Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 12
Monday – Deuteronomy 14
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 26
Wednesday – Malachi 3
Thursday – 1 Timothy 6
Friday – 2 Corinthians 9
Saturday – Proverbs 11, Proverbs 19
Memorize/Reflect: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for the many blessings He has given you. Pray for strength and wisdom to choose the way of blessing and not the way of cursing.
“Live It!” Challenge: Honest Evaluation - – Take time to identify one area of your life where you are choosing to do something, or hold on to an attitude, that you know is unhealthy. Write down what this action or attitude is. Then, write down how God would want you to live and think in this area of your life. Next, prayerfully write down a specific change you can make that will lead you toward God’s will and blessing in your life. Finally, take this action step, do it! As you do, watch for the blessing of God.
- What are some thing people do that they know are unhealthy, dangerous, and generally lead to a less blessed life? Why do people do the very things they know are unhealthy and unhelpful?
- Read: Deuteronomy 27:16-18.God is deeply concerned about justice and how we treat those who are marginalized. How do you see the loving heart of God for those who are oppressed and hurting in these curses?
- Why do you think God is concerned about property lines, blind people, orphans, widows, and those who are far from their home?
- What are acts of injustice and oppression that exist in our culture today and how can Christians fight against this and bring blessing and care to those who are often forgotten? What are some of the community outreach ministries at Shoreline (you can check our website at www.shorelinechurch.org for more information). How can you get involved in these and bring care for the hurting, lonely, and forgotten?
- Read: Deuteronomy 27:20-23. Warning! These verses and curses are not pretty. Reading them could make you do a double take! How does our current culture of sexual freedom and “anything goes” push people away from God’s blessing and toward a life of pain, brokenness, and cursing?
- How can followers of Jesus become a model of holiness and purity in how we conduct ourselves as men and women?
- What are the ways that culture and media are trying to entice us to engage in sexual and moral lifestyles that will bring curses and pain?
- What can we do to resist these temptations? How can we turn off the constant flow of unhealthy ideas from entering our minds?
- Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-11. What are some of the blessings we will experience if we follow God with our whole hearts and seek to live as He calls us to live?
- What is one action you can take in your life that will lead to blessing and obedience to God? How can your group members pray for you as you seek to take this step and follow the path of blessing?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 12
Monday – Deuteronomy 14
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 26
Wednesday – Malachi 3
Thursday – 1 Timothy 6
Friday – 2 Corinthians 9
Saturday – Proverbs 11, Proverbs 19
Memorize/Reflect: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for the many blessings He has given you. Pray for strength and wisdom to choose the way of blessing and not the way of cursing.
“Live It!” Challenge: Honest Evaluation - – Take time to identify one area of your life where you are choosing to do something, or hold on to an attitude, that you know is unhealthy. Write down what this action or attitude is. Then, write down how God would want you to live and think in this area of your life. Next, prayerfully write down a specific change you can make that will lead you toward God’s will and blessing in your life. Finally, take this action step, do it! As you do, watch for the blessing of God.
- What are some thing people do that they know are unhealthy, dangerous, and generally lead to a less blessed life? Why do people do the very things they know are unhealthy and unhelpful?
- Read: Deuteronomy 27:16-18.God is deeply concerned about justice and how we treat those who are marginalized. How do you see the loving heart of God for those who are oppressed and hurting in these curses?
- Why do you think God is concerned about property lines, blind people, orphans, widows, and those who are far from their home?
- What are acts of injustice and oppression that exist in our culture today and how can Christians fight against this and bring blessing and care to those who are often forgotten? What are some of the community outreach ministries at Shoreline (you can check our website at www.shorelinechurch.org for more information). How can you get involved in these and bring care for the hurting, lonely, and forgotten?
- Read: Deuteronomy 27:20-23. Warning! These verses and curses are not pretty. Reading them could make you do a double take! How does our current culture of sexual freedom and “anything goes” push people away from God’s blessing and toward a life of pain, brokenness, and cursing?
- How can followers of Jesus become a model of holiness and purity in how we conduct ourselves as men and women?
- What are the ways that culture and media are trying to entice us to engage in sexual and moral lifestyles that will bring curses and pain?
- What can we do to resist these temptations? How can we turn off the constant flow of unhealthy ideas from entering our minds?
