OPEN
Name a time when you were really “on fire” about something. Do you still have the same level of passion for that thing today? Why or why not?
REFLECT
Read Nehemiah 8:1-12.
What was your biggest takeaway from this sermon? How did this message deepen your faith?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “revival?” Have you ever personally experienced revival in your own life?
Dan said that spiritual renewal is marked by worshipful expectation. When you come to a worship service, how expectant are you typically? Do you find yourself going through the motions or being fully engaged and eager to participate?
Dan also encouraged us to lift our hands in prayer and worship on occasion. Does this make you comfortable or uncomfortable? How can you best worship God with your whole being during times of praise? How do you think engaging your body in worship might be formative for you?
When God’s people heard the Word explained, they were moved to tears. Spiritual renewal is marked by deep conviction. Share a time when the Word of God brought conviction in your life. How has God’s Word been challenging you lately?
Instead of leaving people in despair, they were encouraged to feast and celebrate, because “the joy of the Lord is your strength!” How have you seen the joy of the Lord be a stronger motivator for change than guilt?
Share with your group about how Jesus has brought revival in your own life.
APPLY
We learned that spiritual renewal is marked by Biblical authority. What is a practical step you can take (or have been taking) to increase your engagement with God’s Word?
What is one thing you are going to do differently this week (at home, at work, in your relationships, etc.) as a result of this sermon?
How can you and your group commit to praying for revival to happen in your own life, in the life of The Creek, and in the life of our city?
PRAY
Dan concluded the message with Habakkuk 3:2, “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known.” Spend time as a group praying for God to repeat His great deeds in our day, and to spark a spiritual renewal in our midst!
NEXT STEPS
God wants His people to view the world through eyes of faith and to have a holy ambition to see that vision become reality. This 9-week sermon series on the book of Nehemiah will help us to discover the eternally-significant things God wants to accomplish through our lives, and help us become the sort of people who have the courage and conviction to make a difference for the glory of God.
Check out your Spiritual Gifts! Every person has been gifted by God with talents and abilities that are useful to Kingdom work. Do you know what yours are? Check out THIS Spiritual Gifts Assessment to find out.
Find out where you can Serve! There are needs all around us. The Creek partners with several organizations that you and your group can partner with. You can find more information about them by visiting thecreek.org.