December 25, 2011
You Shall Name Him Jesus
Due to the Christmas Holiday there will be no sermon study posted for this weekend's sermon. We will be back providing a sermon study as usual for next week's sermon.
December 18, 2011
Jesus: The Lion Who is The Lamb
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
What we’re doing in the weeks leading up to Christmas is anticipating the approach or arrival of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Historically, Advent anticipated not only Jesus’ first coming at Christmas, but Advent was also an anticipation of Jesus’ second coming when he gathers to himself his children and judges the world. For this Advent series we’re looking at portraits of Jesus from the book of Revelation.
This weekend, Pastor Rich continued his advent series, preaching on chapters 4 and 5 from the book of Revelation. These chapters reveal to us who we are worshipping and why. Worship helps us to understand our place in the universe and help us to understand our savior, Jesus. When we worship we get to take off the lenses that the world gives us and see our reality for what it really is. From the book of revelation we see that God is the center of the universe, not ourselves. Jesus saves us from the illusion that life revolves around us. John’s revelation also reveals that God is not only the center of the universe but the ruler of the universe. The only way we can be liberated from the idols and the self-centeredness we’ve attached ourselves to is to worship the God who sits on the throne at the center of the universe. Rich challenged us with the question of where we find ourselves positioned in respect to the Throne of God and what things do we find ourselves really being controlled by. In Chapter 5, John’s revelation declares that Jesus is the only one who can reveal what the worlds destiny is. In worshipping Christ, we focus our attention on the cross and we are given the key to the world’s meaning, the key to the world’s destiny. The cross tells us two things. It tells us that we are sinners and that God loves us and accepts us anyway. As we focus upon Jesus, we hear by the Holy Spirit what John heard. Death doesn’t have the last word. The Slain Lamb is standing. Jesus has risen. And so will every dead person attached to Christ rise from the dead. Jesus in his death and resurrection is the Revealer of the world’s destiny and the Revealer of God’s perfect love.
Due to the Christmas Holiday there will be no sermon study posted this week and next week.
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
What we’re doing in the weeks leading up to Christmas is anticipating the approach or arrival of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Historically, Advent anticipated not only Jesus’ first coming at Christmas, but Advent was also an anticipation of Jesus’ second coming when he gathers to himself his children and judges the world. For this Advent series we’re looking at portraits of Jesus from the book of Revelation.
This weekend, Pastor Rich continued his advent series, preaching on chapters 4 and 5 from the book of Revelation. These chapters reveal to us who we are worshipping and why. Worship helps us to understand our place in the universe and help us to understand our savior, Jesus. When we worship we get to take off the lenses that the world gives us and see our reality for what it really is. From the book of revelation we see that God is the center of the universe, not ourselves. Jesus saves us from the illusion that life revolves around us. John’s revelation also reveals that God is not only the center of the universe but the ruler of the universe. The only way we can be liberated from the idols and the self-centeredness we’ve attached ourselves to is to worship the God who sits on the throne at the center of the universe. Rich challenged us with the question of where we find ourselves positioned in respect to the Throne of God and what things do we find ourselves really being controlled by. In Chapter 5, John’s revelation declares that Jesus is the only one who can reveal what the worlds destiny is. In worshipping Christ, we focus our attention on the cross and we are given the key to the world’s meaning, the key to the world’s destiny. The cross tells us two things. It tells us that we are sinners and that God loves us and accepts us anyway. As we focus upon Jesus, we hear by the Holy Spirit what John heard. Death doesn’t have the last word. The Slain Lamb is standing. Jesus has risen. And so will every dead person attached to Christ rise from the dead. Jesus in his death and resurrection is the Revealer of the world’s destiny and the Revealer of God’s perfect love.
Due to the Christmas Holiday there will be no sermon study posted this week and next week.
December 11, 2011
Jesus: The Pastor of the Church - What Jesus Would Preach On If He Were Pastor Of Our Church (Revelation 2 and 3)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
What we’re doing in the weeks leading up to Christmas is anticipating the approach or arrival of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Historically, Advent anticipated not only Jesus’ first coming at Christmas, but Advent was also an anticipation of Jesus’ second coming when he gathers to himself his children and judges the world. For this Advent series we’re looking at portraits of Jesus from the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation presents Jesus as our Pastor and Shepherd (also John 10, Heb 13:20, 1 Pet 2:25, 1 Pet 5:4, Rev 7:17). When reading Revelation, there has been an “unfortunate interpretive tradition” where everything is read allegorically. In Rev 2 & 3, we want to take a historical approach rather than allegorical. So the writer, the Apostle John, compared the seven churches and their imperfections to the church in the New Creation. One take away is that Jesus has a message for every church throughout history living in this old broken fallen creation. He is our Pastor and we need to listen when our Pastor speaks to us. So, what would Jesus preach on? What would he say?
• Jesus would affirm us – as he does in the messages to each of the seven churches. If we are going to grow and thrive, we need to be affirmed.
• Jesus would also warn us. Jesus corrects and warns his church. We all need correction, if we are going to thrive and grow. It is an act of love to correct in grace. Not blasting people; not sharing why someone is a total failure – but correct in grace.
• Jesus would teach us. Every strength has a corresponding weakness attached to it (Ex. Optimists may struggle with discouragement, self-confident people may struggle with pride, hard-workers may struggle with love and grace, etc.). If there is a mark of the church to lean into this Christmas it would be love (John 13:33-35).
• Jesus would speak to us about our need to suffer (Rev 2:8-11). The NT teaches that the greatest issue that exists regarding the extension of the gospel in every time and in every place is the willingness of individual Christians to suffer so that this gospel message gets announced (John 12:24-26). There is nothing great ever achieved without some degree of suffering, without some deprivation.
• Jesus would speak to us about our need for truth (Rev 2:12-16). The writers of the New Testament know the healthy teaching, which applies God’s Word to real life will result in healthy living. And they also know that bad teaching and bad counsel will result in bad living. Rich asks, “What are we filling our souls with?
• Jesus would speak to us about our need for sincerity (Rev 3:14-19). Many good things were going on in Laodicea, but they were lukewarm about Jesus – their souls were nominal and superficial. Of course, Jesus would prefer not that we be cold, and certainly not that we be lukewarm, but that we be hot, burning in love for him.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What were one or two things that resonated with you about this weekend’s sermon?
• Share a funny family Christmas story, or one from spending a Christmas with your spouse’s family.
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read 1 John 4:7-12 (NIV):
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Background
The apostle John, as in the seven letters to the churches in Revelation, is familiar and known to his audience. He has a close personal relationship with them – calling them loved ones and his children. They are also already believers. 1 John is a pastoral letter encouraging a “back to basics” faith that doesn’t neglect foundational practices and beliefs. Like his audience, we all need some reminding and encouragement about central truths, regardless of how long we’ve been following Jesus. Consider reading 1 John 3:23-24 which provides the context for this passage in chapter 4. 1 John 4:1-6 unpacks some implications of believing in Christ, then John moves (for the 3rd time in the letter) to address the social implication (Stott, says social test) of our faith – namely loving one-another. Why is reciprocal love the plain duty of Christians? It is, as John began to say in 3:16, that God purposed to reveal himself in Jesus Christ (8, 16); through Christ we experience God’s love (10-11); and God continues to love in and through us (12-13) – these are the reasons why we must love each other. Also consider reading John 13:33-35 where Jesus sets forth the command to love one-another.
• What are you like when someone tells you “you should do something”? What is one reason why we should love one another (7, 11)? Read John 13:33-35 – does it change your attitude if Jesus, your Savior, says it? But Jesus doesn’t just tell you to do something he didn’t first show you himself how to do, right? What is the greatest act of love you have ever committed? What is the greatest act of love ever bestowed on you by another person?
• (7-8) What does John contrast in these verses? What two things are true, if we love God and others? Someone once said “Love is like the language of God” – it’s hard to really know someone if you don’t share a common language.
• Have you ever experienced closeness with God because of a particular love-action toward another person? Please share.
• (7-8) What is the source of love? What behaviors, or disciplines, encourage love in you? Share a practical example.
• Two times (8, 16) scripture says, “God is Love”? What have you heard, or believe, that phrase to mean? (Important to affirm that God in substance, in being, is distinct from creation. He is spirit (Jn 4:24). God is not a feeling or emotion. One clear interpretation is God’s nature, his fundamental personality, is loving – all of God’s activity is loving.) Have you ever encountered God’s presence in a way where a part, or most, of the experience was a profound sense of His love? Please share.
• (9) What is one revelation of God’s love? What are some others you know of from scripture? (10) What is the essence of God’s love (Eph 2:1, Rom 5:7-8)? So how might Christian love differ from worldly love? (Even non-Christians love others, but the distinct quality of Christian love is that it doesn’t depend on the goodness, or worthiness, of the one receiving it. Who can be excluded?). Have you experienced this kind of Love or have you ever shown this kind of love? Please share.
• What implication does v. 11 make about the way we are to love? Describe some shared qualities that should exist in the ways we love one another? (self-sacrifice, humility).
• Why do you think John begins verse 12 with, “no one has ever seen God”? Read Revelation 2:4. How do you think that verse relates to this passage in 1 John?
• (12) What two things are true if we love one another? What does it mean that his love is made complete (some translations say ‘brought to perfection in us’)? (His love is complete in us when we love, because our love reveals the unseen God as real and true to those we love and those who observe that love.)
• What do you think your non-Christian friends and family members would say about your capacity for and expression of love?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
• Ask the Holy Spirit for an outpouring of His love to saturate all of you relationships and interactions, so as to point others toward Jesus. Over the next week, record instances of evidence of this blessing and take time to thank God for using you in this way.
• Practically, is there anyone in need in your small group of Christ’s love being expressed in and through you? Ask God what how he wants you to love others in your small group.
• If you’ve never experience the all-consuming love of God, invite some friends to pray for you to tangibly meet God in that way.
• Ask for discernment about how you can become a more loving Christian. Share with others what you know works and doesn’t work, and pray for encouragement to press in to growth and change.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
What we’re doing in the weeks leading up to Christmas is anticipating the approach or arrival of Jesus Christ at Christmas. Historically, Advent anticipated not only Jesus’ first coming at Christmas, but Advent was also an anticipation of Jesus’ second coming when he gathers to himself his children and judges the world. For this Advent series we’re looking at portraits of Jesus from the book of Revelation.
The book of Revelation presents Jesus as our Pastor and Shepherd (also John 10, Heb 13:20, 1 Pet 2:25, 1 Pet 5:4, Rev 7:17). When reading Revelation, there has been an “unfortunate interpretive tradition” where everything is read allegorically. In Rev 2 & 3, we want to take a historical approach rather than allegorical. So the writer, the Apostle John, compared the seven churches and their imperfections to the church in the New Creation. One take away is that Jesus has a message for every church throughout history living in this old broken fallen creation. He is our Pastor and we need to listen when our Pastor speaks to us. So, what would Jesus preach on? What would he say?
• Jesus would affirm us – as he does in the messages to each of the seven churches. If we are going to grow and thrive, we need to be affirmed.
• Jesus would also warn us. Jesus corrects and warns his church. We all need correction, if we are going to thrive and grow. It is an act of love to correct in grace. Not blasting people; not sharing why someone is a total failure – but correct in grace.
• Jesus would teach us. Every strength has a corresponding weakness attached to it (Ex. Optimists may struggle with discouragement, self-confident people may struggle with pride, hard-workers may struggle with love and grace, etc.). If there is a mark of the church to lean into this Christmas it would be love (John 13:33-35).
• Jesus would speak to us about our need to suffer (Rev 2:8-11). The NT teaches that the greatest issue that exists regarding the extension of the gospel in every time and in every place is the willingness of individual Christians to suffer so that this gospel message gets announced (John 12:24-26). There is nothing great ever achieved without some degree of suffering, without some deprivation.
• Jesus would speak to us about our need for truth (Rev 2:12-16). The writers of the New Testament know the healthy teaching, which applies God’s Word to real life will result in healthy living. And they also know that bad teaching and bad counsel will result in bad living. Rich asks, “What are we filling our souls with?
• Jesus would speak to us about our need for sincerity (Rev 3:14-19). Many good things were going on in Laodicea, but they were lukewarm about Jesus – their souls were nominal and superficial. Of course, Jesus would prefer not that we be cold, and certainly not that we be lukewarm, but that we be hot, burning in love for him.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What were one or two things that resonated with you about this weekend’s sermon?
• Share a funny family Christmas story, or one from spending a Christmas with your spouse’s family.
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read 1 John 4:7-12 (NIV):
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Background
The apostle John, as in the seven letters to the churches in Revelation, is familiar and known to his audience. He has a close personal relationship with them – calling them loved ones and his children. They are also already believers. 1 John is a pastoral letter encouraging a “back to basics” faith that doesn’t neglect foundational practices and beliefs. Like his audience, we all need some reminding and encouragement about central truths, regardless of how long we’ve been following Jesus. Consider reading 1 John 3:23-24 which provides the context for this passage in chapter 4. 1 John 4:1-6 unpacks some implications of believing in Christ, then John moves (for the 3rd time in the letter) to address the social implication (Stott, says social test) of our faith – namely loving one-another. Why is reciprocal love the plain duty of Christians? It is, as John began to say in 3:16, that God purposed to reveal himself in Jesus Christ (8, 16); through Christ we experience God’s love (10-11); and God continues to love in and through us (12-13) – these are the reasons why we must love each other. Also consider reading John 13:33-35 where Jesus sets forth the command to love one-another.
