Grow Group Questions • The Gospel of Provision • Part 1

Download PDF Download Word Document Opening Questions (10-15 mins):
Can you share of a time in your life where God provided for you in a surprising way, even if you didn’t recognize it initially? Small group leaders, here is a time we are letting people recognize how God has blessed them by meeting their needs. You share first your answer to this question. You might also share of a time where you didn’t think of something as a provision, but God it used in your life powerfully and looking back you now see his provision over the years. Watch the “After the Sermon Podcast” for some examples.
Sermon Review Questions (15-20 mins):
Read Matthew 6:11, Matthew 6:19–21, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19. How do these verses apply to the key phrase Pastor Thad is using as an anchor in the series? God is the perfect provider, within His purpose, for His people, to His glory.
How do the verses correspond to each other?
Read Romans 8:28-29. How did God provide for biblical characters in the Old Testament? Here are some examples:
Joseph (Key Text: Genesis 50:20)
He was provided:
A caravan that helped save him from death at the hands of his brothers “rape” charge that sent him to prison A relationship in prison that allowed him to ascend in power in Egypt
In Turn he…
Saved many people from starvation (he was a “savior” to many people as Jesus would become) He provided a place where the nation of Israel would be grown (from 1 family to the size of a nation)
Moses
Moses was provided:
The opportunity to live by being adopted by Pharaoh’s house Education and training in Egypt Education in a nomadic lifestyle
In turn he…
Lead the nation out of Egypt (a deliverer like Jesus) Lead the nation through the wilderness experience and set up the nation under God, under the law
What other biblical figures can you see this principle applying to?
Small Group “Thinking Deeper” Questions (10-15 mins)
Pastor Thad said that in his opinion, much, if not the majority of the worlds suffering has to do with the heart of man more than the heart of God. How do you feel about this and what are Christians (the Church’s) responsibility in regards to this?
 
Honestly, have we been, in the United States, more a part of the problem than the solution? (keep in mind the US and the Church in America are wonderful in foreign aid and disaster relief, but the question is still a good one for reflection).
Small Group Application Question (10-15 mins):
Do you see any ways that God might be calling you to be a part of His provision for others?  Is there anything God is asking you to do in the next week?  (This could be a good question to ask in your smaller, gendered groups before prayer time)
Take time to pray as a group that we would always ask God how would He want us to utilize His provision in our lives, and that he would show each of us how to do that.
Action Item-Task for Married Couples: Take time to pray and have a conversation with your spouse about how you think about God’s provision and how this understanding will impact how you allocate your resources. Take time to write down anything that comes from the conversation and time with God as something to strive towards. Action Item-Task for Singles: Pray that God would show you ways this week to utilize His provision in your life, and that he would show you how to do that. Take time to write down anything that comes from this time with God as something to strive towards.
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