- Read: Deuteronomy 28:1-11. What are some of the blessings we will experience if we follow God with our whole hearts and seek to live as He calls us to live?
- What is one action you can take in your life that will lead to blessing and obedience to God? How can your group members pray for you as you seek to take this step and follow the path of blessing?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 27
Monday – Deuteronomy 28
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 29
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 30
Thursday – Malachi 1
Friday – Malachi 2
Saturday – Malachi 3-4
Memorize/Reflect: “Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.” (Deuteronomy 7:11)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for giving His Word, the Bible, that gives us clear direction for living and following Him. Pray that you will walk in increasing obedience to God’s Word and will for your life.
“Live It!” Challenge: Time For Honesty - – Prayerfully ask God to show you and convict you of one area of your life where you are living in ongoing disobedience to His will and Word. When the Holy Spirit places this area of disobedience on your heart, do three things: 1) Confess this sin to God, asking Him to break your heart over it. 2) Repent, walk away from this pattern, behavior, lifestyle, or attitude. 3) Get help and accountability to stay on the right road in this area of your life. Allow strong Christians to help you stand strong and obedience to God’s Word.
- Read: Deuteronomy 7:1-4. What different responses could you expect from the people when they heard these commands? How do you think you would respond?
- Tell the group of a time that you were asked or told to do something that you did not completely understand or agree with. What was your response?
- Have you ever asked someone to do something that they did not agree with? How did you convince them that it was the right thing to do?
- Read: Deuteronomy 7:5-6. What did God command the people to do? Why was this necessary?
- What idols in your life have the potential to lead you away from God?
- What will you do to eliminate these idols from your life?
- What is one area of your life where you know you need to be obedient, but are not?
- Read: Deuteronomy 8:17-20. What can we be tempted to do in times of success and prosperity?
- How can we protect ourselves from falling into this temptation?
- What are one or two specific steps you will take this week, to walk more faithfully in obedience? How can your group specifically help you with this?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 27
Monday – Deuteronomy 28
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 29
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 30
Thursday – Malachi 1
Friday – Malachi 2
Saturday – Malachi 3-4
Memorize/Reflect: “Therefore, take care to follow the commands, decrees and laws I give you today.” (Deuteronomy 7:11)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for giving His Word, the Bible, that gives us clear direction for living and following Him. Pray that you will walk in increasing obedience to God’s Word and will for your life.
“Live It!” Challenge: Time For Honesty - – Prayerfully ask God to show you and convict you of one area of your life where you are living in ongoing disobedience to His will and Word. When the Holy Spirit places this area of disobedience on your heart, do three things: 1) Confess this sin to God, asking Him to break your heart over it. 2) Repent, walk away from this pattern, behavior, lifestyle, or attitude. 3) Get help and accountability to stay on the right road in this area of your life. Allow strong Christians to help you stand strong and obedience to God’s Word.
- Read: Deuteronomy 7:1-4. What different responses could you expect from the people when they heard these commands? How do you think you would respond?
- Tell the group of a time that you were asked or told to do something that you did not completely understand or agree with. What was your response?
- Have you ever asked someone to do something that they did not agree with? How did you convince them that it was the right thing to do?
- Read: Deuteronomy 7:5-6. What did God command the people to do? Why was this necessary?
- What idols in your life have the potential to lead you away from God?
- What will you do to eliminate these idols from your life?
- What is one area of your life where you know you need to be obedient, but are not?
- Read: Deuteronomy 8:17-20. What can we be tempted to do in times of success and prosperity?
- How can we protect ourselves from falling into this temptation?
- What are one or two specific steps you will take this week, to walk more faithfully in obedience? How can your group specifically help you with this?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 8
Monday – Deuteronomy 9
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 11
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 12
Thursday – John 14
Friday – Romans 6
Saturday – Joshua 1
Memorize/Reflect: “You shall have no other god’s before me.” (Deuteronomy 5:7)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for giving his Laws and Commandments to guide us in a world that is always pushing the boundaries. Pray for a heart that loves God so much that you desire to follow His will and ways. Confess where you are wandering from His paths and commandments.
“Live It!” Challenge: Know All Ten - – Take time this week to memorize all ten of God’s commandments. Make sure you know them.
