The Breakdown

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECT1. If you had to blindly follow someone’s directions for a day, who would you trust—and who would you definitely not?2. What’s something in your life that’s hard to surrender to Jesus’ leadership—even though you believe in him?ENCOUNTERFaith is more than belief—it’s allegiance. After rising from the dead, Jesus didn’t disappear. He met with his followers, gave them a mission, and called them to live under his authority.In John 20, we meet Thomas—the disciple who missed Easter morning. He voices his doubts, but when Jesus appears, he responds not with understanding, but surrender: “My Lord and my God!”Faith isn’t passive. It’s personal. It surrenders to Jesus as Lord.Turn to John 20:24–29 and read the passage aloud. Let’s consider what it means to truly respond to the risen Jesus.3. What emotions or tension do you see in Thomas’ words before he sees Jesus?4. What does Jesus’ response reveal about how he treats honest doubt?5. How does Thomas’ confession in verse 28 go beyond belief into worship?6. What does verse 29 suggest about the kind of faith Jesus blesses today?TRANSFORMFaith is not just how we start the Christian life—it’s how we live it. Jesus invites us to trust him with everything, even what we cannot see.7. How do you wrestle with believing in an unseen Savior in a world that values proof and visibility?8. What is one area of your life this week where you need to submit more fully to the lordship of Jesus?PRAY9. Ask Jesus to strengthen your faith and help you surrender every area of life to him. Bring before him the doubts, burdens, and fears that make full trust difficult—and ask for help to follow him as Lord.10. One More Disciple – Pray for those who have heard the Easter message but have not yet responded in faith. Ask Jesus to open their eyes, soften their hearts, and use you to help them see and follow him.

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECT1. When you think about your sin, do you tend to minimize it, manage it, or bring it honestly before God?2. What’s a “normal” or everyday sin in your life that’s easy to overlook but still needs regular confession?ENCOUNTERSome sins weigh us down with guilt. Others cling quietly through pride, selfishness, or unspoken thoughts. Psalm 32 speaks to both. David isn’t just confessing one dark moment—he’s modeling a rhythm of repentance that leads to joy.This psalm shows the weight of hidden sin and the relief that comes through forgiveness. As we prepare for the cross, we’re reminded that confession isn’t just for big failures—it’s part of daily life with God.Turn to Psalm 32:1–5 and read it aloud. Let God’s Word reframe confession—not as shame, but as grace.3. How does David describe the weight of unconfessed sin—in both body and emotion?4. In verse 5, what does David finally do that brings relief?5. What does this psalm reveal about God’s heart toward those who confess—even repeatedly?6. How might a daily rhythm of confession change the way you relate to God?TRANSFORMDavid doesn’t just talk about forgiveness—he rejoices in it. Confession isn’t just unloading guilt; it’s entering the joy of being fully known and forgiven.7. What’s one “respectable” or routine sin you need to confess and bring into the light this week?8. Would one person share a time—recent or long ago—when you experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness in a personal, freeing way?PRAY9. Pray this prayer of confession together aloud:“Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.”10. One More Disciple – Confess any fear, excuses, or distractions that have kept you from reaching out to someone who needs Jesus. Ask for a heart that sees others clearly and the boldness to speak with grace.

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECTIn some situations we are tempted to treat God casual ,as though he were common rather than holy. We do this in our worship, speech, faith, busyness, and suffering.Rank these five categories from most difficult to least difficult for you personally. Which one is the greatest struggle in your life right now?What thoughts or emotions arise when you consider God's holiness?ENCOUNTERAs Easter approaches, we reflect not only on the suffering Savior but on the holy King. Jesus’ life revealed divine authority—he forgave sins, calmed storms, and received worship. Isaiah 6 gives us a vision of God’s throne room filled with glory. John 12:41 says Isaiah “saw his glory and spoke about him,” identifying the Holy One on the throne as Jesus. This passage invites us to adore the crucified and risen Christ for who he truly is—holy, exalted, and worthy.Turn to Isaiah 6:1–8 and read the passage aloud. Let’s meditate on the holiness of our God and Savior.What details in Isaiah's vision reveal God's holiness? How does Isaiah respond to what he sees?What is God's response to Isaiah's confession? What transformation takes place by the end of the passage?TRANSFORMJust as the burning coal touched Isaiah's lips and atoned for his sin, Jesus cleanses us by the fire of his sacrifice, making us fit to worship and serve.How would your worship change if you regularly remembered that Jesus is the one seated on the throne in Isaiah 6?What's one area of your life that needs to be reoriented in awe and adoration of Christ?PRAYAdore Jesus for his holiness and exalted glory. He is majestic, worthy of worship, holy, glorious, and forgiving.One More Disciple – Pray for one unbeliever in your life and ask God for boldness and opportunities to invite them to church this Easter.