• What are you like when someone tells you “you should do something”? What is one reason why we should love one another (7, 11)? Read John 13:33-35 – does it change your attitude if Jesus, your Savior, says it? But Jesus doesn’t just tell you to do something he didn’t first show you himself how to do, right? What is the greatest act of love you have ever committed? What is the greatest act of love ever bestowed on you by another person?
• (7-8) What does John contrast in these verses? What two things are true, if we love God and others? Someone once said “Love is like the language of God” – it’s hard to really know someone if you don’t share a common language.
• Have you ever experienced closeness with God because of a particular love-action toward another person? Please share.
• (7-8) What is the source of love? What behaviors, or disciplines, encourage love in you? Share a practical example.
• Two times (8, 16) scripture says, “God is Love”? What have you heard, or believe, that phrase to mean? (Important to affirm that God in substance, in being, is distinct from creation. He is spirit (Jn 4:24). God is not a feeling or emotion. One clear interpretation is God’s nature, his fundamental personality, is loving – all of God’s activity is loving.) Have you ever encountered God’s presence in a way where a part, or most, of the experience was a profound sense of His love? Please share.
• (9) What is one revelation of God’s love? What are some others you know of from scripture? (10) What is the essence of God’s love (Eph 2:1, Rom 5:7-8)? So how might Christian love differ from worldly love? (Even non-Christians love others, but the distinct quality of Christian love is that it doesn’t depend on the goodness, or worthiness, of the one receiving it. Who can be excluded?). Have you experienced this kind of Love or have you ever shown this kind of love? Please share.
• What implication does v. 11 make about the way we are to love? Describe some shared qualities that should exist in the ways we love one another? (self-sacrifice, humility).
• Why do you think John begins verse 12 with, “no one has ever seen God”? Read Revelation 2:4. How do you think that verse relates to this passage in 1 John?
• (12) What two things are true if we love one another? What does it mean that his love is made complete (some translations say ‘brought to perfection in us’)? (His love is complete in us when we love, because our love reveals the unseen God as real and true to those we love and those who observe that love.)
• What do you think your non-Christian friends and family members would say about your capacity for and expression of love?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
• Ask the Holy Spirit for an outpouring of His love to saturate all of you relationships and interactions, so as to point others toward Jesus. Over the next week, record instances of evidence of this blessing and take time to thank God for using you in this way.
• Practically, is there anyone in need in your small group of Christ’s love being expressed in and through you? Ask God what how he wants you to love others in your small group.
• If you’ve never experience the all-consuming love of God, invite some friends to pray for you to tangibly meet God in that way.
• Ask for discernment about how you can become a more loving Christian. Share with others what you know works and doesn’t work, and pray for encouragement to press in to growth and change.
December 4, 2011
Jesus: The Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
The book of Revelations is often considered a book that foretells the cataclysmic events that will usher in the end of the world. But Revelations is really a book about Jesus Christ—specifically the revelation of Christ. It is a book filled with portraits of Jesus Christ, almost like an art gallery. There are portraits of Him as the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah and the King of Kings and the Bridegroom. It is also a book that tells us things about Jesus we could not know on our own—God must reveal these things to our souls. Historical research can tell us quite a bit about Christ, but it only gets us so far. We need revelation from God to get the full picture.
The book of Revelations begins by telling us something about who God is. John says in v. 8 that God is the One who “was and is and is to come.” A lot of people believe in the God who was—in God’s past tense activity—in other words, the God of the bible. And a lot of people believe in the God to come—in the future activity of God—that when they die, they will go to heaven. But many do not believe in the God who is—in God’s present day activity in their lives right now! And two measurements for determining whether or not you believe in the God who is are 1) how anxious are you about bad news and 2) how thankful are you about good news. John also writes that God is the “alpha and the omega.” These are the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet. In other words, there is no one before or after God. He is both the source of all things and the goal of all things.
John then describes the suffering of the church in vs. 9-11. According to his revelation of the church, it is not a prosperous group that moves from one glorious victory to another. The church is meant to share in the suffering of Jesus Christ.
Finally John describes Jesus. He begins by identifying Him as a priest, with a robe and sash on—typical garb for a priest. Jesus is the One who brings together two alienated parties—God and sinners—through His sacrificial death on the cross. And Jesus is also God! All the descriptions John uses for Jesus are descriptions of God found in the Old Testament: white hair, feet of bronze, blazing eyes. John is clearly stating that Jesus Christ is none other than God Almighty! Interestingly, the beginning of the book of Revelations begins with God declaring He is the alpha and the omega. In the last chapter of Revelation, v. 13, Jesus says “I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” So Revelation is more than just a book about end times—it is a book of revelations of who Jesus is!
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What were one or two things that resonated with you about this weekend’s sermon?
• Which of the historical truths about Christ were you familiar with and which were new to you? How can some of these truths help you share your faith with people you know at work or in your family or in your neighborhood?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Matthew 16:13-28:
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Background
This passage (along with the parallel accounts in Mark 8 and Luke 9) marks a pivotal transition in Jesus’ relationship with His disciples. From this point on, He begins to prepare them for His crucifixion in Jerusalem. This is not information He teaches to the crowds but rather only to the twelve, explaining to them that this is something that must happen—that it has been foretold in the scriptures for centuries.
There has been some debate about what Jesus means by saying Peter is the rock upon which the church is built. Catholics have traditionally said the rock is Peter himself, and the church is built on him personally, and those who come to represent Peter later on—the Pope. Protestants have said the rock is Peter’s confession of who Christ is—in other words, Jesus Himself is the rock upon which the church is built.
The picture Jesus describes when referring to the gates of hell is not that hell is aggressively attacking the church and the church is desperately trying to contain hell but will in the end prevail. Rather the picture is of the church storming the gates of hell and hell being unable to stop the church’s advances.
The keys of the kingdom (the authority to bind and lose) have traditionally been thought of to be the authority of the church to forgive sins in the name of Christ. Because of Jesus’ death for sin, the church (not just Peter) is now authorized to proclaim the gospel message—the forgiveness of sins throughout the world. Peter of course is the first to do this in Acts 2.
• Why do you think Jesus begins by asking the twelve what other people think? How and why is Peter’s answer so different from what other people say? Think back to when you first believed in Jesus. In what ways is your faith a direct result of revelation from the Holy Spirit?
• How would you describe the difference between knowing about Jesus and personally knowing Jesus? How well would you say you know Jesus personally? How have you gotten to know Jesus more personally? Experiences? Through prayer? Through other people?
• Why does Jesus warn His disciples to keep His identity a secret (a theme we see throughout the gospels)?
• Peter does not like what Jesus goes on to say about His suffering. According to Jesus, the source of Peter’s perspective is Satan. Why is that—why isn’t it merely Peter’s own misguided thoughts?
• Jesus tells the twelve that they will follow in His footsteps when it comes to suffering! We often have a hard time with suffering. We often feel that when we suffer, something has gone seriously wrong in our lives—that God couldn’t possibly want us to suffer. Why do you think we often feel this way—where do these thoughts come from? Have you ever had that experience of suffering and feeling like something is wrong in your life because you are suffering? Describe.
• According to the bible, we can expect suffering. So how do we learn to suffer well as Christians? What are some of the things we can do or not do to help us grow in this area? Share any personal experiences you have had grown and matured because of suffering.
MINISTRY APPLICATION
God is described in Revelations as the One who “was and is and is to come.” The most challenging thing for us to believe is that God is active right now in our present circumstances! Use the measurements Rich mentioned in his sermon to determine how firmly YOU believe that God is the “God who is!” How anxious are you right now about a challenge or difficulty in your life? How thankful are you about something good that has recently happened? Share with the group any current need you have right now that you are genuinely struggling to believe that God is at work in. Take some time to specifically pray for the God who IS to intervene. Follow up at your next group meeting to report on what God has done!
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
The book of Revelations is often considered a book that foretells the cataclysmic events that will usher in the end of the world. But Revelations is really a book about Jesus Christ—specifically the revelation of Christ. It is a book filled with portraits of Jesus Christ, almost like an art gallery. There are portraits of Him as the Lamb of God and the Lion of Judah and the King of Kings and the Bridegroom. It is also a book that tells us things about Jesus we could not know on our own—God must reveal these things to our souls. Historical research can tell us quite a bit about Christ, but it only gets us so far. We need revelation from God to get the full picture.
The book of Revelations begins by telling us something about who God is. John says in v. 8 that God is the One who “was and is and is to come.” A lot of people believe in the God who was—in God’s past tense activity—in other words, the God of the bible. And a lot of people believe in the God to come—in the future activity of God—that when they die, they will go to heaven. But many do not believe in the God who is—in God’s present day activity in their lives right now! And two measurements for determining whether or not you believe in the God who is are 1) how anxious are you about bad news and 2) how thankful are you about good news. John also writes that God is the “alpha and the omega.” These are the first and last letter of the Greek alphabet. In other words, there is no one before or after God. He is both the source of all things and the goal of all things.
John then describes the suffering of the church in vs. 9-11. According to his revelation of the church, it is not a prosperous group that moves from one glorious victory to another. The church is meant to share in the suffering of Jesus Christ.
Finally John describes Jesus. He begins by identifying Him as a priest, with a robe and sash on—typical garb for a priest. Jesus is the One who brings together two alienated parties—God and sinners—through His sacrificial death on the cross. And Jesus is also God! All the descriptions John uses for Jesus are descriptions of God found in the Old Testament: white hair, feet of bronze, blazing eyes. John is clearly stating that Jesus Christ is none other than God Almighty! Interestingly, the beginning of the book of Revelations begins with God declaring He is the alpha and the omega. In the last chapter of Revelation, v. 13, Jesus says “I am the alpha and the omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” So Revelation is more than just a book about end times—it is a book of revelations of who Jesus is!
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What were one or two things that resonated with you about this weekend’s sermon?
• Which of the historical truths about Christ were you familiar with and which were new to you? How can some of these truths help you share your faith with people you know at work or in your family or in your neighborhood?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Matthew 16:13-28:
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.
28 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”
Background
This passage (along with the parallel accounts in Mark 8 and Luke 9) marks a pivotal transition in Jesus’ relationship with His disciples. From this point on, He begins to prepare them for His crucifixion in Jerusalem. This is not information He teaches to the crowds but rather only to the twelve, explaining to them that this is something that must happen—that it has been foretold in the scriptures for centuries.
There has been some debate about what Jesus means by saying Peter is the rock upon which the church is built. Catholics have traditionally said the rock is Peter himself, and the church is built on him personally, and those who come to represent Peter later on—the Pope. Protestants have said the rock is Peter’s confession of who Christ is—in other words, Jesus Himself is the rock upon which the church is built.
The picture Jesus describes when referring to the gates of hell is not that hell is aggressively attacking the church and the church is desperately trying to contain hell but will in the end prevail. Rather the picture is of the church storming the gates of hell and hell being unable to stop the church’s advances.
The keys of the kingdom (the authority to bind and lose) have traditionally been thought of to be the authority of the church to forgive sins in the name of Christ. Because of Jesus’ death for sin, the church (not just Peter) is now authorized to proclaim the gospel message—the forgiveness of sins throughout the world. Peter of course is the first to do this in Acts 2.
• Why do you think Jesus begins by asking the twelve what other people think? How and why is Peter’s answer so different from what other people say? Think back to when you first believed in Jesus. In what ways is your faith a direct result of revelation from the Holy Spirit?
• How would you describe the difference between knowing about Jesus and personally knowing Jesus? How well would you say you know Jesus personally? How have you gotten to know Jesus more personally? Experiences? Through prayer? Through other people?
• Why does Jesus warn His disciples to keep His identity a secret (a theme we see throughout the gospels)?
• Peter does not like what Jesus goes on to say about His suffering. According to Jesus, the source of Peter’s perspective is Satan. Why is that—why isn’t it merely Peter’s own misguided thoughts?
• Jesus tells the twelve that they will follow in His footsteps when it comes to suffering! We often have a hard time with suffering. We often feel that when we suffer, something has gone seriously wrong in our lives—that God couldn’t possibly want us to suffer. Why do you think we often feel this way—where do these thoughts come from? Have you ever had that experience of suffering and feeling like something is wrong in your life because you are suffering? Describe.
• According to the bible, we can expect suffering. So how do we learn to suffer well as Christians? What are some of the things we can do or not do to help us grow in this area? Share any personal experiences you have had grown and matured because of suffering.
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
God is described in Revelations as the One who “was and is and is to come.” The most challenging thing for us to believe is that God is active right now in our present circumstances! Use the measurements Rich mentioned in his sermon to determine how firmly YOU believe that God is the “God who is!” How anxious are you right now about a challenge or difficulty in your life? How thankful are you about something good that has recently happened? Share with the group any current need you have right now that you are genuinely struggling to believe that God is at work in. Take some time to specifically pray for the God who IS to intervene. Follow up at your next group meeting to report on what God has done!
