their walk with God?
7. How can a small group help one another remain steady and faithful?

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Discussion Section 3

Enoch’s Way vs. Jacob’s Way

Enoch walked with God. Jacob, for much of his early life, walked his own way.

Jacob’s vow at Bethel revealed a self-centered approach to God. He wanted God’s protection, provision, and blessing, but his heart was still focused on himself. Yet God was merciful, and later Jacob was changed.

This contrast invites us to ask an honest question: Are we walking with God like Enoch, or are we trying to use God to support our own plans like Jacob?

Read Together

Genesis 28:20-21

Discussion Questions

1. What do Jacob’s words reveal about his mindset at that stage of his life?
2. How can people today approach God in a self-centered way?
3. What is the difference between trusting God and trying to make a deal with God?
4. Why do you think God was still merciful to Jacob even during his immaturity?
5. Have you ever experienced a season where God used difficulty to redirect your walk?
6. What does repentance look like when someone realizes they have been walking their own way?

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Discussion Section 4

Enoch’s Character and Reward

Enoch was a man of faith, a God-pleasing man, a fruitful man, a prophetic man, and ultimately a taken man.

Hebrews tells us that Enoch pleased God. Jude tells us that Enoch carried a prophetic message. Genesis tells us that Enoch bore fruit and walked with God until God took him.

His life shows us that walking with God produces lasting fruit and prepares us for eternity.

Read Together

Hebrews 11:5-6
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death… But without faith it is impossible to please Him…”

Jude 14-15

Discussion Questions

1. What does Hebrews 11 teach us about Enoch’s faith?
2. Why is it impossible to please God without faith?
3. What does it mean to seek God’s approval above people’s approval?
4. How does walking closely with God produce spiritual fruit?
5. In what ways can obedience make us more sensitive to God’s voice?
6. What does Enoch’s translation teach us about being ready for the Lord?

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Personal Reflection

Take a few moments to quietly reflect on these questions:

1. Am I walking closely with God, or simply around the things of God?
2. Is my walk with God consistent or sporadic?
3. Am I receiving God’s correction or resisting it?
4. Am I moving forward spiritually, standing still, or sliding backward?
5. What is one step I need to take this week to live more like Enoch?

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Group Application

This week, choose one practical way to strengthen your walk with God:

* Set aside daily time for prayer and Scripture.
* Ask God to correct any area that is out of alignment.
* Practice listening before making decisions.
* Meditate on one Scripture throughout the week.
* Make peace with someone where integrity has been strained.
* Take one step forward in obedience.
* Ask a trusted believer to help encourage accountability.

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Closing Challenge

Enoch’s life teaches us that it is never too late to begin walking with God. He began at 65 and walked with God for 300 years.

The Enoch lifestyle is not complicated, but it is costly. It requires nearness, surrender, obedience, faith, endurance, and a heart that longs to please God.

The question is simple:

Will I walk with God?

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Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of Enoch. Teach us to walk with You in closeness, communication, obedience, consistency, humility, surrender, and faith. Forgive us for the times we have walked our own way like Jacob, seeking Your blessings while resisting Your leadership. Draw us back into close fellowship with You. Help us to receive Your correction, follow Your direction, and move forward spiritually. Make us people who please You, bear fruit for You, and are ready for Your appearing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Table of Hospitality
DCC Small Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker: Share something about yourself that most people here may not know?

Scripture Focus: Romans 12:13
“Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.”

Romans 12:13 teaches that hospitality is something believers actively pursue. The word “saints” refers to all born-again believers — those set apart from sin and made part of the body of Christ through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

The word “given” means to eagerly pursue or be devoted to hospitality. Biblical hospitality is not passive; it looks for ways to meet needs, offer comfort, and bless others.

Section Summary: Because we belong to Christ and to one another, we are called to care for others with intentional love.

Opening Thought
Hospitality is not simply a personality trait. It is a Kingdom mandate.

Some people naturally enjoy hosting, cooking, decorating, or gathering people together. But biblical hospitality goes much deeper than personality. It is the heart of Christ being expressed through His people.

From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself as a Host. He prepares gardens, arks, tabernacles, upper rooms, and ultimately a marriage supper. The Gospel itself is an invitation to a table.

When we gather for Communion and fellowship, we are not simply sharing food. We are demonstrating the heart of Jesus, who welcomed sinners, broke bread with disciples, served others in humility, and prepared a table for His people.

Section Summary: Hospitality is a reflection of God’s heart. When we welcome others, we show the love of Jesus in a practical and visible way.

Group Discussion Question:
How does seeing God as a Host change the way we think about welcoming and serving others?

Devotional
The Communion table is sacred because it reminds us that Christ made room for us when we did not deserve a seat.

Jesus did not wait for us to become worthy before He welcomed us. He came to us in love, gave His life for us, and invited us into fellowship with the Father. Every time we take Communion, we remember His sacrifice, His mercy, and His invitation.

Biblical hospitality means:
Making room
Making peace
Making provision Making people feel seen

Hospitality is not about impressing people. It is about blessing people. It is not about creating a perfect environment. It is about creating a Christ-centered environment where people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

When we host with intentionality, humility, and love, we reflect the heart of Jesus. Our fellowship meal becomes more than a potluck. It becomes a witness.

We do not serve to impress.
We serve to bless.
We do not gather to consume.
We gather to commune.

Hospitality is evangelism at a table. It pushes back against loneliness, isolation, division, and disconnection. When we make room for others, we show the world that the family of God is a place of welcome, grace, and belonging.

Section Summary: The Communion table reminds us that Jesus welcomed us by grace. In the same way, our hospitality should create space for others to experience love, belonging, and the witness of Christ.

Preparing Your Heart for Communion
Communion is a sacred meal for born-again believers. It is a public demonstration of our common union with Christ and with one another.

While everyone is welcome at the table for fellowship, the Communion elements should be received only by those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ and are willing to examine their hearts before the Lord.

As we receive Communion, we remember the body and blood of Jesus, His sacrifice for our sins, and the grace that has welcomed us into the family of God.

Section Summary: Communion is a sacred act of remembrance and unity for believers. It calls us to examine our hearts, honor Christ’s sacrifice, and celebrate our common union in Him.

Group Discussion Questions
Choose 2–4 questions, depending on time.
1. What stood out to you most from this devotional?
2. Why do you think hospitality is a Kingdom mandate and not just a personality trait?
3. What does “making room” for others look like in your life right now?
4. How can we better reflect Christ through hospitality as a church family?
5. Why is it important to protect unity, peace, and love at the table?
6. How can Communion remind us that every believer has been welcomed by grace?
Scripture Reference List-30 Scriptures on Hospitality

Feel free to highlight a few:
1. Romans 12:13 — Given to hospitality
2. Hebrews 13:2 — Do not forget to entertain strangers
3. 1 Peter 4:9 — Be hospitable without grumbling
4. 3 John 1:5–8 — Faithful in hospitality
5. Matthew 25:35 — I was a stranger, and you took Me in
6. Luke 14:13–14 — Invite the poor
7. Genesis 18:1–8 — Abraham welcomed the Lord
8. Acts 2:46 — Breaking bread from house to house
9. Acts 16:15 — Lydia opened her home
10. Acts 16:34 — The jailer served food
11. Proverbs 9:1–6 — Wisdom prepares a table
12. Isaiah 58:7 — Share your bread
13. Job 31:32 — The stranger welcomed
14. Leviticus 19:34 — Love the stranger
15. 1 Timothy 3:2 — A leader must be hospitable
16. Titus 1:8 — A lover of hospitality
17. Luke 10:38 — Martha welcomed Jesus
18. John 13:14–15 — Wash one another’s feet
19. Psalm 23:5 — God prepares a table
20. 2 Kings 4:8–10 — A room prepared
21. Nehemiah 8:10 — Share with those who have nothing
22. Deuteronomy 10:18–19 — Love the stranger
23. Colossians 4:6 — Gracious speech
24. Luke 19:5–6 — Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus
25. John 21:12–13 — Jesus served breakfast
26. 1 Kings 17:10–16 — The widow shared her last meal
27. Acts 28:7 — Publius showed hospitality
28. Romans 15:7 — Receive one another
29. Galatians 6:10 — Do good to all
30. Revelation 19:9 — Marriage supper of the Lamb
Section Summary: These Scriptures show that hospitality is woven throughout the Bible. God’s people are called to welcome, serve, share, and make room for others.
Group Discussion Question: Which Scripture from this list speaks to you the most about hospitality, and why?

 Application
As we host and participate in the Communion Fellowship Meal, let us remember that every table should reflect the Lord’s Table.

This week, ask the Lord to help you:
Serve joyfully
Welcome intentionally
Notice those who may feel overlooked
Protect unity at your table
Speak with grace and kindness

Honor the sacredness of Communion Remember that fellowship is part of our witness
Hospitality is spiritual warfare against isolation. When we make room for others, we push back against loneliness, division, and disconnection. We show the world that the family of God is a place of welcome, grace, and belonging.

Section Summary: Hospitality becomes practical when we serve with joy, notice others, speak with grace, and protect unity. Every table is an opportunity to reflect Jesus.
Group Discussion Question: What is one practical way you can show hospitality this week?
Prayer Time: Take time to ask if anyone needs prayer for anything.

Group Discussion Question: How can we better support one another through prayer, encouragement, and care?

Closing Prayer
Lord, make us a hospitable church.
Teach us to prepare tables that reflect Your heart. Help us to welcome others as You have welcomed us. Give us eyes to see those who may feel overlooked, lonely, or disconnected.
May our fellowship be pure, joyful, and unified. As we break bread together, remind us that we belong to You and to one another. Let every table reflect the love, grace, and welcome of Jesus Christ.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Table Leader Reminder: As a table leader, your role is not to preach a sermon or have all the answers. Your role is to help create a warm, peaceful, Christ-centered atmosphere. Remember to keep it simple: 1. Welcome everyone at your table. 2. Help guide the conversation. 3. Encourage participation without pressure. 4. Keep the focus on Christ. 5. Protect unity and kindness. 6. Lead with humility and love. The goal is not perfection. The goal is connection. Table leaders are called to create a welcoming atmosphere, not a perfect program. The focus is connection, peace, humility, and Christ-centered fellowship.

DCC Small Group Guide & Devotional

Living the Enoch Lifestyle
by Dr. Greg Hinnant

Big Idea

Enoch shows us that the wisest way to live ready, faithful, fruitful, and pleasing to God is simple: walk with God.

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Scripture Focus

Genesis 5:22, 24
“Enoch walked with God… And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.”

Hebrews 11:5
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death… for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

James 4:8
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

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Opening Thought

Enoch lived in a dark and declining world, yet Scripture gives us one simple description of his life: he walked with God.

That phrase may sound simple, but it describes a powerful lifestyle of closeness, surrender, faith, obedience, endurance, and daily fellowship with the Lord. Enoch did not merely know about God; he lived close to God. He was not simply religious; he was relational. His life pleased God because his life was centered on God.

The Enoch lifestyle reminds us that spiritual readiness is not found in fear, striving, or religious performance. It is found in daily fellowship with the Lord. We prepare for the days ahead by walking closely with Him today.

