Small Group Guide
# Small Group Guide: No Fear – The Forgiveness of God
**Based on 1 John 1:8-10; Psalm 103:1-3**
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## Opening Prayer & Icebreaker (10 minutes)
**Icebreaker Question:**
– What’s one thing this week that made you grateful? Share something simple or significant.
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## Key Scripture Review (5 minutes)
**Primary Passages:**
– 1 John 1:8-10
– 1 John 4:10
– Psalm 103:1-3
– Micah 7:18
Have someone read these passages aloud to refresh the group’s memory.
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## Discussion Questions (30-40 minutes)
### Understanding God’s Forgiveness
1. **The Voice of Sin vs. The Voice of Forgiveness**
– Pastor Strayer talked about sin having a voice that condemns us. Have you ever experienced that “voice” after committing a sin? What does it say to you?
– How is the “voice of forgiveness” different and louder? How can we train ourselves to hear God’s voice of forgiveness more clearly?
2. **Forgiveness is Received, Not Achieved**
– What’s the difference between receiving forgiveness and trying to achieve it?
– Why do you think many Christians struggle to simply receive God’s forgiveness without trying to “earn” it through good works?
– Share a time when you struggled to believe God had truly forgiven you. What helped you accept His forgiveness?
3. **Consequences vs. Condemnation**
– The sermon mentioned that while God forgives us, there are still consequences for our sins. How do you reconcile these two truths?
– Can you share an example (without oversharing) where you experienced God’s forgiveness but still faced consequences? How did you navigate that?
### Personal Application
4. **The Doctrine of Perfection**
– 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” Why is it dangerous to believe we can reach a point where we no longer sin?
– How does acknowledging our ongoing need for forgiveness keep us humble and dependent on God?
5. **Iniquities vs. Sins**
– Psalm 103:3 uses the word “iniquities” (sins we know we shouldn’t commit but do anyway). How does it impact you to know that God forgives even intentional sins?
– What safeguards can we put in place to avoid intentional sin?
6. **Worship from the Inside Out**
– The sermon emphasized that “what happens on the inside eventually comes out on the outside” regarding worship. How would you evaluate your current worship life?
– What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your personal time with God so that worship becomes more natural and authentic?
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## Key Takeaways (5 minutes)
**Main Points to Remember:**
1. **Only Jesus Christ can forgive our sins** – No religion, ritual, or good work can save us; only the blood of Jesus.
2. **Forgiveness is received, not achieved** – We cannot earn God’s forgiveness through our efforts; it’s a gift of grace.
3. **God forgives ALL our sins** – Including both unintentional sins and iniquities (intentional sins we knew were wrong).
4. **There are consequences, but no condemnation** – While sin may have earthly consequences, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
5. **Worship flows from intimacy** – When we spend time with Jesus daily, authentic worship naturally overflows from our lives.
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## Practical Applications (10-15 minutes)
### This Week’s Challenge:
**Choose 1-2 of these action steps:**
1. **Daily Declaration**
– Each morning this week, declare out loud: “I am forgiven for everything, for anything, through the blood of Jesus Christ.” Write down how this affects your day.
2. **Forgiveness Journal**
– If you’re struggling to receive God’s forgiveness for a specific sin, write out 1 John 1:9 and personalize it with your situation. Read it daily until you truly believe it.
3. **Worship Differently**
– Set aside 10-15 minutes each day this week for personal worship. Try worshiping with more physical expression (lifting hands, kneeling, standing) even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
4. **Stop Asking for the Same Forgiveness**
– If you’ve been repeatedly asking God to forgive the same sin He’s already forgiven, make a conscious decision to stop. Thank Him instead for the forgiveness you’ve already received.
5. **Share Your Testimony**
– Share with someone this week about a time when you experienced God’s radical forgiveness. This could be with a friend, family member, or someone who needs to hear about God’s grace.
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## Prayer Time (10-15 minutes)
### Group Prayer Focus:
1. **Thanksgiving** – Thank God for His complete forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
2. **Personal Confession** – Allow time for silent confession and receiving God’s forgiveness (remind the group they don’t need to confess aloud).
3. **For Those Struggling** – Pray for anyone in the group who struggles to believe they’re truly forgiven.
4. **Salvation** – Pray for friends and family members who don’t yet know Jesus as their Savior.
5. **Boldness in Worship** – Ask God to help each person worship more freely and authentically.
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## Closing Thought
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities…” (Psalm 103:1-3)
**Remember:** You cannot out-sin God’s grace. His forgiveness is complete, total, and final. Receive it today!
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## For Next Week
– Read 1 John 4:7-21 (next week’s focus on Christians loving one another)
– Come prepared to share how you practiced receiving God’s forgiveness this week
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## Leader Notes
– Be sensitive to those who may be carrying heavy guilt or shame
– Create a safe space where people can be honest about their struggles
– Remind the group of confidentiality
– Have tissues available
– If someone shares about ongoing sin struggles, offer to connect them with pastoral care or additional resources
– Celebrate any salvation decisions from the service!