November 27, 2011
Living Behind Enemy Lines: Lessons in Spiritual Warfare for Resident Aliens (1 Peter 5.8-14)
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
John Cook opened the sermon with a childhood story highlighting the significance of “home field advantage”. He related that illustration with the present circumstances in which Christians now find themselves – we’re living as citizens of another kingdom (the Kingdom of God) yet our enemy, Satan, still retains a degree of power in this age. John also warned that we don’t want to fall into two extreme camps; the first is one of ignorance and avoidance of spiritual matters, the second is one of unhealthy interest and obsession of the enemy and his “schemes”. We want to be somewhere in the middle, aware there is a battle but dependent on Jesus’ power to rescue and deliver. So therefore, lesson #1 is “be on the alert”. We can become distracted and unaware of the battle raging around us (1 Peter 5.8). John said there are three things that can distract us. First, we are distracted by the mundane (Matthew 6.25, 31-33). Second, we are distracted by spiritual lethargy (Proverbs 6.9-11, 15). Finally, we are distracted by over-stimulation (Psalm 27.4-6a). Lesson #2 is “resist the devil” as he seeks to devour you (1 Peter 5.8-9). The verb for devour means “swallow whole”, which makes one think of a drastic and aggressive encounter. While we don't want to live in fear we need to understand that there is a battle for our minds, for our appetites, and for our emotions. John’s 3rd lesson in spiritual warfare is that “God will make you immovable” because God, not the devil, is all-powerful (1 Peter 5.10-11). God may do it after you have suffered a little while but he always works by grace – only by grace. In the Epilogue, John refers to 3 passages about our longing and hope for God’s redemption; 1 Peter 5.13, Psalm 137.1-4, Psalm 126.1-3.
No Sermon Study this week
Suggestions for small group discussion and teaching: Use one of the texts and prepared questions on the back of the sermon outlines available below:
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
John Cook opened the sermon with a childhood story highlighting the significance of “home field advantage”. He related that illustration with the present circumstances in which Christians now find themselves – we’re living as citizens of another kingdom (the Kingdom of God) yet our enemy, Satan, still retains a degree of power in this age. John also warned that we don’t want to fall into two extreme camps; the first is one of ignorance and avoidance of spiritual matters, the second is one of unhealthy interest and obsession of the enemy and his “schemes”. We want to be somewhere in the middle, aware there is a battle but dependent on Jesus’ power to rescue and deliver. So therefore, lesson #1 is “be on the alert”. We can become distracted and unaware of the battle raging around us (1 Peter 5.8). John said there are three things that can distract us. First, we are distracted by the mundane (Matthew 6.25, 31-33). Second, we are distracted by spiritual lethargy (Proverbs 6.9-11, 15). Finally, we are distracted by over-stimulation (Psalm 27.4-6a). Lesson #2 is “resist the devil” as he seeks to devour you (1 Peter 5.8-9). The verb for devour means “swallow whole”, which makes one think of a drastic and aggressive encounter. While we don't want to live in fear we need to understand that there is a battle for our minds, for our appetites, and for our emotions. John’s 3rd lesson in spiritual warfare is that “God will make you immovable” because God, not the devil, is all-powerful (1 Peter 5.10-11). God may do it after you have suffered a little while but he always works by grace – only by grace. In the Epilogue, John refers to 3 passages about our longing and hope for God’s redemption; 1 Peter 5.13, Psalm 137.1-4, Psalm 126.1-3.
No Sermon Study this week
Suggestions for small group discussion and teaching: Use one of the texts and prepared questions on the back of the sermon outlines available below:
November 20, 2011
Being a Healthy Church (in a World Crying Out For Leadership)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this weekends sermon Rich continued in his series from 1 Peter. He taught about some of the things that make for a good Christian leader. We desire good leadership because we live in a world that is constantly faced with adversity, continuous change and leaders who often lose the faith of their followers. One of the most important gifts that Christians can offer to the world is a healthy functioning church with good leadership. So what are the qualities that make a good pastor? A pastor should have the heart of a shepard, someone who has a sincere intimate and loving concern for God’s people. A pastor should also be a watchman, someone who is concerned about the moral, spiritual and social currents that could sweep the people of Jesus away. Finally, a pastor should be an example to those he or she is overseeing, someone that followers can look to as an example for how to live a life of obedience to the Lord. Christian leaders also should have the right motivations for there position. A Christian leader should never feel compelled to lead others, but they should want to lead others. Pastoring is not a career but a deep calling. And Pastors should not be seeking control but they should be people who are willing to sacrifice and pay the price for leadership.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What were one or two things that resonated with you about this weekends sermon?
•Share about one person in your life who really modeled the Christian life well?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read 1 Timothy 3: 1-13:
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
•V. 1 Paul says that to be a Christian leader is a noble task. Do you ever feel like you are underestimating the influence you have as an ambassador of Christ? What can happen when we forget about this “noble task?” What are some ways we can stay focused on this?
•Read through this passage and list all of the qualities that Paul says should be the qualities of a good leader. Which one or two are the most difficult to uphold today and why?
•Do you agree that everyone in Christian leadership should possess these qualities? What do you think would result from a leader who lack’s these qualities? Do you think that Paul sets to high a bar here?
•Think of one leader in your life, past or present who had these qualities and one who did not? What kind of influence did they have on your life? What about them had a positive or negative influence?
•V. 5 Why would good management of family be required for overseers? In his sermon, Rich describes pastors as people who bring there entire lives to bear and can not live compartmentalized lives. How did you react to his statements about this? Do you allow your whole self to be seen by those around you or do you feel your life is compartmentalized?
•Many of us struggle with having lives that are in some way compartmentalized. What are some practical ways we can “de-compartmentalize” our lives?
•V. 7 Paul mentions that it is important for overseers to have a good reputation with outsiders. Why is it important to have a life that is respected not just by Christians, but by those outside the Church? In this series we have been talking about many of the things that make us Resident Aliens (remaining distinct and set apart from many of the forces of our culture). But what is the line between being set apart but still maintaining a good reputation and having a positive influence on the wider culture?
•V. 13 What does Paul say happens to those who serve well? How does this verse relate to the motivations of a leader that Rich talks about in his sermon? Think of some times when you were in leadership. What were your motivations?
•Motivation can be a real balancing act when it comes to positions of leadership. The line between having Godly ambition and worldly ambition is not always so clear to us. How have you been able to continue to seek the favor of the Lord instead of the favor of other people?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
•Pray for those who feel a sense of calling into Christian leadership.
•Pray that the attributes laid out in Rich’s sermon and in 1 Timothy would be strengthened in your church’s pastors and leaders and ask Jesus to protect them from the schemes of the enemy.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this weekends sermon Rich continued in his series from 1 Peter. He taught about some of the things that make for a good Christian leader. We desire good leadership because we live in a world that is constantly faced with adversity, continuous change and leaders who often lose the faith of their followers. One of the most important gifts that Christians can offer to the world is a healthy functioning church with good leadership. So what are the qualities that make a good pastor? A pastor should have the heart of a shepard, someone who has a sincere intimate and loving concern for God’s people. A pastor should also be a watchman, someone who is concerned about the moral, spiritual and social currents that could sweep the people of Jesus away. Finally, a pastor should be an example to those he or she is overseeing, someone that followers can look to as an example for how to live a life of obedience to the Lord. Christian leaders also should have the right motivations for there position. A Christian leader should never feel compelled to lead others, but they should want to lead others. Pastoring is not a career but a deep calling. And Pastors should not be seeking control but they should be people who are willing to sacrifice and pay the price for leadership.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What were one or two things that resonated with you about this weekends sermon?
•Share about one person in your life who really modeled the Christian life well?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read 1 Timothy 3: 1-13:
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
•V. 1 Paul says that to be a Christian leader is a noble task. Do you ever feel like you are underestimating the influence you have as an ambassador of Christ? What can happen when we forget about this “noble task?” What are some ways we can stay focused on this?
•Read through this passage and list all of the qualities that Paul says should be the qualities of a good leader. Which one or two are the most difficult to uphold today and why?
•Do you agree that everyone in Christian leadership should possess these qualities? What do you think would result from a leader who lack’s these qualities? Do you think that Paul sets to high a bar here?
•Think of one leader in your life, past or present who had these qualities and one who did not? What kind of influence did they have on your life? What about them had a positive or negative influence?
•V. 5 Why would good management of family be required for overseers? In his sermon, Rich describes pastors as people who bring there entire lives to bear and can not live compartmentalized lives. How did you react to his statements about this? Do you allow your whole self to be seen by those around you or do you feel your life is compartmentalized?
•Many of us struggle with having lives that are in some way compartmentalized. What are some practical ways we can “de-compartmentalize” our lives?
•V. 7 Paul mentions that it is important for overseers to have a good reputation with outsiders. Why is it important to have a life that is respected not just by Christians, but by those outside the Church? In this series we have been talking about many of the things that make us Resident Aliens (remaining distinct and set apart from many of the forces of our culture). But what is the line between being set apart but still maintaining a good reputation and having a positive influence on the wider culture?
•V. 13 What does Paul say happens to those who serve well? How does this verse relate to the motivations of a leader that Rich talks about in his sermon? Think of some times when you were in leadership. What were your motivations?
•Motivation can be a real balancing act when it comes to positions of leadership. The line between having Godly ambition and worldly ambition is not always so clear to us. How have you been able to continue to seek the favor of the Lord instead of the favor of other people?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
•Pray for those who feel a sense of calling into Christian leadership.
•Pray that the attributes laid out in Rich’s sermon and in 1 Timothy would be strengthened in your church’s pastors and leaders and ask Jesus to protect them from the schemes of the enemy.
November 13, 2011
Living as Joy-Filled People (in a World Marked by Trials)(1 Peter 4.12-19)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
If asked the question “what do you think of when you think of average church-goers”, would joyful be at the top of the list? Pastor Rich read many verses that remind and command Christians to have joy, and to rejoice. Yet, when we often think about Jesus we forget that Jesus was fully “human” as well as fully divine. In fact, not many somber religious-types were attracted to Jesus but rather children, fisherman (blue-collar workers), farmers, and non-religious types. As followers of Jesus, let’s not lose this very human quality of joy, but possess it to the degree Christ and scripture command.
Peter reminds his hears in vs. 12 “don’t be surprised…[by trials]…as if something strange were happening”, and Pastor Rich began by speaking to our expectations. First, what do we expect from the world regarding our faith? The Doctrine of Total Depravity essentially says “every part of humanity has been stained by sin”. We will face opposition, even persecutions, when we align our lives with Jesus and His standards. Second, Rich asks, what do we expect personally? Our relationships may be strained because of saving faith in Jesus. Lastly, Rich asks, what do you expect as resident aliens? We will constantly face “a rub” (morally, materialistically, sexually, and ethically) with our present American culture when we genuinely live as followers of Jesus.
So why should we rejoice? Remember that joy does not equal happiness. “Hap” is the root of happiness and it means “good fortune or luck”, similar to happenstance. Joy can be present, no matter what happens. Pastor Rich said we can rejoice because we participate in Christ’s sufferings. Another way of saying it is we partake in “fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians). This practically means that through our active choice to yield and give away, ourselves as a sacrifice to Christ we connect to Christ in a new and profound way. We can also rejoice because we will see His Glory revealed – suffering is not the last word, in Christ or for us. Finally, we can rejoice because God is with us (v. 14). In the Kingdom of God, we can experience parts of Heaven, here and now through the Holy Spirit.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
• Can you name someone close to you who is an example of joyfulness in the midst of suffering or trials? How did they do it? Please share briefly.
• Is being joyful something you think is important? Why or why not.
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Philippians 4:4-9:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Context: Remember that Paul is writing from prison. Read Chapter 3, especially 7-12.
• What should we always do (v. 4 is a highlight of Paul’s letter – cf 1:4, 1:18, 2:17,18, 3:1)? Is this a suggestion or an imperative? In what do we rejoice, our circumstances? What does that mean? What are some ways you could rejoice in the Lord always, even while in crisis?
• What should be evident to all (v. 5)? Why (v. 5)? What’s the opposite of gentleness (what do other versions say?)? Some versions say forbearance – how does joy relate to forbearance?
• Instead of being anxious, what should we do (v. 6 - cf. Matt 6:25-34)? What’s the antidote to worry? What’s your prayer life like when you’re in the midst of a trial, or experiencing pain? What may be missing from our petitions (a. thanksgiving)? Why would fostering a spirit of thankfulness, even amidst trials, be encouraged? What’s been your experience?
• Describe the peace of the Lord (v. 7). Understanding in Greek is the “thinking intellect and mind” – peace that passes all our own calculations and considerations – have you ever experienced that kind of peace? Please share briefly. How does your life prove the peace of God transcends all understanding?
• (v. 7b) From whom does this peace come? What does it protect us from – make it practical? In what realm will it work (a. “in” Christ Jesus)? Apart from Him there is no guarantee of peace – how do you live, day in and day out, in Christ so as not to become unplugged from His peace? Please share briefly.
