Life Group Resources: Lent - Coins
Life Group Guide: Whose Image is on Your Heart?
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to His word and guide your discussion.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus challenges us to consider our true loyalties and allegiances.
Cultural Christianity vs. genuine faith in Christ
We bear God's image and are called to live accordingly
Balancing civic responsibilities with our primary allegiance to God
Discussion Questions:
The sermon mentions "shifting allegiances" in our world today. What are some examples you've observed in society or your own life?
How do you interpret Jesus' response, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God"? What does this mean for us today?
The sermon talks about the Pharisees and Herodians, humanizing them as people who might be acting out of fear or a desire for control. Can you think of a time when your own fears led you to act in ways that weren't aligned with your faith?
What's your understanding of "cultural Christianity"? How is it different from a genuine faith in Christ?
The sermon states, "We are God's coins." How does this perspective change the way you view yourself and others?
In what ways do you feel the world trying to "claim" you? How can we resist these influences while still engaging responsibly in society?
The sermon cautions against merging faith and politics. Do you agree? How can we navigate political engagement as Christians?
Practical Applications:
Self-reflection: Take some time this week to examine your loyalties. Are there areas where you've given more allegiance to "Caesar" than to God?
Image bearer: Each day this week, remind yourself that you bear God's image. How might this change your interactions with others?
Generous living: Identify one way you can live more generously this week, trusting in God's provision rather than worldly security.
Serving others: Plan a group activity to serve "the least of these" in your community, reflecting Christ's teachings in Matthew 25.
Faith vs. Cultural Christianity: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you've been more of a "cultural Christian"? How can you deepen your relationship with Christ?
Closing Prayer: Close your session by praying for discernment in navigating worldly systems while maintaining primary allegiance to God. Ask for strength to live out your faith authentically in all areas of life.
Opening Prayer: Begin your session with a prayer, asking God to open hearts and minds to His word and guide your discussion.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus challenges us to consider our true loyalties and allegiances.
Cultural Christianity vs. genuine faith in Christ
We bear God's image and are called to live accordingly
Balancing civic responsibilities with our primary allegiance to God
Discussion Questions:
The sermon mentions "shifting allegiances" in our world today. What are some examples you've observed in society or your own life?
How do you interpret Jesus' response, "Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God"? What does this mean for us today?
The sermon talks about the Pharisees and Herodians, humanizing them as people who might be acting out of fear or a desire for control. Can you think of a time when your own fears led you to act in ways that weren't aligned with your faith?
What's your understanding of "cultural Christianity"? How is it different from a genuine faith in Christ?
The sermon states, "We are God's coins." How does this perspective change the way you view yourself and others?
In what ways do you feel the world trying to "claim" you? How can we resist these influences while still engaging responsibly in society?
The sermon cautions against merging faith and politics. Do you agree? How can we navigate political engagement as Christians?
Practical Applications:
Self-reflection: Take some time this week to examine your loyalties. Are there areas where you've given more allegiance to "Caesar" than to God?
Image bearer: Each day this week, remind yourself that you bear God's image. How might this change your interactions with others?
Generous living: Identify one way you can live more generously this week, trusting in God's provision rather than worldly security.
Serving others: Plan a group activity to serve "the least of these" in your community, reflecting Christ's teachings in Matthew 25.
Faith vs. Cultural Christianity: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you've been more of a "cultural Christian"? How can you deepen your relationship with Christ?
Closing Prayer: Close your session by praying for discernment in navigating worldly systems while maintaining primary allegiance to God. Ask for strength to live out your faith authentically in all areas of life.
5 Day Bible Reading Plan
Day 1: Whose Image Do You Bear? Reading: Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 22:15-22
Devotional: Today, we reflect on the profound truth that we are created in God's image. Just as Jesus asked about the image on the coin, we must ask ourselves whose image we bear in our hearts and lives. Are we allowing the world to shape us, or are we embracing our identity as God's beloved creation? Take time to consider areas where you might be conforming to the world's expectations rather than God's design. Pray for discernment to recognize and honor God's image in yourself and others.