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Icebreaker

What is one place you enjoy walking, hiking, or spending quiet time? Why do you enjoy it?

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Group Discussion

1. Enoch Walked With God

Read Genesis 5:22, 24.

The Bible does not tell us everything Enoch did, but it tells us what mattered most: he walked with God.

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think it means to “walk with God” in everyday life?
2. Why do you think Scripture repeats twice that Enoch walked with God?
3. What is the difference between knowing about God and walking closely with God?
4. What helps you stay close to God during a normal week?

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2. Walking With God Requires Closeness

Read James 4:8.

God invites us to draw near to Him. The Enoch lifestyle begins with a steady desire to seek the Lord and live close to Him.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some signs that a person is drawing near to God?
2. What are some things that tend to pull people away from closeness with God?
3. How can we make seeking God a daily rhythm instead of an occasional reaction to trouble?

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3. Walking With God Requires Communication

People who walk together usually talk together. Enoch’s walk with God included fellowship, prayer, listening, and obedience.

God speaks through His Word, His Spirit, godly counsel, preaching, circumstances, and His quiet leading in our hearts.

Discussion Questions:

1. What role does prayer play in your walk with God?
2. Why is listening just as important as speaking when we pray?
3. What are some ways God has spoken to you or directed you in your life?
4. How can we grow in recognizing God’s voice through Scripture?

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4. Walking With God Requires Surrender

Read Matthew 11:29.

Jesus calls us to take His yoke upon us. That means we stop striving to control everything and learn to walk in step with Him.

Enoch did not walk his own independent path. He yielded to God’s way, God’s pace, and God’s direction.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it look like to be “yoked” to Jesus?
2. Why do we sometimes resist God’s direction?
3. Have you ever tried to rush ahead of God or lag behind Him? What happened?
4. What area of your life do you need to surrender more fully to the Lord?

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5. Walking With God Requires Constancy

Enoch walked with God for 300 years. His walk was steady, faithful, and enduring.

Spiritual maturity is not built by occasional moments of devotion. It is formed through daily faithfulness, determined starts, and repeated restarts.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is consistency so important in our walk with God?
2. What spiritual habits help you remain steady?
3. How should we respond when we fall out of rhythm spiritually?
4. What is one habit you believe God wants you to strengthen?

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6. Walking With God Requires Correction

Read Revelation 3:19.

God corrects those He loves. His correction is not meant to destroy us but to mature us, protect us, and bring us into His best.

Enoch’s walk with God must have included moments where God corrected his thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is correction sometimes hard to receive?
2. How can we tell the difference between condemnation and loving correction?
3. What are some ways God corrects us?
4. What attitude should we have when the Lord shows us something that needs to change?

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7. Walking With God Produces Fruit

Enoch was a man of faith, a man who pleased God, a fruitful man, and a prophetic man.

A close walk with God will always produce fruit. That fruit may be seen in our character, our family, our witness, our service, our obedience, and our ability to encourage others with God’s truth.

Discussion Questions:

1. What kind of fruit should come from walking closely with God?
2. How does pleasing God free us from trying to please everyone else?
3. What does it mean to be fruitful in this season of your life?
4. Who is impacted when we walk faithfully with God?

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Devotional: Choosing the Enoch Lifestyle

Enoch lived in a world moving toward judgment, but he chose a different path. While others may have ignored God, resisted God, or drifted from God, Enoch walked with Him.

That is still the call today.

God is not simply looking for people who know religious language. He is looking for people who will walk with Him closely. He is looking for people who will seek Him daily, listen to His voice, receive His correction, surrender to His direction, and keep moving forward in faith.

The Enoch lifestyle is not complicated, but it is deeply committed. It is a life of closeness with God. It is a life of prayer. It is a life of obedience. It is a life of spiritual consistency. It is a life that says, “Lord, I do not want to walk my own way. I want to walk with You.”

Enoch’s life pleased God because Enoch’s life belonged to God.

The same invitation is before us. We can choose the way of Jacob, living self-focused and conditional, or we can choose the way of Enoch, walking closely with the Lord in faith and surrender.

And the good news is this: it is never too late to begin. Enoch began walking with God at 65 and continued for 300 years. No matter where we are in life, we can begin today.

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Personal Application

This week, ask the Lord to help you grow in one area of your walk with Him:

* Closeness: Spend intentional time drawing near to God.
* Communication: Pray and listen for the Lord’s direction.
* Conformity: Surrender your will to His way.
* Constancy: Strengthen a daily spiritual habit.
* Correction: Receive God’s loving instruction.
* Control: Let God lead your decisions.
* Contemplation: Set your mind on things above.
* Uprightness: Walk in integrity.
* Forward Movement: Keep growing spiritually.
* Endurance: Stay faithful over time.

Challenge:
Choose one area and take one practical step this week.

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Reflection Questions

1. What part of Enoch’s example challenges you most?
2. What part of your walk with God needs more consistency?
3. Is there any area where you have been walking your own way instead of walking with God?
4. What is one step you can take this week to draw nearer to the Lord?

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Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for the example of Enoch. Teach us to walk with You in closeness, faith, obedience, and endurance. Help us to seek You daily, hear Your voice clearly, receive Your correction humbly, and follow Your direction faithfully. We do not want to simply know about You; we want to know You closely and walk with You continually. Shape our hearts, guide our steps, and make our lives pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide & Devotional

Our Position in Christ

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Opening Thought

Being in Christ changes everything.

It changes how we see our past, how we walk in the present, and how we look toward the future. Before Christ, we were separated from God, bound by sin, and spiritually dead. But through Jesus, we have been made alive, forgiven, washed, justified, sanctified, adopted, seated with Him, and given a heavenly citizenship.

The enemy wants believers to live chained to who they used to be, but the Gospel declares a greater truth: the old life is dead and buried in Christ. You are now a new creation, a child of God, and a citizen of heaven.

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Icebreaker

What is one title, role, or identity people have called you that affected the way you saw yourself?

Follow-Up Question

Why do you think identity has such a powerful effect on how people live?

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Scripture Focus

Once We Were Lost

Ephesians 2:1–2 reminds us that we were once dead in sin and disobedience, following the ways of the world.

Colossians 1:21 says we were once alienated from God and enemies in our minds because of evil behavior.

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 reminds us that while sin once marked our lives, Christ has washed us, sanctified us, and justified us by His Spirit.

Section Summary

The Bible does not ignore who we were before Christ. It tells the truth about sin, separation, and brokenness. But it does not leave us there. The words “such were some of you” remind us that our past does not have the final word.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to remember what God delivered us from without letting our past define us?
2. What is the difference between conviction from the Holy Spirit and condemnation from the enemy?
3. How can shame keep someone from walking in their true identity in Christ?

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You Are Now

1. Seated With Christ

Ephesians 2:6–7 says God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in heavenly places.

Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven.

Devotional Thought

Your position in Christ is not based on your feelings, your performance, or your past. It is based on what Jesus has accomplished. To be seated with Christ means we are no longer spiritually homeless. We belong to His Kingdom. We live on earth, but our identity, authority, and future are anchored in heaven.

This means we do not have to live as victims of circumstances, fear, or accusation. We live from the finished work of Jesus.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to live from your heavenly position instead of your earthly pressure?
2. How should heavenly citizenship affect our priorities, choices, and attitude?
3. Where do you need to see your life from God’s perspective instead of fear’s perspective?

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2. Purified and Made Holy

2 Corinthians 5:21 says Christ became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Hebrews 10:10 teaches that through the sacrifice of Jesus, we have been purified and made holy.

Devotional Thought

Sanctification means we have been set apart for God. Jesus did not only forgive us; He also made us holy and called us His own. We are not trying to earn holiness in order to be accepted. We grow in holiness because we have already been accepted in Christ.

God does not look at His children through the lens of their old shame. He sees them through the finished work of Jesus.

Discussion Questions

1. How does knowing you are made righteous in Christ change the way you approach God?
2. Why do some believers struggle to believe they are truly forgiven and clean?
3. What does it look like to grow in holiness without falling into religious striving?

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3. Justified — Declared Not Guilty

Romans 8:33 says, “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.”

To be justified means to be declared righteous, cleared from the charge, and regarded as innocent before God.

Devotional Thought

Justification is not God pretending we never sinned. It is God declaring that the penalty for our sin has been fully paid through Jesus Christ. The enemy may accuse, people may remember, and our own minds may replay the past, but God has issued His verdict over those who are in Christ: Not guilty.

When God has justified you, accusation no longer has authority over you.

Discussion Questions

1. What accusations do believers often carry even after they have been forgiven?
2. How can Romans 8:33 help someone stand against shame and condemnation?
3. What is the difference between being sorry for sin and being enslaved to guilt?

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4. No Longer Slaves, But Sons

Romans 8:10–17 teaches that the Spirit of God lives in us, leads us, and confirms that we are God’s beloved children.

Devotional Thought

In Christ, we are not slaves trying to earn a place in the house. We are sons and daughters who have been welcomed into the family of God.

The Holy Spirit does not lead us back into fear, insecurity, or religious duty. He leads us into the confidence of adoption. We do not cry out to a distant God; we cry out to our Father.

This changes everything. We are accepted. We are loved. We are heirs with Christ.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between serving God as a slave and serving Him as a son or daughter?
2. How does knowing God as Father affect your prayer life?
3. What does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit in everyday life?

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5. More Than Conquerors

Colossians 2:13–15 says God made us alive with Christ, forgave our sins, canceled the record against us, and triumphed over the powers of darkness through the cross.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says that anyone in Christ is a new creation. The old has passed away, and the new has come.

Romans 8:31–37 declares that if God is for us, no one can stand against us, and that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

Devotional Thought

Because we have been declared “not guilty,” we are no longer bound by sin, shame, fear, or the accusations of the enemy. Jesus did not simply improve the old life; He gave us new life.

Being more than a conqueror does not mean we never face hardship. Romans 8 lists trouble, persecution, danger, and suffering. But even in those things, Christ’s love remains stronger. Victory is not the absence of battle. Victory is belonging to Jesus in the middle of the battle.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to be “more than a conqueror” even while facing difficulty?
2. How does the cross cancel the enemy’s accusations against us?
3. What old mindset do you need to stop carrying because you are now a new creation?

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We Will Be

1. With Him

2 Corinthians 5:2–10 teaches that while we live in earthly bodies, we long for the fullness of life God has prepared for us. The Holy Spirit is our guarantee, and our goal is to please the Lord whether here or with Him.

Devotional Thought

Our hope is not only for this present life. We look forward to being with the Lord. This gives us courage, confidence, and perspective. We live by faith, not by sight.

Our future with Christ should shape how we live today. We do not live carelessly. We live purposefully, knowing that our lives belong to God and that eternity is real.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the hope of eternity help us endure hardship now?
2. What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight?
3. How can we make pleasing the Lord our daily goal?

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2. Like Him

1 John 3:2 says we are already God’s children, and when Christ appears, we will be like Him because we will see Him as He truly is.

Devotional Thought

God is not finished with us. We are already His children, but we are still growing into the fullness of what He has called us to be. One day, we will see Jesus face to face, and we will be made like Him.