• What are the things we should think about (v. 8)? Why does right thinking, make any difference whatsoever? What’s a practical list of things that fulfills the requirements of this admonition, what practical things might be excluded based on the requirements of this admonition? How do your thoughts get in the way of your ability to experience joy?
• Not only does Paul want us to think and ponder certain things, but what else (v. 9)? Why (v. 9)?
• Why do you think Paul describes two different ways to experience the peace of God?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
• Which of Paul’s exhortations is most-needed in your life? Why? Ask Jesus for guidance and strength to embody this change.
• Are there places where you have only experienced your “own understanding” of how life works, absent of the peace of God which transcends understanding? Share with one or two others and ask the Holy Spirit to move your heart and mind.
• How does your group demonstrate joyfulness together? Think of one or two things you can do together to share this vital aspect of the Christian life.
• If you are feeling oppressed by your own thoughts, or feel disconnected from the peace of God, read and pray through 2 Corinthians 10:5. Talk with another group member and invite God to break in.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
If asked the question “what do you think of when you think of average church-goers”, would joyful be at the top of the list? Pastor Rich read many verses that remind and command Christians to have joy, and to rejoice. Yet, when we often think about Jesus we forget that Jesus was fully “human” as well as fully divine. In fact, not many somber religious-types were attracted to Jesus but rather children, fisherman (blue-collar workers), farmers, and non-religious types. As followers of Jesus, let’s not lose this very human quality of joy, but possess it to the degree Christ and scripture command.
Peter reminds his hears in vs. 12 “don’t be surprised…[by trials]…as if something strange were happening”, and Pastor Rich began by speaking to our expectations. First, what do we expect from the world regarding our faith? The Doctrine of Total Depravity essentially says “every part of humanity has been stained by sin”. We will face opposition, even persecutions, when we align our lives with Jesus and His standards. Second, Rich asks, what do we expect personally? Our relationships may be strained because of saving faith in Jesus. Lastly, Rich asks, what do you expect as resident aliens? We will constantly face “a rub” (morally, materialistically, sexually, and ethically) with our present American culture when we genuinely live as followers of Jesus.
So why should we rejoice? Remember that joy does not equal happiness. “Hap” is the root of happiness and it means “good fortune or luck”, similar to happenstance. Joy can be present, no matter what happens. Pastor Rich said we can rejoice because we participate in Christ’s sufferings. Another way of saying it is we partake in “fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians). This practically means that through our active choice to yield and give away, ourselves as a sacrifice to Christ we connect to Christ in a new and profound way. We can also rejoice because we will see His Glory revealed – suffering is not the last word, in Christ or for us. Finally, we can rejoice because God is with us (v. 14). In the Kingdom of God, we can experience parts of Heaven, here and now through the Holy Spirit.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
• Can you name someone close to you who is an example of joyfulness in the midst of suffering or trials? How did they do it? Please share briefly.
• Is being joyful something you think is important? Why or why not.
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Philippians 4:4-9:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Context: Remember that Paul is writing from prison. Read Chapter 3, especially 7-12.
• What should we always do (v. 4 is a highlight of Paul’s letter – cf 1:4, 1:18, 2:17,18, 3:1)? Is this a suggestion or an imperative? In what do we rejoice, our circumstances? What does that mean? What are some ways you could rejoice in the Lord always, even while in crisis?
• What should be evident to all (v. 5)? Why (v. 5)? What’s the opposite of gentleness (what do other versions say?)? Some versions say forbearance – how does joy relate to forbearance?
• Instead of being anxious, what should we do (v. 6 - cf. Matt 6:25-34)? What’s the antidote to worry? What’s your prayer life like when you’re in the midst of a trial, or experiencing pain? What may be missing from our petitions (a. thanksgiving)? Why would fostering a spirit of thankfulness, even amidst trials, be encouraged? What’s been your experience?
• Describe the peace of the Lord (v. 7). Understanding in Greek is the “thinking intellect and mind” – peace that passes all our own calculations and considerations – have you ever experienced that kind of peace? Please share briefly. How does your life prove the peace of God transcends all understanding?
• (v. 7b) From whom does this peace come? What does it protect us from – make it practical? In what realm will it work (a. “in” Christ Jesus)? Apart from Him there is no guarantee of peace – how do you live, day in and day out, in Christ so as not to become unplugged from His peace? Please share briefly.
• What are the things we should think about (v. 8)? Why does right thinking, make any difference whatsoever? What’s a practical list of things that fulfills the requirements of this admonition, what practical things might be excluded based on the requirements of this admonition? How do your thoughts get in the way of your ability to experience joy?
• Not only does Paul want us to think and ponder certain things, but what else (v. 9)? Why (v. 9)?
• Why do you think Paul describes two different ways to experience the peace of God?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
• Which of Paul’s exhortations is most-needed in your life? Why? Ask Jesus for guidance and strength to embody this change.
• Are there places where you have only experienced your “own understanding” of how life works, absent of the peace of God which transcends understanding? Share with one or two others and ask the Holy Spirit to move your heart and mind.
• How does your group demonstrate joyfulness together? Think of one or two things you can do together to share this vital aspect of the Christian life.
• If you are feeling oppressed by your own thoughts, or feel disconnected from the peace of God, read and pray through 2 Corinthians 10:5. Talk with another group member and invite God to break in.
November 6, 2011
Living as Others-Centered People in a Me-Centered World (1 Peter 4:8-11)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In his message this weekend, Insoo talks about the importance of being others-centered in a self-centered world. He begins by unpacking 3 ways the passage in 1 Peter 4 tells us we can live others-centered lives. The first thing we must do is love others deeply (v. 8). We must love others with a radical love like Hosea gave to his cheating wife. Loving others is especially important when we’ve been hurt or sinned against. Love allows us to be free from bitterness and hurt regarding others’ sins. The second thing we must do to be others-centered is offer hospitality to others. Hospitality was one of the great hallmarks of the early Christians, but many of us have lost sight of its importance. One way we can begin to offer hospitality is to share a meal with someone. Relationships are formed over meals and we may even be able to share our faith with someone because we have shared a meal with them. Thirdly, we must serve faithfully in order to live others-centered lives. We have all received gifts from God and it is essential that we use those gifts and talents to serve others. The only way that the body will function properly is if we are all using our gifts together for mutual benefit. Insoo taught us about serving others in really practical ways and gave several ideas for how we can serve one another. Everyone got a scratch off ticket (an idea from the Cincinnati Vineyard) with a really specific task to serve one person this week. Finally, Insoo taught that the reason we serve others is not to earn God’s love but to glorify God. We want people to praise and know Christ through our actions of service.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
• Have you ever received incredible hospitality or service in your life? How did that affect you? Have you ever served someone else in a self-sacrificial way? How did that impact you?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Matthew 25:31-46:
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
• VV. 31-34 What is Christ claiming about himself in this passage? What is the role of the Son of Man in this passage? (This is the only passage in scripture where Jesus speaks of the Son of Man as a King.) (observation) What is the significance of this? (interpretation)
• VV. 34 Discuss the idea of “inheritance.” What does it mean that the kingdom blessing is an inheritance? (this concept draws attention to the grace aspect of salvation in this passage. Inheritance is something that comes to one as a gift, not as the result of one’s own earnings.) (interpretation)
• VV 34-46 What are the specific areas of service mentioned? Notice the repetition; what reason would such strong repetition be used? (Observation)
• VV. 35-36 Discuss these specific areas. What kind of people were hungry, thirsty, strangers, lacked clothing or prisoners? What does it mean when Jesus calls them “the least of these brothers and sisters?” What is the picture that Jesus is painting of the kind of person we should serve? (interpretation)
• What is the significance of the kind of people those are today? How is our role in serving others different or the same as people in the first century? How can you individually or we as a group express service in these ways? (application) Context: In the first century, hospitality was a way of life. If a stranger came into a town, there were no hotels for them to stay in. If they didn’t want to sleep outside, they had to be taken in by a private household. There we’re social programs like welfare or unemployment. If someone was in need, they remained in need until an individual in the society met that need.
• VV. 37 What is the reaction of the “righteous?” Why would they be surprised about when they saw the Lord? What does this attitude say about their reason for doing these deeds? (This attitude implies that they were not thinking about doing enough good deeds in order to merit salvation, but that they were living out of what Christ has done in them and through them and they wanted to glorify God.) (interpretation)
• VV. 41-46 What does this passage teach about the sin of omission? What does the absence of good works prove? In v. 44, they are also surprised, what does this reaction tell us about their heart attitude and orientation towards themselves vs. others? (interpretation)
• Take a look back at Matt 25:14-30, the parable of the Bags of Gold. What is the heart attitude that is painted of the servant who hid the gold? How is that attitude continued in this passage about the “goats?” (Interpretation)
• Do you know what gifts God has given you? Have you been burying them in the ground? Revisit 1 Peter 4:10. How can we be faithful with the specific gifts God has given us? (application)
• Is this passage about lining up good deeds vs. bad ones? What is Matthew’s belief about salvation and grace? (See Matt 11:25-30, 20:28) Is service a way to eternal life? Why or why not? How are our actions connected with our salvation? (application)
• How do we become people like the “sheep” in this passage? How do you struggle with being others centered? When do you find it easy to serve others? How will this heart attitude effect different aspects of your life? (time, money, ways of speaking/acting, etc.)
• How can we as a community encourage each other to be like those Jesus called “blessed by my father” in v. 34? (application)
MINISTRY APPLICATION
• Read Matt 16:24-27. Take some time to pray for each other that the heart attitude of Jesus would thrive inside you. Ask Jesus to take your whole life again. Go through specific aspects of your life you’ve been holding back and offer them to Him.
• What was your task on your scratch off ticket from the service this weekend? Have you done it yet? Share your story with the group or receive prayer/encouragement to accomplish it! Pray for your community, the people living around you, working with you, interacting with you daily. Ask Jesus to break your heart for them. Pray that Jesus would open your eyes to see the “least of these brothers and sisters” and give you the heart to reach out to them.
• How have you tried to earn your way into Christ’s affection? Meditate on the attitude of surprise the righteous had in the passage then read Matt 11:28-30. Commit it to memory. Receive prayer for “rest for your soul” in Jesus.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In his message this weekend, Insoo talks about the importance of being others-centered in a self-centered world. He begins by unpacking 3 ways the passage in 1 Peter 4 tells us we can live others-centered lives. The first thing we must do is love others deeply (v. 8). We must love others with a radical love like Hosea gave to his cheating wife. Loving others is especially important when we’ve been hurt or sinned against. Love allows us to be free from bitterness and hurt regarding others’ sins. The second thing we must do to be others-centered is offer hospitality to others. Hospitality was one of the great hallmarks of the early Christians, but many of us have lost sight of its importance. One way we can begin to offer hospitality is to share a meal with someone. Relationships are formed over meals and we may even be able to share our faith with someone because we have shared a meal with them. Thirdly, we must serve faithfully in order to live others-centered lives. We have all received gifts from God and it is essential that we use those gifts and talents to serve others. The only way that the body will function properly is if we are all using our gifts together for mutual benefit. Insoo taught us about serving others in really practical ways and gave several ideas for how we can serve one another. Everyone got a scratch off ticket (an idea from the Cincinnati Vineyard) with a really specific task to serve one person this week. Finally, Insoo taught that the reason we serve others is not to earn God’s love but to glorify God. We want people to praise and know Christ through our actions of service.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
• What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
• Have you ever received incredible hospitality or service in your life? How did that affect you? Have you ever served someone else in a self-sacrificial way? How did that impact you?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Matthew 25:31-46:
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
• VV. 31-34 What is Christ claiming about himself in this passage? What is the role of the Son of Man in this passage? (This is the only passage in scripture where Jesus speaks of the Son of Man as a King.) (observation) What is the significance of this? (interpretation)
• VV. 34 Discuss the idea of “inheritance.” What does it mean that the kingdom blessing is an inheritance? (this concept draws attention to the grace aspect of salvation in this passage. Inheritance is something that comes to one as a gift, not as the result of one’s own earnings.) (interpretation)
• VV 34-46 What are the specific areas of service mentioned? Notice the repetition; what reason would such strong repetition be used? (Observation)
• VV. 35-36 Discuss these specific areas. What kind of people were hungry, thirsty, strangers, lacked clothing or prisoners? What does it mean when Jesus calls them “the least of these brothers and sisters?” What is the picture that Jesus is painting of the kind of person we should serve? (interpretation)
• What is the significance of the kind of people those are today? How is our role in serving others different or the same as people in the first century? How can you individually or we as a group express service in these ways? (application) Context: In the first century, hospitality was a way of life. If a stranger came into a town, there were no hotels for them to stay in. If they didn’t want to sleep outside, they had to be taken in by a private household. There we’re social programs like welfare or unemployment. If someone was in need, they remained in need until an individual in the society met that need.
