READ OUT LOUD AS A GROUP: Hebrews 7:11-28. Read it two or three times as a group. Use a different translation each time.

Spend 2 minutes in silent prayer. As you breathe deeply, reflect on the passage. After this, invite someone to close in prayer.

DISCUSS – “What is it like when you draw near to God?”

Q1 – How would you describe your daily encounters with God? Are they life-giving? Restful? Tiring? Frustrating? Be as honest as possible.

Q2 – How quickly are you distracted from His Presence? What are the biggest distractions pulling you away? Are they external (work, relationships, responsibilities) or internal (worry, doubt, apathy)?

POINT 1: EMBRACE YOUR IDENTITY

READ OUT LOUD AS A GROUP: 1 Peter 2:9-10
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Q3 – Jesus offers us a better deal. What did your life look like before surrendering to Jesus? Is there any part of your old identity that continues to linger? How can you offer that to God?

Q4 – Sometimes we can become so comfortable in the good news of the gospel that it leads to entitlement and complacency. You have an active role to play as a member of a royal priesthood in the Kingdom of God. Where in your life are you actively taking ground from the enemy? Name any areas of your life that you live more defensively that need to shift to offensive pursuit towards God and against darkness.

POINT 2: ACCEPT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
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READ OUT LOUD AS A GROUP: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Q5 – Where you are is where the temple of God is. What does it look like for you to live out the work of the temple in your daily life? How does this truth shift the way you see your ordinary moments?

Q6 – Take a moment to think about where the Lord has placed you. What vocation, neighborhood, part of town, family has God placed you in where you need to accept responsibility? How will you radiate the Kingdom of God from you where you are?

CHALLENGE:
Prepare for Church at Home on Sunday, March 30th where the entire church will be invited to practice the Sabbath together. Make plans to gather with your community group. This week, try experimenting with a Sabbath day in your own life and within your group. Experiment with your own Sabbath rhythms. Here are a few recommended practices to add into your Sabbath day:

• Lighting candles
• Blessing children
• Eating a Sabbath meal
• Expressing gratitude
• Singing
• Worshiping with your church
• Walking
• Napping
• Making love to your spouse
• Reading, especially Scripture
• Spending time alone with God
• Spending time with family and friends in conversation and celebration

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