Above & Beyond Series Discussion Questions
September 14, 2025 - Above & Beyond
Michael's illustration of rock climbing beyond the crux can help us feel the position the disciples found themselves in.
How did Jesus acknowledge the dark context of where they were in a way that called them to rise above with the Gospel? Read Luke 12:4-12. How did Jesus call them to address fear and anxiety?
We face similar darkness in our times. In the wake of depraved social and political violence, how are we to apply Jesus’ words and how are we to respond?
The spiritual battle is over our culture’s need for the gospel and our need to raise our regard for human life. What do the statistics tell us about our perspective of life in the midst of disagreement?
Choosing faith over fear frees us to respond rightly through the gospel. What does it look like to respond in faith?
How does Romans 12:9-21 encourage us to respond?
Michael applied it this way in his conversations...
In too many ways, humanity is losing its humanity. For the sake of humanity, violence can not be a response to disagreements. Violence in actions or words can not be what we sink to when disagreeing. Every person bears the image of God. His/Her life has value, our lives have value, and your life has immense value. Being an image bearer is what sets us apart from the rest of creation. And even now, in our disagreement, I regard you with the value of the image of God. I disagree with you, but I cannot now resort to hurting you, or belittling you, or making you feel threatened by my words or actions. I regard you too much. Our world will not be a better place by implementing violence. I want more for humanity.
How can you be ready to respond through the gospel?
Michael ended with a call to live above so that we can go beyond with the great opportunity that is before us. Jesus acknowledged this with the disciples. The world is indeed dark, but the opportunity is great. What do the recent stats for Gen Z and the religious movement tell us about the opportunity that is in front of us?
September 21 - Intentional Spiritual Growth
Barna reports have always helped shine a light on where we are in American culture and our faith reality. What do the trends suggest about our normal state of spiritual growth?
Jesus doesn't shy away from using sharp words. What clarity was Jesus bringing to this man and the group at large? Have you ever had a heart check like this that made you question the foundation of your faith? Do you know the gospel and have you truly responded in life changing faith?
How did the rich farmer show that he was not growing to the norms of what God had set for Isreal? What did this reveal about the farmers heart toward God and people?
After the heart check Jesus sets a trajectory of intentional growth for His disciples. What did that look like?
Most of us are familiar with the parable of the sower. Take some time to read Matthew 13:18-23. How does this compare with Luke 12? What soil do you think the brother, farmer, and disciples were represented by?
The point of the parable is to make you question the condition of your heart’s soil and challenge what you are doing with the Word you have received.
At face value what does this parable say about the current norms of the culture around Jesus and the disciples? How was the soil represented in culture then? And what are the "norms" around us?
How did this parable challenge the Disciples to be intentional with their hearts’ soil? How can you allow it to challenge your personal growth and application of the word to your life this year?
How did this parable help to frame the future ministry of the disciples beyond where they had been with Jesus? What could we look like as a family of faith in Monroe if we position ourselves better with growth? How could we go beyond where we have been up to this point?
What growth goals do you need to be intentional with this year?