Lessons From the Ashes

# Small Group Guide: From the Ashes

## Opening Prayer (5 minutes)
Begin by asking someone to pray for the group, asking God to open hearts and minds to His truth and to help everyone be honest and vulnerable during discussion.

## Icebreaker (10 minutes)
**Question:** Share about a time when you learned an important lesson by watching someone else make a mistake. What did you learn?

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## Key Scripture References
- Job 42:6
- Proverbs 14:12
- Leviticus 11:44-45
- John 10:27-28
- 2 Samuel 14-15 (David and Absalom)
- James 4:8-10

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## Discussion Questions (45-60 minutes)

### 1. The Power of Community (15 minutes)
**Scripture Context:** The sermon opened with the illustration of baby chickens needing each other to thrive.

- How does the baby chicken illustration relate to your own spiritual life?
- In what ways have you experienced the need for Christian community and discipleship?
- Are there areas where you've been trying to "do it alone"? What's the result been?

**Key Quote:** *"You cannot do it by yourself. God works through authority. We need discipleship. We learn from each other. Iron sharpens iron."*

### 2. Repentance vs. Being Sorry (15 minutes)
**Scripture:** Job 42:6 - "Therefore, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."

- What's the difference between being "sorry" and being truly repentant?
- The pastor said repentance means finding "comfort in dust and ashes." What does that mean to you?
- Can you share an example (without naming others) of when you've seen the difference between sorrow and repentance?

**Key Quote:** *"Sorry doesn't get you anywhere. Sorry will get you to hell. Repentance gets us to heaven. Repentance, in repentance we find restoration."*

### 3. Hearing God's Voice (15 minutes)
**Scripture:** John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me."

- The pastor said, "If you're not listening to God, it's because you don't want to." How does that statement sit with you?
- What prevents you from hearing God's voice clearly?
- What practices help you listen better to God?

**Challenge:** Are you willing to truly listen to what God might be saying about areas of your life that need to change?

### 4. The Absalom Spirit (15 minutes)
**Scripture Context:** 2 Samuel 15 - Absalom stealing hearts and dividing the kingdom

- What are modern-day examples of "Absalom spirits" in the church today?
- How can we discern between legitimate concerns and divisive attitudes?
- Have you ever been drawn away by something that looked good but wasn't God's best? What happened?

**Key Quote:** *"This was the pretty boy. This was the guy that came in with a shiny lure and made church like, oh, you got that little old house church? We got this big old, we got this big building and we got music and we got smoke and we got mirrors..."*

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## Key Takeaways (10 minutes)

### Main Points to Remember:

1. **We need each other** - Discipleship and community aren't optional; they're essential for spiritual growth.

2. **True repentance brings restoration** - Not just feeling sorry, but genuine heart change that leads to God's restoration.

3. **Be holy because you ARE holy** - It's a state of being that requires action. Don't just know you're holy—act like it.

4. **God speaks to those who listen** - Drawing near to God requires action on our part first.

5. **Don't be a hater, be a participator** - Stop criticizing and start contributing to the body of Christ.

6. **Beware of division** - Recognize and resist voices that divide rather than unite the body of Christ.

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## Practical Applications (15 minutes)

### This Week's Challenges:

**Choose 1-2 of these to focus on this week:**

1. **Submit to Authority**
   - Identify one spiritual authority in your life (pastor, mentor, accountability partner)
   - Schedule time to meet with them or reach out for guidance in an area where you're struggling

2. **Practice True Repentance**
   - Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas where you've been "sorry" but not truly repentant
   - Write down what He shows you and take specific steps toward change

3. **Be a Participator**
   - Identify one criticism you've had about your church or a ministry
   - Instead of complaining, volunteer to help improve that area or pray for those serving there

4. **Draw Near to God**
   - Commit to 15 minutes daily of intentional prayer and Bible reading
   - Keep a journal of what God speaks to you during this time

5. **Disciple Someone**
   - Think of someone younger in the faith or struggling spiritually
   - Reach out to them this week to offer encouragement, prayer, or mentorship

6. **Check Your Entertainment**
   - Evaluate what you're consuming online (YouTube preachers, social media, etc.)
   - Ask: "Is this building up my local church or pulling me away from it?"

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## Accountability Questions (10 minutes)

**Pair up with someone in the group and commit to asking each other these questions:**

1. What specific action are you committing to this week based on today's discussion?
2. What's one area where you need to move from "sorry" to true repentance?
3. How can I pray for you this week?
4. Can I check in with you in a few days to see how you're doing?

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## Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

**Prayer Focus:**
- Pray for genuine repentance in the church
- Pray for discernment to recognize and resist divisive spirits
- Pray for boldness to live holy lives
- Pray for each person's specific commitments from the application section
- Pray for revival—true spiritual awakening—in our families, church, and community

**Final Challenge:** *"You are greater than John the Baptist. You are greater than any prophet that ever lived. You are greater than any king that ever walked this earth because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. You are a child of the most high God. Be holy. Act like it."*

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## For Group Leaders

**Preparation Tips:**
- Read through 2 Samuel 14-15 before the meeting
- Be prepared to share your own testimony of repentance vs. being sorry
- Have tissues available—these topics can bring up deep emotions
- Create a safe space for honesty without judgment
- Be ready to pray with individuals who may be convicted during discussion

**Follow-Up:**
- Check in with group members mid-week about their commitments
- Share testimonies of answered prayers or breakthroughs at the next meeting
- Consider doing a group study on spiritual authority or discipleship as a follow-up