Sermon Note: Soul Satisfaction

Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

Question: What does your soul desire today?

1 John 2:16–17 (NLT)

Today’s Truth: Our soul can only be satisfied by the ONE who has saved it.

Matthew 5:6 (MSG)

Seeking what truly satisfies our souls…

⇒ Only He, as the Bread of Life, can fill our hearts.

Exodus 16:4b (NIV)

I will be happy when 　　　　　　　　　　.

John 6:26-29 (NIV)

John 6:35 (NIV)

⇒ Only the Living Water of His Spirit can quench our souls.

John 7:37b-38 (NIV)

John 4:10 (NIV); John 4:11b (NIV); John 4:13–14 (NIV)

Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)

Question: Are you experiencing soul satisfaction?

Theme: Soul Food

What is your favorite comfort food?

Reflect Together:

What was most memorable from Sunday’s Message and that has led to action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

John 6:25-40

Based on v26, which refers to the miracle of feeding the five thousand, how is Jesus challenging the motives of those who are following Him?
How does this relate to us being consumers of what Jesus gives over simply being followers of Him?
According to v27, what type of food are we to work for and why? What is the reward when we do?
What do you think was the meaning behind the question in v28? What was significant about how Jesus responded?
How is simply “to believe” the right work we are to do?
What is the biblical context that manna (heavenly bread) is a sign? What sign does manna represent?
How is Jesus the “bread of life” as He declares? What does it mean personally for you?
What is the Father’s will for Jesus coming to earth? How does this give assurance to us when we are in His will as well?
How do you need Jesus to be the Bread of Life in your current situation for which you need prayer to help you fulfill His greater will?

Pray Together:

Share updates of how God has been answering prayer and pray for needs in your group.

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

Today’s Truth: All God needs is all you have.

2 Kings 4:1(NIV); 2 Kings 4:2a (NIV)

Discovering God’s abundance already in us

⇒ what we do have.

2 Kings 4:2b (NIV)

The “If-Then” Mindset:
If I had 　　　　　　, then I would 　　　　　　.
If I could 　　　　　　, then I would 　　　　　　.

Exodus 4:1-2 (NIV)

Question: What is in your hands?

⇒ others what they might have.

2 Kings 4:3 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 12:26–27 (NIV)

⇒ using what we do have.

2 Kings 4:4-5a (NIV)

⇒ God to fill us what we don’t have, and then some.

2 Kings 4:5b–7 (NIV)

Question: Are you willing to bring your all?

Theme: The Exception That Becomes Exceptional

When has there been a moment or season of scarcity that God provided for you or others you know?

Reflect Together:

What was the most memorable piece from Sunday’s Message that has led to action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

2 Kings 4:1-7

Based on what you read, what is the serious issue this widow is facing for her and her son at this time in ancient culture?
Elisha’s response to the widow’s predicament involved asking her what she had in her house. Why do you think he asked this question? What does it teach us about God’s provision and our role in it?
The widow’s jar of oil multiplied when she followed Elisha’s instructions. What does this miraculous provision reveal about God’s power and faithfulness?
How does jars paint a picture of having a mindset of scarcity versus abundance? In what ways can we apply the principles of trust and stewardship to our own lives?
Elisha instructed the widow to gather empty jars from her neighbors. Why do you think community involvement was a part of the miracle? How can we learn from this and apply this as we work together in our community?
The widow’s obedience was crucial for the miracle to happen. Discuss the importance of faith and obedience in our own walk with God.
Reflecting on this passage, what are some practical ways we can trust in God’s provision and demonstrate faith in our everyday lives?
Share a personal story or testimony of a time when you experienced God’s provision or witnessed His faithfulness in a tangible way.
What are empty Jars in your life that you need to ask God to fill?

Pray Together:

Take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

Matthew 12:34b (NIV); Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

Today’s Truth: If you want to change your life, you need to change your words.

Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”
– Ambrose Bierce

James 3:2-5 (NLT); Proverbs 12:18 (NIV); Proverbs 15:4 (NIV); James 3:6–8 (NIV)

Tongue Training Tips:

⇒ If it could be harmful, it.

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

⇒ If it could be helpful, it.

