DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery”
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Did anyone try any of the five daily practices from the last Group Guide? If so, is there a practice that stood out to you?
- Happy Father’s Day! Jeff shared that as the “father of the house,” he was tasked to kill a snake that his wife found in their home. What kinds of “small” functions or tasks do you expect fathers to do, either growing up, in your current family, or with friends around you?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can read the “Sermon Notes” section on the main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- This week’s movie “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” is a murder mystery with a very strong subplot around the question “Is religion safe or poisonous?” What stood out most to you from this week's message?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Read John 13:34-35. Jesus stated the phrase “love one another” three times in this passage. How and why are we commanded to love one another?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized love as the primary evidence of being his disciple?
- Read Matthew 11:28-30. How does this passage help to explain the difference between religion and a relationship with Jesus?
- Read 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Colossians 4:5-6. What key words stand out to you from these passages? How do those words guide how we are to share our faith?
Go Deeper
- Jeff said, "Religion ruins a relationship with Jesus." Have you ever experienced legalism, judgment, or toxic religion? How did it affect your faith?
- Jeff shared that "Jesus + Nothing = Everything." What does that statement mean practically in your daily life?
- Who in your life may have been hurt by religion but is still open to Jesus? How can you represent Christ well to them?
- What is one area where you need to replace performance with grace this week?
- Where are you in your faith journey with Jesus?
Pray
- Take turns to share things you are thankful for as well as prayer requests.
- Pray that God would help us rest in his grace instead of striving for approval, make our lives a reflection of Christ's love, give us opportunities to represent Jesus well to those who have been hurt by religion, and continue to be a church that welcomes people with grace and truth.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NIV)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 – Grace Over Performance
Read Matthew 11:28-30. Where am I trying to earn God's approval instead of receiving His grace? Spend five minutes thanking Jesus for what he has already done instead of asking him to help you perform better. Pray, “Jesus, teach me to rest in your finished work."
Day 2 – Love Like Jesus
Read John 13:34-35. Would people describe me as someone who loves well? Intentionally encourage, forgive, or serve one person today without expecting anything in return. Pray, “Lord, help people recognize you through the way I love."
Day 3 – Represent Jesus Well
Read 1 Peter 3:15-16. Do my words and actions make people curious about Jesus? Have one genuine conversation where you spend more time listening than speaking. Pray, “Give me gentleness, respect, and wisdom as I share my faith."
Day 4 – Extend the Grace You've Received
Read Colossians 4:5-6. Who do I tend to judge instead of love? Reach out to someone who may feel overlooked, distant, or disconnected. Offer encouragement or simply spend time with them. Pray, “Father, let your grace flow through me to others."
Day 5 – Jesus + Nothing = Everything
Read Ephesians 2:8-10. How does knowing that salvation is God's gift, not my achievement, change the way I live? Write down three ways God's grace has changed your life, then share one of them with a friend or family member. Pray, “Thank you, Jesus, that my relationship with you depends on your finished work and not my performance. Help me live each day in the freedom of your grace and point others toward you through love."