• VV. 37 What is the reaction of the “righteous?” Why would they be surprised about when they saw the Lord? What does this attitude say about their reason for doing these deeds? (This attitude implies that they were not thinking about doing enough good deeds in order to merit salvation, but that they were living out of what Christ has done in them and through them and they wanted to glorify God.) (interpretation)
• VV. 41-46 What does this passage teach about the sin of omission? What does the absence of good works prove? In v. 44, they are also surprised, what does this reaction tell us about their heart attitude and orientation towards themselves vs. others? (interpretation)
• Take a look back at Matt 25:14-30, the parable of the Bags of Gold. What is the heart attitude that is painted of the servant who hid the gold? How is that attitude continued in this passage about the “goats?” (Interpretation)
• Do you know what gifts God has given you? Have you been burying them in the ground? Revisit 1 Peter 4:10. How can we be faithful with the specific gifts God has given us? (application)
• Is this passage about lining up good deeds vs. bad ones? What is Matthew’s belief about salvation and grace? (See Matt 11:25-30, 20:28) Is service a way to eternal life? Why or why not? How are our actions connected with our salvation? (application)
• How do we become people like the “sheep” in this passage? How do you struggle with being others centered? When do you find it easy to serve others? How will this heart attitude effect different aspects of your life? (time, money, ways of speaking/acting, etc.)
• How can we as a community encourage each other to be like those Jesus called “blessed by my father” in v. 34? (application)
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
• Read Matt 16:24-27. Take some time to pray for each other that the heart attitude of Jesus would thrive inside you. Ask Jesus to take your whole life again. Go through specific aspects of your life you’ve been holding back and offer them to Him.
• What was your task on your scratch off ticket from the service this weekend? Have you done it yet? Share your story with the group or receive prayer/encouragement to accomplish it! Pray for your community, the people living around you, working with you, interacting with you daily. Ask Jesus to break your heart for them. Pray that Jesus would open your eyes to see the “least of these brothers and sisters” and give you the heart to reach out to them.
• How have you tried to earn your way into Christ’s affection? Meditate on the attitude of surprise the righteous had in the passage then read Matt 11:28-30. Commit it to memory. Receive prayer for “rest for your soul” in Jesus.
October 30, 2011
Living as End-Times People (in a World That Can’t Tell Time)(1 Peter 4.1-7)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Pastor Rich opened this message by encouraging struggling believers that history has at its center the story of Jesus through whom God is redeeming the whole universe from evil. And He is renewing it in glory. The whole world is encompassed in God’s loving purpose. In Jesus’ death God has identified with all of humanity in our wickedness and our evil, in our suffering and in our death. In Jesus’ resurrection the new creation has begun in one human being – the man, Christ Jesus. And in Jesus’ future coming God is going to take all of creation beyond all evil and all death into the glory of his presence.
In response to whatever struggle we’re encountering, 1 Peter encourages its listeners to “think through the meaning of suffering” (v. 1). Pastor Rich shared a helpful formula in which to understand how our beliefs affect our behaviors. A-B-C = Activating Event read through our Belief Structure(s) results in Consequences. The way we think about our experiences - the grid through which we read life - affects how we react to it. Next, we’re to think about the meaning of “Christ’s suffering”. One important B, of the A-B-C, is that “suffering does not mean that I am abandoned”. Another is that “suffering does not mean that I have failed”. Suffering also doesn’t mean that “this is the end of the story” but it does mean “an end to sin” (v. 1).
The text moves on and Peter encourages early Christians to think through not only the meaning of suffering, but also the meaning of “time” (v. 2). Time in the present: life in the flesh v. life in the Spirit. Epithumia – means “over-desire’” of the flesh. The problem of over-desire, the great temptation in taking the wrong path in life, is that you over-desire good things. The wrong path for our lives is not just that we desire wrong things; it is that we over-desire good things. Instead of always choosing the path of least resistance, always giving in to your over-desires, you can allow yourself to be controlled by what God wants – to walk the hard path, the narrow way, the more challenging route, allowing God and God’s Spirit to control your thinking and to control your emotions. The question was posed, which way are you growing - toward Christ or away?
The final thing to think about is the “meaning of the end” (v. 7). We believe in a happy ending that comes from God in Jesus. In Jesus’ death on the cross, God paid for our sins. And in Jesus’ resurrection God began the new creation. Right now, God, by his Spirit, has sent the church out into the world with a mission of communicating to people the good news of God’s love and the hope of God’s coming. One day there is going to be an end to the story. God is going to come back to this world in Jesus. And he is going to redeem his children and the rest of creation beyond evil and beyond death into the glory of his own presence.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Leader – this might be a good opportunity to share a bit from your own journey with Christ. What has God done in your life – where have you learned to not walk in “the flesh” but in God’s Spirit? What have you been learning about walking in the Spirit lately?
•In what ways does the Church and your small group support and encourage your life in the Spirit?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Galatians 5: 16-26:
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
• V. 16 Paul tells us to “walk in the spirit.” Looking at verse 16 Why does he tell us to do this? What happens as a result of us walking in the Spirit? Think back to Rich’s sermon. What about living as an end-times person coincides with walking in the spirit?
• V. 17 What ways are the sinful nature and the Holy Spirit in conflict with one another? What are some battles you experience between the Holy Spirit and your flesh? What does it feel like to be led by the Holy Spirit? Can you think of some times in your life when you were ruled by the flesh? What did it take to overcome those times?
• Why does Paul use the metaphor “walk in the Spirit?” Why does he not say “run” or “sprint” in the spirit? What do you think is the significance of this?
• Much of the sermon this weekend about being an end-times person focused on our thinking? How we think about life… How we think about time… How we think about our suffering… our present, our past. Does this transformation happen quickly or does it take time? When you find yourself wanting to change the way you think or change a sin of the flesh do you find that you approach it more like a sprint or more like a walk?
• What are some practices that can help us to more sustainably allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into end-times people? What are some practices that can help us to see more of the fruits of the spirit in our lives? Give some examples of your own experiences with this…
• How will more of the Holy Spirit’s fruit in your life transform your outlook on trials and sin struggles?
• Read v. 24 and Romans 6: 1-4. Compare these two verses. What does it mean to belong to Christ? What comes to mind when you hear the phrase crucified the sinful nature or that we are baptized into Christ’s death? In light of this, how can we be more encouraged when we are in times of trial or struggling to overcome sin?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
• Ask Jesus to show you the way to freedom from sinful gratification. Pray for grace, that this would be an unyielding liberation. Ask the Lord to show you one thing that he desires to put to death in your life. Ask Him again to lead you in how to take practical steps to do this.
• Which fruit of the Spirit is most lacking in your life? Pray for more of the Spirits fruit in your life
• Reread versus 22&23. Try to commit them to memory this week. Pray that the fruits of the Holy Spirit would be more on your mind each day.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Pastor Rich opened this message by encouraging struggling believers that history has at its center the story of Jesus through whom God is redeeming the whole universe from evil. And He is renewing it in glory. The whole world is encompassed in God’s loving purpose. In Jesus’ death God has identified with all of humanity in our wickedness and our evil, in our suffering and in our death. In Jesus’ resurrection the new creation has begun in one human being – the man, Christ Jesus. And in Jesus’ future coming God is going to take all of creation beyond all evil and all death into the glory of his presence.
In response to whatever struggle we’re encountering, 1 Peter encourages its listeners to “think through the meaning of suffering” (v. 1). Pastor Rich shared a helpful formula in which to understand how our beliefs affect our behaviors. A-B-C = Activating Event read through our Belief Structure(s) results in Consequences. The way we think about our experiences - the grid through which we read life - affects how we react to it. Next, we’re to think about the meaning of “Christ’s suffering”. One important B, of the A-B-C, is that “suffering does not mean that I am abandoned”. Another is that “suffering does not mean that I have failed”. Suffering also doesn’t mean that “this is the end of the story” but it does mean “an end to sin” (v. 1).
The text moves on and Peter encourages early Christians to think through not only the meaning of suffering, but also the meaning of “time” (v. 2). Time in the present: life in the flesh v. life in the Spirit. Epithumia – means “over-desire’” of the flesh. The problem of over-desire, the great temptation in taking the wrong path in life, is that you over-desire good things. The wrong path for our lives is not just that we desire wrong things; it is that we over-desire good things. Instead of always choosing the path of least resistance, always giving in to your over-desires, you can allow yourself to be controlled by what God wants – to walk the hard path, the narrow way, the more challenging route, allowing God and God’s Spirit to control your thinking and to control your emotions. The question was posed, which way are you growing - toward Christ or away?
The final thing to think about is the “meaning of the end” (v. 7). We believe in a happy ending that comes from God in Jesus. In Jesus’ death on the cross, God paid for our sins. And in Jesus’ resurrection God began the new creation. Right now, God, by his Spirit, has sent the church out into the world with a mission of communicating to people the good news of God’s love and the hope of God’s coming. One day there is going to be an end to the story. God is going to come back to this world in Jesus. And he is going to redeem his children and the rest of creation beyond evil and beyond death into the glory of his own presence.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Leader – this might be a good opportunity to share a bit from your own journey with Christ. What has God done in your life – where have you learned to not walk in “the flesh” but in God’s Spirit? What have you been learning about walking in the Spirit lately?
•In what ways does the Church and your small group support and encourage your life in the Spirit?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Read Galatians 5: 16-26:
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
• V. 16 Paul tells us to “walk in the spirit.” Looking at verse 16 Why does he tell us to do this? What happens as a result of us walking in the Spirit? Think back to Rich’s sermon. What about living as an end-times person coincides with walking in the spirit?
• V. 17 What ways are the sinful nature and the Holy Spirit in conflict with one another? What are some battles you experience between the Holy Spirit and your flesh? What does it feel like to be led by the Holy Spirit? Can you think of some times in your life when you were ruled by the flesh? What did it take to overcome those times?
• Why does Paul use the metaphor “walk in the Spirit?” Why does he not say “run” or “sprint” in the spirit? What do you think is the significance of this?
• Much of the sermon this weekend about being an end-times person focused on our thinking? How we think about life… How we think about time… How we think about our suffering… our present, our past. Does this transformation happen quickly or does it take time? When you find yourself wanting to change the way you think or change a sin of the flesh do you find that you approach it more like a sprint or more like a walk?
• What are some practices that can help us to more sustainably allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into end-times people? What are some practices that can help us to see more of the fruits of the spirit in our lives? Give some examples of your own experiences with this…
• How will more of the Holy Spirit’s fruit in your life transform your outlook on trials and sin struggles?
• Read v. 24 and Romans 6: 1-4. Compare these two verses. What does it mean to belong to Christ? What comes to mind when you hear the phrase crucified the sinful nature or that we are baptized into Christ’s death? In light of this, how can we be more encouraged when we are in times of trial or struggling to overcome sin?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
• Ask Jesus to show you the way to freedom from sinful gratification. Pray for grace, that this would be an unyielding liberation. Ask the Lord to show you one thing that he desires to put to death in your life. Ask Him again to lead you in how to take practical steps to do this.
• Which fruit of the Spirit is most lacking in your life? Pray for more of the Spirits fruit in your life
• Reread versus 22&23. Try to commit them to memory this week. Pray that the fruits of the Holy Spirit would be more on your mind each day.
October 23, 2011
Living as Witnesses (in a World Dominated by Self-Interest) (1 Peter 3.1-7; 13-17)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Peter urges early Christians to live differently than the whole world. He said: we are resident aliens; we are to live a different life. Peter encourages Christians throughout the book and in the text to hold their rights and their interests with a loose hand, to not believe that their world is over because they have been slighted, or someone took something from them, or their rights have been stepped on. Peter encourages early Christians to view themselves as having a higher calling. And in 1 Peter 3, the higher calling was to live as witnesses to truth and witnesses to Christ.
The first context Peter addresses is bearing witness in marriage (vv. 1-3). Pastor Rich said we can’t fail to read the passage in its cultural context. There were 1st century Greco-Roman assumptions about roles and rights in marriage into which Peter was saying “wives, as much as you can, lower the temperature in your home. As much as you can, where you will not be doing what God has forbidden, or failing to do what God has commanded, go along with your husband and your culture”. The second way we misread these verses is without an “evangelistic” context (“so that” – Tit 2:4-5, 7-8, 9-10). The advice goes, “Live in a way that lowers the tension in your home. And live in a way that lowers the tension with the community that you find yourself in.” We’re challenged to make Jesus the issue – and not secondary things.
When dealing with unsaved spouses, neighbors, co-workers – don’t just “tell” them the Gospel, “demonstrate” the Gospel. Bill Hybels said, “Before we become highly contagious Christians we must first live in a way that convinces people around us that we actually have the disease ourselves. To quote an old Proverb: Your spouse probably doesn’t need a definition of Christianity as much as he or she needs a demonstration of Christianity.” And don’t forget that God is the main actor in people’s lives, not us. There is a difference between being responsible to and being responsible for. We’re responsible to love another person, to be generous, to be forgiving, but not responsible for another human being’s bad or unfaithful choices.
