LIFE GROUPS WEEK 8 – FALL 2025
LIFE GROUPS – WEEK 8
FULL SERMON – 38 MINUTES
ICE BREAKER:
Share a time when following Jesus felt uncomfortable, but was worth it in the end.
SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 17:24-27 NIV
24 After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay the temple tax?”
25 “Yes, he does,” he replied.
When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. “What do you think, Simon?” he asked. “From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?”
26 “From others,” Peter answered.
“Then the children are exempt,” Jesus said to him. 27 “But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.”
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 NIV
23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.
KEEP IT UNCOMPLICATED:
Observation Questions
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Why do you think Jesus chose to pay the temple tax even though He didn’t have to?
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What does His choice teach us about humility and laying down our rights for others?
- Why did Jesus think it would offend people or “set a trap” (skandalizō) for him not to pay the temple tax?
Understanding Questions
- How does Jesus’ example challenge how we think about personal freedom and entitlement?
- Our character and private life often speaks louder than our words. How should your love for God shape your everyday choices so your life points people toward Him?
Application Questions
- How does recognizing your influence, whether as a parent, coworker, friend, or leader, change the way you live your faith as a representation of Christ?
- Following Jesus sometimes means surrendering our rights out of love for others. Are there areas of your life where holding tightly to your rights may be getting in the way of being a witness for Christ? Is there a “right” you need to surrender this week for the sake of helping others in their faith?
Prayer & Potential Next Steps
Take a few minutes to pray together as a group. Pray for humility, courage, and a deeper desire to reflect Jesus in your everyday life. Ask God to show you where you might be choosing comfort over character, where pride might be getting in the way of love, or where you can surrender your “rights” for the sake of others and God’s glory.
Consider a bold step of faith:
- Baptism: publicly declaring your faith.
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Serving: stepping out to meet a need.
- Leading: helping others grow in faith.
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