This future hope gives us strength to keep growing, keep trusting, and keep moving forward.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it encouraging to know that God is still working in us?
2. How does the promise that we will be like Christ affect the way we live now?
3. What area of your life is God currently shaping to look more like Jesus?

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Main Devotional

Never Look Back

Because of what God has done through Christ, we are free from the bondage of our sinful past and free to walk in our God-given destiny.

There is a difference between remembering what God delivered you from and living chained to what He already buried. Testimony remembers the goodness of God. Shame replays the old identity. God wants His people to remember His mercy, but He does not want them to resurrect the old man.

In Christ, your past is not your position.

You were once dead in sin, but now you are alive in Christ.
You were once alienated, but now you are brought near.
You were once guilty, but now you are justified.
You were once bound, but now you are free.
You were once a slave, but now you are a son or daughter.
You were once without hope, but now you are a citizen of heaven.

Being in Christ changes your position, your perspective, your past, your present, and your future.

Philippians 3:12–14 reminds us to forget what lies behind and press forward toward the goal. This does not mean pretending the past never happened. It means refusing to let the past control the future Christ has purchased for you.

The old person you used to be is dead and buried in Christ.

You are a new creation.
You are a child of God.
You are seated with Christ.
You are justified.
You are sanctified.
You are more than a conqueror.
You are a citizen of heaven.
You are moving toward the fullness of your destiny in God.

Never look back in bondage. Look back only to give thanks. Then fasten your heart to the future and keep following Jesus.

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Group Reflection Questions

1. Which part of our identity in Christ stood out to you most: seated, sanctified, justified, adopted, victorious, or heavenly citizenship?
2. What old label do you need to stop agreeing with?
3. How can the truth of being “in Christ” change the way you respond to temptation, fear, or condemnation?
4. Why is it important for believers to encourage one another in their new identity?
5. What would change in your daily life if you truly believed God’s verdict over you is “not guilty”?
6. How can we help one another press forward instead of looking back?

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Practical Application

This week, choose one truth about your position in Christ and declare it daily.

Examples:

* “I am a new creation in Christ.”
* “I am not condemned; I am justified.”
* “I am no longer a slave; I am a child of God.”
* “I am seated with Christ and belong to His Kingdom.”
* “I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.”

Then ask yourself:

What decision would I make today if I truly believed this about myself?

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Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for what You have done for us through Jesus Christ. Thank You that we are no longer defined by sin, shame, fear, or failure. Thank You for washing us, sanctifying us, justifying us, and adopting us as Your children.

Help us to live from our position in Christ. Teach us to reject every lie of the enemy and every false label from the past. Strengthen us to walk as new creations, filled with the Holy Spirit, confident in Your love, and focused on the future You have prepared for us.

We choose to press forward. We choose to fasten our hearts to Jesus. We choose to live free.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide: Take What He Has Promised!

Scripture Focus

Joshua 14:6–15

Key Verse

Joshua 14:12
“So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me…”

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Opening Thought

Caleb’s story reminds us that God’s promises are worth holding on to. Even after forty-five years, Caleb’s faith had not faded. He remembered what God had spoken, believed what God had promised, and was still ready to take possession of it.

The promise may be delayed, but it is not denied. Giants may stand in the way, but they are not greater than the God who made the promise.

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Icebreaker

Share about a time when you had to wait longer than expected for something important. What helped you stay patient?

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Discussion Questions

1. Caleb remembered the promise.

Caleb never forgot what God had spoken through Moses.

Question:
Why is it important to remember what God has spoken when life feels delayed or difficult?

Follow-up:
What are some ways we can keep God’s promises in front of us?

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2. Caleb saw the promise, not just the problem.

The other spies saw giants and walls. Caleb saw what God had promised.

Question:
What are some “giants” people face today that can make God’s promises feel impossible?

Follow-up:
How can fear change the way we see our circumstances?

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3. Delay does not cancel the promise.

Caleb waited forty-five years before receiving what had been promised.

Question:
Why do delays sometimes cause people to question God’s faithfulness?

Follow-up:
How can we stay faithful while we are waiting?

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4. God’s promises must be held by faith.

Faith agrees with what God has said even before the promise is seen.

Read:
2 Corinthians 1:20
“For as many as are the promises of God, in Christ they are all answered ‘Yes.’ So through Him we say our ‘Amen’ to the glory of God.”

Question:
What does it mean to say “Amen” to God’s promises?

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5. Giants do not cancel the promise.

Caleb knew the hill country was filled with giants, but he also knew the Lord was with him.

Question:
How does knowing God is with us change the way we face opposition?

Follow-up:
What is one area where you need to stop being intimidated and start trusting God?

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6. God has the power to fulfill what He promised.

People may fail to keep promises, but God never fails.

Read:
Joshua 21:45
“Not one of the good promises which the Lord made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”

Question:
How have you seen God prove His faithfulness in your life?

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7. Faith receives before it sees.

Faith is not blind hope. Faith is confidence in the character and word of God.

Question:
What is the difference between wishful thinking and biblical faith?

Follow-up:
How can prayer help strengthen our confidence in God’s promises?

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8. Abraham believed when it looked impossible.

Abraham trusted God even when the promise seemed beyond natural possibility.

Read:
Romans 4:20–21
“He never stopped believing God’s promise… because he was mighty in faith and convinced that God had all the power He needed to fulfill His promises.”

Question:
What does Abraham’s example teach us about trusting God when circumstances look impossible?

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Application

This week, choose one promise from Scripture to hold on to in prayer.

Write it down.
Pray it daily.
Speak it over your situation.
Share it with someone who needs encouragement.

Ask yourself:

What promise am I holding on to?
What giant do I need to face with faith?
What step of obedience can I take this week?

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Group Prayer Focus

Pray for:

Faith to believe God’s promises.
Strength to keep trusting during delays.
Courage to face the giants.
A renewed confidence that God is faithful.
Grace to encourage one another and not give up.

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Closing Declaration

I will not give up on what God has promised.
I will not be intimidated by giants.
I will not allow delay to destroy my faith.
God is faithful.
His promises are true.
What He has spoken, He is able to fulfill.
I will take what He has promised!

DCC Small Group Discussion: The One Who Serves

Scripture Focus:
Mark 10:35–45

Key Supporting Scriptures:
John 13:12–17
1 Corinthians 15:58
Matthew 25:45
John 15:9–17
1 Peter 4:10
Ephesians 2:10
Galatians 5:13–14
Colossians 3:23–25
Galatians 6:4–10

Main Thought:**
In the Kingdom of God, greatness is not measured by position, title, recognition, or prestige. True greatness is found in humble love, faithful obedience, and serving others the way Jesus served us.

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Introduction

James and John wanted places of honor beside Jesus. They were thinking about greatness in terms of position, closeness, and recognition. But Jesus turned their thinking upside down. He taught that leadership in His Kingdom does not look like worldly leadership. In the world, people often seek power, authority, and status. But Jesus said, “Among you it will be different.”

Jesus showed us that the greatest in the Kingdom is the servant of all.

This was not just something Jesus taught with words. He lived it. In John 13, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He took the position of the lowest servant in the house and humbled Himself to serve those He loved. Then He told them to follow His example.

Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve, and ultimately to give His life as a ransom for many. That is the highest picture of love and service. He served with humility, obedience, sacrifice, and love. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Serving is not just about filling a role or doing a task. It is about expressing the heart of Christ. Our love for Jesus is revealed not merely by what we say, but by how we obey Him and serve others in love.

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Discussion Questions
1.In Mark 10:35–45, what were James and John seeking, and how did Jesus correct their understanding of greatness?
2.How does the world usually define greatness, and how does Jesus define greatness?
3.Why do you think Jesus used service as the measure of leadership in His Kingdom?
4.In John 13, why is it significant that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet?
5.What does foot washing teach us about humility, love, and willingness to do lowly or unseen tasks?
6.Why do people sometimes avoid serving in simple or unnoticed ways?
7.Have you ever been blessed by someone who served quietly and humbly? What impact did it have on you?
8.What does 1 Corinthians 15:58 teach us about the value of serving the Lord?
9.How does Matthew 25:45 challenge the way we view helping “the least of these”?
10.What stood out to you from the “Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody” illustration?
11.Do you think the 80/20 principle is often true in churches? Why do you think that happens?
12.According to 1 Peter 4:10 and Ephesians 2:10, what role do spiritual gifts and good works play in the life of a believer?
13.Why is it important to remember that titles mean little if they are not backed up by faithful service?
14.How does serving others help demonstrate our love for Jesus?
15.What opportunities has God placed before you right now to serve in your home, church, workplace, or community?

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Practical Application

Jesus did not just call us to admire humility. He called us to practice it.

Serving others is one of the clearest ways we reflect Christ. It may not always be glamorous. Sometimes it means doing the unnoticed job, helping without applause, giving without recognition, or stepping in where there is a need. But those acts of service matter deeply to God.

We must not assume that “somebody else” will do what God is prompting us to do. The church is strongest when every believer embraces their God-given role and serves with love, faithfulness, and joy.

Take time this week to ask the Lord:

“Where can I serve?”
“Who can I help?”
“What gift have You given me to strengthen Your body?”
“Am I serving for recognition, or am I serving from love?”

When we serve with the heart of Jesus, we are not doing meaningless work. We are laying up eternal reward, producing lasting fruit, and revealing the love of Christ to others.

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Group Application Challenge

This week, ask each person in the group to do one intentional act of service in one of these areas:
•in their home
•in the church
•for a friend or neighbor
•for someone in need
•in a way that is unseen or unrecognized

At the next gathering, share how God opened the door and what you learned through serving.

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Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for showing us what true greatness looks like. Thank You for sending Jesus, who did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life for us. Forgive us for the times we have sought recognition, titles, or comfort more than humility and obedience. Fill us with the heart of Christ. Teach us to love one another through action, service, and sacrifice. Show us where we can serve Your people and bless others. Help us to use every gift You have given us for Your glory. Let our lives reflect Your love in practical ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

DCC Small Group Guide: The Power of the Resurrection

Scripture Focus:
1 Corinthians 15:20 — “But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first harvest of all who have died.”

Main Thought:
The resurrection of Jesus is the heart of the Gospel. Because Christ rose from the dead, our faith is alive, our sins can be forgiven, our future is secure, and our hope is eternal.

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Devotional

Resurrection Day is more than a yearly celebration. It is the reminder that Jesus Christ conquered sin, death, and the grave once and for all. If Jesus had remained in the tomb, our faith would be empty and our hope would be lost. But He did not stay in the grave. He rose in victory, just as He said He would.

Paul made it clear in 1 Corinthians 15 that the resurrection is not a side issue of the Christian faith—it is the foundation of it. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Because He lives, we have real hope, real salvation, and real victory.

The power of the resurrection is not only about what happened to Jesus then, but what it means for us now. Romans 8 tells us that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us. That means resurrection power is at work in every believer—bringing life where there has been death, hope where there has been despair, peace where there has been torment, and strength where there has been weakness.

The resurrection also points us forward. Jesus is the firstfruits, the beginning of what is to come. Just as He rose, all who belong to Him will one day be raised also. The grave does not have the final word over the believer. Death has lost its sting. Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and everyone who believes in Him will live.

