Table Talk | December 21-22
Key Takeaways:
• God’s method of rescue through Jesus was intentionally fraught with frailty and vulnerability.
• Jesus and his parents experienced being judged based on where they came from (their “zip code”).
• God’s rescue accomplished what we desperately needed – redemption from the dominion of darkness.
• God chooses to use weak, foolish, and lowly people to demonstrate His power.
• Our weaknesses and vulnerabilities can be powerful tools for God to display His strength.
Discussion Questions:
• How does the story of Jesus’ birth challenge our expectations of how God works?
• Pastor Todd mentioned Joseph’s faith in acting on dreams and visions. How can we discern God’s guidance in our lives today?
• Read Colossians 1:13-14. What does it mean to be “rescued from the dominion of darkness”? How have you experienced this rescue in your life?
• Discuss the passage from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Why do you think God chooses to work through those who are not wise, influential, or noble by worldly standards?
• How does our culture’s emphasis on appearing strong and put-together conflict with the biblical idea of finding strength in weakness?
• Share an example of how God has used one of your weaknesses or vulnerabilities to display His power or draw others to Him.
Practical Applications:
• This week, intentionally share a personal weakness or struggle with someone in your oikos (relational circle). Be open about how God is working through that situation.
• Reflect on your life story. Write down specific ways God has demonstrated His power through your weaknesses or difficult circumstances.
• Practice “boasting in weakness” as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Each day this week, thank God for a specific weakness and ask Him to display His strength through it.
• Look for opportunities to encourage someone who feels inadequate or weak. Share how God values and uses people regardless of their worldly status or abilities.
Closing Prayer:
Thank God for His strategy of rescue through Jesus. Ask Him to help each group member embrace their weaknesses as opportunities for God’s power to be displayed. Pray for courage to be vulnerable and authentic with others, pointing them to Christ’s transformative work.