The sermon for this week from the series “Shift: Learning to Live Missionally” will be titled “Inwardly Strong, Outwardly Focused”.

It’s never to late to sign up for a small group. You can do it by calling the church office at 858-490-3995 or via this site by clicking HERE.

The small group discussion questions for week 4 of the current sermon series are below. Click HERE if you would like to download and print the questions.

START IT – Connecting with each other

• What’s your favorite food?  When did you last have it?  What do you love about it?
• Is your favorite food good for you or bad for you?

STUDY IT – 1 Peter 2:1-9, 1 Corinthians 9:19-22

• Read 1 Peter 2:1-9 out loud.  What stands out for you in this passage?  What questions do you have?
• Look at vv. 2-3.  What does “pure spiritual milk” refer to?  What happens to us as a result of drinking “pure spiritual milk”?
• What does v. 9 say about who we are?  How does it make you feel to know that you are these things that Peter mentions?
• Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 out loud.  What stands out for you in this passage? What questions do you have?
• Why do you think Paul is so committed to adapting himself to the people to whom he is reaching out?
• Read this passage in the Message translation.  What insights do you gain from reading it in this translation?

LIVE IT – Applying the truth of Scripture to life

• What expression would you use to describe your desire for “pure spiritual milk”:  1) It would be nice, 2) I’d like it, 3) I want it, 4) I need it, 5) I can’t live without it.  Why?
• What are some things that make up the foundation of your life?  To what extent is Jesus Christ the foundation of your life (give a percentage)?
• What are some things you could do to become more inwardly strong?
• Thinking about 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, what group of people are you especially aware of who need God’s love:  The poor?  Homeless? Homosexuals?  Those in nursing homes?  Teenagers?  What barriers are there between you and these groups?  What “rights” would you be willing to give up to love them?

PRAY IT

• Application: Ask God to help you grow inwardly so that you’ll be better able to focus outwardly.
• Joys and Challenges: What joys and challenges are you facing this week?
• Here at Northminster: Pray for the Session this week as they begin to look ahead to 2009.
• Beyond Northminster: Pray for Reality Changers, a Christian organization in San Diego that helps at-risk teens be the first in their families to attend college