As we remember His sacrifice and celebrate His resurrection, we also remember His promise: He is coming again. The risen Savior will return in glory, and those who are His will be raised in victory. This is the power of the resurrection—Christ arose, Christ lives in us, and Christ is coming again.

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Discussion Questions
1.Why is the resurrection of Jesus so central to the Gospel?
2.According to 1 Corinthians 15, what would our faith be without the resurrection?
3.What does it mean to you personally that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers?
4.How does the resurrection give hope in seasons of grief, fear, or uncertainty?
5.In what ways should the truth of Christ’s resurrection affect how we live right now?
6.How does the promise of Christ’s return strengthen your faith today?
7.What is one area of your life where you need resurrection power—new life, new hope, or renewed strength?

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Key Scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.”

1 Corinthians 15:17, 20
“And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless… But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead.”

Romans 8:11
“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.”

John 11:25-26
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying.”

Acts 1:11
“This same Jesus… will return from heaven in the same way you saw Him go!”

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Application

Because Jesus rose from the dead:
•We do not live in despair; we live in hope.
•We do not live bound by sin; we live in freedom.
•We do not fear death; we look forward to eternal life.
•We do not quit in hardship; we stand strong and immovable.
•We do not merely remember what Christ did; we live in the power of what He accomplished.

This week, take time to thank God for the cross, rejoice in the empty tomb, and ask the Holy Spirit to fill every dead, weary, or wounded place in your life with resurrection life.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for the power of the resurrection. Thank You that Jesus did not remain in the grave, but rose in victory over sin and death. Thank You that because He lives, we have hope, forgiveness, life, and a future. Let the same resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead work in us today. Strengthen our faith, renew our hearts, and help us live as people of hope and victory. Teach us to remember Your sacrifice, rejoice in Your triumph, and remain ready for Your return. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Communion Reflection

As we receive Communion, we remember:
•His broken body — wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities
•His shed blood — poured out for the cleansing of our sins
•His resurrection victory — death could not hold Him
•His promise to return — our risen King is coming again

We remember. We rejoice. We wait in hope.

DCC Small Group Guide: The King Who Came Down
by Don Vess

Scripture Focus
•Matthew 21:1–11
•Zechariah 9:9
•John 19:30
•Luke 9:23
•2 Corinthians 5:17–21
•Philippians 2:6–11

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Opening Thought

Jesus didn’t just come down from the Mount of Olives—He first came down from heaven.

Palm Sunday reveals a powerful truth:
The King came—but not the way people expected.

They wanted a conquering King.
God sent a humble Savior.

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Devotional

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem wasn’t just a moment—it was a revelation.

He had already been revealed as:
•The Son of God (to Mary)
•The Savior (to Joseph)
•The Lamb of God (to John the Baptist)

Now, He was being revealed as King—but not a political king… a redeeming King.

Riding on a donkey fulfilled prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and symbolized humility. While earthly kings rode war horses, Jesus came in peace.

The crowd shouted, “Hosanna!” and called Him Son of David, expecting Him to overthrow Rome.

But Jesus came to overthrow something far greater:
•Sin
•Death
•The Grave

Just days later, the same voices crying “Hosanna” would shout, “Crucify Him.”

Why?
Because they wanted victory without the cross.

But true victory only came when Jesus declared:

“It is finished.” (John 19:30)

That means:
Paid in full. Complete. Accomplished.

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Key Truth

There is no crown without the cross.
There is no victory without surrender.

Jesus calls us the same way:

“Take up your cross daily and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)

We cannot experience new life while holding onto the old one.

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Discussion Questions

1. Revelation of Jesus
•How do you personally see Jesus right now—Savior, King, Friend, Lord?
•Why do you think the crowd misunderstood who Jesus was?

2. Expectation vs Reality
•Where in your life have you expected God to move one way, but He moved differently?
•Why is it hard to accept God’s way over our expectations?

3. The Cross Before Victory
•What does “taking up your cross” look like in real life?
•What are areas where you want victory without surrender?

4. Lordship of Jesus
•What does it truly mean to make Jesus Lord (not just Savior)?
•According to Luke 6:46, why is obedience evidence of lordship?

5. Fruit of Our Lives
•What kind of “fruit” is your life producing right now?
•What needs to change to reflect Jesus more clearly?

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Application

This week, focus on true surrender:
•Identify one area of your life you haven’t fully given to Jesus
•Repent (turn from it intentionally)
•Replace it with obedience to God’s Word
•Spend time daily in Scripture (1 Peter 2:2 – grow spiritually)

Declaration:
•“The old life is gone!”
•“I am living a new life in Christ!”

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Group Activation

Have everyone say together:

“Hosanna! Jesus is Lord!”
(Repeat it boldly as a declaration of surrender and faith)

Then ask:
Have you truly made Him Lord of your life?

Allow time for reflection and prayer.

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Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Jesus—the King who came down.
Not in pride, but in humility. Not to conquer nations, but to save our souls.

Jesus, we declare You are Lord.
We surrender every part of our lives to You.
Teach us to take up our cross daily and follow You faithfully.

Transform us. Renew us. Use us as ambassadors of Your Kingdom.

We say it boldly today:
Hosanna! Jesus is Lord!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide: The Invitation to Trust

Scripture Focus

Malachi 3:10 (NKJV)
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”

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Devotional

Throughout Scripture, we are commanded not to put the Lord our God to the test. Yet in Malachi 3:10, God gives us a startling invitation: “Test Me now in this.”

What seems like a paradox is actually a powerful challenge from the heart of God.

He calls His people to bring the tithe and witness His faithfulness—not as an act of doubt, but as an act of trust, obedience, and faith. God is not inviting us to question Him; He is inviting us to step into a deeper experience of His provision.

Tithing did not begin under the Law—it predates it.
•Genesis 4:3–4 – Cain and Abel brought offerings; Abel honored God with faith.
•Genesis 14:18–20 – Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek.

“He gave him a tenth of all.” — Genesis 14:20

This reveals that tithing is not merely a requirement—it is a relational response. It is worship. It is trust. It is declaring that God is our Source.

When we give, we are not earning God’s favor—we are responding to His faithfulness. We are saying, “Lord, I trust You more than what I can see or hold.”

What an incredible invitation from a faithful God.

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Group Discussion Questions

Understanding the Word
1.Why do you think God makes an exception in Malachi 3:10 by inviting His people to “test” Him?
2.How does understanding that tithing existed before the Law change your perspective on giving?
3.What does this passage reveal about God’s character?

Heart Check
4.What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about trusting God with your finances?
5.Are there areas in your life where you trust God easily—but others where it’s more difficult? Why?
6.What does it practically look like to trust God as your Source?

Faith in Action
7.How can giving become more of an act of worship rather than obligation?
8.What is one step of obedience God may be asking you to take in your giving?
9.Share a testimony (or expectation) of how God has been or could be faithful in provision.

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Application

Ask yourself honestly: Do I trust God with every area of my life, including my finances?

Honor Him not from pressure, but from love, faith, and reverence. Let your giving become an act of worship and a testimony that your confidence is in the Lord.

Then watch as He proves Himself faithful in ways that deepen your trust in Him.

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Prayer

Father, thank You for being faithful in every season of my life. Help me to trust You fully and to honor You with everything You have placed in my hands. Teach me to walk in obedience, not out of religious duty, but out of love and faith. Let my giving be an expression of worship and dependence on You. Open my eyes to see Your faithfulness more clearly, and strengthen my heart to follow You without fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Leader Notes (Optional for Facilitators)
•Keep the tone grace-filled, not pressure-driven.
•Emphasize relationship over legalism.
•Encourage honesty—this topic can be sensitive.
•Celebrate small steps of faith and obedience.

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide: How to Find & Fulfill Your GOD-Given Destiny

Scripture Focus

1 Corinthians 3:9 (NKJV)
“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”

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Devotional

There is a powerful truth every believer must come to understand:
we are not spectators in God’s Kingdom—we are participants.

We are called to co-labor with Christ.

God is sovereign—He rules and reigns above all—but in His divine wisdom, He has chosen to work through people. Throughout Scripture, we see that God reveals His plans and carries out His purposes through willing vessels.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) reminds us:
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

Notice that—His power is at work within us.
God doesn’t just move around us—He moves through us.

This means your life has purpose.

Your obedience matters. Your “yes” to God is part of a much bigger Kingdom picture.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) declares:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

God has already prepared assignments, opportunities, and callings for your life.
But here’s the key: you must choose to walk in them.

Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV) says:
“I have set before you life and death… Now choose life…”

God sets the path—but we choose whether to walk it.

Because of this, we are not owners—we are stewards. We will give an account for what we did (or didn’t do) with what God placed in our hands.

And as you step into your calling, don’t expect it to be easy.

Resistance is not a sign you’re off track—
it’s often confirmation you’re on the right path.

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV) says:
“Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal… as though something strange were happening to you.”

James 1:2–4 (NIV) tells us:
“Consider it pure joy… because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work…”

Trials produce maturity. Resistance builds endurance.

At the same time, the enemy will try to distract you.

Matthew 13:22 (NIV) warns:
“The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Distraction is one of the enemy’s greatest strategies.

If he can’t stop you, he’ll try to sidetrack you.

That’s why we must live with unwavering focus.

Luke 9:51 (ESV) says:
“When the days drew near… He set his face to go to Jerusalem.”

Isaiah 50:7 (NIV) echoes:
“I have set my face like flint…”

Jesus was resolute. Determined. Unshaken.

And we are called to live the same way—
focused, faithful, and fully surrendered.

When every believer finds their place, obeys God’s voice, and walks in their calling, something powerful happens:

God knits His people together, and through that unity,
He impacts cities, nations, and the world.

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Group Discussion Questions

Understanding the Word
1.What does it mean to you personally to be a “co-laborer” with Christ?
2.How does knowing God works through you change the way you view your daily life?
3.What do Ephesians 2:10 and Deuteronomy 30:19 teach us about responsibility and choice?

Heart Check
4.Do you currently feel like you are walking in your God-given purpose? Why or why not?
5.What distractions have tried to pull you away from what God has called you to do?
6.How do you typically respond when you face resistance or difficulty?

Faith in Action
7.What is one specific assignment or calling you sense God has placed on your life right now?
8.What practical step can you take this week to walk in obedience?
9.How can you “set your face like flint” and stay focused on God’s purpose?

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Application
•Ask the Lord to clearly reveal the specific assignments He has for your life.
•Identify any distractions or areas where you’ve drifted off course.
•Make a fresh decision today to choose obedience and walk in what God has called you to do.
•When resistance comes, don’t retreat—press forward with perseverance.
•Set your focus like flint—be unwavering in pursuing God’s purpose for your life.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You that You have called me to co-labor with You.
Thank You that my life has purpose and that You have prepared good works for me to walk in.

Help me to clearly hear Your voice and to choose obedience daily.
Give me strength to endure resistance, wisdom to avoid distractions, and courage to press forward no matter the cost.

Set my face like flint toward Your will.
Let Your power work through me to accomplish Your purposes in the earth.

