Life Group Guide: "F.O.M.O.—Encountering the Glory of Christ"
Life Group Guide: "F.O.M.O.—Encountering the Glory of Christ"
Opening Prayer: Begin by asking God to open your hearts and minds to His glory and truth as you discuss the sermon.
Key Takeaways:
1. Encountering the glory of Christ is essential for genuine faith and commitment to God.
2. True encounters with Jesus always bring change and a desire for God's Kingdom.
3. Many Christians may be going through the motions without truly experiencing Christ's glory.
4. Seeing Christ's glory leads to naturally seeking God's Kingdom, even unconsciously.
Discussion Questions:
1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Why?
2. PJ emphasized the importance of taking God seriously and revering His name. How do you think this looks in daily life?
3. Discuss Peter's reaction to seeing Jesus transfigured. How does this relate to our own encounters with God's glory?
4. PJ’s message suggests that many Christians today might be "doing faith on their own terms." What are some ways this might manifest in modern church culture?
5. How would you explain the difference between trying harder to be a good Christian and truly encountering Christ's glory?
6. PJ stated, "No glory, no faith." Do you agree? How has experiencing God's glory impacted your own faith journey?
7. What are some potential barriers that prevent us from seeing and experiencing the glory of Christ in our lives?
8. In what areas of your life might you be glorifying worldly things over God? How can you shift this perspective?
9. PJ mentions that many attend church but ignore "God's final plea to His people." What do you think this means in our current context?
Practical Applications:
1. Daily Glory Prayer: Commit to praying daily this week, "God, show me your glory. Give me your glory. Let your glory fall upon me."
2. Priority Check: Evaluate your weekly schedule. Are you prioritizing encounters with God's glory (through prayer, worship, Bible study) as much as other commitments?
3. Kingdom Seekers: Identify one concrete way you can seek God's Kingdom in your workplace, family, or community this week.
4. Scripture Meditation: Spend time meditating on passages that describe God's glory (e.g., Exodus 33:18-23, Isaiah 6:1-8, Revelation 1:12-18).
5. Accountability: Partner with someone in the group to check in mid-week about your experiences seeking God's glory.
6. Sharing Testimonies: At your next meeting, come prepared to share a time when you truly encountered God's glory and how it impacted your faith.
Closing Prayer: Thank God for His glorious nature and ask for His help in truly encountering His glory in the coming week.
5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide:
Day 1: Encountering God's Glory
Reading: Exodus 33:18-23, Luke 9:28-36
Devotional: Moses asked to see God's glory, and centuries later, Peter, James, and John witnessed it on the Mount of Transfiguration. God's glory is transformative and awe-inspiring. Today, reflect on times you've sensed God's presence in your life. How did it change you? Pray for a fresh encounter with God's glory, asking Him to reveal Himself in new ways. Remember, truly seeing God's glory compels us to seek His kingdom above all else.
Day 2: Taking God Seriously
Reading: Malachi 1:6-14, Matthew 6:33
Devotional: Malachi challenged the people for not honoring God properly. Jesus taught us to seek God's kingdom first. How seriously do we take our relationship with God? Examine your priorities today. Are there areas where you've become complacent or half-hearted in your devotion? Commit to renewing your reverence for God, recognizing His worthiness of our full attention and best efforts.
Day 3: The Transforming Power of Christ
Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18, Colossians 1:15-20
Devotional: Paul speaks of being transformed into Christ's image with ever-increasing glory. Jesus is the perfect representation of God's glory. As we behold Him, we are changed. Today, spend time meditating on Christ's character and work. How can you more fully reflect His glory in your daily life? Ask the Holy Spirit to continue His transforming work in you, making you more like Jesus.
Day 4: Living in Light of God's Kingdom
Reading: Matthew 6:9-13, Romans 14:17-19
Devotional: The Lord's Prayer teaches us to prioritize God's kingdom. What does it mean to live as citizens of God's kingdom while still in this world? Consider how your actions, words, and attitudes can demonstrate kingdom values today. Look for opportunities to bring a taste of God's reign into your interactions with others, pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Day 5: Responding to God's Glory with Commitment
Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Isaiah's encounter with God's glory led to a life-changing commitment. Paul urges us to offer our lives as living sacrifices in response to God's mercy. Reflecting on this week's readings, how has your vision of God's glory grown? What areas of your life need to be more fully surrendered to Him? Make a specific commitment today to align your life more closely with God's will, trusting that His glory and grace will empower you to follow through.
Press HERE to download.
