January 7, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Practicing Solitude
1 Samuel 17:12-23
When was the last time you heard a sermon on sin, judgment, or accountability? Have you listened to a message on solitude? It's the first Sunday of 2024. If you're going to go deeper in your walk with the Lord, you need to know what God's Word says about solitude.
What is solitude? It's investing intentional time alone with the Lord. Jesus would get up while dark and go to a solitary place. He would spend time with His Father (Mark 1:35). He spent entire nights alone with God. Jesus pulled away from the demands and pressures of life and ministry to refresh His soul. Does your soul need to be refreshed?
Take a few moments and answer these three questions:
1, Are you too connected?
2. Are you working yourself to death?
3. What's the difference between loneliness and solitude?
Why is solitude needed?
1. We Face Sizeable Problems. David faced a giant named Goliath. Goliath was a threat to God's people. It's a new year. However, you may be facing sizeable problems. Can you name your problems? Cancer? Financial debt? Anxiety? Depression? Spiritual dryness? As you name your giant, you need to hear God's voice. That happens when you get alone with Him.
2. We Need God's Help. David needed God's help to overcome and defeat Goliath. When God is involved, giants fall. Why does God want to be alone with you? He wants to deepen your walk with Him. He wants you to depend on Him. He wants to reveal His glory and might. He wants to prepare you for His assignment. Getting alone with God says that you need His help.
3. We Learn Spiritual Lessons. Do you have a teachable spirit? In your school-age years, you may have been a great student, or you may have been an unmotivated student. Either way, you need to spend time in God's classroom. David learned valuable spiritual lessons about the Lord. What lessons do you need for God to teach you? Write them down and then pray over them.
4. We Detox Our Souls. How is your soul? You probably haven't been asked that question lately. Your medical doctor generally doesn't probe and poke to find that out. David had an unhealthy relationship with his brothers. If he was going to defeat Goliath, David's soul needed to be healthy. Are you stressed? Do you battle a prideful spirit? Is the enemy trying to capture your soul?
5. We Discover God's Purposes. David was a man after God's own heart. He lived out God's purposes (Acts 13:36). As you pray about the new year, what is God's purpose for your life? Do you have a special place where you spend time with God? Do you need to disconnect more often from electronic devices this year? Is your soul in need of revival? God desires to show you His ways for your life.
A wonderful way to start a new year is by studying the Bible and worshipping the Lord with God's people. We'd love to see you this Sunday at FBC Clarksville. You're welcome here. We're praying for you and your walk with the Lord. He wants you to go deeper with Him!
May you have a blessed 2024!
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.
January 14, 2024
Deeper: Prioritizing Prayer
1 Samuel 1:9-17
Guest Speaker: Dr. Kie Bowman
January 21, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Facing Giants
1 Samuel 17:38-54
How many times have you read the story of David and Goliath? What a victory! A shepherd boy took down a giant, using a slingshot and a smooth stone. Giants do fall!
What giants are you facing in life? Temptation? Depression? Anxiety? Regrets? Debt? Take the time to describe your giants. How long have they been intimidating your life? What steps have you taken to defeat your giants?
1. An Aggressive Giant. The Bible describes Goliath in great detail. He threatened the safety of God's people. The people of Israel lived in fear of this giant. What giants are intimidating and shouting at you? As you name your giants, are you standing firm, walking away, or backing up? David, a young shepherd boy, stood firm. How can you stand firm against your giants?
2. An Alert Memory. David had a great memory. He remembered the Lord's protection, and he never forgot the Lord's power. If you're going to defeat your giants, you need to remember those two things, too. God protects you, and He has unlimited power. Spend a few minutes writing down specific attributes of the Lord. Your list with help you stand firm and defeat your gaints.
3. An Accurate Theology. The story of David and Goliath is packed with theology. Why was God's hand on David's life? Why did Saul and the people run away? Why does God call and use the most unlikely people? What did people think when David said that he'd fight Goliath? It's a wise discipline for God's people to pursue theological studies. Knowing about God helps defeat giants.
