Week 1:
Small Group Study: “Elisha & the Unseen Real”
Passage: 2 Kings 6:8–18
Theme: Trusting God's unseen reality when everything visible looks impossible
Duration: ~40 minutes
Group size: 4–10 people
⏱️ 1. Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)
Leader intro:
“We’re kicking off this new series with a weird, wonderful story. It’s about angels, armies, and a prophet who sees something no one else can. And it reminds us: sometimes the most real things in life are the ones we can’t see. God often works in ways that feel strange or hidden—but that doesn’t make them any less true.”
Optional Icebreaker:
When was a time something felt too strange or too good to be true—but turned out to be real?
📖 2. Scripture Reading (5–7 minutes)
Read aloud:
2 Kings 6:8–18 – Elisha sees what no one else sees; God's armies are already in place.
Context Note (brief):
Elisha is surrounded by enemies. Everyone else sees a hopeless situation. But Elisha sees something more—angel armies all around. That’s not denial—it’s divine perspective.
💬 3. Group Discussion (15–20 minutes)
🌍 Living in a “Seen Is Believing” Culture
We live in a world that prizes logic, evidence, and clarity. But what happens when God invites us into mystery?
Q: How do you usually respond when things don’t make logical sense in life or faith? Push through? Pull back? Panic?
👁️ The Invitation to Spiritual Sight
Elisha prays, “Open his eyes, Lord.” That’s a prayer we can still pray today.
Q: Have you ever experienced a moment where God helped you “see” something in a new way—something others maybe missed?
🔄 Faith Doesn’t Always Feel True
Faith isn't pretending. It's holding on when everything around you feels off.
Q: Is there something in your life right now that looks hopeless on the surface, but you’re being invited to see differently?
🔍 4. Reflection Time (3–5 minutes)
Invite silence or journaling:
“Where in your life do you need God to open your eyes? What would it look like to stop relying just on what you can explain—and start trusting what He’s revealed?”
Encourage a moment of stillness—maybe with the prayer:
“Lord, help me see what You see.”
🙏 5. Prayer Time (5 minutes)
Use these prompts (individually or in pairs):
Lord, open my eyes to see You at work—even when I feel overwhelmed or afraid.
God, I want to trust Your promises more than my feelings or logic.
Give me peace in the mystery. Help me not be afraid of the “weird” parts of Your work.
Optional group prayer:
Invite someone to pray Elisha’s words over the group:
“Lord, open their eyes so they may see.”
🎤 6. Wrap-Up & Challenge (2–3 minutes)
Leader closing:
“The Bible doesn’t avoid mystery—it embraces it. And sometimes, it’s in the strangest moments that we find the strongest truths. This week, practice asking God: ‘Help me see what You’re doing—even when it doesn’t make sense.’ That simple prayer could change how you see everything.”
Week 2:
Small Group Study: “The Nephilim & the War We Don’t See”
Passages: Genesis 6:1–4, Numbers 13:32–33
Theme: Recognizing real spiritual evil—and the greater victory of Jesus
Duration: ~40 minutes
Group size: 4–10 people
⏱️ 1. Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)
Leader intro:
“This week, we’re diving into one of the strangest parts of the Bible. It’s not a story most people hear in Sunday School. But what if the Bible wants us to see how strange—and real—evil is? Not to scare us, but to show us how powerful Jesus really is. From ancient giants to modern struggles, God’s Word says: you don’t have to be afraid, because Jesus has already won.”
Optional Icebreaker:
What's the weirdest or most mysterious Bible story or concept you've ever heard—and did it intrigue or confuse you?
📖 2. Scripture Reading (5–7 minutes)
Read aloud:
Genesis 6:1–4 – the Nephilim and the “sons of God”
Numbers 13:32–33 – spies see the Nephilim again and fear overwhelms them
Set the tone:
“These stories might sound wild, but they help us recognize something crucial: evil is real—but not ultimate. Let’s talk about that.”
💬 3. Group Discussion (15–20 minutes)
Encourage openness and honesty—this topic can stir up deep questions or past experiences.
🌀 Seeing Evil for What It Is
Not all evil looks dramatic—sometimes it’s subtle, cultural, or personal.
Q: Have you ever sensed something deeper going on behind a situation—like a spiritual dimension that’s hard to explain? How did you respond?
