14/05/2023

The Parable of “The Barren Fig Tree”
Parable 4

Home Group Study Notes:   14 May 2023

Message:  Rev Tim Rist

Theme: “The Barren Fig Tree” (Parable 4)

This format is a guide to you for your small group meeting. Feel free to change and adapt it according to the needs of your group. The objective is for you to build authentic relationships within the group, relationships that enable you to learn to love others who are different to you, and to discover as a reality the treasure of relationships built on the foundation of a relationship with Jesus, his life, and his teaching.

Meeting and Greeting:

Begin with general conversation and sharing about how the past week has gone. Try not to go over time.

Worship and Prayer

Click on the link below on your smartphone, Smart TV, or computer, to select songs to sing; and then spend a few minutes in song and prayer.

PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL SONG’S PLAYLIST:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbsAkwbV_S1vXdZVPkZ0_tQW5n9RqeZX0

And if you need to check on the Message for the week again, then click on:

PLETT METHODIST YOU TUBE CHANNEL (MESSAGE): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU1X4YYw1KLpda1yGnqKgfw/videos

This time of worship and prayer will encourage you to move your thoughts from daily worries and pressures to our time of Bible study and prayer.

You do not have to answer all the questions below.

READING:  Luke 13:1-9

Warm up for the discussion time:

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Discussion Questions:

  • Do you think sin and suffering are connected (verses 1-5)? Think about this quote: “All suffering is not the result of sin or wrongdoing, but all sin and wrongdoing bring suffering” (Dunnam). What do you think?
  • Why do you think Jesus made this statement (verse 5) “I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”?
  • What do you think the parable of the barren fig tree is all about (verses 6-9)? For example, is this story all about the nation of Israel? Or is this about the church in the world or STMC (or your congregation)? Or is this about each person in their own personal relationship with God? Is it about something else altogether?
  • What do you think about this statement “unfruitfulness is not allowed in the Kingdom of God”?
  • What is your understanding of the meaning of the “Grace of God”?

Faith building:

  • How will you live a more fruitful life for the Kingdom of God this week? What will you do?

Prayer: Share prayer requests and then pray together.

Closing Prayer:  And now may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now, and forever more. Amen

Have a wonderful week. God bless. Tim.