Use my life for Your glory, Lord.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Leader Notes (Optional for Facilitators)
•Encourage participation from everyone—help people see that purpose applies to all believers.
•Reinforce that calling is not just platform-based, but obedience-based.
•Keep the focus on grace, growth, and next steps—not perfection.
•Allow space for people to share what they feel God is speaking to them.

DCC Small Group Discussion Guide: Be Ready!
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus
•Matthew 24:42–44 (NKJV)
•Matthew 24:9–14
•Matthew 24:46–51
•1 Thessalonians 5:1–8
•1 John 3:1–3
•James 4:6–10
•1 Corinthians 16:13–14
•Colossians 4:2

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Opening Thought

Spring is a season of visible change. Trees bud, birds return, and life begins to emerge again. These are signs that something new has arrived—but those signs were forming long before the full bloom appeared.

In the same way, Jesus told us to watch for the signs of His return. The danger is not that there are no signs—it’s that people miss them, just like many did when Jesus first came. They expected one thing, overlooked what God was actually doing, and missed their moment.

The call for us today is clear:
“Be ready. Get your house in order.”

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Group Discussion Questions

1. Recognizing the Season
•What are some “spiritual signs” you see today that remind you of Jesus’ return?
•Why do you think people in Jesus’ time missed the signs of His first coming?
•How can we avoid missing what God is doing right now?

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2. The Danger of Delay
•In Matthew 24:48, the servant assumed the master was delaying. How can that mindset affect our spiritual lives today?
•Have you ever found yourself becoming spiritually passive or distracted? What contributed to that?

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3. Staying Spiritually Awake
•Jesus warns that many will fall away and grow cold (Matt. 24:12). What causes spiritual “coldness”?
•What are practical ways to keep your heart “on fire” for God?

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4. Living Ready, Not Reactive
•What does it practically mean to “be ready” for the Lord’s return?
•If Jesus returned today, what areas of your life would you want to have in order?

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5. Purity and Preparation
•According to 1 John 3:3, hope in Christ leads to purity. Why do you think expectation changes how we live?
•Which of the four preparation steps speaks most to you right now?

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Key Teaching Points

How Do We Stay Ready?

1. Separate from the World’s System
•(1 John 2:15–17)
•Recognize and reject cultural patterns that pull you away from God.

2. Draw Closer to God Daily
•(James 4:6–10)
•Humility, repentance, and surrender position us for grace.

3. Stay Alert and Stand Firm
•(1 Corinthians 16:13–14)
•Be watchful, courageous, and grounded in truth.

4. Be Devoted to Prayer
•(Colossians 4:2)
•Prayer keeps your spirit sensitive and aligned with God.

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Group Activity (Optional but Powerful)

“House Check” Reflection Moment
•Take 2–3 minutes of silence.
•Ask each person to quietly reflect:
“Lord, what in my life needs to be aligned or surrendered right now?”

Then invite (not force) anyone to share.

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Application

This week:
•Identify one area where you need to “get your house in order.”
•Commit to one intentional action:
•Remove a distraction
•Increase prayer time
•Re-engage in serving
•Restore a relationship

Be intentional. Readiness is not accidental—it is cultivated.

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Closing Prayer

Lord,
We thank You that You have not left us without warning, but You have given us signs and Your Word to prepare us. Help us to stay awake, alert, and ready for Your return.

Search our hearts and reveal anything that is out of alignment. Give us the grace to turn away from the things of this world and draw closer to You. Stir the fire within us again, that we would not grow cold, but remain passionate and faithful.

Make us trustworthy servants—faithful in what You have given us, caring for others, and living with expectation.

We say yes to Your call:
We will be ready.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Leader Notes (Optional)
•Keep the tone urgent but hopeful, not fear-driven
•Allow space for the Holy Spirit to convict and encourage
•Encourage honesty, not perfection
•Bring it back to relationship with Jesus, not just behavior

DCC Small Group Guide: Trusting in the Promises of God
By Don Vess

Scripture Focus

Psalm 145:5–13 (NLT)
“I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles… The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love… The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.”

Joshua 21:45 (NLT)
“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”

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Devotional

Throughout Scripture we see a consistent truth: God always keeps His promises.

The psalmist reminds us that God’s people should continually speak about His goodness, proclaim His power, and remember His faithfulness. When we share testimonies of what God has done, it strengthens our faith and gives hope for the future.

At the end of Joshua’s leadership, he looked back over Israel’s journey and declared that not a single promise of God had failed. Everything God had spoken came to pass.

Many of us can look back and see the same thing in our own lives and in the life of our church. From humble beginnings to seasons where the path was uncertain, God has faithfully guided, provided, and sustained us.

Sometimes the fulfillment of God’s promises comes through seasons of waiting or testing. Jeremiah 29 reminds us that even while Israel was in exile, God still had good plans for their future. The promise was certain—even if the process was difficult.

Psalm 34:19 tells us: “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue every time.”

Trials are often part of the journey toward the promise.

Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 1:3-8 that God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, along with great and precious promises. Our response is to grow spiritually—adding faith, character, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, and love.

Just as vitamins strengthen the body, these spiritual qualities strengthen our faith as we walk in God’s promises.

What we learn through every season is this:

God is faithful. He has never failed to keep even one promise—and He never will.

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Discussion Questions

1. Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 145 encourages us to talk about God’s works and share testimonies.

Question:
Why is it important for believers to regularly remember and share what God has done?

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2. Looking Back at God’s Promises

Joshua said that not one promise God made failed.

Question:
Can you share a time when you saw God answer a prayer or fulfill a promise in your life?

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3. Trusting God During the Process

Jeremiah 29 reminds us that the promise came during a difficult season of exile.

Question:
Why do you think God sometimes allows trials before the promise is fulfilled?

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4. Trusting Beyond Understanding

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust the Lord and not lean on our own understanding.

Question:
What are some practical ways we can trust God when things don’t make sense?

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5. Growing While We Wait

Peter tells us to supplement our faith with spiritual growth.

Question:
Which of these qualities do you feel God is developing most in your life right now?
•Moral excellence
•Knowledge
•Self-control
•Patient endurance
•Godliness
•Brotherly affection
•Love

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Application

This week:

1. Reflect
Take time to remember and thank God for specific ways He has been faithful in your life.

2. Write a Promise
Choose one promise from Scripture and meditate on it throughout the week.

3. Share a Testimony
Encourage someone by sharing how God has been faithful to you.

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Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You that You are faithful and that not one of Your promises has ever failed. Help us trust You even when the path is difficult or unclear. Strengthen our faith, develop Christlike character in us, and remind us daily of Your goodness. May we always proclaim Your greatness and share the story of Your faithfulness with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide: The Minority Report

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Scripture Focus

Proverbs 29:25

NKJV
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.”

NLT
“Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.”

TPT
“Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place.”

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Opening Thought

In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve leaders to scout the Promised Land. They all saw the same land, the same giants, and the same opportunities.

Yet they returned with two different reports.

Ten spies gave a majority report of fear.

Two spies — Joshua and Caleb — gave a minority report of faith.

The majority focused on the giants.
Joshua and Caleb focused on God’s promise.

Because of unbelief and fear, an entire generation missed their inheritance. Only Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land.

The difference was not the circumstances they saw — it was the perspective of their faith.

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Key Principle

Fear of people traps us.

Faith in God frees us.

Many believers today struggle with fear of what others think. Sometimes people hesitate to pursue the promises of God — including the power of the Holy Spirit — because of traditions, opinions, or teachings that contradict Scripture.

Yet Jesus clearly promised the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49
“I will send the Holy Spirit, just as My Father promised… stay here until you are filled with power from heaven.”

Acts 1:8
“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter explained what was happening:

Acts 2:33
“Having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”

And Peter declared:

Acts 2:39
“The promise is to you, to your children, and to all who are afar off.”

God’s promises remain true regardless of culture, opinion, or popularity.

Believers must choose whether they will follow the majority report of culture or the minority report of faith in God’s Word.

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Group Discussion Questions

1. The Majority vs. the Minority

Read Numbers 13–14.

What differences do you notice between the report of the ten spies and the report of Joshua and Caleb?

Discussion Notes:

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2. Fear of People

Proverbs 29:25 says the fear of man is a trap.

How can fear of what others think affect our faith or decisions?

Discussion Notes:

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3. Trusting God’s Promises

Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit in Luke 24 and Acts 1.

Why do you think some believers hesitate to fully embrace the promises of God?

Discussion Notes:

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4. Guarding What We Hear

Read Romans 10:17.

How does what we listen to influence our faith?

What voices are shaping our thinking today?

Discussion Notes:

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5. Standing Firm in Truth

Read 2 Timothy 4:1–5.

Paul warned that people would eventually seek teachers who only say what they want to hear.

How can believers remain grounded in truth during times like this?

Discussion Notes:

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Personal Reflection

Take a moment to consider this question personally:

Am I being guided more by the opinions of people or by the Word of God?

Reflection Notes:

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Faith Declaration

Read this together as a group:

Hebrews 13:6 (TPT)
“I know the Lord is for me and I will never be afraid of what people may do to me.”

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Closing Prayer

Father, help us to keep our eyes on the promises of Your Word. Guard our hearts from fear, intimidation, and the pressure of public opinion.

Give us courage to stand firmly on the truth of Scripture, even when it places us in the minority. Let Your Word become alive in us so that it transforms our lives and strengthens our faith.

Guide us, empower us, and help us walk in the promises You have given us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide: Better Together

By Denise Koontz

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Scripture Focus

Mark 3:13–19 (NLT)
Acts 2:46–47
Matthew 18:19–20

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.Share about a time when being part of a team, group, or community made something easier or more meaningful for you.
2.Why do you think people sometimes try to do life or faith on their own?

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Read the Scriptures Together

Have someone read each passage aloud.

Mark 3:13–19 – Jesus calls the Twelve.
Acts 2:46–47 – The early church gathers in homes and shares life together.
Matthew 18:19–20 – The power of agreement and gathered believers.

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Discussion Questions

1. Jesus Modeled Community

In Mark 3, Jesus intentionally chose twelve disciples to walk closely with Him.
•Why do you think Jesus chose to invest deeply in a small group rather than ministering alone?
•What does this teach us about how spiritual growth happens?

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2. The Pattern of the Early Church

Acts 2:46–47 shows believers meeting both in the temple and in homes.
•What do you think people experienced in those home gatherings that they may not have experienced in larger meetings?
•Why do you think these small gatherings helped the early church grow?

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3. The Power of Agreement

In Matthew 18:19–20, Jesus promises His presence when believers gather in His name.
•Why is prayer together often more powerful than praying alone?
•Can you share a time when a group of believers praying together made a difference?

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4. The Importance of Connection

The devotional says: “Large gatherings inspire. Small gatherings transform.”
•Do you agree with that statement? Why or why not?
•How can being known by others strengthen your faith?

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5. Moving From Rows to Circles

Isolation weakens faith, but connection strengthens it.
•What are some barriers that keep people from joining or committing to a small group?
•How can we create environments where people feel welcomed and safe to share?

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Application

This week, take a step toward deeper connection.

Reflect and discuss:
1.Where in your life do you need stronger spiritual relationships right now?
2.Which connect opportunities at Destiny City Church might help you grow?

