Table Talk | March 22-23
Published March 23, 2025
Key Takeaways:
- The gospel reorients our encouragement, shifting our focus from personal circumstances to the spiritual growth of others.
- Kingdom relationships bring joy and are partnerships, not projects.
- Our faith is never full - we always have room to grow and strengthen our trust in Jesus.
Discussion Questions:
- Pastor Todd mentioned that Paul found encouragement in the Thessalonians' faith, even while facing his own persecution. How does this challenge your perspective on finding encouragement?
- Reflect on a time when you were deeply encouraged by someone else's spiritual growth. How did that impact your own faith?
- The sermon emphasized that kingdom relationships are partnerships, not projects. How might this perspective change the way you approach relationships within the church?
- Pastor Todd said, "Faith is a muscle." How have you seen this play out in your own life? Can you share an example of how your faith has grown through "exercise"?
- The sermon highlighted the importance of community in growing our faith. How has being part of a community helped strengthen your faith? Are there areas where you feel you need more support?
- Discuss the three closing questions from the sermon: a. Are you discouraged? How might encouraging others help change your perspective? b. Are you disconnected? What steps can you take to pursue kingdom-centered relationships? c. Are you too comfortable? Who might God be calling you to invest in?
Practical Applications:
- This week, intentionally encourage at least one person in their faith journey. Share your experience with the group next time.
- Identify an area of your faith that feels "lacking" or weak. Create a plan to strengthen it, perhaps through study, prayer, or seeking guidance from a mature believer.
- Make a list of people in your "oikos" (relational world) who don't yet know Jesus. Commit to praying for them daily using the A.B.C. framework mentioned in the sermon.
- If you haven't participated in "Rooted" yet, consider signing up for the next session. If you have, share your experience with someone who hasn't and encourage them to join.
- Reflect on your current relationships. Are they mostly casual or kingdom-centered? Challenge yourself to deepen at least one relationship this week by having a spiritually meaningful conversation.