THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS
MAN NIGHT is at the East Paris Campus this Tuesday, January 25. Join with other guys from Ada Bible at one campus for appetizers, desserts + a special message from Pastor Marvin Williams on building your life on biblical truths that endure. Go together with other men from your group or invite a friend or neighbor—just don’t miss it. Register today at adabible.org/mannight.
GROUP VALUES
This month we focus on Spiritual Practices. Discuss various practices you have tried. What are your group members hoping to do this year for their spiritual practices? How can you encourage each other to stay faithful to these goals?
GROW AS A LEADER
Your staff contact loves meeting with you! If it has been a while since you have chatted or grabbed coffee, reach out to schedule a 1-on-1. You can encourage each other, share ideas for leading, discuss studies and catch up on life.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the third week of RENEW. Today’s discussion is about Samuel and how he helped the Israelites in the midst of a wake-up call from the Lord.
If you’ve ever traveled to an historic site, which has been your favorite and why?
Have a couple of people read the verses from 1 Samuel 7 aloud. Aside from some of the tricky names, what is new to you from this story? What do you find most interesting or compelling?
OVERWHELMED
The people of Israel seemed to think God was beholden to protect them. They even carried the Ark of the Covenant out to battle to try to make God protect them. What do you think it would’ve felt like to lose the Ark of the Covenant in battle?
How do people tend to respond when they are overwhelmed?
Do you feel like you are in the midst of an overwhelming time? If so, what do you think you should do?
Why might losing the Ark have been a wake-up call for them?
Lots of overwhelming things can be wake-up calls for us. Some of them are positive and some negative. What are some wake-up calls for us today?
THE TURN
Reread 1 Samuel 7:3-4. What did it look like for the Israelites to truly “return” to the Lord?
Jesus used this same idea when he taught and instructed his followers to repent or turn back. What are some things we need to turn AWAY from and TO God in our lives?
As Jesus-followers, turning isn’t a one-time thing. There are things we can turn away from and toward God regularly, whether it be thoughts, actions or attitudes. What would it look like for us to make repentance (turning away from something and to God) a regular part of our life?
How could we encourage each other to do this in our small group?
THE OUTPOURING
Israel gathers with Samuel to renew their covenant as the water pours out. Why would repentance have been so important for the people?
God may be using an overwhelming experience to draw you to a recommitment. If you had to rate your spiritual life right now on a scale of 1 (I’m doing my own thing) to 10 (I’m completely all-in with God), where would it be?
The Israelites pour out water, fast, confess and throw away their substitute gods. How could you renew your relationship with God?
STONE OF REMEBRANCE
Samuel says, “Thus far, the Lord has helped us.” God has helped us through so many things in our lives individually and in our group. Talk about a few ways we can look back and see God’s faithfulness and blessing together.
WRAP UP
Today we discussed the wake-up call and repentance of Israel. What part of this story do you relate to the most, and how do you see this helping you grow in your faith this week?