Wise Living

The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.

Start Talking - Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.

• Have you ever had high expectations for something and then got let down? Share with the group (Keep it light-hearted) (ex: a food, product, an event)

Keep Reading – Read the Scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.

Read these Scriptures out loud:

Matthew 2:1-2

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory - this was during Herod's kingship - a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around, "Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We're on pilgrimage to worship him."

• The wise men came to Herod looking for something, and I think a lot of us have come here today looking for something – what are you looking for? (ex: security, belonging, hope, community, joy?)
• How can looking for Jesus change how you look for what you're looking for?

Matthew 2:10

It [the star] led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!

• Share a time you followed something or someone that led you astray?
• What is one thing you need to stop following and one thing you need to start following to get to Jesus?

Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.

1. Wise Men Look for God in the Stable.

• Living life with a God perspective means looking for what God is doing or wants to do in every situation. Instead of seeing situations as disappointing or in a negative light, looking for God in the stable means viewing these as divine appointments.
• What is a situation you are facing right now in which you need to take a God perspective?

2. Wise Men Offer Their Best to God.

• In the nativity story the wise men not only gave what they had; they were also intentional about preparing what they were going to give well in advance, before they started on their long journey, and they brought their best.
• What impact does this perspective have for you?

3. Wise Men Change Direction in Their Life.

• Dr. Maxwell shared how the wise men received a warning not to report what they had seen; this would protect the child that was just born. They were sensitive to direction from God that caused them to change their original plans.
• Have you ever received a warning that caused you to change your plans that ended up working out for your good and/or the good of others? What was that like?

Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.

What is your stable story and how can you turn it for good?

• Pick one of this week’s key Scriptures and make it a reminder on your phone. Spend a few minutes repeating it and thinking about it each day.
• S.O.A.P out the Scripture this week.

Keep Praying

• Prayer requests from everyone in group
• Prayer

Keep Praising

“Freedom” – Jesus Culture

“Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” – Maverick City

“A Thousand Hallelujahs” – Brooke Fraser

Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.

Keep Up with What's Happening at Christ Fellowship.