Life Group Questions - January 18th

Ice Breaker: Share a time when you felt completely dependent on someone else. How did that experience make you feel? What did you learn about yourself?


Discussion Questions
Understanding Dependency
  1. How does viewing yourself as "dependent" rather than "dumb" change your perspective on your relationship with God?
  2. The sermon mentioned that sheep can't find water even when it's nearby, and they need to be led to "quiet waters" (Psalm 23). What are the "moving waters" in your life that distract you from the peace God offers?
  3. Sheep will eat poisonous plants because they can't discern good from bad. What are some "poisonous" things in our culture that look appealing but are spiritually harmful? How can we develop better discernment?

The Role of Shepherds
  1. Pastor shared that "spiritual leadership begins with humility, empathy, and deep connection to the mission of Jesus." How have you experienced this kind of leadership? How have you experienced the opposite?
  2. Peter addresses shepherds as a "fellow elder," not lording over them. What does this tell us about healthy leadership in the church? How can we support our spiritual leaders better?
  3. The sermon warned about "Judas sheep"—those who lead others astray. How can we protect ourselves and our community from false teaching while remaining open to truth?

Personal Application
  1. Pastor Rino mentioned that through dependency, a bond is built—like a nursing mother with her child. How can we cultivate a deeper dependency on God that builds intimacy rather than feeling like weakness?
  2. Sheep get dirty and can't clean themselves. What are the "lanolin moments" in your life—the things that stick to you that you're blind to but need a shepherd to help remove?
  3. The sermon emphasized that sheep give up easily when injured and have no self-preservation instinct. When you're spiritually wounded or discouraged, what helps you not give up? Who are the shepherds in your life who help you in those moments?

Reflection Questions: 
  • What does it mean practically for me to "run to the Father" when I'm struggling?
  • In what areas of my life am I trying to be independent when God is calling me to dependence?
  • Who are the shepherds God has placed in my life, and am I allowing them to speak into my life?