Community Group Questions
Advent 2025 Week 2 - He Is: John the Baptist
Sermon Theme: The Background Voice: John the Baptist and Christ Before All Things
Reflection & Application Questions
1. John the Baptist’s life shows us that even someone “in the background” can play a crucial role in God’s story. Where might you be in the background right now, and how could God be using you in ways that aren’t immediately visible?
2. John repeatedly pointed others to Jesus instead of taking credit for himself. What areas of your life are most prone to self-promotion, and how might you intentionally redirect attention to Christ?
3. John’s entire purpose was to prepare people for Jesus’ arrival. How does understanding your life as a preparation for revealing Christ change your priorities, relationships, or daily actions?
4. John’s joy was complete when Jesus was recognized and honored. Where do you need to cultivate a posture of celebration for what God is doing in the lives of others, rather than focusing on your own achievements or recognition?
5. John compared himself to a groomsman whose joy came from seeing the bride and groom shine, not from stealing the spotlight. In your life, where might God be inviting you to step aside and rejoice in what He is doing through others, rather than seeking the attention or credit for yourself?
OLDER KIDS QUESTION:
If you were a groomsman at a wedding, how would it feel if everyone kept talking about you instead of the bride and groom? How does John the Baptist’s example help us understand what it means to make Jesus the most important part of our story?
YOUNGER KIDS QUESTION:
This week you talked about how Jesus sets the example of asking for forgiveness and for help resisting temptation when he prays. You also learned how in Psalm 51 David confesses his greatest sins and asks God to give him a clean heart. It all reminds us that 'saying sorry to God' is a part of prayer. What does that mean? Maybe tell about a difficult apology you have had to make- either to God or to someone else?
Practices for the Week
1. Daily Reflection: Each morning, ask God to show you one way to point others to Jesus today. Journal even small moments where you notice opportunities to glorify Him rather than yourself.
2. Celebration Check: Identify one person each day—at work, home, or in your community—whose story or contribution God is using for His glory. Take a moment to celebrate them, either privately in prayer or publicly with encouragement.
3. Groomsman Moment: Throughout the week, notice moments where you can “step aside” in conversations, meetings, or social settings and redirect attention to Christ or others. Reflect nightly on what you learned about joy and humility by doing this.
4. Scripture Focus: Read John 1:19–34 and meditate on John the Baptist’s words: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Ask God to show you what it looks like for Christ to be preeminent in your life this week.