GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Worship of Jesus takes our eyes off of ourselves. It shapes how we interact with one another. There is level ground when it comes to giving our worship to Jesus. In worship, no matter what status we hold, we can experience commonality and community. When we experience the majesty and holiness of God like the shepherds did, we are compelled to want to share that joy with others around us. O come let us adore Him!
Main Points:
1. When we experience God together, we are united
2. When we experience God together, we want to know more
3. When we experience God together, we are moved to share
4. When we experience God together, our souls are personally encouraged
On-Ramps:
1. If you are willing to open yourself up, worship in the community can be transformational
2. Learn God’s story through the Bible and open yourself up to encountering Jesus in worship this Christmas season
3. Worship with God’s people, it is such an encouragement to our souls
Discussion
In addition to Luke 2:8-20, read Revelation 7:9-10, Colossians 3:15-17 and Acts 2:42-47.
What stands out to you about worship from these passages? How do these passages challenge or encourage your worship?
How do the shepherds respond to encountering the glory of the Lord? How does Mary respond to the events in this passage?
There are many other encounters with the glory of the Lord recorded in the Bible, which encounters come to mind and how do those responses compare to that of the shepherds and Mary?
In this week’s message we explored how profoundly transformational it is to experience God together in worship.
In what ways do you long for profound transformation in the world today? Do you think our world longs for this too?
How might those in your life, who do not know Jesus, respond to an encounter like the shepherds experienced? How have they responded to your experience?
How have your encounters with God in worship…
Removed you from the centre of your world and drawn you towards unity with other believers?
Prodded you to discover more about Jesus?
Impacted you to share about Jesus?
Deeply encouraged your soul?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
Focus your prayer time this week on worshipping God together in prayer.
Next week: Luke 2:25-38
