Glencairn Church

Going Deeper is designed for use with your small group, a friend, or on
your own. Its aim is to create time for you to spend with God and his word. Do as much or as little as you like. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our pastoral staff.

1.Pray for each other, our church, and our leaders, for personal and corporate renewal, and to allow God’s word to transform us. Share a recent entry from your Life Journal with the group.

2. This Sunday we saw how Jesus introduces us to a whole new level of freedom in a surprising way – through servanthood! While we often view “rising to the top” as a path to freedom, Jesus reveals the bondages we experience when we serve anything other than God. What thoughts or questions did the message raise for you? Which ones, encouraged you or posed a challenge to you?

3. What comes to mind when you think of servanthood? Does it feel more like a burden, or a privilege? Can you recall any positive examples of servanthood in your life? What did you learn?

4. Read Matt 20:17-28; Titus 2:14. James and John were looking for prestige and recognition. How did they understand the concept of power and greatness? How does that contrast with what Jesus describes as the use of authority and power in the kingdom? Why is it so difficult for us to label a servant as great? In your own words, describe how Jesus was a ransom for us.

5. Read 2 Tim 3:2-5. How does sin take us captive? Is it possible to be in
bondage and not even know it? If so, what can we do to prevent that?
Consider taking time to ask God to reveal any sin/bondage that He wants you to address. Can you share that with your life group?

6. The “cup” Jesus refers to in Matt 20:22 is the wrath and judgment of God. How is the wrath of God compatible with His love? Read Ezekiel 23:28-34; Nahum 1:6. How does this vivid description of God’s wrath impact your understanding of what Jesus went through on the cross? What does it tell you about God’s commitment to deal with sin? What does this have to do with servanthood, and how might it help you see it in a different light?

7. Take a moment of silence to consider how God is speaking to you. Is He asking you to make changes or to do something new? What concrete steps of response do you want to take? How can your group support you in these steps?