Day 2: Living with Divided Loyalties Reading: Romans 12:1-2, James 4:4-10
Devotional: In a world of shifting allegiances, we often find ourselves torn between loyalty to God and loyalty to worldly systems. Today's readings remind us to resist conforming to the patterns of this world and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be serving "two masters." How can you reorient your priorities to align more closely with God's will? Consider making a list of your top priorities and honestly evaluate whether they reflect your commitment to God.
Day 3: The True Nature of Worship Reading: John 4:19-24, Isaiah 29:13-14
Devotional: Jesus' cleansing of the temple reminds us that true worship goes beyond outward appearances or cultural traditions. God desires worship that comes from the heart. Today, examine your own worship practices. Are they genuine expressions of love and devotion to God, or have they become mere habits or cultural expressions? Ask God to reveal any areas where your worship might have become superficial, and pray for a renewed spirit of authentic adoration.
Day 4: Living Out Our Faith Reading: James 2:14-26, Matthew 25:31-46
Devotional: Cultural Christianity often embraces the outward forms of faith without the inward transformation and outward action. Today's readings challenge us to put our faith into practice. Reflect on how your faith is expressed in tangible acts of love and service. Are there ways you can more actively demonstrate Christ's love to "the least of these"? Consider one practical step you can take this week to align your actions more closely with your beliefs.
Day 5: Finding Our True Identity in Christ Reading: Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: In a world that constantly asks us to define ourselves by various labels and allegiances, our ultimate identity is found in Christ. Today, meditate on what it means to be "hidden with Christ in God." How does this truth change the way you view yourself and your purpose? Take time to write down aspects of your identity that are rooted in Christ, such as "beloved child of God," "forgiven," or "empowered by the Holy Spirit." Let these truths shape your self-perception and guide your interactions with others today.
Day 1: Whose Image Do You Bear? Reading: Genesis 1:26-27, Matthew 22:15-22
Devotional: Today, we reflect on the profound truth that we are created in God's image. Just as Jesus asked about the image on the coin, we must ask ourselves whose image we bear in our hearts and lives. Are we allowing the world to shape us, or are we embracing our identity as God's beloved creation? Take time to consider areas where you might be conforming to the world's expectations rather than God's design. Pray for discernment to recognize and honor God's image in yourself and others.
Day 2: Living with Divided Loyalties Reading: Romans 12:1-2, James 4:4-10
Devotional: In a world of shifting allegiances, we often find ourselves torn between loyalty to God and loyalty to worldly systems. Today's readings remind us to resist conforming to the patterns of this world and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be serving "two masters." How can you reorient your priorities to align more closely with God's will? Consider making a list of your top priorities and honestly evaluate whether they reflect your commitment to God.
Day 3: The True Nature of Worship Reading: John 4:19-24, Isaiah 29:13-14
Devotional: Jesus' cleansing of the temple reminds us that true worship goes beyond outward appearances or cultural traditions. God desires worship that comes from the heart. Today, examine your own worship practices. Are they genuine expressions of love and devotion to God, or have they become mere habits or cultural expressions? Ask God to reveal any areas where your worship might have become superficial, and pray for a renewed spirit of authentic adoration.
Day 4: Living Out Our Faith Reading: James 2:14-26, Matthew 25:31-46
Devotional: Cultural Christianity often embraces the outward forms of faith without the inward transformation and outward action. Today's readings challenge us to put our faith into practice. Reflect on how your faith is expressed in tangible acts of love and service. Are there ways you can more actively demonstrate Christ's love to "the least of these"? Consider one practical step you can take this week to align your actions more closely with your beliefs.
Day 5: Finding Our True Identity in Christ Reading: Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: In a world that constantly asks us to define ourselves by various labels and allegiances, our ultimate identity is found in Christ. Today, meditate on what it means to be "hidden with Christ in God." How does this truth change the way you view yourself and your purpose? Take time to write down aspects of your identity that are rooted in Christ, such as "beloved child of God," "forgiven," or "empowered by the Holy Spirit." Let these truths shape your self-perception and guide your interactions with others today.
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