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:

1. God, open my eyes to the spiritual world—help me be alert but not afraid.

2. Jesus, thank you that your name is more powerful than any darkness.

3. 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:

1. God, thank you for not giving up on me—even when I hesitate, even when I look back.

2. Help me reflect your justice and mercy in the way I live and treat others.

3. 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:

1. God, help me to notice when You’re guiding me – especially when it’s not the way I expected.

2. Help me let go of pride and trust that Your plans are better than mine.

3. 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 8

🕯️ Small Group Study:

“When God Feels Silent”

Based on 1 Samuel 28 (Saul & the Medium of Endor)

Theme: Pride, desperation, and the invitation to surrender to God’s grace.

🙌 1. Welcome & Icebreaker (5 min)

Icebreaker question:

“What’s something (big or small) you’ve tried to fix on your own… and later wished you hadn’t?”

(Keep it light to start, and encourage laughter and honesty.)

📖 2. Read Together: 1 Samuel 28:3–20 (5 min)

Encourage someone in the group to read the passage aloud.

Optionally, use a modern translation (e.g., NIV, NLT, or The Message) to keep it clear and accessible.

💬 3. Discussion Questions (15 min)

Encourage openness but remind the group this is a safe, confidential space.

Q1. Saul only turned to God when he was in a crisis—and even then, only after exhausting his own methods.

When are you most likely to turn to God? In crisis? Out of routine? Only when you’re stuck?

Q2. Saul pushed God out for years, and then was shocked when God didn’t speak.

Have you ever felt like God was silent? What was that season like?

Q3. Saul’s pride and fear led him to make a bad choice.

What are some signs we might be trying to control things instead of trusting God?

Q4. The sermon reminded us: “You are loved, and you are welcome.”

Is there something you’ve been carrying—guilt, shame, fear—that you need to bring into the light?

✨ 4. Reflection & Prayer (10 min)

Read this passage aloud as a group:

“And I pray that you… may have power… to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

—Ephesians 3:17–19

Invite some quiet space to reflect. Encourage each person to think of:

• One burden they want to lay at Jesus’ feet.

• One area they want to stop controlling and surrender to God.

Then move into a time of prayer, either in pairs or all together.

Prayer Prompts:

• “Lord, help me let go of the things I’ve been trying to control.”

• “Jesus, thank You for loving me even when I push You away.”

• “Holy Spirit, give me courage to walk in the light and trust Your voice.”

(Feel free to allow space for spontaneous prayer.)

✅ 5. Wrap-up & Next Steps (5 min)

• Final encouragement:

“God never rejects us—He simply waits for us to turn back. Whatever you’re carrying, you’re not alone.”

• Optional takeaway challenge:

Each person chooses one thing this week to hand over to God—something they’ve been trying to fix or carry alone.

You could even suggest writing it on a piece of paper and symbolically throwing it away, tearing it up, or leaving it at the foot of the cross if you’re in a church building.

Week 9: The Ark causes Trouble

🙌 Small Group Study Guide

Title: Falling Idols & An Unshakable God

Text: 1 Samuel 5:1–12

Big Idea: God’s power stands above all else. No idol—ancient or modern—can stand before Him. He invites us into relationship, not because He needs us, but because He loves us.1. 👋 Welcome & Icebreaker (5 min)

Question:

What’s one thing you thought was really important or cool when you were a teenager that now feels totally ridiculous?

(This light-hearted start helps ease into the idea that we often build ‘idols’ out of the wrong things.)

2. 📖 Read the Passage (1 Samuel 5:1–12) (5 min)

Choose a confident reader or share the reading around the group. After reading, ask:

Quick Thoughts:

• What stood out to you?

• Any surprising or unfamiliar details?

3. 📚 Teaching Input (10 min)

Feel free to read this aloud or summarise in your own words:

The Philistines thought they’d won a great victory by capturing the Ark of the Covenant—a symbol of God’s presence. They placed it in the temple of their god Dagon. But the next morning, Dagon was flat on his face. Then the day after that, broken in pieces. God was making something very clear: He is not one of many gods—He is the one true God.

The Ark wasn’t a lucky charm; it was sacred. And while the Israelites had misused it, God’s power wasn’t dependent on their behaviour. He doesn’t need us to prove He’s powerful—but He still chooses to be in relationship with us.

This story also challenges us: are there things we’re putting on pedestals in our lives that are just as fragile as Dagon? Approval, career, wealth, image, comfort? God lovingly invites us to bring those things down and trust in Him instead. Through Jesus, the true mercy seat, we now have full access to God’s presence—no box or battle required.

4. 💬 Discussion Questions (15 min)

Split into smaller groups if needed. Encourage honesty.

1. What “idols” do people in our culture tend to elevate above God?

   (Which of these are you personally most tempted by?)

2. When have you tried to “use” God like a lucky charm?

   (E.g. praying for a result but not seeking a relationship.)

3. How does knowing God fights our battles—even without our help—bring peace or perspective in your life right now?

Optional follow-up:

What helps you trust God when life doesn’t go your way or feel victorious?

5. 🤫 Personal Reflection (5 min)

Quiet time prompt (can be written or silent):

Take a moment to ask God:

“Is there anything I’ve been putting above You in my heart?”

Encourage everyone to listen and write down what comes to mind.

Optional song (quiet background music): You Are Worthy of It All (if the group prefers reflection with worship).