Examples include:
•Sunday School (9:30 AM)
•Monday Prayer Group
•Wednesday Night Services
•Iron Men
•Man Church
•Feastables (Ladies Group)
•Home Connect Groups
•Bible Study Groups
•Celebrate Recovery
•Worship Team
•PTSD Support Group

3.If you don’t see a group that fits you, pray about starting one. God often grows ministry through ordinary believers who simply open their homes and hearts.

Challenge for the Week:
Reach out to one person in this group this week — pray together, check in, or encourage them.

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Closing Prayer

Father,

Thank You for designing us to live in community. Help us move beyond simply attending church and step into meaningful relationships. Give us courage to open our hearts, support one another, and grow together in faith.

Let Destiny City Church be a place where people are known, loved, and strengthened. Teach us to carry each other’s burdens, celebrate victories together, and walk closely with You.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide: Need to Be Held
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

Isaiah 41:10–11 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand…”

Additional Scriptures:
•1 Samuel 30:6
•Acts 16:25–26
•Philippians 4:6–8
•Colossians 3:16
•Matthew 26:30

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.When you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, what is usually your first reaction?
2.Can you remember a time when God strengthened or comforted you during a difficult season?

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Devotional Summary

Life can sometimes become overwhelming with responsibilities, hardships, disappointments, and spiritual battles. In those moments, what we truly need is not simply relief from our circumstances—but renewal in God’s presence.

The Greek word “baptizo” means to be fully immersed or saturated. Just as wool is dipped into dye until it completely changes color, we also need to be spiritually saturated in God’s presence. When we return to Him in worship, prayer, and praise, He renews our minds and strengthens our hearts.

Scripture shows us that God’s people learned to encourage themselves in Him:
•David strengthened himself in the Lord when everything seemed lost (1 Samuel 30:6).
•Paul and Silas worshiped God in prison despite their chains (Acts 16), and their praise brought freedom.
•Paul later taught believers to redirect their thoughts toward what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).

Praise and worship are not escapes from reality—they are ways to realign our hearts with God’s truth.

When life overwhelms us, we can choose to be overwhelmed by God’s presence instead. He promises not only to strengthen us but to hold us up with His victorious hand.

We are never alone.

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Discussion Questions
1.Isaiah 41:10 promises that God will strengthen and hold us up.
What does this promise reveal about God’s character and His relationship with us?
2.The devotional describes being “saturated” in God’s presence.
What are some practical ways believers can immerse themselves in God during difficult seasons?
3.David encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).
What might that have looked like in practice?
How can we learn to encourage our own souls in God?
4.Paul and Silas worshiped while imprisoned (Acts 16).
Why do you think praise can shift both our circumstances and our perspective?
5.Philippians 4:6–8 talks about fixing our thoughts.
Why is controlling our thoughts so important in spiritual battles?
6.How has worship or music helped you personally reconnect with God during hard times?
7.The devotional says, “When overwhelmed by life—choose to be overwhelmed by God.”
What might that look like in your daily life this week?

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Practical Application

Encourage group members to practice one or more of the following this week:
•Return to the altar: Spend intentional time with God in prayer.
•Worship intentionally: Play worship music and focus on praising God.
•Speak truth to your soul: Declare Scripture when discouragement comes.
•Refocus your thoughts: Replace negative or anxious thoughts with God’s promises.

Challenge:
Take 10–15 minutes each day this week to quiet your heart and invite God’s presence to renew your mind.

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You that we are never alone. When life feels overwhelming, remind us that You are holding us with Your victorious right hand. Help us to return to Your presence, to worship in the middle of difficulty, and to fix our thoughts on what is true and praiseworthy. Saturate our hearts with Your Spirit and renew our strength.

Hold us steady and lead us to higher ground.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide

A Call to Preparation
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

John 14:1–3 (NLT)
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home… When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”

Additional Scriptures:
•Matthew 28:19–20
•Amos 4:12
•2 Corinthians 5:21
•Hebrews 10:5–10
•1 John 3:3
•James 4:8
•Psalm 105:19

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.When you hear the word “preparation,” what comes to mind?
2.Can you think of a time when preparation helped you succeed in something important?

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Devotional Summary

The Holy Spirit continues to emphasize one important word: Preparation.

Many people find comfort in faith but never move toward transformation. They may be encouraged by messages, attend church regularly, or feel connected to a Christian community—but true spiritual preparation requires intentional change and alignment with God.

When Jesus said in John 14:1–3 that He was going to prepare a place for us, He was pointing to the work He would accomplish through His death and resurrection. Through the cross, Jesus prepared the way for us to enter into relationship with God and ultimately eternity with Him.

However, Scripture makes it clear that preparation is not passive.

Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20), teaching them to obey His commands. This is part of preparing hearts for eternity.

The prophet Amos warned the people of Israel to “prepare to meet your God.” God had given them opportunities to return to Him, but many ignored His mercy.

Through Christ, everything needed for salvation has been prepared. 2 Corinthians 5:21 tells us Jesus became sin so that we could become righteous before God. Hebrews 10 explains that Christ’s sacrifice once and for all made a way for true cleansing.

But the Bible also teaches that preparation involves personal responsibility.

1 John 3:3 says that those who truly hope in Christ will purify themselves. Genuine expectation of Christ’s return produces a desire for holiness.

Preparation means:
•Turning away from sin
•Aligning our thinking with God’s Word
•Releasing bitterness and unforgiveness
•Walking in love toward others
•Refusing divided loyalty between God and the world

God is preparing His people, but we must respond.

Sometimes the difficult seasons we experience are not punishment—they are preparation. Like Joseph, whose character was tested before his promotion (Psalm 105), God often develops us before He entrusts us with greater purpose.

So the real question is not simply “When will Jesus return?”
The deeper question is “Am I ready to meet Him?”

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Discussion Questions
1.John 14:1–3 speaks about Jesus preparing a place for us.
How does knowing this promise affect the way we live today?
2.The devotional says many people are comforted but not prepared.
What might that look like in a believer’s life?
3.Matthew 28:19–20 calls us to make disciples.
How does discipleship help prepare people to meet God?
4.Amos warned the people to prepare to meet God.
Why do you think people sometimes ignore spiritual warnings or conviction?
5.1 John 3:3 connects hope with purity.
Why does expecting Christ’s return motivate believers to pursue holiness?
6.The devotional mentions areas of preparation such as forgiveness, repentance, and aligning with God’s Word.
Which of these areas do you think believers struggle with most today?
7.The devotional suggests that trials may be preparation rather than punishment.
Can you share a time when a difficult season helped shape your character or faith?

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Practical Application

Encourage each group member to spend time this week asking God to search their heart.

Consider these reflection questions:
•Is there any area of sin I have been ignoring instead of surrendering?
•Is there someone I need to forgive?
•Have I allowed worldly influences to shape my thinking more than God’s Word?
•Am I actively growing spiritually, or simply attending church?

Take one intentional step this week:
•Repent where necessary
•Forgive someone who has hurt you
•Recommit to daily Scripture reading
•Ask God what He is preparing you for in this season

Remember: Preparation begins with humility and obedience.

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for preparing the way for us through Jesus Christ. Thank You for the sacrifice that made our salvation possible. Search our hearts and reveal anything that is not aligned with You. Help us turn away from sin, release bitterness, and walk in love and obedience. Strengthen us to live lives that reflect Your holiness. Prepare us for the purposes You have for us and for the day when we will stand before You.

Refine our hearts and make us ready.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Small Group Discussion Guide

The Joy of Giving
By Dr. Greg Hinnant

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Scripture Focus

Acts 20:35
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Matthew 6:21
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Additional Scriptures:
•Genesis 14:20
•Psalm 24:1
•1 Corinthians 6:19–20
•Romans 8:6
•Philippians 2:5
•Matthew 6:2–4
•Mark 6:34
•Acts 11:28–30
•Acts 6:4
•Luke 6:38
•Philippians 4:19
•Psalm 37:25
•Revelation 22:12

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.What is one of the most meaningful gifts someone has ever given you? Why did it impact you?
2.When you think about generosity, what words or emotions come to mind?

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Devotional Summary

Giving is not a human tradition—it is a divine principle established by God. From the beginning of Scripture, God’s people expressed their faith through generosity.

One of the earliest examples appears in Genesis 14:20, when Abraham gave a tenth of his victory spoils to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. This act happened before the Law, showing that giving is rooted in faith and gratitude rather than religious obligation.

The Bible reminds us that everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord. Even our own lives were purchased through Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Because of this, we are not owners but stewards—entrusted with resources that ultimately belong to Him.

Giving is not primarily about the amount; it is about the attitude of the heart. Jesus taught that generosity should be practiced with humility and sincerity rather than for recognition (Matthew 6:2–4). When we give with pure motives, God sees and honors that obedience.

The motive behind giving is love—love for God, love for others, and love for those who have not yet heard the Gospel. Jesus demonstrated this compassion when He fed the multitudes (Mark 6:34).

The purpose of giving includes:
•Supporting places of worship and ministry (Exodus 25–36)
•Helping believers in times of crisis (Acts 11:28–30)
•Allowing spiritual leaders to focus on prayer and the Word (Acts 6:4)

Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of generosity. He gave His time, compassion, strength, and ultimately His life for our salvation (Matthew 20:28).

Scripture also promises that God cares for those who trust Him in their giving. Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will supply our needs. Luke 6:38 teaches that generosity often leads to multiplied blessing—not as manipulation, but as part of God’s spiritual order.

Ultimately, our generosity contributes to our eternal legacy. Christ promises that He will return with rewards for faithful obedience (Revelation 22:12).

Giving is not loss—it is participation in God’s Kingdom work and an opportunity to experience the joy Jesus described.

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Discussion Questions
1.Acts 20:35 says it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Why do you think giving often brings greater joy than receiving?
2.The devotional emphasizes that everything belongs to God.
How does this perspective change the way we view our money and possessions?
3.Abraham gave to Melchizedek before the Law existed.
What does this reveal about the connection between faith and generosity?
4.Matthew 6:21 says our hearts follow our treasure.
How can our spending habits reveal what we truly value?
5.Jesus taught that giving should be done quietly and humbly (Matthew 6:2–4).
Why is it important to guard our motives when giving?
6.The devotional lists several purposes of giving.
Which of these purposes resonates most strongly with you?
7.Many people struggle with fear about finances.
How can trusting God as our Provider help us become more generous?

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Practical Application

Encourage each group member to reflect on their stewardship this week.

Consider these questions:
•Have I recognized that everything I have belongs to God?
•Is my giving intentional and consistent, or only occasional?
•Do my financial choices reflect faith in God or dependence on money?
•Is there a step of generosity God is prompting me to take?

Possible action steps this week:
•Pray about a specific opportunity to give.
•Support someone in need.
•Invest in ministry or missions.
•Practice generosity with time, encouragement, or resources.

Generosity is not only financial—it is a lifestyle of open-handed trust in God.

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Closing Prayer

Lord,
Thank You for the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. Everything I have comes from You. Teach me to be a faithful steward of the resources You have entrusted to me. Remove fear, greed, and hesitation from my heart. Help me give with faith, humility, and joy. May my generosity honor You, bless others, and advance Your Kingdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. ?

