The Foundation For Favor
Holly Furtick
Conversation Starters
What has stressed you out most getting ready for Christmas?Holly mentioned the book club that she leads. If you had to lead your own book club, what would be your first book recommendation?”Do you like real Christmas trees or fake ones? Tell your group why that kind is better!
Review
Ask eGroup members to share their favorite points from the sermon, what spoke to them, a phrase or moment from the sermon they related to the most, or questions they have. If members have a hard time recalling the sermon, talk through your notes and share your favorite points.
Make It Personal
In what ways have you grown stronger this year? What has created that strength? (e.g., new routines, habits, community, etc.)
How would you define “fake favor”? Talk about some ways people might chase fake favor. (Are there any ways you’ve chased fake favor? How does fake favor limit our view of God?)
AWARENESS
Read Luke 1:28-38. God knew He could interrupt any ordinary day in Mary’s life and she would respond. Where is your life so busy or crowded that God can’t get your attention?
What are some “pockets” of time in your day that you could spend with God?
ACCEPTANCE
Holly said there were some things she didn’t think she could do, but that the truth was she just didn’t want to put in the work. Where are you struggling to “put in the work”? Why? (What’s something God’s doing or asking you to do that you’re struggling to accept?)
You’re called to do what God’s placed in your life right now. What is that for you? (Have you ever had a hard time believing God has a calling for you?)
ACTION
Read Luke 1:36-40. The angel didn’t stay to guide Mary, but he did point her to Elizabeth, and Mary took a step to go to Judea. What small steps have you taken this year? Looking back, how have you seen progress?
God won’t show us step two until we take step one. What “step one” have you been avoiding that you need to take?
ATTACHMENT
Do you have a strong support system? What are some ways it needs to grow?
Who’s someone in your life you admire or who’s more experienced than you who you can learn from?
AFFIRMATION
Read Luke 1:45-49. Mary affirmed herself when she said “all generations will call me blessed.” Where are you getting your affirmation from?
What changes can you make to get more of your affirmation from God?
Act On It
Which of the five areas do you need to focus on to build a stronger foundation of favor? Tell the group which one you’re going to focus on this week, and one step you’re going to take to grow in that area.
Prayer Requests And Prayer
Ask eGroup members to share any prayer requests they have. Record any notes or prayer requests to pray for members during the week.Father, thank You so much for showing us a strategy we can use to build a foundation that will help us experience Your favor. Open our eyes to see where we need to grow, and challenge us to take the right steps that will position us to see You move. In Jesus’ name, amen.