6. 🙏 Group Prayer (5 min)

Invite group members to pray out loud if comfortable, using these prayer points:

• Lay down idols – “God, help me to release anything that’s taken Your place in my heart.”

• Thank Jesus – “Thank You that You are my mercy seat—my access to the Father.”

• Ask for deeper trust – “Help me to trust You more than I trust myself or my plans.”

You can close with this Scripture as a spoken declaration together:

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”(Philippians 2:10–11)

📝 Optional: Take-Home Challenge

Ask group members to do a short “Idol Inventory” this week:

• Notice where they seek comfort, worth, or control.

• Each time they spot an idol, simply say:

  “Jesus, I choose You over this.”

Week 10: The Writing on the Wall

Small Group Study Guide: Daniel 5 – The Writing on the Wall

Session Title: Trusting God When the Walls Crumble Text: Daniel 5 Duration: 40 minutes

Opening (5 mins)

Welcome & Icebreaker: Ask: "What’s the most dramatic or bizarre thing you've seen that made you stop and think?"(Could be a dream, event, or unexpected moment.)

Pray: Invite someone to open in prayer, asking for open hearts and ears to hear what God is saying.

Read the Passage (5 mins)

Daniel 5:1–31 (Encourage different people to read a few verses each.)

Context Recap (3 mins)

• Babylon is under siege.

• Belshazzar is co-regent while his father is away.

• He throws a wild party using sacred items from the Jerusalem temple.

• A hand appears and writes on the wall.

• Daniel interprets the writing: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin.

• That night, the kingdom falls.

Discussion & Reflection (20 mins)

Use these questions to guide the discussion. Don’t rush – allow space for people to share personally.

1. Identifying Our Walls

Read vs. 1–4
Q: What kind of "man-made structures" do people build to feel secure today?
Q: Where do you notice yourself relying on your own strength or plans over God's?

2. God's Wake-Up Calls

Read vs. 5–9
Q: Why do you think God sometimes speaks through dramatic means?
Q: Has God ever "written on the wall" in your life – used something unexpected to get your attention?

3. The Weighing of Our Lives

Read vs. 22–28
Q: What do you think it means to be "weighed and found wanting"?
Q: How can we invite God to weigh our hearts in a healthy and hopeful way?

Looking to Jesus (5 mins)

• Daniel trusted in the God who holds history, not the rulers who held power.

• Jesus takes the judgment written on our wall and offers rest in return.

Reflection Prompt:

"We don't have to be like Belshazzar. Jesus invites us to live differently – with humility, trust, and freedom. What part of that invitation speaks to you most tonight?"

Prayer (5 mins)

Invite the group to pray through these three areas:

1. Clarity – Ask God to reveal where we may be relying on earthly security.

2. Courage – To live humbly and openly before Him.

3. Gratitude – Thank Jesus for taking on the consequence of our sin and offering rest.

Consider ending with a moment of silent prayer, then invite one or two people to close.

Optional Midweek Challenge:

Take 10 minutes this week to ask God: "Is there anything I’m holding onto instead of You?" Write down what comes to mind and pray over it.

Week 11: The Trinity

Small Group Study Guide: The Trinity – Weird and Wonderful

Opening (5 mins)

Welcome and Chat:

Start with some light conversation. Ask people how their week has been. Share something that made you smile recently.

Optional Icebreaker Question:

If you had to explain the Trinity using a metaphor (like water, an egg, or a fidget spinner), which one would you pick—and why?

Big Idea Recap (5 mins)

Take a moment to reflect on the heart of the talk:

“God is one—but exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s not something we can fully get our heads around, and that’s okay. God is more than we can grasp—but not beyond knowing. That’s what makes Him so wonderful. The Trinity isn’t a human invention—it’s how God revealed Himself to us: as one being, three persons, united in love and purpose.”

Read Together (5 mins)

Pick a couple of people to read the following passages aloud:

• Deuteronomy 6:4–5 – “The Lord is one…”

• Matthew 3:16–17 – Jesus’ baptism (all 3 persons of the Trinity at once!)

• John 17:5 – Jesus speaking about His glory with the Father before the world began

• Romans 8:26–27 – The Spirit helps and intercedes for us

Reflection Points (10 mins)

Pause after each one to give time for personal thoughts or sharing.

1. God’s nature is deeper than human logic can contain.

   And maybe that’s exactly how it should be. If we could figure God out completely, would He still be God?

2. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, yet distinct.

   The Father, Son, and Spirit aren’t just “modes” or costumes God wears—they’re real persons, in perfect unity.

3. The Trinity shows us that relationship is at the heart of God.

   God has always existed in perfect community, and invites us into that love.

Discussion Questions (10 mins)

1. What’s been your experience trying to understand or explain the Trinity? Has it ever been a struggle—or a comfort?

2. Why do you think God chose to reveal Himself as three persons instead of just one?

3. How might the idea of a relational God (a Trinity) change the way we relate to Him—and to each other?

Prayer Points (5 mins)

Invite the group to reflect silently, then pray aloud (or in twos/threes if they prefer):

1. Thank God for revealing Himself—not just as powerful, but personal.

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you know the Father and the Son more deeply.

3. Pray for unity—in your group, your church, and across the wider Church—as a reflection of the unity within the Trinity.

Wrap-Up (Optional Challenge)

Encourage the group to take 5 minutes this week to sit quietly and simply be in God’s presence—acknowledging the mystery, beauty, and closeness of Father, Son, and Spirit.