YOUR SEPTEMBER 2024 SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDIES

Free Subscribers can access their study directly below. Paid subscribers — scroll down the page to access the rest of this month’s studies. There are four studies this month.

NOTE: We will finish up the Gospel of John on week 2 of September. Beginning week 3 we will be starting with the book of James.

September 2024 Study #1

Small Group Bible Study: John 21:1-14

Open It:

Icebreaker Question: Have you ever experienced a moment when someone’s gesture of care or invitation made a significant impact during a tough time in your life? What was special about that gesture?

Dig Into It:

1. After a night of unsuccessful fishing, the disciples encounter the resurrected Jesus on the shore, though they do not recognize Him initially (John 21:1-4). What does their failure to recognize Jesus immediately tell us about the nature of recognizing spiritual truths or moments?

2. At Jesus’ instruction, the disciples cast their net on the right side of the boat, resulting in a miraculously large catch of fish (John 21:5-6). How does this miracle echo previous experiences the disciples had with Jesus, and what does it teach us about obedience and trust in God’s guidance?

3. John recognizes Jesus first and tells Peter, who then swims to shore to meet Him (John 21:7-8). What does this sequence of recognition and response illustrate about different ways people come to understand and react to Jesus’ presence?

4. Jesus has prepared a breakfast of bread and fish on the beach for the disciples (John 21:9-12). How does this act of service and fellowship reflect Jesus' ongoing relationship and care for His disciples even after His resurrection?

5. This is the third time Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, and He invites them to bring some of the fish they have just caught (John 21:10-14). How does Jesus' invitation to contribute to the meal serve as a metaphor for how He involves us in His work?

Reflect On It:

1. Have there been moments when you didn’t recognize a significant spiritual truth or moment until after the fact? What helped you eventually see it clearly?

2. Reflect on a time when following a seemingly simple instruction led to an unexpected or significant outcome. How did that experience affect your trust in following God’s guidance?

3. How do you typically recognize Jesus' presence in your life? Are there certain "signs" or feelings that help you realize He is working in your surroundings?

4. How has someone’s act of service or invitation to fellowship impacted you during a difficult time? How can you extend the same care to others?

5. In what ways are you being invited to contribute to what Jesus is doing in your community or in your personal life? How can you respond more actively to that invitation?

Pray About It:

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your constant presence and guidance, even when we fail to recognize You immediately. Help us to hear Your instructions clearly and to obey with trust, knowing that You are always working for our good. Strengthen our faith to recognize and respond to Your presence in our daily lives. Teach us to serve and care for one another, reflecting Your love and generosity, as You have shown us. May we be eager to contribute to Your work and to share the blessings You have given us. In Your loving name, we pray. Amen.

Note: If you are a Free subscriber, to access the rest of the September Studies You will need to become a paid subscriber. Free subscribers are given one free small group study each month. If you are a Paid subscriber, the rest of your studies are directly below.