CONNECT
If new people have joined your group, take time to introduce yourselves to each other.
Some questions to get the conversation rolling:
1. What was missing growing up?
2. When did you see the light of Christ in someone recently?

PRAY TOGETHER
Allow a moment for silence. This is often the most meaningful moment.

Then spend a few minutes asking God to meet each of you personally, right where you are. Pray that He would show you new and beautiful things and lead you further along the path of life. Allow time for everyone to contribute as God leads.

STUDY AND DISCUSSION
◾ Resist the urge to get through all the questions. It’s OK if you don’t. That’s not the point. Let the Holy Spirit guide your reflection and discussion. Spend time reading and really thinking about what the Bible is saying.

◾ If your group has eight or more people, it might be helpful to break into circles of four or five for greater participation and deeper discussion. When you come back together, invite each group to share a few takeaways from their conversation.

1. What do you think it means that all the nations are gathered before Him?

2. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of a shepherd separating sheep and goats?

3. What does this passage reveal about who Jesus is?

4. Why do you think Jesus says, I was hungry… I was thirsty… and identifies Himself with those in need?

5. What does it mean to care for one of the least of these (verse 40, 45)?

6. What thoughts or questions come to mind when you picture this scene?

7. If salvation is a gift of grace and not based on works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7), how do you make sense of what Jesus is teaching in Matthew 25:31-46?

8. What’s the difference, in your experience, between conviction and condemnation? How can you tell which one you’re hearing?

9. If someone asked you, How can Jesus do this? I thought He was full of love and grace. How would you reply?

10. What new insights do these passages give you into what Jesus is teaching in Matthew 25:31–46?

11. What do these passages teach you about the Good News of Jesus?

12. How are you feeling after this week’s study and discussion?

PERSONAL APPLICATION
After this week’s lesson, what’s one thought, question or takeaway you’re sitting with right now? Pause and ask God what He wants to say to you. Allow time for Him to speak, being sensitive to thoughts that come to mind. Growing often comes by simply making yourself available to God.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY
Memorizing Scripture enables us to carry within us the life-giving, life-shaping words of God at all times in all places. Here’s a verse to memorize based on this week’s teaching:

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Matthew 25:46 (NIV)

PRAY
Spend time renewing your desire for Jesus to work in your heart, and pray for people you know to feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit and be open to receiving God’s love and mercy. For it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200.

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.