Proverbs 16:24 (NIV); 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV); 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

When we recognize our unsurprising fallenness and keep our eyes joyfully open for the glorious exceptions, we’re much less offendable. Why? Because that’s the thing about gratitude and anger: they can’t coexist. It’s one or the other. One drains the very life from you. The other fills your life with wonder. Choose wisely.”
– Brant Hansen, Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better

⇒ If it is in you, it.

Luke 6:45 (ESV)

Question: What is your heart speaking to you today?

Theme: Say what?!

When have you had an “insert foot in mouth” moment that you wish you could take back? What was the result?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you most from Sunday’s Message and has led to action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

James 3:2-12

The writer of James makes it clear that the tongue (our words) have power. In word pictures is the tongue described and which metaphors are most relatable to you and why?
What is the commonality in each of the descriptions? What are the negative repressions when the tongue is left unchecked? Examples?
How is it possible for human beings to both curse others and praise God? What does this say about the tongue? About human nature? About hope for change?
In what ways have you personally witnessed the destructive power of words? How have you experienced the positive impact of uplifting and encouraging speech?
In verse 10, James highlights the inconsistency of using our tongues to praise God while also using them to curse others. Why do you think he addresses this contradiction? How does it challenge us in our own speech and attitudes?
James compares the tongue to a fountain that produces either fresh water or bitter water. How can we ensure that our words consistently bring life and blessing to those around us?
What is the greatest challenge you face such as in a relationship, environment, or current situation you need help in controlling your words that you need prayer?

Pray Together:

Take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Tipping Point: A specific moment in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place.

James 4:1–2a (NIV)

Today’s Truth: What is in you will eventually come out of you.

⇒ Get to the of the matter.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV); Romans 7:15–19 (NIV); Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV); Hebrews 4:12–13 (MSG)

⇒ It is through inner , not behavior modification.

Matthew 23:25–26 (NIV); Matthew 15:19b-20a (NIV); Psalm 139:23–24 (NIV)

⇒ Repentance us for greater capacity.

Galatians 5:19–20 (NLT); Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)

Question: Where and when will you create a place and space for repentance that free you to be filled with the abundance of all that God offers?

Theme: The Lie that Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Where do you fall in the pendulum between a Neat Freak Nancy or a Messy Marvin? Why? What do others close to you say about you?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you most from Sunday’s Message and that has led to action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

Matthew 23:25–28 (NIV)

What was Jesus’ tipping point to leading what some called “The Seven Woes” which give us context for the relationship He has with the religious leaders of His day?
What do you think Jesus meant when he called the Pharisees hypocrites?
In verses 25-26, Jesus compares the Pharisees’ outward appearance to a cup that has been cleaned on the outside but is still dirty on the inside. How might this apply to our own lives?
At the end of verse 26, Jesus says that if you clean the inside, then the outside becomes clean. How can this be possible spiritually as part of growing in our Christlikeness?
In verse 27, Jesus compares the Pharisees to whitewashed tombs, which look clean on the outside but are full of dead bones and uncleanness on the inside. How can we avoid becoming like whitewashed tombs ourselves?
In verse 28, Jesus says that outwardly the Pharisees appear righteous to others, but inwardly they are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. How can we ensure that our inward lives align with our outward actions?
How can we avoid becoming like the Pharisees, who were focused on following religious rules and traditions but missed the heart of the gospel message?
What steps can we take to ensure that our faith is not just an outward show, but a genuine reflection of our inward beliefs and values?

Pray Together:

Take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

Today’s Truth: We are called to be unshakable, loving people.

Hebrews 13:1 (NIV)

As unshakable, loving people:

⇒ Open yourself up to .

Question: Who will you open your life up to?

Hebrews 13:3 (NIV)

⇒ Honor yours and all .

Hebrews 13:4 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 7:8–9 (ESV)

⇒ Be relaxed with what you have; God promises to .

Hebrews 13:5–6 (NIV)

⇒ Remember to support and submit to your leaders as you on their example.

Hebrews 13:7 (NIV); Hebrews 13:17-18a (NIV)

⇒ Don’t be lured away by what’s , but stay with what lasts.

Hebrews 13:8–9 (NIV)

⇒ Express a sacrifice of praise to God by to others.

Hebrews 13:15–16 (NLT)

Question: How will you do good in expressing your allegiance to His Lordship this week?