Small Group Discussion (The Ten Commandments):
- What are some of the most common sins in our culture that are not even really seen as sins anymore?
- Read: Deuteronomy 5:6-15. The first four commandments are all about our relationship with God. What is the heartbeat of each of these four commandments?
- If we follow these commands, how will this obedience impact our relationship with God?
- If we reject them and break them, how might it impact our life and relationship with God?
- Which of these do you find the hardest to follow and obey in a day-to-day way? How can your group members pray for you as you seek to honor God by following this specific command of God?
- Read: Deuteronomy 5:16-21. The final six commandments are all about our relationship with each other. What is the heartbeat of each of these six commandments?
- If we follow these commands, how will this obedience impact our relationship with each other?
- If we reject them and break them, how might it impact our life and relationship one another?
- Which of these do you find the hardest to follow and obey in a day-to-day way? (Remember how Jesus expounded on these in Matthew 5) How can your group members pray for you as you seek to honor God by following this specific command of God?
- We are not saved by obedience to the Law or by how good we are. We are saved by the grace of Jesus. How does a deep understanding of God’s love and grace move us to a place where we actually want to follow God’s commands? What are ways you have learned to more fully embrace and walk in the reality of God’s love and grace for you?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 8
Monday – Deuteronomy 9
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 11
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 12
Thursday – John 14
Friday – Romans 6
Saturday – Joshua 1
Memorize/Reflect: “You shall have no other god’s before me.” (Deuteronomy 5:7)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for giving his Laws and Commandments to guide us in a world that is always pushing the boundaries. Pray for a heart that loves God so much that you desire to follow His will and ways. Confess where you are wandering from His paths and commandments.
“Live It!” Challenge: Know All Ten - – Take time this week to memorize all ten of God’s commandments. Make sure you know them.
Small Group Discussion (The Ten Commandments):
- What are some of the most common sins in our culture that are not even really seen as sins anymore?
- Read: Deuteronomy 5:6-15. The first four commandments are all about our relationship with God. What is the heartbeat of each of these four commandments?
- If we follow these commands, how will this obedience impact our relationship with God?
- If we reject them and break them, how might it impact our life and relationship with God?
- Which of these do you find the hardest to follow and obey in a day-to-day way? How can your group members pray for you as you seek to honor God by following this specific command of God?
- Read: Deuteronomy 5:16-21. The final six commandments are all about our relationship with each other. What is the heartbeat of each of these six commandments?
- If we follow these commands, how will this obedience impact our relationship with each other?
- If we reject them and break them, how might it impact our life and relationship one another?
- Which of these do you find the hardest to follow and obey in a day-to-day way? (Remember how Jesus expounded on these in Matthew 5) How can your group members pray for you as you seek to honor God by following this specific command of God?
- We are not saved by obedience to the Law or by how good we are. We are saved by the grace of Jesus. How does a deep understanding of God’s love and grace move us to a place where we actually want to follow God’s commands? What are ways you have learned to more fully embrace and walk in the reality of God’s love and grace for you?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 5
Tuesday – Exodus 20
Wednesday – Matthew 5
Thursday – Matthew 6
Friday – Matthew 7
Saturday – Deuteronomy 4-5
Memorize/Reflect: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for His passionate love. Thank Him for being so committed to you that He will not share you with others. Pray that you can have a heart that is more and more committed to Him and more in love with Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Putting God First - – Identify a personal interest, hobby, or even a person who can sometimes become more important to you than God. For the next week or two, make intentional efforts to put God first and this other thing father down the list of your interests.
Small Group Discussion (God is Jealous and Exclusive):
- Our culture sees jealousy as a negative thing (and it can be). What are some ways that having an exclusive devotion and jealous heart can actually be positive and healthy?
- Read: Deuteronomy 4:15-24. Why do you think God is so against idols and images of any kind? What is the danger of bowing down to idols, the heavenly host, or anything besides God?
- What are examples of things that can become “idols” in our lives and demand more devotion than they deserve? How can people become idols and more important to us than God?
- 4. What are ways we can fight the temptation to become idolatrous? What are ways we can make sure God stays first in our lives. What is one thing you can do this week to grow a heart that is more devoted to God?
- Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-7 The nations who lived in the Promised Land before Israel took it as their own were involved in radical paganism including child sacrifice, cult prostitution, and idolatry. What did God call the people of Israel to do with the pagan shrines, idols, and altars? Why do you think God was so extreme and serious about this?
- We live in a culture with lots of false religions and pagan practices. God commands us that we are not to, “worship the Lord our God in their way.” When Christians adopt pagan practices and merge them with our faith, this is called syncretism. What are ways we can be enticed to affirm or engage in some of these practices? How do some Christians unknowingly weave pagan practices into their life?
- In light of what we learn in Deuteronomy, what would you say to a Christian friend who was following their horoscope, going to a “fortune teller,” or embracing another religion? Why is God so opposed to these things?
- Read: Deuteronomy 18:9-13Many of these practices and behaviors are becoming acceptable in our society and are lifted up as “normal” behavior on TV and in movies. What are some of the dangers when a society begins to embrace these kinds of practices?
- How do you see the acceptance of occult practices, mediums, and other dangerous spiritual activities growing in popularity in our culture? How can a Christian stand against these things without being needlessly offensive, but still holding to our convictions?
- God wants our hearts to be devoted to Him alone. He alone is the true and real God. Take a moment and write down three things:• How I will avoid things that can become too important and take the first place in my heart that belongs to God alone?• How can I increase my devotion to and worship of God?
• How should I shift my thinking when it comes to the serious danger of some of the occult practices that are becoming more a part of our culture (see Deut. 18:9-11)
Share one of these items with your group. Pray for each other in line with these specific areas of commitment.
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 5
Tuesday – Exodus 20
Wednesday – Matthew 5
Thursday – Matthew 6
Friday – Matthew 7
Saturday – Deuteronomy 4-5
Memorize/Reflect: “For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.” (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for His passionate love. Thank Him for being so committed to you that He will not share you with others. Pray that you can have a heart that is more and more committed to Him and more in love with Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Putting God First - – Identify a personal interest, hobby, or even a person who can sometimes become more important to you than God. For the next week or two, make intentional efforts to put God first and this other thing father down the list of your interests.
Small Group Discussion (God is Jealous and Exclusive):
- Our culture sees jealousy as a negative thing (and it can be). What are some ways that having an exclusive devotion and jealous heart can actually be positive and healthy?
- Read: Deuteronomy 4:15-24. Why do you think God is so against idols and images of any kind? What is the danger of bowing down to idols, the heavenly host, or anything besides God?
- What are examples of things that can become “idols” in our lives and demand more devotion than they deserve? How can people become idols and more important to us than God?
- 4. What are ways we can fight the temptation to become idolatrous? What are ways we can make sure God stays first in our lives. What is one thing you can do this week to grow a heart that is more devoted to God?
- Read: Deuteronomy 12:1-7 The nations who lived in the Promised Land before Israel took it as their own were involved in radical paganism including child sacrifice, cult prostitution, and idolatry. What did God call the people of Israel to do with the pagan shrines, idols, and altars? Why do you think God was so extreme and serious about this?
- We live in a culture with lots of false religions and pagan practices. God commands us that we are not to, “worship the Lord our God in their way.” When Christians adopt pagan practices and merge them with our faith, this is called syncretism. What are ways we can be enticed to affirm or engage in some of these practices? How do some Christians unknowingly weave pagan practices into their life?
- In light of what we learn in Deuteronomy, what would you say to a Christian friend who was following their horoscope, going to a “fortune teller,” or embracing another religion? Why is God so opposed to these things?
- Read: Deuteronomy 18:9-13Many of these practices and behaviors are becoming acceptable in our society and are lifted up as “normal” behavior on TV and in movies. What are some of the dangers when a society begins to embrace these kinds of practices?
- How do you see the acceptance of occult practices, mediums, and other dangerous spiritual activities growing in popularity in our culture? How can a Christian stand against these things without being needlessly offensive, but still holding to our convictions?
- God wants our hearts to be devoted to Him alone. He alone is the true and real God. Take a moment and write down three things:• How I will avoid things that can become too important and take the first place in my heart that belongs to God alone?• How can I increase my devotion to and worship of God?
• How should I shift my thinking when it comes to the serious danger of some of the occult practices that are becoming more a part of our culture (see Deut. 18:9-11)
Share one of these items with your group. Pray for each other in line with these specific areas of commitment.
