Week of July 14, 2025
Talking through the message during the week helps you turn what God is saying into action steps. These talking points, questions, and scriptures are designed to help you take the next step. If you are leading a group through this guide, don’t feel like you have to answer every question. Pick out those questions that will stir up conversation and action among your group.
Discussion
COME CLEAN
Psalm 32
① The Blessing of Sin That’s Been Covered (1-2) : When you let God cover your sins, you will experience joy.
The good news is that God is a forgiving God. He offers . . .
· A CLEAN RECORD (v. 1)
· A CLEAN HEART (v. 2)
When you put your faith in Christ, God forgives your sin and he cleanses your heart.
Discuss the following: “As fun as sin may seem to be, as much happiness as it may promise to bring—sin and joy don’t mix. You can’t have one with the other.” How are we to address the sin in our life?
② The Burden of Sin That’s Been Concealed (3-4) : When you try to conceal your sins, you will experience misery.
“Hidden sin, even when concealed from others, always comes to light eventually, whether in this life or the next.”
Each of us has sin in our life. Discuss the complication of concealing sin.
③ The Benefits When Sin Has Been Confessed (5-11) : When you confess your sins, you will experience forgiveness and the benefits of being on good terms with God.
What does it mean to confess our sins? It means to agree with God about them.
Discuss the depth of God’s ability and willingness to forgive our sins. Discuss the concept of “cheap grace.”
NEXT STEPS
#1 : I will stop attempting to conceal my sin and will humbly confess my sin to the Lord and receive His forgiveness.
#2 : I will submissively follow God’s instruction, allowing the Scriptures and God’s Spirit to guide me.
Talk to God
- How can we pray for you?
Small Group Guidelines
Small Group Guidelines
Though we call these Basic Group Guidelines, these are also effective in all relationships and environments. We believe it is wise to observe these whether in a one-on-one conversation or in a group discussion.
• Guidelines give boundaries for people to operate within.
• They help with the flow and pace of the discussions.
• They help us value one another.
• They help people to be more comfortable sharing deep and meaningful things.
This is a Safe Group
Confidentiality is key, what is said in the group stays in the group. Be aware how you are affecting the environment: words, actions, and non-verbal communication. This needs to be a place where people feel comfortable opening up and sharing.
No Crosstalk
Be considerate of others as they are sharing. No side conversations, checking phone, responding to text or email, etc.
Listen
Let’s value one another by listening to what is being shared. Allow a pause after someone shares to allow them to finish and others to consider what was said. Eye contact and body posture play key roles in creating a positive or negative group environment.
No Rescuing or Fixing
We are not here to fix each other, Jesus does that part. Avoid the tendency to rescue when someone is struggling to get the words out or shares a struggle or conviction.
Use “I” Statements
It’s easy to talk about the issues of others or respond with “we”, “us”, “the church”. But for us to grow as disciples and build relationship we want to use “I” statements.
Don’t Overtalk
We want to create time for all members of the group to participate in the discussion. Be careful not to always be the first responder or regularly give long responses.
Fight for Relationship
It’s not “if” conflict or hurt feelings will happen, but “when”. We commit to fight for relationship with each other. Go to that person and share your struggle or seek wise advice if you are not sure how to handle the conflict.
