DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
"The God Who Runs"
Choose the questions for your group; no pressure to use all of them.
Start Off
- Let’s begin our time by acknowledging the presence of God in our Group. We’ll put an empty chair in our circle to remind us that God is right here with us. Then, let’s take a few deep breaths and open in prayer.
- Did anyone do any of the five daily practices from the last Group Guide? If so, is there a day that stood out to you?
- For a quick summary of the message, you can take turns reading the summary and key thoughts from the “Sermon Notes” section on main page of the Chase Oaks App.
- This week’s “The God Who Runs” message aims to give us an accurate picture of who God is. Describe one word or image that came to mind whenever you thought about God while growing up. Has that picture changed over time?
Reflect on God’s Word
- Take turns reading Luke 15:1-2, 11-32. As we read, underline, highlight, or circle words or phrases that stand out to you.
- What did the younger son ask his father for, and why was it so offensive?
- After the younger son wasted his father’s inheritance and decided to return home, what did the father do, before the son even said his first words? What about after?
- How did the older brother respond to the celebration? What did the father do when the older brother refused to come inside?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized that the father ran to meet his son?
- Why is it significant that the father pursued both sons?
- What false pictures of God does this parable correct?
Go Deeper
- Which son do you identify with more right now: the younger son or the older son? Why?
- Have you ever believed God was disappointed with you? What shaped that belief?
- Is there an area where you've been trying to earn God's love instead of receiving it?
- Is there someone in your life who may have a distorted picture of God?
- What is one practical way you can demonstrate God's welcoming heart this week?
Wrap Up
- What was a win for today’s meeting? Where did we see the Holy Spirit show up?
- Go around and share things you are thankful for as well as prayer requests. Take turns praying for one another.
- For the person closing the prayer time, read this week’s verse to meditate on (Luke 15:20) and then pray: Father, thank you for being the God who runs toward us instead of away from us. Help us lay down every false picture we've believed and embrace the truth of your love, grace, and compassion. Teach us to receive your welcome with humility and to become people who reflect your heart to a world that desperately needs to know you. May our lives point others to the Father whose arms are always open. In Jesus' name, Amen.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE THIS WEEK
“So [the son] returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20, NLT)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (BETWEEN MEETINGS)
Day 1 — Examine Your Picture of God
Read Luke 15:11-20. Reflect on the image of God you've carried throughout your life. Ask God to reveal any false beliefs you've accepted. Pray, "Father, help me see you as you truly are, not through the lens of my past experiences."
Day 2 — Receive Grace
Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Instead of trying to earn God's approval today, simply thank him for his grace. Each time you catch yourself thinking, "I have to do better so God will love me," replace it with "I am loved because of Jesus."
Day 3 — Come Home
Read Luke 15:20-24. Spend time confessing anything you've been carrying, not to earn forgiveness but because you're already welcomed home. Write down one burden, failure, or regret you've been holding onto. Pray over it and then destroy the paper as a reminder that God's grace covers it.
Day 4 — Reflect the Father's Heart
Read Colossians 3:12-14. Ask God to help you become someone who welcomes others the way the Father welcomed the prodigal son. Reach out to someone who may feel distant, forgotten, or discouraged with a phone call, text, invitation, or act of kindness.
Day 5 — Invite Someone Home
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. Pray for someone who may have a distorted picture of God because of hurt, disappointment, or religion. Look for an opportunity this week to share your own story of God's grace or invite someone to church or a faith conversation.