Topic: Trust

Title: Embracing His Refining
Series: True Spirituality In Christ
Text: Malachi 2:17-3:5

How should we respond when God is seemingly inconsistent with His character that’s revealed in the Scripture and when we are supposed to live by faith and not by sight? True spirituality is reflected by trusting God in His refining work and His timing even when it does not appear reasonable in our human mind to do so.

General Questions:

  1. The fourth dispute God has against the Israelites is their complaint towards God’s seemingly inaction towards evil and injustice. What are some of the What are some instances of injustice and/or suffering we have encountered in our lives?

Perspective Questions:

  1. How do we usually respond to the times of refining around us? How can knowing that God is refining us and that evil would ultimately be judged shape our perspectives and responses to these circumstances?

Application Questions:

  1. How can we respond to God when we are experiencing God’s refining and discipline? How can we help each other to see this discipline as a treasure from God rather than something undesirable in our lives?
  2. As a LG, how can we support one another in responding to God when our members (ourselves included) are undergoing suffering or experiencing injustice in their lives?

Series: True Spirituality in Christ (Book Study on Malachi)
Title: Trusting in God’s Love
Text: Malachi 1:1-5

Difficult times in life may cause us to doubt God’s love for us. Eventually, we can become increasingly apathetic or ungrateful towards God. What are some perspectives that can help us navigate difficult times and difficult emotions so we can remain faithful to God?

General Questions:

  1. Take time to reflect on what the Lord has done for you that enabled you to experience His love. What happened and how did your appreciation for God’s love change from that experience?

Perspective Questions:

  1. Ps. Timothy shared 3 reasons why Israel questioned God’s love for them:
    1. Disappointment from unmet expectations
    2. Economic difficulties
    3. Jealousy of neighbours
    Which of these do you find more relatable in your recent struggles? How does the perspective of God’s love help us in such circumstances?
  2. How can we be honest with God about our trials, doubts and fears, and also exercise trust in Him?

Application Questions:

  1. What are some habits you can start to become better at remembering Gpd’s love and being grateful to Him?
    What are some habits you can stop (e.g. complaining, comparing) that takes the focus away from God and encourages a tendency to fear, doubt or get discouraged?
  2. Is there a recent incident in your life that is causing you to question or doubt God’s love? Share with your lifegroup and ask them to pray along with you to trust God’s love.