🛑 Fear vs Faith
The spies were overwhelmed by fear because they forgot God’s power.
Q: Where might fear be shaping your perspective more than faith? What helps you shift your focus back to God?
🧱 Building the Right Kingdom
We all build something—our choices, relationships, and attitudes are like bricks.
Q: What kind of “materials” are you using in your daily life? Are they shaped by fear, pride, and comfort—or faith, hope, and truth?
🔄 4. Reflection Moment (3–5 minutes)
Invite silent reflection or journaling:
Ask God: “Where have I underestimated the reality of spiritual warfare—or overestimated its power?”
“What brick am I laying down today?”
Encourage a moment of stillness for the Holy Spirit to speak.
🙏 5. Prayer Time (5 minutes)
Pair up or stay in a circle, depending on the group. Use these prompts:
God, open my eyes to the spiritual world—help me be alert but not afraid.
Jesus, thank you that your name is more powerful than any darkness.
We lift up those caught in spiritual deception—set them free by your truth.
Optional: Invite someone to pray boldly for freedom and clarity in the group.
🎤 6. Wrap-Up & Optional Sharing (2–3 minutes)
Leader closing:
“This week may stir up questions or spiritual awareness. That’s good. Don’t push it down—lean into it. If you’ve seen or felt spiritual oppression, know this: the name of Jesus is enough. His victory is not just past tense. It’s alive and active in you.”
Offer to chat afterward or pray further if anyone feels stirred or unsure.
Week 3:
Small Group Study: "Don't Look Back"
Passages: Genesis 19:15–29, Matthew 13:24–30
Theme: God's justice, mercy, and the danger of looking back
Duration: ~40 minutes
Group size: 4–10 people
⏱️ 1. Welcome & Opening (5 minutes)
Leader intro:
“This story drops us into chaos—fire from the sky, angels dragging people out of danger, and a woman turned to salt. But behind all that noise is a really personal God: one who listens, warns, waits, and even rescues when we hesitate. Tonight, we’re going to sit with the tension between mercy and judgment—and ask ourselves what we're still looking back at.”
Optional Icebreaker:
If you had to grab just one thing before fleeing your house forever (excluding people or pets), what would it be and why?
📖 2. Scripture Reading (5–7 minutes)
Read aloud:
Genesis 19:15–29 – focus on Lot’s escape and his wife’s turning back
Matthew 13:24–30 – Jesus’ parable of the wheat and weeds (for contrast and context)
Set the tone:
“Let’s read with ears open to both the warning and the grace in these stories.”
💬 3. Group Discussion (15–20 minutes)
Break into smaller groups or stay together depending on your size. Use these as discussion prompts:
🔁 Past & Pull
Lot’s wife looked back. Maybe it wasn’t rebellion—maybe it was heartbreak or attachment.
Q: What’s something from your past that still tugs at your heart, even though you know God is calling you forward?
🧎 Intercession & Hope
Abraham prayed for the city. God listened. Lot hesitated. God waited.
Q: Who are you praying for (or need to be praying for), trusting that God is patient and listening?
⚖️ Justice & Mercy
It can feel like God’s judgment is harsh—but what if it’s also love standing up for the hurting?
Q: When have you seen God's mercy and justice working together in your life or in the world around you?
🔄 4. Reflection Moment (3–5 minutes)
Quiet time. Invite everyone to reflect silently or journal their thoughts.
Ask God: “What am I still clinging to that You’re asking me to leave behind?”
Encourage people not to rush—this is a moment for honesty with God.
🙏 5. Prayer Points (5 minutes)
Split into pairs or small groups for prayer. Offer these prompts:
God, thank you for not giving up on me—even when I hesitate, even when I look back.
Help me reflect your justice and mercy in the way I live and treat others.
Give me boldness to pray for others who need rescue, hope, or a second chance.
🎤 6. Optional Sharing & Wrap-Up (2–3 minutes)
Leader:
“If you sensed anything during the reflection—an image, a word, a name—feel free to share it. It might be something that encourages someone else in the group.”
Close with a simple prayer of thanks, or invite someone from the group to do so.
