My Notes
Personal Reflection Guide
Take a few minutes to slow down, inviting Jesus into this time. Ask Him to help you be real with yourself, and Him, during this moment. Consider a time where perhaps something was stolen from you. How did that experience affect you? Now, ask God to reveal any areas where you may have stolen from someone else. Perhaps it was a physical item, or maybe it was simply wasting company time that you were being paid for or lying about your age (or someone’s age in your family) so you could qualify for a discount. Whatever it was, confess that to God now, and ask Him to show you how you can make this right, owning up to the consequences, no matter what they are. Next, ask God to grow your integrity by giving you the courage to make the right choices, consistently. As you practice this, ask God to show you areas in your life where you can use your hands to work hard, serving Him and others, for it is said that the way out of stealing is learning how to give. Sit in that for a moment, and close your time by thanking God for His grace over your life. Write down your reflections in the space below, sharing with your group if you feel comfortable.
Discussion Questions
- PERSONAL REFLECTION: Begin by completing the Personal Reflection Guide, (link found on the top of sermon notes). Use this time to examine the ways you experience theft, and how you use your hands to serve God and others. (Tip: playing some soft background music is helpful here!)
- REAL WITH SELF: Share of a time in which you experienced the benefits of hard work. When have you been lazy and suffered for it? What did you learn from these experiences?
- REAL WITH OTHERS: What are some important things you can tell the younger generation that you have experienced about the value of work and/or service to God?
- REAL WITH GOD: How have you experienced God’s faithfulness to provide when you have been generous in giving of your time, talents, or treasure?
- REAL WITH OTHERS: Describe a time when you embraced something difficult. How did that shape you? What do you think God’s invitation is for you in this current season of your life?
- TAKE ACTION: Read Romans 12:11 NLT. If you are not currently serving, where can you serve God with your time, as well as honor God with your treasure? (Visit sandalschurch.com/realteam to find areas where you can serve. Close your group time by praying as a group for additional volunteers for the church, especially as we prepare for thousands of new people this Easter.