4. An Anointed Strategy. David was a slinger. By the way, that's a good title. What do you know about ancient warfare in Israel? As you face your giants, what's your strategy to defeat them? Your strategy needs to include God's Word, God's power, and God's people. Anointed is a word seldom used in many circles. Defeating giants requires a strategy empowered by the Holy Spirit.
5. An Awesome God. The Bible describes God as "awesome" (Nehemiah 1:5). Rich Mullins recorded a song years ago that said, "Our God is an awesome God." Take a few moments and praise God for His greatness, goodness, grace, generosity, and glory. A revival is needed that leads God's people to experience and declare God's greatness. Giants fall because of the "awesomeness" of God!
May the Lord bless you with victory over your giants!
We'd love for you to worship with us this weekend. We'll baptize new believers; we'll sing inspiring songs; we'll give tithes and offerings; we'll fellowship with one another; we'll proclaim the authority of God's Word; and we'll obey the leadership of God's Spirit.
Worshiping the Lord will change your life!
We pray to see you this weekend! Blessings!
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.
January 28, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Experiencing Jealousy
1 Samuel 18:6-9
Is the Christian life easy or hard? Are you living on a battleship or a cruise ship? God's Word reveals that the Christian life is hard and demanding. You're to pick up your cross daily and follow Him. Are you doing so?
There are many things you don't play with in life. Snakes. Drugs. Sin. Explosives. Those things are dangerous. As David's story unfolds, it's apparent that jealousy is dangerous, too. God never intended for you to play around with jealousy. A jealous spirit is dangerous and deadly.
What do you know about David's life? Share your insights about David's life and leadership. David knew how to spend time alone with the Lord. He experienced a resounding victory over Goliath. As a result, people started singing his praises. Those praises didn't please Saul. Jealousy reared its ugly head. Jealousy cost Saul dearly.
1. Jealousy: What is the Cause? Medical researchers are always looking for what causes certain diseases. To spiritualize the subject, why are many churches declining and dying? Why can't many churches find workers to serve in ministry? What's the cause? People of all ages battle jealousy. As you'll see, jealousy is a heart problem. What's the current condition of your heart?
2. Jealousy: What are the Consequences? Your enemy is a liar. He wants you to believe that you can live any way you please and face no consequences. That's a lie from the enemy's lips. According to Galatians 6:7-8, your actions have consequences. What are the consequences of jealousy? How did jealousy damage the relationship between Saul and David?
3. Jealousy: What is the Cure? Finding a cure for certain diseases is ongoing. Curing cancer would be amazing. Curing the violence in our communities would be refreshing. Putting an end to jealousy would be inspiring. Describe how you've overcome jealousy in your life. How have you seen other people beat a jealous spirit? Never forget that you can live a victorious life in Jesus.
We hope you'll join us for this important sermon. As God leads, and with His help, you can win the battle over jealousy.
We hope to see you this Sunday.
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.
FEBRUARY 4, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Enjoying Friendships
1 Samuel 20:35-42
How many friends do you have in life? Social media friends don't count. If your life fell apart in the middle of the night, whom would you call? Take a few moments and talk about why you would call the person or individuals you listed.
Loneliness is a real problem for many people. Going through life without any friends isn't uncommon. A person receives devastating medical news, a person experiences the death of a child, or a person faces a financial avalanche only to go through these life situations alone. No one calls on the phone. No one stops by the house. No one shows up at the hospital.
David and Jonathan enjoyed an intimate, appropriate friendship. Those two men were loyal, committed, and protective of one another. Each of them understood the need for trust and sacrifice. Healthy friendships require those two realities. Describe a situation when you and another person modeled trust and sacrifice. Whatever the story, would you do the same thing again?
What do you need to know about friendships?
