Small Group Guide for "Ordinary Things"

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Ordinary Things

Sunday, March 24th 2024

First Scripture: Zechariah 14:4-9, Zechariah 9:9-13

Second Scripture: Mark 11:1-11

Use the Two Passages: Focus on the primary and secondary passages used in this sermon.

Pray for Understanding: Before diving into the text, take a moment to pray for guidance and illumination from the Holy Spirit. Ask for wisdom and insight as you study.

Read the Scriptures: Begin by reading the selected Scriptures thoughtfully and prayerfully. Read the passages more than once to familiarize yourself with the content.

Observation Questions: After reading the text, go through the "Observation Questions" section. These questions will help you notice and record specific details about the text. Look for key words, phrases, repeated ideas, and any observations that stand out to you.

Interpretation Questions: Once you've observed the text, proceed to the "Interpretation Questions" section. These questions will guide you in understanding the meaning and context of the passage. Consider the historical and cultural background, the author's intent, and how the passage fits into the larger narrative of the Bible.

Application Questions: Finally, explore the "Application Questions." These questions will help you apply the lessons and insights from the Scriptures to your own life. Reflect on how the text speaks to your faith, relationships, and daily choices.

Journal Your Insights: Write down your observations, interpretations, and applications in a journal or notebook. This will serve as a valuable record of your spiritual growth and understanding of the Word of God.

Discussion and Sharing: If you are studying in a group, take time to discuss your findings with others. Share your insights, listen to their perspectives, and learn from one another.

Pray for Transformation: As you conclude your study, pray for the transformation of your heart and mind. Ask God to help you live out the truths you've discovered in the Scriptures.

Consistency is Key: Make a habit of using this inductive Bible study method regularly. The more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become in studying and understanding the Bible.

Remember that the goal of this inductive study method is not just to gain knowledge but to deepen your relationship with God and apply His Word to your life. Approach your study with an open heart, a curious mind, and a desire to grow in your faith.

May your study be richly blessed, and may God's Word transform your life as you engage with it through the inductive method.

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Remember to approach each question with openness and humility, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and understanding of the scripture and themes presented in the sermon.

1. Reflect on a time when you have experienced feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt. How can the story of Palm Sunday and the humble entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11) inspire us to see God's power working through our ordinary lives?

2. In the sermon, the significance of ordinary items such as a donkey, palm branches, and garments is discussed. How do these elements deepen our understanding of Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem, and what sacred symbols in our own lives might we overlook? Consider discussing Zechariah 9:9 in relation to this theme.

3. The sermon addresses the dangers of unrealistic expectations, especially in the context of the people of Jerusalem during Jesus's entry. Can you think of a biblical example where God's plan differed from human expectations, and how can we apply this understanding to our own spiritual journey? (Proverbs 19:21)

4. Disappointment can often lead to a greater revelation of God's purposes. How does the sermon encourage us to manage our expectations and be open to God's extraordinary works? Discuss a passage that exemplifies this, such as Isaiah 55:8-9.

5. Holy Week transforms ordinary elements into sacred symbols, such as bread and wine becoming the body and blood of Christ (Luke 22:19-20). How does this transformation challenge us to view the ordinary moments of our lives as potential encounters with the divine?

6. The sermon highlights the shift from worldly hopes to spiritual promises through the events of Holy Week. How can we, as individuals and as a church, align our dreams with God's spiritual promises, and what scriptures can help us in this process? (Matthew 16:24-26)

7. The sermon invites us to consider how even ordinary people are made extraordinary for God's purposes. Share a personal experience or a story from the Bible that illustrates this concept. How does this perspective shape our understanding of divine purpose? (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)

8. Discuss the importance of the reading plan suggested in the sermon that connects the events from Palm Sunday to Easter. How does following a structured reading of the Holy Week narrative enrich our faith experience, and what scriptures are essential for this journey? (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

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