Bible Study for Women Directions
Mingling
As women arrive, make sure you introduce yourselves to one
another. If you need a little help getting started, try this
icebreaker:
SAY: Hi, my name's
[your name]. Let me ask you something. What was the last
really nice surprise you received?
Before you begin the Experience, pray something like this:
God, thank you for all of us here who have come to learn
more about you. Help us live in a sense of anticipation for the
surprises your grace always brings. As we study your Word, draw us
closer together and closer to you. In Jesus' name we pray,
amen.
Experience
(Note: The hostess will prepare this experience.)
Treat your women to a surprise. No, not the kind where your son
put the cat in the toilet, or you walk out of the store to find two
flat tires. This activity combines a nice surprise with a subtle
reminder that God's grace isn't just a one-time surprise but
surrounds us every day.
Have a small bag or box of Cracker Jacks ready for each woman.
(If budget is an issue, buy one or several larger boxes, but it's
best if each woman can discover the surprise.) Before women arrive,
very carefully cut off the bottom flap of each Cracker Jacks box,
fish out the prize, and replace it with a wrapped chocolate for
each woman. Then, reattach the bottom of the box with a little
glue, and let it dry. If using bags, slit the top of the bag on one
side (don't cut it completely off), and replace the prize with a
chocolate. When your guests arrive, cut the top off of the bag with
a pair of scissors for each woman as you hand out the bags. (If you
can't find Cracker Jacks, use other small bags of salty
snacks.)
Have small bowls handy so each woman can empty the Cracker Jacks
to find the "prize" easier. (The bowls also make it easier to munch
on the Cracker Jacks during the study). As they discover the real
prize in their bowls, remind them that God blesses us with
surprises in the most unexpected places.
SAY: That's the kind of
surprise we can all use more of. If you're in a larger group, break
into groups of four or five to discuss these
questions:
ASK: What was your first
reaction to the surprise in your snack?
How is this little chocolate surprise like God's grace?
How is it unlike it?
When was the last time you were surprised by God's grace
in an unexpected place?
The Word
Have one or more women read Luke 15:11-24 and Ephesians 2:1,
4-10, 13 aloud for your group.
Scripture Discussion Questions
In groups of four or five, discuss these questions:
ASK: How is the father's
reaction to his son before he left home similar to God's grace
toward us?
How about his attitude when the son
returned?
Why is it significant that the father saw his son coming
"while he was still a long way off"?
When have you felt God cared for you, even if you had
moved far from your relationship with him?
Is there a place in your life right now where you need
to experience the same grace the lost son received?
In the Ephesians passage, Paul says, "Salvation is not a
reward for the good things we have done." If salvation isn't a
reward, what is it? How do we receive it?
"But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so very
much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us
life when he raised Christ from the dead." When you hear about
God's great love and mercy for you, how do you feel?
SAY: Close your eyes. Picture
yourself at one of the lowest times of your life. Now picture God.
"Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his [daughter],
embraced [her], and kissed [her]." Take a moment to reflect on this
image.
ASK: How does God's response to
you make you feel toward him?
Take Action
SAY: Let's not just talk about
looking for God's grace in our lives, let's do it! Write below how
you're going to be more aware of God's surprises of grace in your
daily life. If you're having a hard time thinking of something,
choose one of the ideas below. Next week, you'll share with one
another how you did.
I'm going to look for God's grace by:
• I'm going to sit down and make a list of the ways I have
experienced God's grace in my life.
• I commit to being more open to the grace of God. I'll read
Luke 15:11-24 and try to put myself in the place of the younger
son. I'll also take an honest look at myself and see how I have
been like the older brother.
• I'll make a concerted effort each day to be more aware of
God's grace in my life. Every time I notice God's grace I'll put a
smiley face on my calendar. At the end of a week I'll count my
smiley faces and thank God for his grace.
Prayer
End your time together in prayer to your Father. Read Psalm
84:11 together.
SAY: God wants nothing more
than to bless us and give us a portion of his grace. Don't be
afraid to reach out and accept the gracious gift he offers. It's
not a matter of being worthy or being ready. It's simply a matter
of being open and willing to believe and receive God's gift of
grace. Don't be afraid to open your heart and let God in. He has a
lot of wonderful surprises in store for you.
