A Healing and Restoring Community (James 5:12-20; Psalm 23)

A Humble Heart (Joel 2:12-17)

True repentance admits guilt and responsibility, yielding all rights, hoping only for grace which is not deserved.

1. Our Struggle with Repentance

   1. Humbling

   2. Incriminating

   3. Yields all Rights

2. A Call to the Church (vv. 12-13, 15-16)

   1. For Whom the Horn Blows? (vv. 12-13, 15-16)

   2. Judgment Begins in the House of God (1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 2-3)

   3. Defender of the Defenseless (vv. 13-14, 17)

3. What Repentance Looks Like

   1. Sincere Sorrow (vv. 12-13)

   2. Turning from the World (v. 16)

   3. A Contrite Heart He Will Not Despise (v. 14; Psalm 51:15-17)

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—Why do we like it when others repent, but hate to repent ourselves?

2. Tuesday—Why is it important to remember that the call to repentance in the book of Joel is addressed at the church? What is the danger of the church forgetting that it needs to repent regularly?

3. Wednesday—Why do you think we struggle with the idea of corporate repentance? Is the Bible opposed to the idea of corporate repentance?

4. Thursday—What does it mean to rend your hearts and not your garments? What does true repentance look like?

5. Friday—What does it mean that our worthiness is found in admitting our unworthiness? Why is that which scares us the most, the only way to find comfort?

23 - Greatness (Luke 9:37-50)

God’s greatness is demonstrated in power over evil, in love for the weak, and those who humbly serve others.

1. God’s Greatness in Power (vv. 37-43a)

   1. The Weakness of the Disciples (vv. 37-41)

   2. The Greatness of Jesus (vv. 42-43a)

2. God’s Greatness in Love (vv. 43b-46)

   1. What True Greatness Looks Like (vv. 43b-44)

   2. When You Can't Recognize Greatness (vv. 45-46)

3. God’s Greatness in Us (vv. 47-50)

   1. Receiving the Least (vv. 47-48)

   2. Receiving Competition (vv. 49-50)

   3. Tasting Greatness

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—How is Jesus’ greatness shown in his power over the demon? What are some ways that God has shown his greatness in power in your life? How should you respond?

2. Tuesday—How is Jesus’ greatness shown in his love for the church? Why is this sometimes hard to recognize? When was the last time you thanked him for dying for you?

3. Wednesday—Why were the disciples afraid to ask Jesus questions (v. 45) about his statement in verse 44? What keeps you from asking more questions? Why don’t you need to be afraid?

4. Thursday—What does it mean to “receive the least”? (v. 48) Why is it so hard for us to bring ourselves low for others?

5. Friday—What are some lines that you drawn that the Lord hasn’t? What have been the effects to the church? Is there anyone from whom you need to seek forgiveness?

The Pilgrim's Distress (Psalm 120)

15 - Behold the Man (1 Samuel 9-10 | John 19:1-15)

God's grace is so profound that, on the third day, he provides a king and savior for the very people who reject him. 

1. The People’s Sinful Demand (1 Samuel 8:4-18; 9:1-6; 10:19)

   1. The Desire for a King (1 Samuel 8:4-18; 10:19; Genesis 49:9-10; Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

   2. It all Started with Some Donkeys (1 Samuel 9:1-6; Genesis 49:11)

2. God’s Gracious Response (9:14-20; 10:1-2, 9-10)

   1. Behold the Man (1 Samuel 9:14-20; 10:1-2)

   2. The Third Day (1 Samuel 10:9-10)

3. God’s Amazing Provision (John 12:13-15; 18:40; 19:5, 15)

   1. Years Later… (John 12:13-15; 18:40; 19:5, 15)

   2. An Unimpressive Meal

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—What does Paul mean that Jesus was raised on the third day “in accordance with the scriptures”? (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Where does the Old Testament say that the Messiah would be raised on the third day?

2. Tuesday—Was it sinful for Israel to desire a human king? (Genesis 49:9-10; Deuteronomy 17:14-20) What was sinful about their request to Samuel? (1 Samuel 8:5)

3. Wednesday—How is God’s provision of Saul an act of mercy and grace to his people? What does that tell you about God’s character?

4. Thursday—What are some key elements of Saul’s story that are echoed in Jesus’ life on earth? Is that a coincidence? What do you think God wants you to learn from Saul’s story?

5. Friday—How can 1 Samuel 9-10 comfort you when your conscience accuses for all the times you have rejected God’s rule in your life and sought to be like the world? What can you do with confidence when your conscience tells you that you are beyond forgiveness?