The sermon closed with a hard look at v. 15. Pastor Rich said Jesus has three accusations leveled against him by non-Christians that Followers of Jesus play a part in defending. The first, is the question of Love – we have the power to demonstrate how Jesus loves to people around us. The second challenge is of Relevance – we need to show our kids, our spouses and those around us that it matters that Jesus in number one in our lives. It matters that He’s at the center of our universe. The final challenge is one of truth. There are real questions people have and not only do we want to answer well, but we want to answer in a “manner” that truly reveals Christ and his heart. Our witness to Christ is not just in our words, but in our whole life.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Does the point Pastor Rich made about bearing witness with “manner of Christ” resonate with you? Why? Have you seen God use you to bear witness to Christ in any surprising ways? Please share briefly.
•Are there any hard questions you’ve been asked by non-believers (kids, family members, co-workers), or “challenges” you’ve encountered to Christ that cause you to doubt or feel threatened in your faith? Consider sharing briefly and perhaps others in the group have encountered or experienced similar things. (No immediate answers are necessary, but it can be helpful to verbalize what people are dealing with – consider following up after the group or sometime during the week)
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Acts 17:22-34:
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Context: (particularly read 17:1-21) Paul parted ways with Barnabas at the end of Acts 15. Then Paul took Silas and went north through Syria and into Turkey (15:40-16:8). We also read about the Holy Spirit directing their steps (16:7). In a dream, Paul is “called” to go to Macedonia, which includes the northern territory above modern day Greece. They first visit Thessalonica and meet resistance. Then they leave town and go to Berea, but again have trouble and Paul is whisked away on a boat down to Athens. At this point Paul is probably wondering why in the world he ever came to Macedonia…what was the Holy Spirit up to? It is certainly was not clear based on Luke’s narrative that Paul intended to go there…
Have you ever had a situation where you were certain God wanted you to do something, or speak to someone, or go somewhere and it seemed pretty obvious that after doing it that you must have gotten it wrong? Please share briefly.
vv. 16-17 Paul finds himself waiting around in Athens (not a place he “planned” to be). What do you know of Ancient Greeks (v.21)? What does he see in Athens? How does Paul feel, and why? What does he do? What’s Paul’s deeper motivation?
Is there anything that “distresses” you - is there anything that you can’t help but be moved into action like Paul (i.e. injustice, the poor, development issues, healthy marriages, etc)? What is it, and share briefly why you care so much about it.
vv. 18-21 Who are the Epicureans and Stoics (Epicureans believe the Gods and the world were separate and distant, with little or no communication, the goal on earth was to maximize pleasure while not disturbing others too much. Stoics believed divinity rested within every human and effort was made to get in touch with that divinity and discover that inner divine rationality). While in the market place does Paul encounter any resistance? If so, what kind? (answer - both mocking and ridicule, and also a challenge to speak openly and be judged by the court of Aeropagus – the threat of “advocating foreign gods” was the same threat leveled against Socrates who was condemned to die) What door opens up for Paul? It was an opportunity, but also a great risk.
Have you encountered a situation where you were standing up for the gospel to an audience that could possibly harm you in some way – perhaps at work, or at school, or in your family? What happened? How did God use you and your witness to Him in that situation? Was it worth it?
v. 22 What does Paul do with this opportunity/risk? He “stood up”. This is a very brave action and Luke, the writer of Acts gives much attention to this scene (12 long verses). Paul could have been judged harshly for his words in this Greek court, but he proceeds rather boldly. What verses or scripture might have passed through his mind as he was waiting to speak? What truths do you rely on when you’re facing something particularly threatening? Where does your strength come from?
After reading over his “speech” (vv 22-31) – what attitude(s) does Paul display, and not display in talking with these unbelievers? How does Paul’s approach, his manner, challenge you?
V. 23 What does Paul assume about his audience (answer - they might actually be looking for this unknown god, though they’re ignorant of him)? How does it change your approach with people if you believe they’re really looking for God? Do you have something that people really wany?
How sure are you that your “philosophy” for life is the right one? Do you wrestle at all with doubt? And what do you do with your doubts?
Paul is so clever – he uses a cultural signpost (a compass) that is relevant to the Athenians (an idol to an unknown God) to bridge the world and message of the Gospel into their lives. Have you ever discovered a personal “compass” in someone’s life that helped connect the gospel message is a real and powerful way? Please share briefly.
Vv. 24-31 How does Paul address the distance between man and God felt by the Epicureans (v.27)? How does Paul address the in-distinction between Divine God and mankind for the Stoics (vv. 24-26)?
Paul actually tries to answer questions people have. This is an important step, because he’s obviously taken the time to understand their point of view and their beliefs. In a profoundly eloquent way, Paul introduces the Gospel to people so that they can, at the very least, have a chance to comprehend it. And some do (vv. 32-34). That is what God asks us to do with our friends, family, and co-workers.
(You could spend much more time analyzing Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, but time constraints don’t allow it.)
MINISTRY APPLICATION
What has challenged you from the weekend’s message, or this teaching from Acts 17? How might God be asking you to change your attitude or demeanor so as to bear greater witness to Him? How might God be asking you to “stand up” and bear witness even in a challenging, or threatening, circumstance? Pray with another brother or sister for God to change your heart and prepare you.
Are you wrestling with any doubts? Has your faith eroded in any way because of serious questions you or others close to you have? Share that with one or two others and take that burden and doubt before God? Consider new ways God might open for you to address those doubts and concerns. Ask God for more of his assuring presence.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
Peter urges early Christians to live differently than the whole world. He said: we are resident aliens; we are to live a different life. Peter encourages Christians throughout the book and in the text to hold their rights and their interests with a loose hand, to not believe that their world is over because they have been slighted, or someone took something from them, or their rights have been stepped on. Peter encourages early Christians to view themselves as having a higher calling. And in 1 Peter 3, the higher calling was to live as witnesses to truth and witnesses to Christ.
The first context Peter addresses is bearing witness in marriage (vv. 1-3). Pastor Rich said we can’t fail to read the passage in its cultural context. There were 1st century Greco-Roman assumptions about roles and rights in marriage into which Peter was saying “wives, as much as you can, lower the temperature in your home. As much as you can, where you will not be doing what God has forbidden, or failing to do what God has commanded, go along with your husband and your culture”. The second way we misread these verses is without an “evangelistic” context (“so that” – Tit 2:4-5, 7-8, 9-10). The advice goes, “Live in a way that lowers the tension in your home. And live in a way that lowers the tension with the community that you find yourself in.” We’re challenged to make Jesus the issue – and not secondary things.
When dealing with unsaved spouses, neighbors, co-workers – don’t just “tell” them the Gospel, “demonstrate” the Gospel. Bill Hybels said, “Before we become highly contagious Christians we must first live in a way that convinces people around us that we actually have the disease ourselves. To quote an old Proverb: Your spouse probably doesn’t need a definition of Christianity as much as he or she needs a demonstration of Christianity.” And don’t forget that God is the main actor in people’s lives, not us. There is a difference between being responsible to and being responsible for. We’re responsible to love another person, to be generous, to be forgiving, but not responsible for another human being’s bad or unfaithful choices.
The sermon closed with a hard look at v. 15. Pastor Rich said Jesus has three accusations leveled against him by non-Christians that Followers of Jesus play a part in defending. The first, is the question of Love – we have the power to demonstrate how Jesus loves to people around us. The second challenge is of Relevance – we need to show our kids, our spouses and those around us that it matters that Jesus in number one in our lives. It matters that He’s at the center of our universe. The final challenge is one of truth. There are real questions people have and not only do we want to answer well, but we want to answer in a “manner” that truly reveals Christ and his heart. Our witness to Christ is not just in our words, but in our whole life.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Does the point Pastor Rich made about bearing witness with “manner of Christ” resonate with you? Why? Have you seen God use you to bear witness to Christ in any surprising ways? Please share briefly.
•Are there any hard questions you’ve been asked by non-believers (kids, family members, co-workers), or “challenges” you’ve encountered to Christ that cause you to doubt or feel threatened in your faith? Consider sharing briefly and perhaps others in the group have encountered or experienced similar things. (No immediate answers are necessary, but it can be helpful to verbalize what people are dealing with – consider following up after the group or sometime during the week)
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Acts 17:22-34:
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others.
Context: (particularly read 17:1-21) Paul parted ways with Barnabas at the end of Acts 15. Then Paul took Silas and went north through Syria and into Turkey (15:40-16:8). We also read about the Holy Spirit directing their steps (16:7). In a dream, Paul is “called” to go to Macedonia, which includes the northern territory above modern day Greece. They first visit Thessalonica and meet resistance. Then they leave town and go to Berea, but again have trouble and Paul is whisked away on a boat down to Athens. At this point Paul is probably wondering why in the world he ever came to Macedonia…what was the Holy Spirit up to? It is certainly was not clear based on Luke’s narrative that Paul intended to go there…
Have you ever had a situation where you were certain God wanted you to do something, or speak to someone, or go somewhere and it seemed pretty obvious that after doing it that you must have gotten it wrong? Please share briefly.
vv. 16-17 Paul finds himself waiting around in Athens (not a place he “planned” to be). What do you know of Ancient Greeks (v.21)? What does he see in Athens? How does Paul feel, and why? What does he do? What’s Paul’s deeper motivation?
Is there anything that “distresses” you - is there anything that you can’t help but be moved into action like Paul (i.e. injustice, the poor, development issues, healthy marriages, etc)? What is it, and share briefly why you care so much about it.
vv. 18-21 Who are the Epicureans and Stoics (Epicureans believe the Gods and the world were separate and distant, with little or no communication, the goal on earth was to maximize pleasure while not disturbing others too much. Stoics believed divinity rested within every human and effort was made to get in touch with that divinity and discover that inner divine rationality). While in the market place does Paul encounter any resistance? If so, what kind? (answer - both mocking and ridicule, and also a challenge to speak openly and be judged by the court of Aeropagus – the threat of “advocating foreign gods” was the same threat leveled against Socrates who was condemned to die) What door opens up for Paul? It was an opportunity, but also a great risk.
Have you encountered a situation where you were standing up for the gospel to an audience that could possibly harm you in some way – perhaps at work, or at school, or in your family? What happened? How did God use you and your witness to Him in that situation? Was it worth it?
v. 22 What does Paul do with this opportunity/risk? He “stood up”. This is a very brave action and Luke, the writer of Acts gives much attention to this scene (12 long verses). Paul could have been judged harshly for his words in this Greek court, but he proceeds rather boldly. What verses or scripture might have passed through his mind as he was waiting to speak? What truths do you rely on when you’re facing something particularly threatening? Where does your strength come from?
After reading over his “speech” (vv 22-31) – what attitude(s) does Paul display, and not display in talking with these unbelievers? How does Paul’s approach, his manner, challenge you?
V. 23 What does Paul assume about his audience (answer - they might actually be looking for this unknown god, though they’re ignorant of him)? How does it change your approach with people if you believe they’re really looking for God? Do you have something that people really wany?
How sure are you that your “philosophy” for life is the right one? Do you wrestle at all with doubt? And what do you do with your doubts?
Paul is so clever – he uses a cultural signpost (a compass) that is relevant to the Athenians (an idol to an unknown God) to bridge the world and message of the Gospel into their lives. Have you ever discovered a personal “compass” in someone’s life that helped connect the gospel message is a real and powerful way? Please share briefly.
Vv. 24-31 How does Paul address the distance between man and God felt by the Epicureans (v.27)? How does Paul address the in-distinction between Divine God and mankind for the Stoics (vv. 24-26)?
Paul actually tries to answer questions people have. This is an important step, because he’s obviously taken the time to understand their point of view and their beliefs. In a profoundly eloquent way, Paul introduces the Gospel to people so that they can, at the very least, have a chance to comprehend it. And some do (vv. 32-34). That is what God asks us to do with our friends, family, and co-workers.
(You could spend much more time analyzing Paul’s speech at the Areopagus, but time constraints don’t allow it.)
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
What has challenged you from the weekend’s message, or this teaching from Acts 17? How might God be asking you to change your attitude or demeanor so as to bear greater witness to Him? How might God be asking you to “stand up” and bear witness even in a challenging, or threatening, circumstance? Pray with another brother or sister for God to change your heart and prepare you.
Are you wrestling with any doubts? Has your faith eroded in any way because of serious questions you or others close to you have? Share that with one or two others and take that burden and doubt before God? Consider new ways God might open for you to address those doubts and concerns. Ask God for more of his assuring presence.
October 16, 2011
Living as Suffering People
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, the Resident Alien series was continued by Corey Garris, who spoke about the topic of engaging suffering in a world that avoids it at all cost. Corey reminded us that Jesus is our greatest example of how to live well and honor God in all aspects of our lives, but especially in the case of suffering. Jesus was our model for how to engage suffering and to that model, Christians are called to follow. So how did Jesus suffer here on Earth? He served us, by carrying our sorrow and pain. He surrendered his life when he willingly gave up his spirit on the cross, and he submitted his life, knowing that it was what the Father had called him to do, and that ultimately the Father would take care of the Son. Corey finally reminded us that not only is Jesus our model but he is our savior. Jesus takes our sin and replaces it with his righteousness. He leads us through our suffering, never leaving us alone.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•Have you ever been changed or inspired by the way someone you know endured through a season of suffering? What about it had an impact on you?