Welcome to "The Breakdown," the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, "The Breakdown" is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!James Worship Guide

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECT1. Think about a time when you were eagerly counting down the days to something–a vacation, a wedding, the birth of a child, or another big event. How did that anticipation shape your thoughts, actions, and emotions?2. How did this week's sermon deepen your longing for Christ's return?ENCOUNTERJesus is coming again–hallelujah! When he comes, sin and suffering will be no more. praise God!But right now, we wrestle with struggles, pain, and uncertainty. In the midst of this, James encourages believers: "Be patient until the Lord's coming.... Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord's coming is near" (James 5:7–8).How do we wait well? Let's turn to Revelation 22 and see what God's Word says.3. Read Revelation 22:1–6. How do the descriptions of the river of life and the tree of life connect with Genesis 2–3? What do these images teach us about God's restoration plan?4. In verses 6–7, John emphasizes, "These words are faithful and true." How should the certainty of heaven shape our daily mindset?5. Identify Christ's titles in Revelation 22. What do they reveal about his character and mission? How do they encourage you personally?6. Jesus says his return is imminent, yet no one knows the exact time. Why might God choose to keep this timing unknown? How does this impact how we live?TRANSFORM7. Revelation 22:17 invites people to "come" and drink freely from the water of life. Who in your life–family, friends, neighbors, coworkers–needs this invitation? What are some specific ways you can share it with them this week?8. If you truly lived as if Jesus could return at any moment, what specific changes would you make in your priorities, habits, or relationships?PRAYER9. One More Disciple (Pray for the people you mentioned in question 7.)10. Come, Lord Jesus!

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECT1. The modern proverb says, "More money, more problems." How have you experienced this truth personally?2. The Apostle Paul said, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." If you had twice as much money as you had now, in what ways could you be tempted to abuse your wealth?ENCOUNTERIn James 5, the biblical author condemns the unbelieving rich who extort the poor for their own selfish gain. They will weep and wail and be devoured by fire in the last days. And when Jesus returns, this will certainly happen. God’s justice on sin will be finally meted out. James warns of coming judgment for those who misuse wealth, but Revelation 21 paints a picture of a world where wealth is pure and just. In our forever home, wealth will flow more freely than any earthly kingdom can claim because God is a perfect King. And yet, this will be a place without death, grief, crying, and pain.Before answering the following questions, read Revelation 21 and glory in the hope of our eternity with God.

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECTShare a time when God "ruined" your plans, and they turned out better than what you had in mind.Were you angry that your plans changed? How did you feel when things turned out better than you originally planned?ENCOUNTERBiblical wisdom teaches that "pride comes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18). And in chapter four of his letter, James ties non-religious business endeavors to pride. These endeavors are proud for two reasons: (1) they are done for selfish, greedy gain and (2) they are accomplished without any faith in, dependence on, or service to God. Because of this, destruction creeps in.Jesus poignantly taught on the destruction of pride through some of his parables. Two that might come to mind are the parables of "The Rich Fool" and "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector." Read each of these parables and discuss how they relate to pride's destruction.Read the parable of "The Rich Fool" in Luke 12:13–21. What is the main point Jesus communicates in this parable (v. 15)? How are greed and pride related.Read the parable of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" in Luke 18:9–14. What is the main point Jesus communicates in this parable (v. 14)? How would James 4:13–17 describe the Pharisee and the tax collector?TRANSFORMWhat character(s) from the parables do you relate to the most? Why?To get off the highway of destruction, we need to take the exit marked "humility." What is one area of pride in your heart that you need to overcome this week?What conversations do you need to have to overcome that area of pride?PRAYEREven though we are prideful, God is merciful. Pray the truths in Titus 3:4–7 with a focus on how your pride is forgiven and destroyed in Christ.