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 12
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 13
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 17
Thursday – Deuteronomy 18
Friday – Deuteronomy 29
Saturday – 2 Kings 22-23
Memorize/Reflect: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for sending His only Son to die on the cross for your sins. Praise Jesus that He took the price, that He died, and that He is alive again today! Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and that you never have to be alone…he is with all those who have placed their faith in Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Resurrection Power - – In Ephesians chapter one, the Apostle Paul is clear that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now active in the hearts and lives of those who are followers of Jesus. Identify one area of your life where you need more strength and energy. Pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to fill you in this specific area. This week seek to walk with greater boldness, confidence, and strength…in the power of Jesus.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About Forever):
When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. The apostle Paul says there are four things he passed on to them and each one is of critical importance. Why is each of these central to our faith as followers of Jesus
Jesus died according to the Scriptures
Jesus was buried
Jesus was raised
The risen Christ appeared to many - Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Some people in Paul’s day (and in our day) believe that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. Paul gives a list of implications if Christ has not risen. What, according to the apostle Paul, are the implications if Jesus did not rise from the dead?
- Since Jesus did rise from the dead, what are the implications of this? (Take the list above and declare the opposite!)
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:35-53 What do you learn about our bodies and our future in this passage?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 What do you learn about death, and Jesus’ power over death in this passage?
- What is one area of your life that you need to experience power to overcome? How does the victory of Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection provide power for your daily life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are told, “Stand firm. Let nothing move you.” How does the resurrection of Jesus help you stand strong when the world tries to push you around? How can your group members pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to give you strength to stand strong in one specific area of your life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are also told, “Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.” What is an area of ministry or act of service that God has called you to engage in? How does the presence of the resurrected Jesus help you serve faithfully and confidently? How can your group members pray for you and support you as you serve God and others in this area of ministry?
Reading Plan for next week’s message
Sunday - Deuteronomy 4
Monday – Deuteronomy 12
Tuesday – Deuteronomy 13
Wednesday – Deuteronomy 17
Thursday – Deuteronomy 18
Friday – Deuteronomy 29
Saturday – 2 Kings 22-23
Memorize/Reflect: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
Prayer Direction: Praise God for sending His only Son to die on the cross for your sins. Praise Jesus that He took the price, that He died, and that He is alive again today! Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and that you never have to be alone…he is with all those who have placed their faith in Him.
“Live It!” Challenge: Resurrection Power - – In Ephesians chapter one, the Apostle Paul is clear that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now active in the hearts and lives of those who are followers of Jesus. Identify one area of your life where you need more strength and energy. Pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to fill you in this specific area. This week seek to walk with greater boldness, confidence, and strength…in the power of Jesus.
Small Group Discussion (Stuff About Forever):
When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- When you picture heaven (eternity in God’s presence through faith in Jesus), what images come to mind? When you picture hell (eternity separate from God), what pictures come to mind?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8. The apostle Paul says there are four things he passed on to them and each one is of critical importance. Why is each of these central to our faith as followers of Jesus
Jesus died according to the Scriptures
Jesus was buried
Jesus was raised
The risen Christ appeared to many - Read: 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. Some people in Paul’s day (and in our day) believe that Jesus did not really rise from the dead. Paul gives a list of implications if Christ has not risen. What, according to the apostle Paul, are the implications if Jesus did not rise from the dead?
- Since Jesus did rise from the dead, what are the implications of this? (Take the list above and declare the opposite!)
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:35-53 What do you learn about our bodies and our future in this passage?
- Read: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58 What do you learn about death, and Jesus’ power over death in this passage?
- What is one area of your life that you need to experience power to overcome? How does the victory of Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection provide power for your daily life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are told, “Stand firm. Let nothing move you.” How does the resurrection of Jesus help you stand strong when the world tries to push you around? How can your group members pray for the resurrection power of Jesus to give you strength to stand strong in one specific area of your life?
- In verse 58, in light of all we learn about the resurrection, we are also told, “Give yourself fully to the work of the Lord.” What is an area of ministry or act of service that God has called you to engage in? How does the presence of the resurrected Jesus help you serve faithfully and confidently? How can your group members pray for you and support you as you serve God and others in this area of ministry?