Hebrews 13:20–21 (NIV)

Theme: Closing Encouragement

What is the best advice you received when you were young that still applies to your life today that you would pass on to others and why?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you most from the Once for All Growth Guide and the spiritual practice you attempted? Also, how were you challenged by the Sunday gathering message and action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

Hebrews 13:1-21

How does verses 1-2 encourage us in love to practice hospitality, how can we do this today?
According to verses 5-6, how can we be content with what we have and avoid the love of money?
How does verse 7 encourage us to follow the example of our leaders, and how can we apply this in our own lives? What is the benefit when we do?
What does verse 9 teach us about the importance of staying true to the teachings of Christ, and how can we guard against being led astray?
In verses 15-16 what is the significance of offering a sacrifice of praise and doing good to others, and how can we incorporate these practices into our daily lives?
How does verse 17 emphasize the importance of submitting to our leaders, and how can we balance this with the need to hold them accountable and ask questions when necessary?
What do verses 18-19 teach us about the power of prayer, and how can we make prayer a more integral part of our lives and communities?
In verses 20-21 what are the key aspects of the writer’s prayer for his readers, and how can we apply these blessings to our own lives and relationships?

Pray Together:

Read Hebrews 13:22-25 as benediction as part of our prayer time. Also, take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

Hebrews 11:38-40 (NIV); Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Today’s Truth: Therefore, it’s our turn to be the “Us.”

⇒ Letting go and living .

Question: What are you justifying in your life that is hindering you from running lighter?

Question: What are you tangled up with that you need God to forgive?

⇒ is the key to finishing well.

Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG)

Question: When and where will you do this daily and weekly?

Galatians 5:7 (NIV)

⇒ Eyes on the .

Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)

Question: Are you growing weary and losing heart?

Theme: Fixed

Growing up, what was a goal you set for yourself? What was the result?

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Hebrews 12:1-3
(If able, read in a couple of different versions for different perspectives)

What is the “therefore” referring to and how does that bridge the challenge for us to what is shared in these verses?
Who is the “great cloud of witness”? Why does the author make this a point?
How are hindrances and sin different as stated in verse 1? How do we throw them off so we can endure?
How does the image of running a race help us understand the Christian life according to verse 1?
What is the key to continuing to run the Christian race in verse 2? How is Jesus proving he is the ultimate example to follow?
How does verse 2 describe Jesus as the “founder and perfecter of our faith”? What does this mean for our understanding of salvation and our relationship with Jesus?
What does it mean to “consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself” in verse 3? How can we follow Jesus’ example in enduring trials and persecution?
How does the writer encourage us to persevere in our faith even when facing difficult circumstances? What are some practical ways we can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and not lose heart?
Where might you need help keeping fixed on Jesus? How can we pray for you not to lose heart?

Pray Together:

Take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

What is a flaw?

A mark, fault, or other imperfection that mars a substance or object; mistake, defect, blemish, fault, imperfection, deficiency, weakness, weak spot/point/link, inadequacy, shortcoming, limitation, or failing.

Today’s Truth: God desires to use flawed people who are willing to walk with Him by Faith.

Hebrews 11:1–2 (NIV)

⇒ Faith is not something you profess or possess but it’s what you in action.

James 2:18 (NIV 84)

⇒ Faith is not “believing that” but it is “ in.”

James 2:19 (NIV 84)

Faith (Pistis) is placing your full weight upon something or someone.

⇒ Faith is not based on feeling but an utter on God and His goodness.

Hebrews 11:1a (MSG); Hebrews 11:3 (NIV)

⇒ You don’t have to have the faith to finish but just the faith to that will help you finish.

Matthew 17:20–21 (NIV)

Start doing what’s necessary, then what’s possible, then suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
-St. Francis of Assisi

⇒ Faith is what fills the of God.

Hebrews 11:6-7a (NIV)

⇒ Faith begins by taking one small step into the great unknown, knowing you know who knows the .

Hebrews 11:8 (NIV)

⇒ Faith is a long walk of obedience, sacrifice & faithfulness that eventually will leave a legacy behind you.

Hebrews 11:39–40 (NIV)

Question: How might you be faith-filled this week?

Theme: The Price and Reward of Faith

Who did you admire the most growing up? Why?