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECT Would anyone be willing to confess a moment over the past week when you were unfaithful to God in thought, speech, or action? What is the significance of James’ use of the term “adulterous” in James 4:4? How does this strong language reflect the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness?ENCOUNTERIn the opening to his letter, James states that he is writing to a predominantly Jewish audience. Naturally then, James assumes his readers are familiar with the Old Testament. When he opens up James 4:4 saying, “You adulterous people!”, he expects them to think back on Hosea’s prophecy. In this prophecy, God likens Israel’s idolatry to marrying a prostitute who continually falls back into unfaithfulness. And yet, God is still faithful to his people.Compare the following passages in Hosea with James 4:4–8 and notice the gravity of James’ words. Compare Hosea 13:4–9 with James 4:4–6. What did Israel’s pride lead them to do? Rather than honoring God as supreme, Israel trusted in lesser things. What did Israel esteem in God’s place in Hosea 8:4–6? Compare Hosea 14:1–3 with James 4:7–8. What does God call Israel to? When Israel draws near to God again, how does God respond in Hosea 14:4–7?TRANSFORMJames’ charge is serious. In likening worldliness to adultery, James’ audience would have trembled in fear. But Hosea’s prophecy and James’ preaching is a pleading to grow deeper in faithfulness to God. Which of these poor responses to your own sin do you gravitate toward? Self-Deceit (convincing yourself that it’s fine), Self-Righteousness (condemning others and making excuses), Self-Atonement (making up for your sin by doing good works), Self-Indulgence (medicating with worldly pleasures), and Self-Grief (acting like the victim rather than the perpetrator). James calls believers to “Draw near to God,” and promises that “He will draw near to you.” Instead of the response you gravitate toward, how can you draw near to God this week?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠Soteria Church⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECTIs there a person in your life you respect who is more wealthy/influential than you? Why do you respect them?When does a desire for something cross from harmless curiosity or wonder to envy, jealousy, or covetousness?ENCOUNTERThe believer’s internal battle with sin ripples externally in church relationships. Psalm 133:1 says, “How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!” These calls for peaceable living among God’s people are bountiful in Scripture. Unfortunately, this is often easier said than done.Read the following passages and discuss what qualities of our godly walk are essential to holding back the chaos and toxicity that division and quarrels bring.Compare James 3:17 with James 4:2–3. How do these passages mirror each other?Read Philippians 4:2–7. Under what context is the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” being offered?TRANSFORMRead 2 Corinthians 5:19–20 and Matthew 5:9 to inform your answers in this section.James 4:1–3 shows how both conflict and unanswered prayer are the result of wrong motives in our hearts.How could remembering our role as ambassadors and peacemakers help us avoid the conflict James addresses?How should remembering these roles change our prayers so that they don’t fall into the category of a “wrong-motives-prayer”?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠Soteria Church⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECTHow have you been convicted or encouraged over the sermons on speech and wisdom in James 3?ENCOUNTER & TRANSFORMGodly speech is tied to biblical wisdom. Growing in wise speech is tied to growing in Christlikeness. As King Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).Taking one at a time, read and discuss the following proverbs on speech. How have you experienced the truth of the proverb? What type of speech does the proverb esteem? What type of speech does it condemn? How can you take steps forward in pursuing wise speech?Proverbs 10:18Proverbs 10:19Proverbs 11:13Proverbs 12:18Proverbs 15:1Proverbs 15:28Proverbs 16:24Proverbs 17:9Proverbs 17:28Proverbs 18:13Proverbs 25:11Proverbs 25:15Proverbs 26:20Proverbs 27:14Proverbs 28:23