Week 4:
Small Group Study: "When God Sends a Donkey"
Theme: Hearing God's guidance in unexpected ways
Duration: ~40 minutes
Group size: 4–10 people
⏱️ Opening (5 minutes) – Set the Tone
Leader: Welcome everyone and introduce the theme:
“Sometimes God speaks to us through surprising means – not just through preachers or scripture, but through ordinary moments, roadblocks, or even, as we’ll see today, a donkey! Let’s explore how God might be guiding us even when it feels frustrating, strange, or unexpected.”
(Optional Icebreaker Question)
What’s the weirdest or most unexpected way you’ve ever received advice or learned something valuable?
📖 Scripture Reading (5 minutes)
Read together: Numbers 22:21–31
(You can assign readers or one person can read the passage aloud.)
💬 Discussion Questions (15–20 minutes)
Break into pairs or keep it as one group, depending on your size.
1. Noticing the Signs
Balaam couldn't see the angel in front of him, but the donkey could.
Q: Have you ever looked back and realised God was trying to block your path or redirect you – and you missed it at the time?
2. Pride vs. Humility
Balaam, the ‘wise one’, was actually the blind one.
Q: What are some subtle ways pride shows up in our spiritual lives? How do we resist always thinking we know best?
3. God’s “No” as Love
God’s opposition wasn’t punishment – it was protection.
Q: What’s something you wanted that God didn’t allow, and later you were grateful He didn’t?
4. Everyday Messengers
A donkey – not a prophet – delivered God’s message.
Q: Who has God used in your life to speak truth to you, even when it surprised you?
🔄 Reflection Activity (5 minutes)
Quiet time – give 2–3 minutes of silence. Ask everyone to reflect on this question:
Is there an area in my life where I’m pushing hard for something, but it just won’t budge? Could God be redirecting me?
Encourage journaling or silent prayer.
🙏 Prayer Points (5 minutes)
Split into pairs or small prayer groups. Use these points to guide prayer:
God, help me to notice when You’re guiding me – especially when it’s not the way I expected.
Help me let go of pride and trust that Your plans are better than mine.
Give me courage to stop, listen, and obey – even if it feels inconvenient or hard.
🎤 Wrap-Up (Optional: Open Sharing)
Leader:
“If anyone wants to share something God showed you during our time – a picture, a word, or a feeling – feel free to speak it out.”
Close the group with a short prayer of gratitude and surrender.
Week 5:
🐍 Small Group Study:
“Trusting God in the Struggle”
📖 Scripture: Numbers 21:4–9
⏱ Duration: 40 minutes
👥 Group Size: 8–10 people
🙏 1. Welcome & Opening Prayer (5 min)
Briefly welcome everyone.
Open with a prayer asking God to speak through His Word and deepen trust in Him.
❄️ 2. Icebreaker (5 min)
Question:
What’s one “small” thing that stresses you out more than it should—like traffic, email overload, or losing your keys?
🗣 Share briefly to ease into deeper conversation.
📖 3. Read the Passage (5 min)
Have someone read Numbers 21:4–9 aloud.
🔄 (Optional: read a second version, like The Message, for a different perspective.)
💬 4. Group Discussion (20 min)
🔍 A. Understanding the Story (5 min)
What stood out to you in this story?
Why do you think the Israelites complained so quickly after God had rescued them?
🔎 B. Digging Deeper (10 min)
The sermon described God’s actions like a parent protecting a child. How does that change how you see this passage?
Can discipline be love? How does that idea sit with you?
In what areas of life do we try to “go it alone” without God’s help?
❤️ C. Personal Application (5 min)
Is there something right now—big or small—where you’re finding it hard to trust God?
What would it look like to “open your hands” and give it to Him?
✨ 5. Scripture Reflection (3 min)
Read aloud:
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.” — 2 Timothy 2:13
🧠 Reflect silently for 60 seconds.
💭 Ask: What does this verse reveal about God’s heart?
🙌 6. Response & Prayer (2 min)
👐 Invite group members to silently offer up one area of struggle or fear to God.
🧎♂️ Close in prayer:
Thank God for His constant love and patience.
Ask Him to grow our trust and surrender.
Pray for each person’s specific burdens and situations.
📝 Bonus: Take-Home Challenge
Challenge:
Write down one area where you’re struggling to trust God.
Stick it on your mirror, fridge, or desk.
Each day this week, pray:
“God, I trust You with this.”