The Second Yes

• What’s your second-favorite holiday?

• You have to say “yes” to one of these — which do you pick: petting a tarantula, hugging a snake, or kissing a cockroach?

• You can only pick three foods to have at Thanksgiving (or a holiday when you eat a big meal) — what are they?

• (For married groups): Share your proposal story.

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.

• What’s a “yes” you said to something in the past, and now you’re really glad you did?

• Has there ever been a time when you said “yes” without fully understanding what you were getting into? What happened?

• Read Jonah 3:1-3, then read Jonah 4:1-5. Jonah said the “first yes”, but then he got mad when God showed compassion to the people of Nineveh, and he disobeyed Him. How would you define the “first yes”? Give some examples. (e.g., saying “yes” to salvation, to what you think God’s plan is, to accepting God’s grace, etc. Have you ever told God “yes… except/unless”? What are some reasons we do that?)

• God tested Jonah’s “yes”. Has God ever tested your “yes”? What happened? Is your “yes” being tested now?

• Where are some areas you’ve said “yes” to God, but you’re struggling to follow through? (e.g., tithing, serving, trusting, changing a pattern, praying more, etc.) Share what challenges you’re facing with the group.

• Read Jeremiah 29:11-13.  Are you trusting the plan or the person? (What’s the difference between the two? How does trusting what we want God’s plan to be keep us from fully making ourselves available to Him?)

• Read 2 Corinthians 1:15-22. How would you define a “second yes”? Give some examples of a “second yes.” (e.g., “Yes, change me,” “Yes, even if… ,” “Yes, no matter what,” “yes” to God instead of “yes” to a plan, etc.)

• Have you ever given God a “second yes”? What are some things that make it difficult for us to give God a “second yes”?

• Where in your life can you make yourself fully available and give God a “second yes”? (Where do you need to say “nevertheless, yes,” even if you don’t like it?)

This week, give God a “second yes.” Make yourself available and show God you trust Him — do something to respond to the grace He’s shown you. (One “second yes” Pastor Steven challenged us in was tithing. Does someone in your group need to begin putting God first in their finances? Have a conversation with them about it.)

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 for saying “yes” to us first. Thank You that Your answer was “yes” before we even came to know You. We want to know what “yes” You are waiting on from us, Lord. Show us the “second yes” You want us to give You, and help us put our complete trust in You instead of in our plans. In Jesus’ name, amen.