Study Questions for December 7, 2025
Uncommon "Rod of Jesse"
Read Isaiah 11 and Revelation 22:16-21
A dead-looking stump doesn’t seem very promising, yet God brought the King of kings out of it. Think of an area in your own life that feels like a “stump” right now—cut down, fruitless, maybe even a bit hopeless.
How does the truth that Jesus is the shoot from Jesse’s stump give you hope that God can still bring new life and fruitfulness there? Take a moment to pray for those situations as a group.
Why do you think God inspired Isaiah to describe the Messiah as a “shoot” coming out of a “stump” rather than a mighty cedar tree? What does this image tell us about the condition of David’s royal line when Jesus was born, and how does it reflect God’s power to bring life out of what looks dead?
Consider Romans 15:12 and Revelation 22:16
In these New Testament passages, Jesus is explicitly called the “Root of Jesse” and the “Root and descendant of David.”
How can Jesus be both the root (source) and the branch (offspring) at the same time?
What does this teach us about who Jesus really is?
Read Isaiah 11:2-5 aloud in the group setting
These verses describe the "sevenfold Spirit" resting on this shoot and the perfect justice and righteousness of His reign.
Where do you already see evidence of these qualities in Jesus’ life and ministry in the Gospels?
Where do you long to see them fully displayed when He returns?
In terms of the Advent of Jesus, what does it mean for believers to live between the already and not yet?
As you sing the songs of Christmas, consider them for both the already and the not yet. Let the ancient longing for the promised Messiah fuel your hope for the return of Jesus.
Read Isaiah 11 and Revelation 22:16-21
A dead-looking stump doesn’t seem very promising, yet God brought the King of kings out of it. Think of an area in your own life that feels like a “stump” right now—cut down, fruitless, maybe even a bit hopeless.
How does the truth that Jesus is the shoot from Jesse’s stump give you hope that God can still bring new life and fruitfulness there? Take a moment to pray for those situations as a group.
Why do you think God inspired Isaiah to describe the Messiah as a “shoot” coming out of a “stump” rather than a mighty cedar tree? What does this image tell us about the condition of David’s royal line when Jesus was born, and how does it reflect God’s power to bring life out of what looks dead?
Consider Romans 15:12 and Revelation 22:16
In these New Testament passages, Jesus is explicitly called the “Root of Jesse” and the “Root and descendant of David.”
How can Jesus be both the root (source) and the branch (offspring) at the same time?
What does this teach us about who Jesus really is?
Read Isaiah 11:2-5 aloud in the group setting
These verses describe the "sevenfold Spirit" resting on this shoot and the perfect justice and righteousness of His reign.
Where do you already see evidence of these qualities in Jesus’ life and ministry in the Gospels?
Where do you long to see them fully displayed when He returns?
In terms of the Advent of Jesus, what does it mean for believers to live between the already and not yet?
As you sing the songs of Christmas, consider them for both the already and the not yet. Let the ancient longing for the promised Messiah fuel your hope for the return of Jesus.
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2025
January
Study Questions for January 5, 2025We Learn TogetherStaffing Changes This YearWeather Alert for This Sunday January 5Belong TogetherMembership MattersWeather Alert for Sunday January 12Study Questions for January 12, 2025Study Questions for January 19, 2025Worship TogetherCalling All Men (and help from ladies)Tax Info and 2 Core ValuesPray TogetherStudy Questions for January 26, 2025What a Response Thank YouStudy Questions for February 2, 2025Jesus Steps Forward
February
Jesus Meets a Variety of ResponsesStudy Questions for February 9, 2025God Is at Work in our LivesNew Check-In ProcessBe a Sidekick - Make a Lasting DifferenceJesus and the Kingdom of GodStudy Questions for February 16, 2025New Check-In ProcessStudy Questions for February 23, 2025Jesus and His Power in MinistryThe Hardest Days - Prayer for the Millers in SpainJesus and the Process of DiscipleshipStudy Questions for March 2, 2025
March
TOGETHER - Membership at CFCStudy Questions for March 9, 2025Jesus and His Service to PeopleStudy Questions for March 16, 2025Jesus and His Mission on EarthQuarterly Operations ReportWhat an Encouragement - Membership ClassStudy Questions for March 23, 2025Jesus and the Sacrificial LifeStudy Questions for March 30, 2025You've Been ServedEaster is 3 Weeks Away
April
Jesus Prepares for SacrificeGod Was Glorified through our StudentsStudy Questions for April 6, 2025Study Questions for April 13, 2025The Crucifixion of JesusIt's Next ThursdayIt is FinishedThe Resurrection of JesusStudy Questions for April 20, 2025New Sermon Series: The End Is NearStudy Questions for April 27, 2025All Caught UpStudy Questions for May 4, 2025The Signs Are EverywhereA New Ministry is Launching
May
June
Magnify God's CareStudy Questions for June 8, 2025Waiting to Take the FieldPray for High School & Middle School CampsGod Is the Owner of EverythingStudy Questions for June 15, 2025Magnify God's LoveIt's a PrivilegeStudy Questions for June 22, 2025Magnify God's ForgivenessStudy Questions for June 29, 2025Magnify God's FaithfulnessThe Challenge of Freedom
July
Study Questions for July 6, 2025A New InitiativeStudy Questions for July 13, 2025The Heart of PraiseServe Alongside a Medical TeamCrying out in LamentStudy Questions for July 20, 2025Welcoming Our New MembersStudy Questions for July 27, 2025Trusting God's ProtectionPrayer for Back to SchoolStudy Questions for August 3, 2025Mea Culpa