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Hebrews 11:1-2 & 6

Revisiting verse 1 from last week’s discussion, what is the relationship between faith and hope?
How can we develop and nurture the quality and depth of this type of faith described?
What role does not just mental belief but real trust in action play in our faith journey? How do our action steps strengthen our trust in God?
What’s God’s purpose in verse 2 of commending the faith of very flawed individuals mentioned throughout chapter 11? Which one most inspires you and why?
According to verse 6 in what ways can our faith please God?
What rewards does God give when we seek him in faith?

Hebrews 11:32-40

What are the thoughts and feelings of what “heroes of “faith faced? What grips you the most about their sacrifice for the message of Jesus?
What does the writer mean they were commended and didn’t “receive what was promised?”
How are the receipts of something better that was promised? What is now our responsibility because of what has been given to us?
How do these martyrs inspire and challenge your faith walk, and the mission of Jesus is this week?
How do you feel called to step out in faith this week that you could use prayer for?

Pray Together:

How do you need hope resurrected in your life that you could use prayer for? Share other needs as well as updates and answers to prayer.

Today’s Truth: Are you Hope-less?

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Luke 24:1–12 (NIV)

John 20:19–20 (NIV)

John 20:29 (NIV)

John 20:21 (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:13–14 (NLT)

Closing Question: Does hope need to be resurrected in you?

Theme: Confident and Sure of What Has Yet to Come

What do you love about Easter the most?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you the most from Easter Sunday’s message?

Read and Discuss Together:

Hebrews 11:1 (read 2-3 in different translations get a richer meaning)

What is the definition of faith in your own words based on this scripture?
How can we have more confidence in faith, surety of what we hope in light of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus?

Luke 23:50–24:12

What was the women’s role in coming to the tomb of Jesus that morning?
As you reflect on their reaction, how would you have felt when you saw the tomb was empty?
What do you find significant about the angel’s question, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Why did they need to be reminded of Jesus’ words? Why do we do this during the “dead” times of our lives?
Why do you think the rest of the disciples reacted in doubt when told the tomb was empty? How would you identify with the disciples’ doubts about the resurrection?

Luke 24:36-39

Why was it so important that Jesus revealed himself in such an up close and personal way as he did to the disciples? What would you have felt or thought if you were there?
Why was the event of the resurrection so significant for the disciples as they formed the early church? Why could it not have survived until today, or even through the first century, without the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ resurrection?

Pray Together:

How do you need hope resurrected in your life that you could use prayer for? Share other needs as well as updates and answers to prayer.

Hebrews 9:2–5 (NIV); Hebrews 9:11–12 (NIV); Hebrews 9:26–28 (NIV)

Today’s Truth: Are you settling for good enough when there is better?

Hebrews 10:19–21 (NIV)

At CTK, OUR MISSION is to create authentic Christ-centered communities that love God wholeheartedly and reach out intentionally so that others experience new life in Jesus and a transforming life of discipleship.

At His most holy dwelling place…

⟹ Let us near.

Hebrews 10:22 (NIV); Matthew 23:25–26 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 6:19–20a (NIV)

⟹ Let us hold on to .

Hebrews 10:23 (NIV); Romans 1:12 (ERV)

⟹ Let us one another on.

Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)

⟹ Let us not up.

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Closing Question: Have you given Jesus access to your heart to be His dwelling place?

Theme: The Power of “Let Us”

When were you in need of aid and had to rely on others for help?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you most from the Once for All Growth Guide and the spiritual practice you attempted? Also, how were you challenged by the Sunday gathering message, and what action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

Hebrews 10:19-25

The writer starts with, “Therefore.” Usually this refers to what was stated before. What is the context leading up to these verses as it relates to what Jesus did? (See chapters 9-10 of Hebrews.)
What is the significance of the writer’s statement in verse 19, saying that we have “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place”? How can we have this confidence?
“Let us” is used three times in this chapter. What does that mean to you when thinking spiritually about entering into God’s presence?
How does the writer of Hebrews describe the way we are able to approach God according to verse 22?
Why is holding on to hope important as we hold fast to our confession of faith according to verse 23?
According to verse 24, What comes to mind with the idea of “spurring” one another on? What are some ways we can encourage one another?
Why is it important to continue meeting together as believers, as mentioned in verse 25? How have you found this to be challenging for you and others in recent years? How can we improve this?

Pray Together:

Take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

Hebrews 6:19–7:3 (NIV); Hebrews 7:17 (NIV)

Question: Are you settling for good enough when there is better?

