The Last Judge Message Based Study

(Week 4)

Watch the Sermon

Main Idea/Summary

True Repentance

Icebreaker

What is the difference between saying sorry and true repentance?

Read

1 Samuel 7

Discussion Questions

1. The Israelites had been living in disobedience, worshiping idols and failing to honor God. In 1 Samuel 7:3 Samuel tells the people of Israel to rid themselves of the idols they had been worshiping and turn back to God. How do we know when something has become an idol in our lives?What are some common idols people struggle with today?

2. Read 1 Samuel 7:3-6 and Psalm 51:17. What are the inward and outward signs that confirm sincere repentance? What role do spiritual disciplines play in the process of repentance?

3. How can we cultivate a habit of regular self-examination and repentance in our lives, rather than waiting for a crisis?

4. In 1 Samuel 7:6 The Israelites confess their sin publicly and acknowledge that they have sinned against God. Why is confession such an important part of repentance? What prevents us from confessing our sins?

5. After the Israelites repent, God responds and delivers them from the Philistines. Repentance leads to not only physical but also spiritual restoration. How have you experienced God’s restoration in your own life?

6. God used Samuel to spiritually lead His people towards repentance. Who are the people in your life that hold you accountable and guide you to a closer relationship with God? Why are these people essential to our spiritual walk?

7. In verse 12, Samuel sets up a stone called Ebenezer, saying "Till now the Lord has helped us." How can we create reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives? What are some pillars of faith in your life that you look back on to remind you of God’s faithfulness?

Prayer

End your group with an extended time of personal reflection and prayer. Encourage group members to take some time to:

1. Reflect on areas where they need to repent

2. Identify and ask the Lord to remove any "idols" in their lives

3. Confess their sin before the Lord

4. Re commit to serving God wholeheartedly

Announcements

Small Group Leader, here are a few church announcements we would like you to share with your group this week.

1. Easter Baptism- On Easter weekend, we will be baptizing after each service. Encourage those in your group who have not yet taken the step of baptism to sign up. They can sign up at cfmiami.org/baptism.

2. Serve for Easter- In just a few weeks, we will have hundreds of first time guests flooding our church, many of which are far away from God. We have an opportunity to be part of the work that God is going to do in the hearts of many that weekend by serving. If there are people in your group who are not currently serving in a ministry, encourage them to sign up, even if just for Easter weekend. They can sign up to serve at cfmiami.org/serve.

3. Connect to Mission- Lastly, we have a special opportunity to serve our community and invite our neighbors to Easter service. Choose a serving opportunity as a group together at cfmiami.org/reachbeyond.