Table Talk | March 8-9

Opening Question:

Share a time when you felt discouraged in your faith. What helped you overcome that discouragement?

Key Takeaways:

1. We have everything we need to stay encouraged, even when life gets hard.

2. Discouragement leads to disengagement in our faith.

3. We can be encouraged by God’s word, our community, and even opposition.

Discussion Questions:

1. God’s Word at Work:

   – How do you typically approach reading the Bible? Do you treat it with seriousness and humility?

   – What does it mean to “appreciate” and “appropriate” God’s word in your life?

   – How have you experienced God’s word working in you recently?

2. Belonging to a Community:

   – How are you currently connected to the local church community?

   – In what ways have you been encouraged by the global or historical Christian community?

   – Why is it important to be connected to believers beyond just our local context?

3. Facing Opposition:

   – Have you ever faced opposition for your faith? How did it affect you?

   – How can opposition actually be a source of encouragement in our faith?

   – What does it mean to depend on God when facing hostility?

4. Staying Engaged:

   – How has discouragement affected your engagement with your faith in the past?

   – Why is it crucial to stay encouraged not just for ourselves, but for others around us?

   – What are some practical ways we can position ourselves to be encouraged in our faith?

Practical Applications:

1. Bible Engagement: Commit to reading your Bible this week with both seriousness (paying attention to details) and humility (allowing it to change you). Share your experiences next week.

2. Community Connection: Reach out to a Christian friend in another city or country. Ask them what God is doing in their local church and share what’s happening in yours.

3. Encouragement Journal: Start a journal where you write down ways you see God working, both in your life and in the lives of others. Use this as a source of encouragement when facing difficulties.

4. Opposition Reflection: If you face any opposition or challenges to your faith this week, pause to consider how it might actually be confirming your authentic faith. Pray for strength to depend on God through it.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us everything we need to stay encouraged in our faith. Help us to engage deeply with your Word, connect meaningfully with your people, and find strength in you when facing opposition. May we stay encouraged so that we can remain engaged in the work you’ve called us to do. Amen.