Connect Group Questions
Feb 18, 2024 – Jacob the Joker
Playing, Praying, and Growing together
Last weeks service
This Weeks ?’s
Leader Hints are designed to help guide a leader to some information that we want to “tease” out of the group. They are not there for you to directly read to the participants. People are significantly more likely to remember things they said or came up with, so your goal is to help direct them to that answer.
FINAL NOTE: Our goal is to get to the [APPLICATION QUESTION] to help work with people through how to apply what God is doing in their life.
INTRO:
- Icebreaker: If you were famous, what would you be famous for?
- Reflect on last week’s application question: What area in your life can commit to being faithful, even if it feels insignificant right now? What changed in that area this week?
REBUILD THE SERMON:
- Read Genesis 32:24-28, Can someone remind us who Jacob is as and how he got to this point in the story?
- Leader Hint: Kent walked us through Jacob’s story. Be ready to remind your group about each major step. If you need a refresher, Jacob’s history starts in Genesis chapter 27.
- Identifying with Jacob: Have you ever experienced a moment in your life where you felt like everything was spiraling out of control, like Jacob’s situation? How did you respond initially?
- The Temptation to Control: Reflecting on Jacob’s tendency to scheme and manipulate situations, can you relate to the temptation to control outcomes in your own life when faced with uncertainty or fear? How does this tendency manifest itself in your thoughts and actions?
- The Wrestling Match with God: Imagine yourself in Jacob’s shoes, wrestling with God throughout the night. What do you think that wrestling match symbolizes in your life? Is there a specific struggle or challenge you’re currently facing where you feel like you’re wrestling with God or with yourself?
- Finding Blessing in the Struggle: Consider the idea that it’s in the wrestling, not the resting, where we find blessings. How does this concept challenge your perspective on adversity and struggles in life? Can you think of a time when you found unexpected blessings or growth during a difficult situation?
- Bonus Question: Why is the term “wrestling” used instead of something like worshipping, praying, debating, or arguing?
Application Question:
- Based on what we’ve discussed about Jacob’s wrestling match with God and finding blessings in the struggle, how can you apply this principle to your current challenges or uncertainties? What steps can you take to continue wrestling with God in faith, trusting that blessings and growth can emerge from your struggles?
- Take up prayer requests and pray together.
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