•Think of a time when you’ve endured through a season of suffering. Has God redeemed that season in a positive way? How has that season changed you? Have you been able to offer insight into other peoples suffering because of the suffering that you yourself have faced?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
John 12: 23-36:
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
•V. 23 What was the time that Jesus was referring to?
•V. 24 What is Jesus trying to say with this metaphor? What do the wheat and the seeds represent?
•Jesus is our model for suffering. So, what does it look like practically for us to die the way Jesus did? Think back to Corey’s sermon. How was Jesus a model of suffering throughout his whole life (He served, He surrendered, He submitted)? How can we engage suffering in our lives? Can you think of some examples in your life when you have engaged suffering and really tried to honor God throughout the process? Share that with the group.
•V. 25 What will happen to those who love their lives and those who hate their lives in this world? What does Jesus mean when he says “hate your life in this world?” What is it like to live a life that is focused on the present? What is it like to live a life focused on things that are eternal? What is God promising here in this verse?
•V. 26 By serving Jesus, we must follow Him and when we follow Jesus, He will lead us into times of suffering. But from this verse, what does Jesus promise? Where will He be in our suffering? What will God do?
•Have you ever felt like you were honored by God? What an amazing feeling! Please share the circumstances of your experience.
•V. 27-28 What choices does Jesus say he has as he faces the cross? What is Jesus’ ultimate purpose? How does this effect how he endures through suffering? What is our ultimate purpose as Christians? How does knowing your purpose affect how you engage suffering? How do your seasons of suffering ultimately bring glory to God? How does our willingness to engage suffering and how we choose to engage it not only honor God but make a difference in the lives of those around us? Do you have any examples of others being affected in a positive way by the way you endured in troubling times?
•V. 32 What does Jesus say will happen when he is lifted up? How has knowing what Christ has done draw you closer to him?
•Such a critical peace of the Christian faith is remembering what Christ did for us. By remembering, we are drawn closer to Jesus in a very intimate way, in the way God intended. How are you and those in your group doing with this? Do you regularly reflect on the saving work of Christ and does it change you? Do you feel that you are increasingly being drawn closer to Him regardless of circumstances?
•V. 35-36 In Corey’s sermon, he emphasized that not only do we need Jesus as a model but we need him as a savior. How does that effect how you interpret these last two versus? What happens when we put our trust in the light? What happens when we don’t?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
1.What are the seeds that God wants to produce in you? Which parts of you need to die in order to “produce many seeds?” Please take time to share with one another and pray for each other.
2.Is anyone in your group going through a time of real suffering? Please pray for them and encourage them.
3.Versus’ 27 and 28 are extremely powerful versus in regards to how we should view our suffering. Take a moment to meditate with these versus and ask God to minister to you. Challenge your group to commit these versus to memory this week in order to bring them to mind whenever they fear suffering for Christ’s sake.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, the Resident Alien series was continued by Corey Garris, who spoke about the topic of engaging suffering in a world that avoids it at all cost. Corey reminded us that Jesus is our greatest example of how to live well and honor God in all aspects of our lives, but especially in the case of suffering. Jesus was our model for how to engage suffering and to that model, Christians are called to follow. So how did Jesus suffer here on Earth? He served us, by carrying our sorrow and pain. He surrendered his life when he willingly gave up his spirit on the cross, and he submitted his life, knowing that it was what the Father had called him to do, and that ultimately the Father would take care of the Son. Corey finally reminded us that not only is Jesus our model but he is our savior. Jesus takes our sin and replaces it with his righteousness. He leads us through our suffering, never leaving us alone.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•Have you ever been changed or inspired by the way someone you know endured through a season of suffering? What about it had an impact on you?
•Think of a time when you’ve endured through a season of suffering. Has God redeemed that season in a positive way? How has that season changed you? Have you been able to offer insight into other peoples suffering because of the suffering that you yourself have faced?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
John 12: 23-36:
23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 Those who love their life will lose it, while those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.
30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.
34 The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Those who walk in the dark do not know where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
•V. 23 What was the time that Jesus was referring to?
•V. 24 What is Jesus trying to say with this metaphor? What do the wheat and the seeds represent?
•Jesus is our model for suffering. So, what does it look like practically for us to die the way Jesus did? Think back to Corey’s sermon. How was Jesus a model of suffering throughout his whole life (He served, He surrendered, He submitted)? How can we engage suffering in our lives? Can you think of some examples in your life when you have engaged suffering and really tried to honor God throughout the process? Share that with the group.
•V. 25 What will happen to those who love their lives and those who hate their lives in this world? What does Jesus mean when he says “hate your life in this world?” What is it like to live a life that is focused on the present? What is it like to live a life focused on things that are eternal? What is God promising here in this verse?
•V. 26 By serving Jesus, we must follow Him and when we follow Jesus, He will lead us into times of suffering. But from this verse, what does Jesus promise? Where will He be in our suffering? What will God do?
•Have you ever felt like you were honored by God? What an amazing feeling! Please share the circumstances of your experience.
•V. 27-28 What choices does Jesus say he has as he faces the cross? What is Jesus’ ultimate purpose? How does this effect how he endures through suffering? What is our ultimate purpose as Christians? How does knowing your purpose affect how you engage suffering? How do your seasons of suffering ultimately bring glory to God? How does our willingness to engage suffering and how we choose to engage it not only honor God but make a difference in the lives of those around us? Do you have any examples of others being affected in a positive way by the way you endured in troubling times?
•V. 32 What does Jesus say will happen when he is lifted up? How has knowing what Christ has done draw you closer to him?
•Such a critical peace of the Christian faith is remembering what Christ did for us. By remembering, we are drawn closer to Jesus in a very intimate way, in the way God intended. How are you and those in your group doing with this? Do you regularly reflect on the saving work of Christ and does it change you? Do you feel that you are increasingly being drawn closer to Him regardless of circumstances?
•V. 35-36 In Corey’s sermon, he emphasized that not only do we need Jesus as a model but we need him as a savior. How does that effect how you interpret these last two versus? What happens when we put our trust in the light? What happens when we don’t?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.•As a group, take some time to meditate in silence about God and His provision in each of your lives.
1.What are the seeds that God wants to produce in you? Which parts of you need to die in order to “produce many seeds?” Please take time to share with one another and pray for each other.
2.Is anyone in your group going through a time of real suffering? Please pray for them and encourage them.
3.Versus’ 27 and 28 are extremely powerful versus in regards to how we should view our suffering. Take a moment to meditate with these versus and ask God to minister to you. Challenge your group to commit these versus to memory this week in order to bring them to mind whenever they fear suffering for Christ’s sake.
October 9, 2011
Living as Wise People (in a World of Sound-Bytes and Slogans) (1 Peter 2.11-20)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rich continued in his series from 1 Peter. In 1 Peter, the apostle reminds Christians that they are in fact different from the dominant culture and that they will stand out and in many cases be ridiculed for their beliefs. This week Rich talked about one of the places Christians should be different, and that is in how we submit to authority. We have become a society is too comfortable with “dumbed-down” slogans and sound bytes instead of thoughtfully engaging complex issues presented us. As Christians, when we think about governmental authority in our lives we can come up against some very hard questions. On the one hand we are told to yield and defer to (submit to) all governmental authority whether we agree with them or not. Doing this not for the sake of any political leader but because we want to honor God the Father. God has given us the gift of government and He has established the authority of office and therefore we should desire to honor Him with our submission to it. But we know that there are examples in church history of Christians rightly resisting governments that forbid them to do something that God commands. One principle we learned that can be applied in trying times is we should resist authority if it “forbids what God commands, or commands what God forbids”. Additionally, Peter wrote that if you take the high road, if you choose to honor God in your heart no matter what, God will see you and reward you. When we read the scriptures we find that life in this world is not simple and can never be reduced to simple slogans and sound bytes. We have to be unafraid to ask difficult questions that take patience to answer and we have to be sensitive to God’s word, other Christians and the Church.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•Was there anything Rich said in his sermon that stood out to you? Briefly share.
•Have you ever had a disagreement with someone over your political beliefs? How did that conversation play out? Do you feel like you have a biblical perspective when you approach conversations about politics?
•Have you ever found yourself in a position where someone who had authority over you was asking you to do something that you felt compromised your faith? How did you handle that situation? What helped you through that time? What helped you make a decision about what to do?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Study Summary:
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Context: Romans 1-11 lays the foundation of God’s grace and our reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Chapter 12 turns a corner, and Paul begins to unpack all that we should do in response to God’s grace (v.1 “in view of God’s mercy”) - offer our bodies as living sacrifices (v. 1), have our minds transformed and renewed (v. 2), have sober self-judgment (v. 3), biblical patterns for relationship and community (vv. 4-20), and on-and-on. In Chapter 13, Paul addresses how a follower of Jesus’ attitude and response to authority and government should look.
•Why should we submit to governing authorities (1-2, 5)? What is the difference between submit and obey (defer to, or to yield to, or to listen to – generally to give up your way). Who reigns supreme over all enterprises of government and authority? What do these verses say about the ultimate order of power, not just in heaven but also on earth?
•Think historically, and to whom Paul was writing (Christians living in Rome ruled by Caesar) – why would vv.1-2 be much more radical sounding than it might be for Bible readers today? Why would this reality be a “freeing” reminder for 1st century Christians?
•V. 2 Just in case anyone misses the point of Christ’s rule and reign – it is not grounds for all out rebellion. Quite the opposite, lest we forget what Paul just wrote in Romans 12:17-21. Christian means of interacting with the world change as a result of God’s Mercy (Ch 1-11) and the model of Jesus’ life who submitted to the most unjust judgment of the cross. How does this inform our possible choice of behavior? What principle does Paul give us in 12:21? Think critically, how does this principle work with various forms of injustice or evil you see around you in our city, nation, or world (recall the principle from the sermon)?
•Describe the government’s relationship with those who do right (3-4). What about those who do wrong (3-4)? Is it possible Paul is simply making a pragmatic argument at this point (consider v. 5)?
•What does Paul say about taxes and debts (6-7)?
•In his classic book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster writes, “The limits of submission are at the point at which it becomes destructive (120).” For the recipients of this letter, what do you think those limits were? How might this passage and quote inform a missionary’s activity in a country like Iraq or Iran? How might this passage inform a Christian’s behavior living in the U.S. who believes abortion is wrong?
•When do you think it is appropriate for today’s Christian to resist submission? When are your acts of submission in fact an act of disobedience to the Lord? What fears or misguided beliefs cause this to happen?
•Under what circumstances does a tendency to rebel arise within you? What can you do to minimize this influence? How do you benefit from the government? How do others benefit from it? How does your submissive posture toward the government help to preserve its benefits?
•Is there any way the Gospel, and your credible witness as a follower of Jesus, are at risk because of your position and/or attitude to some form of authority in your life (legal, work place, government, etc)? What might God be asking you to do or not do anymore?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
•Is there any form of authority to which you are resisting submission? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those places and receive prayer for repentance and wisdom about a godly response.
•We live and work in highly polarizing environments. How might you witness to Jesus be affected by your particular political views (whether of federal or local government, or the work place)? Is there any room for you to change your words or your manner with other people for the sake of the Gospel?
•How might God be challenging you to “live at peace with all people, as far as it depends on you” Romans 12:18? Ask God for grace to act – this is a prescriptive verse.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
In this week’s sermon, Pastor Rich continued in his series from 1 Peter. In 1 Peter, the apostle reminds Christians that they are in fact different from the dominant culture and that they will stand out and in many cases be ridiculed for their beliefs. This week Rich talked about one of the places Christians should be different, and that is in how we submit to authority. We have become a society is too comfortable with “dumbed-down” slogans and sound bytes instead of thoughtfully engaging complex issues presented us. As Christians, when we think about governmental authority in our lives we can come up against some very hard questions. On the one hand we are told to yield and defer to (submit to) all governmental authority whether we agree with them or not. Doing this not for the sake of any political leader but because we want to honor God the Father. God has given us the gift of government and He has established the authority of office and therefore we should desire to honor Him with our submission to it. But we know that there are examples in church history of Christians rightly resisting governments that forbid them to do something that God commands. One principle we learned that can be applied in trying times is we should resist authority if it “forbids what God commands, or commands what God forbids”. Additionally, Peter wrote that if you take the high road, if you choose to honor God in your heart no matter what, God will see you and reward you. When we read the scriptures we find that life in this world is not simple and can never be reduced to simple slogans and sound bytes. We have to be unafraid to ask difficult questions that take patience to answer and we have to be sensitive to God’s word, other Christians and the Church.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•Was there anything Rich said in his sermon that stood out to you? Briefly share.
•Have you ever had a disagreement with someone over your political beliefs? How did that conversation play out? Do you feel like you have a biblical perspective when you approach conversations about politics?
•Have you ever found yourself in a position where someone who had authority over you was asking you to do something that you felt compromised your faith? How did you handle that situation? What helped you through that time? What helped you make a decision about what to do?
