Small Group Guide

Tim Minks • Senior Pastor
July 7, 2026

3 Minute Read

STAYING ANCHORED

WEEK 2: RECOGNIZING DANGER

JUDE 5-16

Before You Begin

This week's passage names names — Jude points to specific examples of people who drifted from truth and calls it out plainly. It can feel like a heavier discussion than most weeks. Encourage your group to keep the focus on self-examination rather than pointing fingers outward. The goal isn't to identify “who's the false teacher in my life” — it's to build discernment for our own hearts and our own household as a new season begins.

Opening Question

Start light before you go deep:

  • Think back to something you trusted completely growing up — a person, a product, an idea — that later turned out to be untrustworthy. What was the moment you realized it?

Read the Passage

Have someone read Jude 5-16 aloud. It's a dense section — don't rush it. Let the room sit with it for a moment before moving into discussion.

Discussion Questions

  1. Jude reaches back into Israel's history — the exodus generation, fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah — to make his point. Why do you think he roots a present-day warning in past examples rather than just describing the danger directly?
  2. In verses 8-10, Jude describes people who “rely on their dreams” and reject authority. What does healthy submission to authority (spiritual, relational, institutional) look like in a season of change, versus unhealthy conformity?
  3. Verses 12-13 use vivid pictures — hidden reefs, waterless clouds, wandering stars. Which of these images hits you the hardest, and why?
  4. Jude isn't shy about naming danger clearly. Where do you tend to soften or avoid naming something as “dangerous” in your own life — a relationship, a habit, an influence — because it feels easier to stay quiet?
  5. As you head into a new school year or new routine, what's one area where you need sharper discernment — for yourself, your kids, or your household?

Application

Jude doesn't just describe danger to create fear — he wants a discerning, anchored people. Spend a few minutes as a group naming practical, low-drama ways to build discernment into a new season:

  • A regular rhythm of checking what's shaping you — what you're reading, watching, following.
  • A trusted person who has permission to speak honestly into your life.
  • A simple family or personal practice of asking “does this line up with what we know is true?”before fully buying in to something new.

Close in Prayer

Pray specifically for discernment for your group as families and individuals step into a new season — that God would give clarity to recognize what's healthy and what's not, and encourage to name it when needed.

Refrain reminder: “Called. Beloved. Kept. That doesn't change when life does.” Consider closing your time by reading this together as a group.

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July 7, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Small Group Guide
STAYING ANCHORED WEEK 2: RECOGNIZING DANGER JUDE 5-16 Before You Begin This week's passage names names — Jude points to specific examples of people who drifted from truth and calls it out plainly. It can feel like a heavier discussion than most weeks. Encourage your group to keep the focus on self-examination rather than pointing fingers outward. The goal isn't to identify “who's the false teacher in my life” — it's to build discernment for our own hearts and our own household as a new season begins. Opening Question Start light before you go deep: Think back to something you trusted completely growing up — a person, a product, an idea — that later turned out to be untrustworthy. What was the moment you realized it? Read the Passage Have someone read Jude 5-16 aloud. It's a dense section — don't rush it. Let the room sit with it for a moment before moving into discussion. Discussion Questions Jude reaches back into Israel's history — the exodus generation, fallen angels, Sodom and Gomorrah — to make his point. Why do you think he roots a present-day warning in past examples rather than just describing the danger directly? In verses 8-10, Jude describes people who “rely on their dreams” and reject authority. What does healthy submission to authority (spiritual, relational, institutional) look like in a season of change, versus unhealthy conformity? Verses 12-13 use vivid pictures — hidden reefs, waterless clouds, wandering stars. Which of these images hits you the hardest, and why? Jude isn't shy about naming danger clearly. Where do you tend to soften or avoid naming something as “dangerous” in your own life — a relationship, a habit, an influence — because it feels easier to stay quiet? As you head into a new school year or new routine, what's one area where you need sharper discernment — for yourself, your kids, or your household? Application Jude doesn't just describe danger to create fear — he wants a discerning, anchored people. Spend a few minutes as a group naming practical, low-drama ways to build discernment into a new season: A regular rhythm of checking what's shaping you — what you're reading, watching, following. A trusted person who has permission to speak honestly into your life. A simple family or personal practice of asking “does this line up with what we know is true?”before fully buying in to something new. Close in Prayer Pray specifically for discernment for your group as families and individuals step into a new season — that God would give clarity to recognize what's healthy and what's not, and encourage to name it when needed. Refrain reminder: “Called. Beloved. Kept. That doesn't change when life does.” Consider closing your time by reading this together as a group.

Tim Minks

Senior Pastor