⟹ A better .

Hebrews 7:18-19 (NIV); 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (NIV); Romans 8:24–25 (NIV); 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV)

⟹ A better .

Hebrews 7:20–24 (NIV); John 13:34–35 (NIV); Luke 10:41–42 (NIV)

Question: Who can you love better this week?

⟹ A better .

Hebrews 7:25–27 (NIV)

Theme: The Great Go-Between

Which of your parents (or another authority figure growing up) was easiest to talk to or ask permission depending on what you needed, and why did you choose them for your requests?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you most from the Once for All Growth Guide and the spiritual practice you participated in? How were you challenged by the Sunday gathering message and action steps you are taking this week?

Read and Discuss Together:

Hebrews 7:1-10

What does “priest” mean to you? What about “High Priest”? What is their significance in the church and scripture as serving as the go-between?
What do you know of Melchizedek, and what is significant about him both in his interaction with Abraham, one who was the first priest that led to the Levitical priesthood?
What are specific parallels between Melchizedek and Jesus that the author points out, and which are most meaningful to you?

Hebrews 7:11-22

What does the author mean about “former regulation”? Why would God give it to us in the first place if it was weak and useless? What is the better hope in which we can draw near to God?
The author brings up the old covenant and the priesthood. How was the old covenant unable to help us achieve perfection (see Hebrews 10:1-4)?
What is the new and better covenant from Jesus? How are we to fulfill it personally and collectively as a faith community? (See John 13:34-35.)

Hebrews 7:23-28

How has Jesus proven to be the perfect high priest who has gone before the people on their behalf? What are the results for us of saving us completely, once and for all?
What is our response to what Jesus completed as our great high priest? (See 1 Peter 2:9.)
What is our priestly role, and can we pray to be more effective in it this week?

Pray Together:

Take time to share with your spiritual community the good things God is doing in your life, as well as the prayer requests you have.

Question: What does your soul desire today?

Today’s Truth: Our soul can only be satisfied by the ONE who has saved it.

I will be happy when .

Question: Are you experiencing soul satisfaction?

Theme: Soul Food

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Today’s Truth: All God needs is all you have.

Discovering God’s abundance already in us

Question: What is in your hands?

Question: Are you willing to bring your all?

Theme: The Exception That Becomes Exceptional

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Today’s Truth: If you want to change your life, you need to change your words.

Tongue Training Tips:

Question: What is your heart speaking to you today?

Theme: Say what?!

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Tipping Point: A specific moment in a situation, process, or system beyond which a significant and often unstoppable effect or change takes place.

Today’s Truth: What is in you will eventually come out of you.

Question: Where and when will you create a place and space for repentance that free you to be filled with the abundance of all that God offers?

Theme: The Lie that Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Today’s Truth: We are called to be unshakable, loving people.

As unshakable, loving people:

Question: Who will you open your life up to?

Question: How will you do good in expressing your allegiance to His Lordship this week?

Theme: Closing Encouragement

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Today’s Truth: Therefore, it’s our turn to be the “Us.”

Question: What are you justifying in your life that is hindering you from running lighter?

Question: What are you tangled up with that you need God to forgive?

Question: When and where will you do this daily and weekly?

Question: Are you growing weary and losing heart?

Theme: Fixed

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

What is a flaw?

Today’s Truth: God desires to use flawed people who are willing to walk with Him by Faith.

Faith (Pistis) is placing your full weight upon something or someone.

Question: How might you be faith-filled this week?

Theme: The Price and Reward of Faith

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Today’s Truth: Are you Hope-less?

Closing Question: Does hope need to be resurrected in you?

Theme: Confident and Sure of What Has Yet to Come

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Today’s Truth: Are you settling for good enough when there is better?

At CTK, OUR MISSION is to create authentic Christ-centered communities that love God wholeheartedly and reach out intentionally so that others experience new life in Jesus and a transforming life of discipleship.

At His most holy dwelling place…

Closing Question: Have you given Jesus access to your heart to be His dwelling place?

Theme: The Power of “Let Us”

Share Together:

Reflect Together:

Read and Discuss Together:

Pray Together:

Question: Are you settling for good enough when there is better?

Question: Who can you love better this week?

I will be happy when 　　　　　　　　　　.