1. Friendships: Why Are They Initiated? David and Jonathan had a strong friendship. God created you for relationships. He wants a personal relationship with you, and He desires for you to be in healthy relationships with other people. Share about your relationship with the Lord. When did the Lord redeem your soul and change your life? As you think about your closest friends, how did those relationships begin?
2. Friendships: When Are They Injured? David's life was at stake. Saul was jealous of God's servant and tried to kill him. It's painful to see injured friendships. God's Word is relevant to life. The Book of Proverbs lists many reasons why friendships divide and fracture. Can you identify the causes of why friendships experience injuries? You can even speak from real-life experiences. Being transparent about injured friendships is biblical.
3. Friendships: How Are They Improved? If your team loses a game, coaches and players talk about how to improve for the next game. If your marriage is strained and distant, you may need to see a counselor and look for ways to improve. If you have injured or stagnated friendships, you need to identify ways to improve them. Take the next few minutes and discuss ways to improve your friendships. Please know this assignment may be painful, but helpful.
If you have broken or strained friendships, may the Lord use His Word and this message to restore and reconcile those relationships. Restored friendships are a testimony to God's grace, favor, and power.
We're praying for our worship gathering this weekend. We'd love for you to join us in-person or online. The Lord is changing lives at FBC Clarksville.
Thank you for connecting with us.
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.
FEBRUARY 11, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Overcoming Revenge
1 Samuel 24:1-12
Do you use a GPS app when you travel? If you make a wrong turn, a distinguished voice will tell you to make a U-turn or to take a left or right at the next light. Have you ever prayed, "Lord, if you'll tell me which way to go and what to do, I'll do it?"
Do you long for God to show you His plans and direction for your life? The people of Israel searched for a king. A king, at least they thought, would give them happiness and security. Are you searching for the same things? What's important to King Jesus? What does He desire for you and your life?
Revenge is a temptation that many people face. The world presses us to execute revenge, especially if you've been wounded and hurt. What does Jesus say? Is He about revenge or forgiveness? Read and discuss the following verses: Matthew 5:39; Matthew 5:41; Matthew 5:44.
1. Refuse to Seek Revenge. What do you say no to in life? Living a balanced life means you say no to certain things. What did Joseph refuse (Gen. 39:1-12)? When was the last time you sought a person's advice about something? Did you do what the other person said? What's the difference between seeking man's advice and God's wisdom? Share a time when you refused to seek revenge.
2. Decide to Walk Toward. What do you walk away from, and what do you walk toward? The gospel proclaims the Lord walked toward you (Rom. 5:8). Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for your sins. Jesus paid your sin debt in full. If you're struggling with revenge and you walk away from God, His Word, and His people, what will it cost you? What happens if you walk toward Him?
3. Commit to Extend Grace. Are you living for the applause of people or the approval of God? David lived for God's approval. He never let the applause of people go to his head. How have you experienced God's grace? In a hymnal or on your phone, read the words of the song, "Amazing Grace." How do you need to praise the Lord for His amazing grace in your life? Exalt His name right now.
As you turn to the Lord and follow His Word, you can overcome revenge. You can trust the Lord to have the final say in a matter. You can be an overcomer!
We'd love for you to worship with us this weekend. It's incredible to gather with other people to worship God and share life with His people. We hope to see you on Sunday.
May you experience the Lord's goodness and grace!
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.
FEBRUARY 18, 2024
guest speaker: dr. jay strack
FEBRUARY 25, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Extending Grace
2 Samuel 9:1-13
When was the last time you saw the grace of God? Barnabas came to Antioch and saw the grace of God (Acts 11:23). How do you see God's grace? If you see someone get saved, serve in ministry, or overcome a personal storm, then you've seen the grace of God.
Take a few minutes and talk about why God's grace is amazing. As you share, praise the Lord for His salvation, His call, and His strength. You need God's grace to go to Heaven, to serve the Lord in the church, and to survive the storms of life.
Is God's grace a license to sin? Explain why you answered that question as you did.