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!REFLECTWho is someone you know that you would classify as “wise”? What made them wise?Describe a time over the past week when you said something foolish. What made it foolish?ENCOUNTERIn the middle of chapter 3, James compares the destructive nature of the tongue to a horse’s bit, a ship’s rudder, and a wildfire. In each metaphor, the tongue, a small part of the body, wields the power to damage or bless others and to determine one’s destiny. At the end of the chapter, however, James addresses wisdom from above, wisdom that comes from God himself.Read James 3:13–18 and discuss the nature of true, godly wisdom in your growth group.In your own words, what does James teach about wisdom?What are the characteristics of unspiritual, demonic wisdom?How is biblical wisdom different from worldly wisdom?What is the destiny of those who obtain and practice godly wisdom?TRANSFORMWisdom is the gateway to living a peaceful life with others and with God. Take some time to reflect on the place that godly, biblical wisdom has within your own heart.How have you taken steps toward godly wisdom this year? How have you failed?Look back at your answer to question two. What would that situation have looked like if your speech was seasoned with godly wisdomWhat are ways that you can pursue godly wisdom on a daily basis?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT What was your first experience of death? Maybe it was a pet, a neighbor, or a family member. How did you wrestle with that experience? What did you learn? How did it affect you? ENCOUNTER In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul makes an audacious judgment–“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient” (vv. 1–2). And lest you think he’s only talking about a few people, Paul drags everyone into this state when he says, “We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also” (v. 3). But that isn’t the end of the story. As a growth group, read Ephesians 2:4–10 and ponder the great news of the Gospel. Even though we were dead in our sins, what was God’s attitude and demeanor toward us in verses 4–6? Verse 7 gives us the reason why God did this. What was that reason? According to verse 8, how is all of this accomplished? How is God’s life-giving grace and mercy applied to us? What doesn’t contribute to salvation (v. 9)? At this point, James and Paul seem to contradict one another. Paul says salvation is, “not from works.” James says, “faith, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). However, Paul and James actually agree with each other. How does Ephesians 2:10 fuse faith and works? TRANSFORM How have you seen God’s grace empower you for good works over the past week?  In what ways do you think we can cultivate gratitude for our salvation in our daily lives?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT Over the next two James sermon studies, we are going to focus deeply on the relationship between faith and works. If you were 100 miles from home with no money, no credit cards, no friends, no transportation, and no place to stay, what would you do to survive and make it home? What is the difference between someone who talks about a problem and another who does something about it? ENCOUNTER In chapter two, James lays out a problem. There are some people in our church who say the right things and believe the right things but do nothing to live for others. There are people who have faith without works and others who have faith leading to works. In James 2:14–17, how does James illustrate the problem of a faith without works? James is bold in his declaration: “Faith without works is dead!” What is wrong with having faith without works? James is bold once again in likening a “faith without works” to “the belief of demons” (2:19). Justify James’ analogy. What are the similarities between a “faith without works” and “the belief of demons”? What is one way to tell if someone has genuine, saving faith in Jesus? This week, who in your life can be a recipient of your faith leading to good works? In other words, as an act of faith, how can you step out of your comfort zone to serve someone over the next few days?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Least favorite? Have you ever been subjected to someone else’s favoritism? How did it make you feel? ENCOUNTER At the beginning of chapter two, James talks about the sinfulness of favoritism. There are several passages throughout Scripture that say “there is no favoritism with God.” But one of the most clear happened early in the life of the Church. Early in the life of the Church, Jews ostracized Gentiles because of their Jewish beliefs. But in Acts 10, God made it clear that he has no favoritism by incorporating Gentiles into the Jewish church. After spending time with the Gentile, Cornelius, Peter begins to proclaim the Gospel. Read Acts 10:34–48 and find out what happens. In verses 34–35, what is it that makes someone acceptable to God? According to verses 36–42, how does someone obtain peace with God? What does verse 43 say is the result of faith in Christ? Verses 44 to 48 is where the rubber hits the road. In verses 34 to 43, salvation is summarized. But immediately after salvation, God gifts believers with his Holy Spirit.How did the Jewish believers respond to God saving Gentiles? TRANSFORM The Gospel is the opposite of favoritism. God only sees two types of people: forgiven and unbelieving. The world today, however, constantly places us into different categories and tempts us toward favoritism.. How can the world’s favoritism influence how we treat one another in the church? How can our growth group be more welcoming to people from a different status or stage of life?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT We made it to the end of James 1. It is likely that you have grown spiritually since we began. As we begin this week’s discussion, let’s read through James 1 as a growth group. Use this time to reflect on how the Holy Spirit has been working in your heart and mind. What has James taught you about God and his word? How has James convicted or encouraged you to obey God and his word? ENCOUNTER Now let’s revisit the text from Sunday. James 1:22–27 addresses a truth about all of us. We have a tendency to confuse knowledge of God with obedience to God. In other words, we can replace obedience to God’s commands with theological/scriptural expertise. James is very clear though. We ought not do this! Rather than saying we should do the opposite, James affirms both knowledge of and obedience to God as necessary for the Christian. How is “hearing without doing” the word deceptive (verses 22–24)? By calling God’s Word “the perfect law of freedom,” James infers that “hearing without doing” is enslaving. How does “hearing without doing” enslave us? TRANSFORM In his commentary on James, Sam Allberry provides this helpful application question: Over the last week, how have you confused knowledge of God’s word with obedience to God’s word in your relationships with unbelievers?