Selfless – Fork Christian Church

Selfless: Gratitude

November 19, 2023

Description:

Consumed by discontentment of your situation, the drive for more, the wanting of that feeling of excitement again. Sound familiar? So much of our lives are driven by focusing on what is the next thing we want, the next job, the next house, and the next broken thing needing to be fixed. Yet, when we are consumed with ourselves, we don’t live in the gratitude of who God is and what he has done. Come see why gratitude and a thankful heart is the antidote to worry and selfishness.

Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

(Optional Icebreaker) Who in your life is someone you view as continually overflowing with thankfulness?
What are some reasons why living with a heart of constant gratitude is so difficult for so many?
Read 1 Thess. 5:16-18. Why would being thankful in all circumstances be “God’s will for you”?
Read Luke 17:11-19. What was Jesus trying to show us in the way the Samaritan returned to Jesus after receiving a blessing?
Read the following passages that describe different things we should be thankful for, if in a group take one passage each and read allowed:
Below are 6 areas of life that there are things to be thankful for. Take the next 5 minutes and write down one thing for each that you are thankful.
1. Personal life
2. Faith
3. Family
4. Church Family
5. Other specific people in your life
6. Country & World
Now spend some time praying, praising, and thanking God for each of your areas of gratitude.

Selfless: Generosity

November 12, 2023

Description:

It’s one thing to be generous with excess, but it’s a whole other story to be generous with things you hold most dear and are in limited supply. Is there anything more limited and more precious in your life than time and money? Yet, could it be possible that the culture around us is wrong and it is truly better to give than to receive? Let’s discover why selflessly sacrificing for others is the most important thing you can do.

Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

(Optional Icebreaker) Do you consider yourself a generous person? Share a personal example of why or why not in your answer.
Who do you know that is exceptionally generous with their time and money and it is evident to all who are near them? In what ways do they show their generosity?
Read Romans 12:1-2. What is foundational to being a follower of Jesus and being a selfless living sacrifice? When it comes to selflessness and sacrificing, what is the difference between the “behaviors and customs of the world” and the way God “is changing the way you think?”
Read Acts 20:33-35. How did Paul sacrifice for others? Do you really believe it is better to give than to receive? If so, why don’t we do it more often?
Read 1 Peter 4:1-10. In verse 7 and in view of “the end of the world is coming soon,” what was the most important thing we could do? What are some practical ways you can do this? What areas are you being called to be a living sacrifice?
If in a group, boldly pray for one another that you would all be willing to selflessly sacrifice your time and money for others. If alone, spend some time confessing and committing to God where you are being called to selflessly sacrifice time and money for others.

Selfless: Boldly Speaking

November 5, 2023

Description:

There is nothing more natural than being self centered. From our first cry as a baby to our big purchase as an adult, in so many ways we are haunted by selfishness. Yet, to live the life God has for us, we must be willing to reject our own comfort for the good of others. It’s not easy, and it sure isn’t comfortable. But when you deny yourself, God can do so much more.

Dig In Questions

In light of this week’s message, we encourage you to consider these questions and dig in a little deeper with your personal study, with your family, or with your small group.

(Optional Icebreaker) Do you consider yourself a bold/courageous person? Share a personal example of why or why not in your answer.
Who do you know that is passionate about Jesus and it is evident to all who are near them? In what ways do they show their passion?
Read Matthew 16:24. What is foundational about selflessness when it comes to being a disciple of Jesus? What are practical ways selfishness gets in the way of following Jesus?
Read Acts 4:8-13. What stands out to you about what Peter shared? Why was this such a bold and selfless speech?
Read Acts 4:29. In the face of deadly consequences, the followers of Jesus didn’t pray for safety, they didn’t pray for it to go well, or even for them to receive the news well. No. They prayed for boldness! Who is it that God has in your life that you need to pray for boldness today?
If in a group, boldly pray for one another that you would all be willing to be selflessly bold in your words. If alone, spend some time confessing and committing to God if you need to be more bold in your words.