Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

Context:

In Luke 6:27-38, Jesus turns the world's standards upside down, teaching that God’s mercy must define the way we live and interact with others. This passage calls for loving one’s enemies, acting generously without expecting anything in return, and forgiving freely. Disciples are to reflect God's nature through their actions—acts of mercy, grace, and love—even toward those who reject or mistreat them.

Icebreaker:

What’s a time when you did something kind for someone who didn’t deserve it or didn’t return the favor?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 6:27-38.

Reflect on Verse 27: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” How do Jesus’ words sit with you? How do they challenge the way the world teaches us to handle conflict? What might it look like to actively “do good” for someone wronged you? How do you do this while still maintaining boundaries to protect your heart or your safety?

Verses 29-30 describe how we should respond to personal insults, theft, or being asked for something. How do these teachings challenge your instincts when someone wrongs you or asks for something you’re unwilling to give? Jesus doesn’t call us to be passive victims but to act with generosity. Why is it important to “give freely,” as Jesus describes here?

In Verse 31, Jesus teaches the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Do these words shape your life and interactions (be honest)? What might this look like in situations where we are tempted to judge or criticize?

In Verses 37-38, Jesus speaks about mercy, forgiveness, and giving without judgment. What do these verses tell us about God’s character? How can you show mercy to someone who may not deserve it or who you may have been holding a grudge against? Who has shown you mercy when you didn’t deserve it?

End with prayer, thanking God for the day, and asking for whatever you need in the week ahead.

Context:

Luke 6:17-26 presents what is known as the "Sermon on the Plain.” This sermon differs from the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew, with Luke’s version focusing on societal and economic reversals brought about by the kingdom of God.

Icebreaker:

What has truly surprised you or “flipped your world upside down” in the last several months or in 2024?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 6:17-26.

Before going further, reflect on and discuss this:

The most important feature of the Beatitudes is that they are Christological. All God’s blessings are found in Christ, and Christ is the source of every blessing. Therefore, it would be a misuse of the Beatitudes to suggest that they are principles or guidelines that inform people of the way they should live so that God will reward their efforts with blessings. That would turn the Beatitudes from the Gospel into Law. Instead, the purpose of the Beatitudes is to instill and strengthen faith in Christ alone.

Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” In contrast, the woes are directed at the rich, well-fed, and comfortable. In our world, where comfort and wealth are seen as signs of success, how can we remain focused on eternal priorities while living in an affluent society? Do we need to be poor in order to be God-pleasing people? (Hint: no)

Jesus mentions that those who are hated, excluded, and rejected because of Him are blessed. How can we find comfort in this promise when we face opposition or persecution for our faith? Have you ever experienced rejection or exclusion because of your faith in Jesus? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience?

In what ways do you see yourself in either the blessed or woe categories in this passage? Is God calling you to change how you use your resources, time, or energy to align with His priorities and topsy-turvy Kingdom?

End with prayer, thanking God for the day, and asking for whatever you need in the week ahead.

Context:

In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls Simon (later Peter), James, and John to be His disciples after performing the miraculous fish catch. This event happens after Jesus has been preaching and healing in the region, setting the stage for His calling of these fishermen to become "fishers of men." The passage highlights a physical miracle and the spiritual transformation that begins with Jesus’ call. Overwhelmed by the miraculous catch, Peter recognizes his own unworthiness in contrast to Jesus’ holiness, yet Jesus calls him into a new purpose: to follow Him.

Icebreaker:

Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God was calling you to step out of your comfort zone? What was your response?

Read Luke 5:1-11.

What stands out to you about the miracle itself? After a fruitless night of fishing, Peter obeys Jesus' command to cast the nets again. Why do you think Peter responded in obedience despite his experience? Have you ever felt like you were doing something in your strength that wasn’t working, only to see God do something when you relied on Him?

Peter says, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” How did Peter’s reaction to the miracle reveal his understanding of who Jesus was? What does his response tell us about the nature of Jesus and the call to discipleship?

What does Jesus mean when He tells Peter, “From now on, you will fish for people”? What does it mean to be a “fisher of people” today? What might Jesus call you to leave behind to follow Him more fully? How can you take small steps to trust Jesus in areas where you’re hesitant to follow fully?

Jesus calls each of us to a unique role in His Kingdom. Whether it’s through serving others, sharing the gospel, or simply living faithfully in our daily lives, we are called to be His disciples. Where do you think you can be most helpful in building God’s Kingdom?

End with prayer, thanking God for the day, and asking for whatever you need in the week ahead.

Context:

In this passage, we see the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee, where He demonstrates His authority through teaching, healing, and casting out demons. Jesus’ authority, recognized first by the unclean spirit, is not only about His divine power but also reveals His mission to usher in the Kingdom of God, fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah.

Icebreaker:

What are the situations where someone has had authority over you (e.g., a boss, teacher, or parent)? How did you react to their authority? Why?

After the icebreaker, read Luke 4:31-44.

Jesus teaches with authority in the synagogue, and people are amazed. His teaching is not like the scribes but with power that makes them wonder about the source. What do you think made Jesus' teaching so different from the other teachers of the law? Since Jesus is not physically present now like he was then, how do we recognize His authority in our lives today? Where do we struggle to recognize it?

The demon recognizes Jesus as the "Holy One of God" and acknowledges His authority over the spiritual realm. Jesus rebukes the demon and heals the man, demonstrating that the Kingdom of God has power over evil. Why do you think the demon immediately recognizes Jesus as the "Holy One of God"? How can we understand spiritual authority today, especially in a world where many might dismiss the reality of the spiritual realm?

Jesus moved on from the town to proclaim the Kingdom of God to other cities, emphasizing that this was the purpose for which He was sent. Why is Jesus’ mission described as "proclaiming the Kingdom of God"? What does that phrase mean to you? Jesus’ authority extends to individuals and entire communities (notice that the emphasis is never on a personal relationship, per se…). What does it look like for you to join Jesus on this mission?

Wrap up the session by praying together, asking God to strengthen each person’s understanding of Jesus’ authority and how His Kingdom is alive and active today.