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT How did this week’s sermon expand your understanding of anger? Often, we excuse ourselves of anger by using words like “upset” or “disappointed.” What are other words we use to describe our anger? ENCOUNTER In Matthew 5, Jesus preaches the famous Sermon on the Mount. In the sermon, Jesus addresses the sin of anger. But rather than defining anger and condemning it, Jesus equates anger with murder. Read Matthew 5:21–24 and allow Jesus’ words against anger begin to soak in. Matthew 5:21–22, Jesus says that anger expressed through insult and slander deserve the same eternal judgment as murder. What are the similarities between anger and murder that leads Jesus to this conclusion? What scenario does Jesus give to the listening Jews in Matthew 5:23–24? Because Christ was sacrificed on the cross, we no longer have to offer sacrifices to worship God. If Jesus preached Matthew 5:23–24 to believing Christians, what scenario could he have used instead? How does Matthew 5:23–24 relate to verses 21–22? TRANSFORM By comparing anger, murder, insult, slander, and the breaking of a relationship, Jesus shows that we can’t excuse our anger simply by calling it something else. Whatever word we use for it–irritation, annoyance, etc.–it is still anger. Describe an instance when you were angry over the past week. How did you fight against it? Anger is reactive. What situations coming up over the next week do you anticipate a struggle with anger?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT When you hear the word “missions,” what do you think of? Who comes to your mind when you think of a missionary? What did they do on the mission field? What encouraged or challenged you as you listened to the missionary updates this week? ENCOUNTER Read Psalm 67 together as a group and hear God’s heart for the nations. Verse 2 expresses a desire for God's ways and salvation to be known among all nations. How does this verse connect to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20)? Verses 3 and 5 both repeat the phrase, "Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you." How does worship relate to evangelism and missions? Verses 6–7 talk about the earth yielding its increase and God’s blessing leading the ends of the earth to fear Him. What is the connection between God’s provision and the spread of the gospel? TRANSFORM In light of Psalm 67, what steps can we take as individuals and as a church to better engage in the work of missions and evangelism? As a growth group, how can we encourage one another toward evangelism?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠⁠Soteria Church⁠⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT What non-sinful indulgence is a temptation for you (a certain food, hobby, activity, etc.)? When are you most likely to succumb to that temptation? How would you define temptation? ENCOUNTER What temptations did the nation of Israel succumb to in the following passages: Numbers 25:1–9; 21:4–6; and 16:41–49. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–11. How do the Israelites serve as examples to us? What are they examples of? According to 1 Corinthians 10:12, who fights against temptation? According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, how does God assist us in our fight against temptation? TRANSFORM The passage mentions that the nation of Israel serves as an example to us. They are an example of how not to face temptation. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit gives believers the strength to overcome temptation. How can we serve as examples to one another in overcoming temptation? What comfort does 1 Corinthians 10:13 give you? How does it strengthen your resolve to fight temptation?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed for growth group leaders at ⁠Soteria Church⁠ in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! REFLECT 1. What did you take away from this Sunday’s sermon? In this week’s sermon study, we begin a two-week discussion on temptation. Today we will prepare for the sermon on James 1:13–18. And next week we will reflect on it. 2. How did you overcome temptation over the past week? ENCOUNTER This sermon study is a guide to reading Scripture. How do we study God’s Word? While there are numerous methods for reading the Bible, one of the ways that we advocate for is The SOTERIA Journal. In this method, SOTERIA is an acronym for: Seek God, Observe, Take Away, Explain, Respond, Intercede, and Apply. Use this method of Bible study as you prepare for next week’s sermon. 3. Seek God’s help through prayer. Ask God to help illuminate hearts and minds to what God says in his Word. Then, read James 1:13–18 together. 4. Observe what the text says. What is going on in this passage? What is being discussed? 5. What takeaways do you have from this passage? What stood out to you? What truths were you reminded of? 6. Explain the message of this passage. What is the author’s intended meaning? How should we interpret James 1:13–18? PRAYER 7. Respond to God in prayer. How can you adore/thank God? What do you need to confess? 8. Intercede for one another. What temptations do you struggle with? Pray that God would strengthen each of you in your fight against temptation. TRANSFORM 9. Apply James 1:13–18. How can you respond to this text? What practical steps can you take to apply the truths from James 1:13–18?

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected!

Welcome to The Breakdown, the weekly podcast designed specifically for growth group leaders at Soteria Church in West Des Moines, IA. Each week, we provide time-sensitive announcements to keep you in the loop and walk through the sermon study to help you lead meaningful discussions. Whether you're preparing for your next group meeting or looking to deepen your own understanding, The Breakdown is your go-to resource. Tune in and stay connected! Here's the Prayer Guide!