Small Group Discussion Guide

Pray, and Don’t Give Up!
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

Luke 18:1–8 (NKJV)
“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart…”

Additional Scriptures:
•Jeremiah 1:12
•Ephesians 6:18
•Philippians 2:5
•John 17
•1 Timothy 2:1–4
•2 Corinthians 10:3–5
•Romans 8:26–28
•Revelation 5:8

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.Have you ever prayed for something for a long time before seeing an answer? What helped you keep going?
2.What are some common reasons people become discouraged in prayer?

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Devotional Summary

In Luke 18, Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to teach an important lesson: believers should always pray and never lose heart.

The widow continually appealed to an unjust judge for justice. Eventually, the judge responded—not because he cared about righteousness, but because her persistence wore him down. Jesus contrasts this judge with God, our loving and righteous Father. If even an unjust judge responds to persistence, how much more will God answer His children who cry out to Him day and night?

Sometimes prayer can feel discouraging when answers seem delayed. We may pray for healing, family members, breakthroughs, or difficult situations without seeing immediate results. Yet Scripture reminds us that God is faithful and actively working, even when we cannot see it. As God told Jeremiah, He is watching over His word to perform it (Jeremiah 1:12).

Prayer is not passive—it is spiritual warfare. Paul urges believers in Ephesians 6:18 to pray at all times with perseverance. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s will and develop the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).

Jesus Himself modeled intercession in John 17, praying for His disciples and for future believers. To intercede means to stand in the gap for others, bringing their needs before God.

Scripture calls us to intercede for:
•Leaders and authorities (1 Timothy 2:1–4)
•Fellow believers who face spiritual battles
•Families, communities, and nations

Our spiritual battle is not fought with human weapons. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 reminds us that our weapons are spiritually powerful—capable of tearing down strongholds and bringing thoughts into obedience to Christ.

God has also given believers the Holy Spirit, who helps us in prayer. When we don’t know what to say, the Spirit intercedes for us according to God’s will (Romans 8:26–28).

Throughout the Bible, God honors persistent prayer:
•Daniel prayed faithfully and found favor even under ungodly rulers.
•Aaron stood between the living and the dead during a plague, and it stopped.
•The prayers of the saints rise before God like incense (Revelation 5:8).

Even when we cannot see immediate results, heaven is listening. God is working. Prayer matters.

So Jesus’ message is simple and powerful: Keep praying. Don’t give up.

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Discussion Questions
1.Luke 18:1 says we should pray and not lose heart.
Why do you think Jesus emphasized perseverance in prayer?
2.The persistent widow kept returning to the judge.
What does her persistence teach us about faith and determination in prayer?
3.Have you ever seen God answer a prayer after a long season of waiting? What did you learn through that experience?
4.Ephesians 6:18 describes prayer as part of spiritual warfare.
In what ways do you think prayer affects spiritual battles?
5.Romans 8:26 says the Holy Spirit helps us when we don’t know how to pray.
How does this truth encourage you when prayer feels difficult?
6.Why is it important for believers to pray not only for themselves but also for others?
7.What practical habits can help us develop a more consistent and persistent prayer life?

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Practical Application

Encourage group members to apply this message during the coming week.

Consider these action steps:
•Identify one situation or person you’ve been tempted to stop praying for, and commit to bring it before God daily this week.
•Spend time praying and inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers.
•Intercede intentionally for leaders, your church family, and people facing spiritual battles.
•Set aside a specific daily prayer time to strengthen your consistency.

Remember:
Prayer isn’t just preparation for the battle—it is the battle.

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Teach us to pray and not lose heart. Strengthen our faith when answers seem delayed and remind us that You are always working. Holy Spirit, guide our prayers and help us intercede according to Your will. We lift up our families, our leaders, our church, and our nation to You. Help us persevere in prayer and trust in Your perfect timing.

We choose faith over discouragement and persistence over weariness.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. ?

Small Group Discussion Guide

Expect the Unexpected
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Proverbs 16:9
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”

Additional Scriptures:
•Genesis 12:1
•Hebrews 11:8
•Philippians 4:5–7
•1 Peter 5:7
•Proverbs 3:5–6
•Isaiah 26:3
•John 16:33
•Matthew 24:36–44
•1 Thessalonians 5:1–11

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.Can you share a time when something unexpected changed your plans? What did you learn from that experience?
2.Do you generally enjoy surprises, or do you prefer knowing exactly what’s coming next?

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Devotional Summary

The Bible teaches that believers are called to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith means trusting God even when we cannot see the full path ahead. Because of this, the life of faith often includes unexpected turns.

Abram (later called Abraham) is a powerful example. In Genesis 12:1, God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would show him. Abram did not receive a map or detailed instructions. Yet Hebrews 11:8 tells us he obeyed and went—even though he did not know where he was going. His obedience came before clarity.

Many believers experience something similar. God places a vision or calling in our hearts, and we begin making plans. But along the journey, circumstances shift. Unexpected challenges, opportunities, losses, or responsibilities appear. In those moments, we must decide whether to panic or to trust God’s guidance.

Scripture offers wisdom for those moments.

First, pray instead of panicking. Philippians 4:6–7 teaches that when we bring our concerns to God in prayer, His peace guards our hearts and minds. Prayer helps re-center our thoughts on God’s presence and care.

Second, guard your heart with God’s promises. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust in the Lord rather than relying solely on our own understanding. When we keep our minds focused on God, Isaiah 26:3 promises that He will give us perfect peace.

Jesus also prepared His disciples for unexpected events. In John 16:33, He warned them that they would face trouble in the world—but He also assured them that He had overcome the world. Even when life surprises us, God is still in control.

There is another “unexpected” believers must remain ready for—the return of Jesus. Scripture says His coming will be sudden, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:36–44; 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11). This reminder is not meant to produce fear but to encourage us to live alert, faithful, and hopeful.

So we are encouraged to make plans and pursue our responsibilities faithfully. Yet we hold our plans with open hands, recognizing that God ultimately directs our steps.

Sometimes the unexpected brings difficulty. Other times it opens doors we never imagined. But when our trust is anchored in God, no surprise can shake our foundation.

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Discussion Questions
1.2 Corinthians 5:7 says we walk by faith, not by sight.
What does this look like in practical, everyday life?
2.Abraham obeyed God without knowing the full plan (Hebrews 11:8).
Why do you think obedience often comes before understanding?
3.When unexpected situations arise, what is your typical first reaction?
How can prayer help shift that response?
4.Proverbs 3:5–6 calls us to trust God rather than our own understanding.
Why can it be difficult to release control of our plans?
5.Jesus promised both trouble and victory in John 16:33.
How does this promise help us face uncertain situations with courage?
6.Scripture encourages believers to stay ready for Christ’s return.
What does it mean to live spiritually alert and prepared?
7.How can trusting God in unexpected seasons strengthen our faith?

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Practical Application

Encourage each group member to practice these steps during the coming week:
•Pause and pray when unexpected situations arise rather than reacting immediately.
•Speak God’s promises daily. Write down key verses such as Philippians 4:6–7, Proverbs 3:5–6, and Isaiah 26:3.
•Ask God each day:
“Lord, what is my next obedient step today?”
•Live with spiritual readiness—keeping your heart aligned with Christ and your hope focused on His return.

Remember:
Faith does not eliminate surprises—it anchors us when they happen.

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight. When life surprises us, help us turn to You instead of reacting in fear. Fill our hearts with Your peace and guide our steps when our plans change. Help us trust Your wisdom above our own understanding. Keep us spiritually awake, ready for Your work in our lives and ready for the return of Jesus.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. ?

Small Group Discussion Guide

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

James 2:13
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Additional Scriptures:
•Matthew 7:1–5
•John 8:1–11
•Galatians 6:1–2
•Hebrews 12:1

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.Can you remember a time when someone showed you unexpected mercy or grace? How did it affect you?
2.Why do you think people are often quicker to judge than to show mercy?

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Devotional Summary

Jesus taught His followers to approach others with humility and mercy rather than harsh judgment. In Matthew 7:1–5, He warns that the same standard we use to judge others will eventually be applied to us. Jesus illustrates this truth with the image of a person trying to remove a speck from someone else’s eye while ignoring the plank in their own.

The lesson is not that we should ignore wrongdoing. Instead, Jesus teaches that self-examination must come before correction. When we deal honestly with our own weaknesses first, we are able to help others with humility rather than hypocrisy.

A powerful example of this principle appears in John 8:1–11, when religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus. The crowd was ready to condemn her publicly, but Jesus challenged them with a simple statement: “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone.” One by one, the accusers walked away.

Jesus did not deny that the woman had sinned. Instead, He showed her mercy and told her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” His response demonstrates the balance of truth and mercy. Mercy does not ignore sin—it opens the door for repentance and transformation.

The apostle James later summarizes this principle by declaring that “mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). When believers live with unforgiveness, resentment, or a critical spirit, those attitudes become burdens that weigh down their spiritual walk.

Instead, Scripture calls believers to pursue restoration. In Galatians 6:1–2, Paul instructs those who are spiritually mature to restore others gently while remaining aware of their own vulnerability to temptation. Rather than condemning others, we are called to bear one another’s burdens and help one another grow.

God’s Kingdom operates on this principle:
Truth spoken with mercy leads to healing and restoration.

When we reflect God’s mercy, we create space for repentance, reconciliation, and transformation.

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Discussion Questions
1.James 2:13 says that mercy triumphs over judgment.
What do you think this statement reveals about God’s heart?
2.In Matthew 7:1–5, Jesus talks about removing the plank from our own eye first.
Why is self-examination important before confronting someone else?
3.What stands out to you most about Jesus’ response to the woman in John 8:1–11?
4.Why do you think people sometimes prefer condemnation or criticism instead of restoration?
5.Galatians 6:1–2 calls believers to restore others gently.
What does gentle restoration look like in real life?
6.How can unforgiveness or resentment affect our spiritual health and relationships?
7.What practical steps can we take to show mercy while still honoring truth?

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Practical Application

Encourage group members to reflect on these steps this week:
•Check your measure: Ask God to reveal any areas where you may be judging others harshly.
•Remove the plank first: Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart for pride, criticism, or unforgiveness.
•Choose restoration: Look for opportunities to encourage or gently help someone instead of criticizing them.
•Practice forgiveness: Release any resentment you have been holding toward someone.

Challenge for the week:
Pray this prayer daily:
“Lord, show me where I have judged without mercy, and teach me how to restore others with gentleness.”

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for the mercy You have shown us through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have judged others harshly or held onto resentment. Search our hearts and reveal any pride or unforgiveness that needs to be removed. Teach us to speak truth with love and to restore others with gentleness. Help us reflect Your mercy in our words, attitudes, and actions.

Let Your mercy triumph in our lives.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. ?

Small Group Discussion Guide

A Living Sacrifice
By Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

Romans 12:1–5 (NKJV)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Additional Scripture:
•Ephesians 4:11–16

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Opening Question (Icebreaker)
1.When you hear the word “sacrifice,” what comes to mind?
2.What is something in life that requires consistent commitment or discipline?

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Devotional Summary

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were central to worship. People brought their best animals to the altar as offerings to God—fully surrendered and set apart.

In Romans 12, Paul uses this familiar language but introduces a surprising idea: God is not asking for a dead sacrifice, but a living one.

Paul urges believers to present their entire lives to God—not just their beliefs or church attendance, but their whole selves: their actions, attitudes, habits, and daily decisions. True worship involves surrendering every part of life to God.

However, living sacrifices face a unique challenge—they can crawl off the altar. Even after committing our lives to God, we may struggle with old habits, temptations, and pressures that pull us away from wholehearted surrender.

Scripture identifies three common enemies believers face:
•The world: the cultural system that pressures us to conform.
•The flesh: our internal desires and impulses that resist God.
•The devil: the enemy who accuses, deceives, and tempts.

When these influences shape our thinking, unhealthy patterns develop. But God provides a pathway to transformation: renewing the mind.

Paul explains that transformation happens as we allow God’s truth to reshape how we think. This renewal is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing process through Scripture, prayer, and obedience.

God’s goal is not simply moral improvement but spiritual maturity. According to Ephesians 4:11–16, the church grows as each believer develops in Christ and contributes their unique role within the body.

A living sacrifice is not only set apart for holiness but also prepared for service. As we surrender our lives to God, He uses us to strengthen and build up others in love.

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Discussion Questions
1.Romans 12:1 calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices.
What does this look like in everyday life?
2.Why do you think Paul connects surrender with renewing the mind?
3.Which of the three enemies—the world, the flesh, or the devil—do you think most commonly challenges believers today?
4.The devotional mentions that living sacrifices can “crawl off the altar.”
What are some practical ways we drift away from surrender to God?
5.How can Scripture help retrain our thinking and reshape our reactions?
6.Romans 12 emphasizes that we are part of one body.
Why is it important for believers to grow and serve together rather than individually?
7.What gifts or strengths do you believe God has given you to contribute to the body of Christ?

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Practical Application

Encourage group members to practice these steps during the week:

1. Make a clear presentation to God
In prayer, identify one specific area of your life to surrender fully to God.

2. Replace lies with truth
Read Romans 12:1–2 aloud each day this week and reflect on how it applies to your life.

3. Create a spiritual habit
Choose a simple practice such as fasting a meal, spending quiet time with God, or beginning the day with worship and Scripture.

4. Serve intentionally
Look for one opportunity this week to strengthen someone in the body of Christ through encouragement, prayer, or practical help.

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Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for Your mercy that calls us to surrender our lives to You. We present ourselves to You—our minds, actions, desires, and decisions. Forgive us for the times we have held back or drifted away from Your will. Renew our minds through Your Word and help us resist the pressures of the world, the flesh, and the enemy. Shape us into the image of Jesus and teach us to serve faithfully within the body of Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. ?

DCC Small Group Guide: Welcoming the Prodigals Home
by Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

Luke 15:11–32 (NLT)
The Parable of the Lost Son

Key Verse:
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!’” — Luke 15:17

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Opening Thought

The story of the prodigal son reveals the incredible heart of God toward those who wander away. Both sons in the story belonged to the father. Both were loved and had access to the father’s house. Yet one chose independence and distance, believing life would be better away from the father.

The younger son pursued freedom without responsibility and blessing without obedience. But the path he chose led to emptiness, brokenness, and spiritual famine. Sin always promises more than it can deliver.

Yet in the middle of his failure came a powerful turning point: “he came to his senses.” In that moment he remembered the goodness of his father, and that memory became the beginning of his return.

What the son expected was rejection. What he received was restoration.

The father saw him from far away, ran to meet him, embraced him, and restored him before he could even finish his apology. His identity had never changed—he was still a son.

This is the heart of our Heavenly Father. He watches for those who are far off. He runs toward repentance. And heaven celebrates when prodigals come home.

But the older brother reminds us of another danger. It is possible to remain close to the house but far from the Father’s heart. Self-righteousness and comparison can keep us from celebrating the restoration of others.

As believers, we are called not only to pray for prodigals—but to prepare our hearts to welcome them home with grace and joy.

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Group Discussion
1.What stands out to you most about the father’s response when the son returned home?
What does this reveal about God’s character?
2.Why do you think the younger son believed life would be better away from the father?
How does that reflect the way people sometimes view God today?
3.Luke 15:17 says the son “came to his senses.”
What are some ways God brings people to that moment of realization?
4.Have you ever experienced a “prodigal moment” in your life where God welcomed you back?
What did that restoration look like?
5.The older brother struggled to celebrate the restoration of his sibling.
Why is it sometimes hard for believers to rejoice when others return to God?
6.What practical ways can our church or small group help create a culture that welcomes prodigals home?

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Personal Reflection

Take a moment to quietly reflect:

• Are there areas where you’ve wanted God’s blessing but resisted His authority?
• Is there someone in your life who may be a “prodigal” that needs prayer and patience?
• Is there any pride or comparison in your heart that keeps you from celebrating others’ restoration?

Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the Father’s heart.

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Action Step

This week:

• Pray daily for someone who has drifted from God.
• Ask God to give you opportunities to show grace and encouragement.
• Commit to being someone who welcomes restoration rather than judging the past.

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Closing Prayer

Father God,
Thank You for Your relentless love and mercy. Thank You that no matter how far we wander, Your eyes are always watching for our return. Search our hearts and remove pride, judgment, and self-righteousness. Teach us to love as You love, to welcome as You welcome, and to celebrate restoration as heaven does. We lift up every prodigal today—draw them to their senses, lead them home, and restore them fully. Prepare our hearts to receive them with grace and joy.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

DCC Small Group Guide: One Body. One Table. One Lord
by Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

Philippians 2:1–2 (NKJV)
“Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship (koinonia) of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

Supporting Scripture:
1 Corinthians 11:24 — “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

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Opening Thought

Communion reminds us that the Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are brought not only into relationship with God, but also into fellowship with one another.

The New Testament word koinonia describes this reality. It means fellowship, partnership, sharing, and participation. In Christ, we share the same salvation, the same Spirit, and the same mission.

When we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember more than an event in history—we remember the price that made us one family. Jesus’ body was broken and His blood poured out so that we could be reconciled to God and united with one another.

Communion also reminds us that unity in the body of Christ is not based on personalities, preferences, or traditions. Our unity is grounded in the sacrifice of Jesus.

Scripture also gives us a picture of partnership in Luke 5 when the disciples’ nets were filled with fish. The blessing was too great for one boat alone, so they called for their partners to help. This illustrates the heart of God for His people—shared obedience, shared blessing, and shared life.

When we approach the Lord’s Table, it is a moment to pause and examine our hearts. We realign ourselves with Christ, lay down division, and renew our commitment to walk in love and unity.

Communion is not only remembrance—it is reconciliation and renewal.

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Group Discussion
1.What does the word koinonia (fellowship, partnership, sharing) mean to you personally?
How have you experienced this kind of fellowship in the body of Christ?
2.Why do you think Jesus commanded believers to regularly remember Him through communion?
What happens spiritually when we forget the significance of the cross?
3.Philippians 2:2 calls believers to be “like-minded… of one accord.”
What are some things that threaten unity in the church today?
4.In Luke 5, the disciples called for partners when the nets were full.
What does this story teach us about the importance of partnership in ministry and community?
5.Communion involves examining our hearts.
Why is humility and self-reflection important before coming to the Lord’s Table?
6.How can our church better reflect the truth that we are one body under one Lord?

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Personal Reflection

Take a moment to quietly consider:

• Is there any division, offense, or unforgiveness in my heart that needs to be surrendered to God?
• Am I actively living in fellowship with other believers, or trying to walk alone?
• How can I contribute to unity within the body of Christ?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help align your heart with the heart of Christ.

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Action Step

This week:

• Reach out to someone in the church and intentionally encourage them.
• Pray for unity within the body of Christ.
• Approach the Lord’s Table with gratitude, humility, and reverence.

Remember: we are one body, gathered around one table, serving one Lord.

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Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your body broken for us and Your blood poured out on our behalf. As we remember You today, search our hearts and draw us into deeper unity with You and with one another. Teach us to walk in love, humility, and partnership through Your Spirit. May our lives proclaim Your death and resurrection until You return.

Amen.

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Key Verse to Remember

“Do this in remembrance of Me.”
— 1 Corinthians 11:24

DCC Small Group Guide: Be Careful How You Judge
by Don Vess

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Scripture Focus

Matthew 7:1–5 (NKJV)
“Judge not, that you be not judged… first remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Supporting Scriptures:
John 8:1–11
James 2:13
Galatians 6:1

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Opening Thought

Jesus teaches us to handle judgment with humility and great care. His warning in Matthew 7 reminds us that self-righteousness blinds us. When we focus on the faults of others while ignoring our own need for grace, we lose clear spiritual vision.

In John 8, the religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery before Jesus. They were ready to expose, shame, and condemn her. But Jesus responded with both truth and mercy: “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” One by one, the accusers walked away.

Jesus did not excuse the woman’s sin, but neither did He crush her with condemnation. Instead, He offered mercy and called her to transformation: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

This shows us the heart of Christ. He is full of truth, but also full of grace. He confronts sin without abandoning the sinner.

Scripture says that mercy triumphs over judgment. That does not mean sin is unimportant. It means that as people who have received mercy, we are called to extend mercy. We are not called to condemn the broken, but to restore them with gentleness and humility.

Galatians 6:1 reminds us that if someone is caught in sin, the goal is restoration—not humiliation. Before correcting someone else, we must first allow God to search our own hearts.

When we release judgment, lay down self-righteousness, and choose mercy, we reflect Jesus more clearly.

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Group Discussion
1.What do you think Jesus meant when He said, “First remove the plank from your own eye”?
Why is self-examination important before addressing the faults of others?
2.What stands out to you most in the story of the woman caught in adultery in John 8?
What does this reveal about the character of Jesus?
3.How do truth and mercy work together in the life of a believer?
Why is it important to hold both?
4.Why is it often easier to judge others than to examine our own hearts?
What are some signs of a self-righteous spirit?
5.Galatians 6:1 says restoration should happen in a spirit of gentleness.
What does gentle restoration look like in real life?
6.Are there any “stones” you may be holding—offense, criticism, resentment, or harsh judgment?
What would it look like to release them to the Lord?

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Personal Reflection

Take a moment to quietly reflect:

• Have I been quick to judge someone while overlooking my own need for grace?
• Is there anyone I need to forgive or view with greater compassion?
• Am I helping restore people, or am I making it harder for them to heal?

Ask the Lord to search your heart and make you more like Jesus.

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Action Step

This week:

• Ask God to reveal any pride or judgment in your heart.
• Choose one person to intentionally pray for instead of criticize.
• Practice mercy in both your words and your attitude.
• Look for ways to help bring restoration rather than condemnation.

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Closing Prayer

Father God,
Thank You for the mercy You have shown us through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have judged others harshly while ignoring our own need for grace. Search our hearts and remove pride, self-righteousness, and critical spirits. Teach us to walk in humility, truth, and compassion. Help us to restore the broken with gentleness and to reflect the heart of Christ in all we do. May mercy triumph over judgment in our lives.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

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Key Truth to Remember

Mercy does not ignore sin—it responds with the heart of Christ.