David lived and breathed God's grace. He wanted to shower God's grace on other people. David's path crossed the path of a crippled man named Mephibosheth. He may have been crippled, but his life and living conditions were about to change. God's grace was going to take Mephibosheth's life in a different direction. He was leaving Lo-debar for a palace, a seat at David's table.
Pause for a moment and read 2 Samuel 9:1-13. Spend a few moments and talk about this story. How do you identify with Mephibosheth? How have you experienced God's grace in your life? Is there a person whom you need to bless?
Why is grace amazing?
1. Grace Seeks Us. Who is seeking your life? David asked a question. He wanted to bless someone from Saul's household for Jonathan's sake. David was a kind man. He didn't ask if anyone was worthy or deserving. One day in the middle of nowhere, a knock came on Mephibosheth's door. David wanted an audience with him. Is God knocking on your door? Will you open the door?
2. Grace Searches Us. Take a moment and read Psalm 139:23-24. Are you willing to pray that prayer? Nothing is hidden from God's sight. He knew Mephibosheth was in Lo-debar. God knows where you are, too. He can take a person living in obscurity and place him or her in a place of notoriety. As God moves in your life, He'll provide everything you need. Is the Lord searching you?
3. Grace Sanctifies Us. Talk about what the word "sanctify" means in your study group. How is the Lord setting you apart? Grace allowed Mephibosheth to take a seat with David's family at the royal table. Share a personal story of how you've been favored by God's grace. Read Ephesians 3:20-21 in your group. How have you seen that promise fulfilled in your life, marriage, family, or church?
Have you lost the amazement of God's grace? If you need to return to the Lord and praise Him for your assurance of Heaven, your call to serve in ministry, or your victory during a personal storm, let the praises flow. He's worthy!
We hope you'll worship with us on Sunday. We'd love to hear how the Lord is using this series to deepen your walk with Him. Please take a moment and share with us.
We hope to see you on Sunday!
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.
MARCH 3, 2024
MARCH 10, 2024 Study Guide
Deeper: Shedding Tears
2 Samuel 18:31-33
When was the last time tears flowed from your eyes and down your face? What caused you to weep?
In today's biblical text (2 Samuel 18), David wept over the death of his son, Absalom. David lived with tough skin and a tender heart. Can you name other people in the Bible who cried? Take a moment in your study group and discuss your answers.
The presence of tears says that you're not home yet as a believer. A day is coming when the Lord will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:1-4). What a day of rejoicing that will be! In your group, talk about Heaven. How do you go there? What will you do for eternity? What will be missing in Heaven?
David was at a low point in his life. His family seemed to be falling apart. Why did God put these tragic stories in the Bible? A major reason is that God wants you to learn from them.
What do you need to learn from David's tears?
1. What Are You Hearing? The Bible says that you should be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19). The Cushite came to David with the news about the death of Absalom. What seems to be good news can be bad news. What are people saying about your walk with the Lord? What are you hearing about your church? Are other people hearing the gospel from your lips?
2. What Are You Asking? Jesus asked many questions. One aspect of disciple-making is asking questions. If you desire to turn everyday conversations into gospel conversations, then you need to learn how to ask questions. David asked the Cushite a personal, provoking question. "Is it well with the young man Absalom?" What questions do you need to be asking in the Christian life?
3. What Are You Doing? How many times a day does someone ask you, "What are you doing?" When David heard the news about his son, what did he do? Was he broken? Did he grieve? What did he say? Take time to share in your study group how you handle bad news and grief. In your grief, God wants to use you. You can point people to Jesus in every circumstance of life (Romans 8:28).
Thank you for participating in this sermon series. We'd love to hear how the Lord used this series of sermons to "deepen" your walk with Him. Please take a few moments and let us know.
Our pastor's next sermon series is on the seven "I AM" statements of Jesus. We hope you'll interact with every message.
We hope to see you on Sunday!
View all of the "Deeper" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/deeper.