SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER | WEEK 40
This week, we continue in the Gospel of Mark, chapters 2-6. Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.
Discussion Questions:
• What is the purpose of the Sabbath? (Mark 2:27)
• What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? (Mark 3:28-30)
• In the parable of the soils (Mark 4:13-20), what do the thorns represent? Consider what thorns you might be dealing with and their impact on your fruitfulness.
• How much do you need to know in order to witness to others? (Mark 5:19-20)
• When Jesus taught the multitude that He later fed, what is the significance of their being sheep without a shepherd? (Mark 6:34)
Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:
• What do you find in Paul’s prayers for the church in Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 3:14-21 that you might include in your own prayer life? – Your answer will vary. For me, it is to pray that our eyes would be open to what God has for us as believers.
• What is the purpose of the leadership gifts that Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:11-16 – To equip the body for performing the work of the church.
• Are we supposed to be thankful for the bad things that happen to us? If not, what is Paul talking about in Ephesians 5:20? – We are to have a spirit of thanksgiving regardless of what comes our way. Not because those things are good. But because of what God can do with them in our lives.
• Who, or what, is the true enemy that we face as believers? (Eph 6:10-17) – Our true enemy is not the people we can see. There are evil spiritual entities who are instigating the attack against us. And that is who we need to stand firm against. Put on God’s armor and stand firm.
• Why did Mark tell us that Jesus was with wild animals while he was being tempted in the wilderness? (Mark 1:12-13) – We do not know for sure. But it could be a reference to Eve’s temptation in the garden, a time when humanity lived in harmony with the animals. Jesus was with the wild animals while He was tempted, but seemed not to be bothered by them. And He did not give in to His temptation.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me hear Your voice and trust You more deeply. Clear away the worries and distractions that crowd out Your work in my life. Give me a heart that rests in You, eyes that see people with compassion, and courage to simply share what You have done for me. May my life bear fruit that points others to You. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals
Discussion Questions:
• What is the purpose of the Sabbath? (Mark 2:27)
• What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? (Mark 3:28-30)
• In the parable of the soils (Mark 4:13-20), what do the thorns represent? Consider what thorns you might be dealing with and their impact on your fruitfulness.
• How much do you need to know in order to witness to others? (Mark 5:19-20)
• When Jesus taught the multitude that He later fed, what is the significance of their being sheep without a shepherd? (Mark 6:34)
Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:
• What do you find in Paul’s prayers for the church in Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 3:14-21 that you might include in your own prayer life? – Your answer will vary. For me, it is to pray that our eyes would be open to what God has for us as believers.
• What is the purpose of the leadership gifts that Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:11-16 – To equip the body for performing the work of the church.
• Are we supposed to be thankful for the bad things that happen to us? If not, what is Paul talking about in Ephesians 5:20? – We are to have a spirit of thanksgiving regardless of what comes our way. Not because those things are good. But because of what God can do with them in our lives.
• Who, or what, is the true enemy that we face as believers? (Eph 6:10-17) – Our true enemy is not the people we can see. There are evil spiritual entities who are instigating the attack against us. And that is who we need to stand firm against. Put on God’s armor and stand firm.
• Why did Mark tell us that Jesus was with wild animals while he was being tempted in the wilderness? (Mark 1:12-13) – We do not know for sure. But it could be a reference to Eve’s temptation in the garden, a time when humanity lived in harmony with the animals. Jesus was with the wild animals while He was tempted, but seemed not to be bothered by them. And He did not give in to His temptation.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me hear Your voice and trust You more deeply. Clear away the worries and distractions that crowd out Your work in my life. Give me a heart that rests in You, eyes that see people with compassion, and courage to simply share what You have done for me. May my life bear fruit that points others to You. Amen.
Helpful Resources:
• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration
• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals