WARM UP

1. This week, Chris shared about Joseph’s very real and understandable fears. Let’s flip that for fun—what’s one silly or irrational fear you have or had at one time? Any idea where it came from?

• Additional Thought: People may mention things like clowns, escalators, or spiders—irrational fears often have deeper emotional roots or childhood memories. This is a fun question to laugh about together as a group.
• Additional Scripture: Psalm 34:4 – “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”
• Additional Question: Did you ever outgrow that fear, or does it still stick with you?
• Conversation Caution: This could lead to joking or minimizing others’ fears. Keep the tone fun but respectful.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Have each person share a quick 30-second story. It’s a great way to break the ice.

2. Before this week’s message, what was your perception of Joseph’s story? Has your view changed at all after hearing the sermon?

• Additional Thought: Many people focus only on Mary’s faith, but Joseph’s quiet obedience often goes unnoticed.
• Additional Question: What new detail stood out to you about Joseph’s response?
• Conversation Caution: Watch for assumptions about the cultural or biblical context. Clarify gently as needed.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Invite everyone to share one word that describes Joseph based on this message.

3. Was there anything in the message that surprised you or really stood out?

KNOW IT 

1. Read Philippians 2:1–8. Jesus is the perfect example of true surrender. He gave up His rights and chose to obey God completely, embracing humility and suffering even though He didn’t deserve it. How is that different from our usual reaction to unfair treatment? How did Joseph reflect this kind of humility in his own story?

• Additional Thought: We often respond with self-protection or self-justification, not humility. Joseph chose quiet faith instead of public shaming.
• Additional Scripture: Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth…”
• Additional Question: What makes humility so difficult in the face of injustice?
• Conversation Caution: This may surface recent or painful injustices. Acknowledge and hold space for that without rushing to fix, in fact, try to keep the group away from trying to fix things, and simply listen to one another.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Break into pairs for the “how do we usually respond” part, then reconvene to discuss Joseph.

2. Jesus tells the disciples what the reward for their surrender will be in Matthew 19:27-30.

• What stands out to you in His response? What do you think it means to “receive a hundred times as much”?
• Why do you think it’s harder to surrender when the reward isn’t immediately visible?

Peter asked Jesus what they would get in return for giving everything up. Would Jesus’ answer have encouraged you, discouraged you, or just left you with more questions?

• Additional Thought: Jesus doesn’t promise ease—He promises eternal, multiplied blessing. That’s a hard trade in an instant-gratification culture.
• Additional Scripture: Romans 8:18 – “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing…”
• Additional Question: How do you stay focused on the long-term promises when obedience feels costly now?
• Conversation Caution: Some may be wrestling with discouragement, discontentment, or delay in seeing fruit. Be sure to affirm God’s faithfulness in the waiting.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Try a quick journaling moment: “What does ‘reward’ mean to me right now?” Then share.

SHARE IT

1. One way to know how you’re doing with surrendering to the Spirit is to check your fruit of the Spirit. Read Galatians 5:22-23. How do you see these growing in your life right now? Or, is there lack of evidence of fruit, revealing that more surrender might be needed?

• Additional Thought: Fruit is not perfection, but progress. Even small steps of love, peace, or patience matter.
• Additional Scripture: John 15:5 – “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”
• Conversation Caution: Be careful of self-shame. Reframe this as reflection, not performance.

2. Joseph still had to obey even after surrendering to God’s plan. How do you discern what God is asking of you? Where do you turn for godly wisdom when it’s not clear?

• Additional Thought: Surrender doesn’t stop at “yes”—it continues through active listening and obedience.
• Additional Scripture: James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God…”
• Additional Question: What voices in your life help you filter God’s will?
• Conversation Caution: Watch for overly mystical or rigid answers—point back to Scripture and wise counsel.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Write down one way you’ve discerned God’s will in the past, then share.

LIVE IT

1. Chris talked about laying things at the altar—and leaving them there. What are some areas where people often struggle to fully surrender control? What guidance would you give a friend who keeps taking something back after trying to give it to God?

• Additional Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 – “Casting all your anxieties on him…”
• Additional Question: What’s one area where surrender is still a struggle for you?
• Conversation Caution: This can get personal quickly. Watch for body language signaling discomfort and offer grace.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Use a symbolic object (like a rock or card) to “lay something down” in a prayer moment. Maybe do this outside around a fire pit or have someone write it on a rock with a sharpie and encourage them to throw it in the ocean later this week!

2. Chris encouraged developing a daily rhythm of surrender, and gave the example of a simple, repeated prayer. If Christianity isn’t a religion but a daily choice, what daily habits, prayers, or reminders have helped you stay surrendered to God’s will?

• Additional Thought: Examples might include journaling, breath prayers, silence, or reading Scripture first thing.
• Additional Scripture: Psalm 143:8 – “Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love…”
• Additional Question: What’s one habit that’s kept your faith steady this season?
• Conversation Caution: Be careful not to let this become a comparison of routines. Focus on what’s meaningful, not impressive.
• Group Dynamic Tip: Invite each person to share a favorite practice and consider trying one as a group this week.
• Additional Resource: You may be unfamiliar with, or others in your group may be unfamiliar with, some spiritual habits that the church historically has taught that help us remain attached to Jesus. The goal isn’t to do the habit, but to be with Jesus. The habit can just be a tool. Check out Richard Foster’s book “Celebration of Disciplines” or John Mark Comer’s “Practicing the Way” for some more insight into them, or to share with your group members who would like them.