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Study Summary:
“God does not intend Christians should become agents of anarchy, which would replace the tyranny of the officially powerful with the tyranny of the unofficially powerful. The ultimate overthrow of pagan power comes by other means, and Paul has outlined in Romans 5 and 8 what those means are. Rome could cope with ordinary revolutions. Rome could not cope, as history bears witness, with a community owing allegiance to the crucified and risen Messiah as the world’s true Lord.” (NT Wright) As Christians we want to continue to think and meditate on how we should engage with the complexities and realities of authority, and therefore issues of justice, that we encounter in our work place, community, and world. Romans 13 (and 1 Peter 2:11-20) are guiding principles for our actions, but our application of those principles must be thoughtfully applied.Romans 13:1- 1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Context: Romans 1-11 lays the foundation of God’s grace and our reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Chapter 12 turns a corner, and Paul begins to unpack all that we should do in response to God’s grace (v.1 “in view of God’s mercy”) - offer our bodies as living sacrifices (v. 1), have our minds transformed and renewed (v. 2), have sober self-judgment (v. 3), biblical patterns for relationship and community (vv. 4-20), and on-and-on. In Chapter 13, Paul addresses how a follower of Jesus’ attitude and response to authority and government should look.
•Why should we submit to governing authorities (1-2, 5)? What is the difference between submit and obey (defer to, or to yield to, or to listen to – generally to give up your way). Who reigns supreme over all enterprises of government and authority? What do these verses say about the ultimate order of power, not just in heaven but also on earth?
•Think historically, and to whom Paul was writing (Christians living in Rome ruled by Caesar) – why would vv.1-2 be much more radical sounding than it might be for Bible readers today? Why would this reality be a “freeing” reminder for 1st century Christians?
•V. 2 Just in case anyone misses the point of Christ’s rule and reign – it is not grounds for all out rebellion. Quite the opposite, lest we forget what Paul just wrote in Romans 12:17-21. Christian means of interacting with the world change as a result of God’s Mercy (Ch 1-11) and the model of Jesus’ life who submitted to the most unjust judgment of the cross. How does this inform our possible choice of behavior? What principle does Paul give us in 12:21? Think critically, how does this principle work with various forms of injustice or evil you see around you in our city, nation, or world (recall the principle from the sermon)?
•Describe the government’s relationship with those who do right (3-4). What about those who do wrong (3-4)? Is it possible Paul is simply making a pragmatic argument at this point (consider v. 5)?
•What does Paul say about taxes and debts (6-7)?
•In his classic book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster writes, “The limits of submission are at the point at which it becomes destructive (120).” For the recipients of this letter, what do you think those limits were? How might this passage and quote inform a missionary’s activity in a country like Iraq or Iran? How might this passage inform a Christian’s behavior living in the U.S. who believes abortion is wrong?
•When do you think it is appropriate for today’s Christian to resist submission? When are your acts of submission in fact an act of disobedience to the Lord? What fears or misguided beliefs cause this to happen?
•Under what circumstances does a tendency to rebel arise within you? What can you do to minimize this influence? How do you benefit from the government? How do others benefit from it? How does your submissive posture toward the government help to preserve its benefits?
•Is there any way the Gospel, and your credible witness as a follower of Jesus, are at risk because of your position and/or attitude to some form of authority in your life (legal, work place, government, etc)? What might God be asking you to do or not do anymore?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.•As a group, take some time to meditate in silence about God and His provision in each of your lives.
•Is there any form of authority to which you are resisting submission? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal those places and receive prayer for repentance and wisdom about a godly response.
•We live and work in highly polarizing environments. How might you witness to Jesus be affected by your particular political views (whether of federal or local government, or the work place)? Is there any room for you to change your words or your manner with other people for the sake of the Gospel?
•How might God be challenging you to “live at peace with all people, as far as it depends on you” Romans 12:18? Ask God for grace to act – this is a prescriptive verse.
October 2, 2011
Living as God’s People (in a World With Confused Identities): (1 Peter 2.4-10)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
If a follower of Jesus tried to take cues from the media about what it means to be a Christian today – they’d certainly suffer an identity crisis. From a number of studies, Pastor Rich revealed certain sociologists and historians have argued the existence of a particularly sensational and negative view of religious people in popular media (particularly Evangelical and Catholic leaders). Even other Christians will bemoan the state of the church and cite questionable studies saying the church will very shortly become extinct. In the face of verbal, media, and cultural assaults – 1 Peter offers followers of Jesus some fantastic pastoral advice.
The Apostle Peter wrote the book to 1st Century Christians who were experiencing an extremely negative reaction from their neighbors and families as the result of their newfound Christian faith. Christians were being verbally abused. They were being slandered and labeled and shamed. Many Christians were being marginalized. And where it was legal, Christians were the subjects of physical abuse. So Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians to not lose heart, to persevere in their faith, to not throw in the towel in the face of negativity.
To be human is to ask questions about our existence, our identity, and our destiny. In v. 4 Peter reflects on Jesus’ identity first. He was rejected by human begins. He was verbal abused and lied about. But rather than listening to what people said about himself, he chose to believe what God said about himself. We too can choose to believe what God said about Jesus. The next important question is what do we say about Christ? Jesus was the skandalou = scandal (vv. 6-7) – the point was made that no one can remain neutral about Jesus – we must decide what to make of Him. The third question has to do with our identity – what God has declared about us (v. 5). We are the dwelling of God. We are the chosen of God (v. 9). We are the representatives (royal priesthood) of God (v. 5). Finally, what has God done for us? V. 9 – we were call out of darkness into his wonderful light.
The answers to questions of identity lead us toward a particular purpose, a particular destiny. Our destiny is not to declare our identity. Our destiny is to declare God’s identity. Peter says that we are destined to declare the praises of him, who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Our first audience is God. We also declare God’s identity to other people – through preaching and service and life witness. Finally, we declare the identity of God to ourselves. Pastor Rich spoke personally how during times of doubt, or anxious feelings, or fear – he reminds himself of who God is, what he’s done, and chooses to praise His name.
“I feel most confidant about who God says I am not when I engage in some self pep-talk about who I am. No, I am most confidant about who I am when I speak about who God is. It is when I worship and I tell God who God is and what God has done that I feel most like the dwelling of God. It is when I tell others about Jesus and serve someone else that I feel most like a representative of God. It is when, in private, I take time to think about God and reflect on his greatness that I feel most like the chosen of God. You have a choice – a choice to listen to what everyone else says about you, or a choice to listen to what God says.”
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•What “reminders” have you installed as a stop-gap for when you feel doubt, or fear, or anxiety? Can you share a recent experience where recalling certain truths proved beneficial for your faith? Please share briefly.
•Which is harder for your faith – maintaining a secure personal identity in Christ or a trusting in a faithful God during trials and life pressures? Please share your response to this question briefly.
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Colossians 2:6-15:(***consider deleting the scripture text to reduce printing pages)
•V. 6-7 To receive the teachings of Christ and to live out the teachings of Christ are two different things. How do we know that we are living out what we have been taught? Put another way, what does it look like to give away what you have received?
•V. 7 What does Paul mean when he says rooted? How would you describe a life that is rooted and built up? Some definitions of rooted: to become fixed, to implant or establish deeply. What happens when we are rooted?
•Consider seasons in your life when you have been especially thankful to the Lord. How did you benefit from practicing gratitude? How does thankfulness relate to being rooted and established in our faith in Jesus?
•V.8 What are some hollow and deceptive philosophy that may take people captive in our present day? What are some practical ways to avoid or overcome teaching that is contrary to who we know Christ is? How do we speak the truth in a loving way to those who prescribe to different beliefs then our own?
•If you can remember, think of the time before you received Jesus. How was your identity influenced by false belief? What was your identity formed around? Have any beliefs from before you were a Christian been difficult to set aside even after you received Christ?
•V. 9-10 All of the fullness of God permanently dwells in Jesus and that fullness is given to us when we receive Him. For Paul, the Church is the continuing and living embodiment of Christ, in which the fullness of God now dwells. How does this change how you view Jesus and how you view your role in the Kingdom?
•V. 11-12 Describe the Christian circumcision. How does our baptism relate to Christ’s death and resurrection?
•V.13-15 Describe what it was like to be “dead in your sins.” What liberation do we experience when we give our lives to Jesus? What aspects of your identity proclaim to the world that you are now alive in Christ?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
•If you struggle to hear God’s voice in prayer, have people lay hands on you and invite the Holy Spirit to “open you ears” to hear God’s voice. If led by God, pray for gifts of the Spirit to be distributed abundantly in your small group.
•Is there something you’re asking God for discernment about? Pray with one or two others and practice listening for God’s leading. Test words and visions openly and graciously.
•If the whole area of listening for God’s voice, or being led in small and big ways by the Spirit, is really foreign and uncomfortable – consider reading a book or doing a bible study outside of the group with one or two others on hearing God’s voice.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
If a follower of Jesus tried to take cues from the media about what it means to be a Christian today – they’d certainly suffer an identity crisis. From a number of studies, Pastor Rich revealed certain sociologists and historians have argued the existence of a particularly sensational and negative view of religious people in popular media (particularly Evangelical and Catholic leaders). Even other Christians will bemoan the state of the church and cite questionable studies saying the church will very shortly become extinct. In the face of verbal, media, and cultural assaults – 1 Peter offers followers of Jesus some fantastic pastoral advice.
The Apostle Peter wrote the book to 1st Century Christians who were experiencing an extremely negative reaction from their neighbors and families as the result of their newfound Christian faith. Christians were being verbally abused. They were being slandered and labeled and shamed. Many Christians were being marginalized. And where it was legal, Christians were the subjects of physical abuse. So Peter wrote this letter to encourage Christians to not lose heart, to persevere in their faith, to not throw in the towel in the face of negativity.
To be human is to ask questions about our existence, our identity, and our destiny. In v. 4 Peter reflects on Jesus’ identity first. He was rejected by human begins. He was verbal abused and lied about. But rather than listening to what people said about himself, he chose to believe what God said about himself. We too can choose to believe what God said about Jesus. The next important question is what do we say about Christ? Jesus was the skandalou = scandal (vv. 6-7) – the point was made that no one can remain neutral about Jesus – we must decide what to make of Him. The third question has to do with our identity – what God has declared about us (v. 5). We are the dwelling of God. We are the chosen of God (v. 9). We are the representatives (royal priesthood) of God (v. 5). Finally, what has God done for us? V. 9 – we were call out of darkness into his wonderful light.
The answers to questions of identity lead us toward a particular purpose, a particular destiny. Our destiny is not to declare our identity. Our destiny is to declare God’s identity. Peter says that we are destined to declare the praises of him, who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. Our first audience is God. We also declare God’s identity to other people – through preaching and service and life witness. Finally, we declare the identity of God to ourselves. Pastor Rich spoke personally how during times of doubt, or anxious feelings, or fear – he reminds himself of who God is, what he’s done, and chooses to praise His name.
“I feel most confidant about who God says I am not when I engage in some self pep-talk about who I am. No, I am most confidant about who I am when I speak about who God is. It is when I worship and I tell God who God is and what God has done that I feel most like the dwelling of God. It is when I tell others about Jesus and serve someone else that I feel most like a representative of God. It is when, in private, I take time to think about God and reflect on his greatness that I feel most like the chosen of God. You have a choice – a choice to listen to what everyone else says about you, or a choice to listen to what God says.”
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•What “reminders” have you installed as a stop-gap for when you feel doubt, or fear, or anxiety? Can you share a recent experience where recalling certain truths proved beneficial for your faith? Please share briefly.
•Which is harder for your faith – maintaining a secure personal identity in Christ or a trusting in a faithful God during trials and life pressures? Please share your response to this question briefly.
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Colossians 2:6-15:(***consider deleting the scripture text to reduce printing pages)
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
•V. 6-7 To receive the teachings of Christ and to live out the teachings of Christ are two different things. How do we know that we are living out what we have been taught? Put another way, what does it look like to give away what you have received?
•V. 7 What does Paul mean when he says rooted? How would you describe a life that is rooted and built up? Some definitions of rooted: to become fixed, to implant or establish deeply. What happens when we are rooted?
•Consider seasons in your life when you have been especially thankful to the Lord. How did you benefit from practicing gratitude? How does thankfulness relate to being rooted and established in our faith in Jesus?
•V.8 What are some hollow and deceptive philosophy that may take people captive in our present day? What are some practical ways to avoid or overcome teaching that is contrary to who we know Christ is? How do we speak the truth in a loving way to those who prescribe to different beliefs then our own?
•If you can remember, think of the time before you received Jesus. How was your identity influenced by false belief? What was your identity formed around? Have any beliefs from before you were a Christian been difficult to set aside even after you received Christ?
•V. 9-10 All of the fullness of God permanently dwells in Jesus and that fullness is given to us when we receive Him. For Paul, the Church is the continuing and living embodiment of Christ, in which the fullness of God now dwells. How does this change how you view Jesus and how you view your role in the Kingdom?
•V. 11-12 Describe the Christian circumcision. How does our baptism relate to Christ’s death and resurrection?
•V.13-15 Describe what it was like to be “dead in your sins.” What liberation do we experience when we give our lives to Jesus? What aspects of your identity proclaim to the world that you are now alive in Christ?
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.
•If you struggle to hear God’s voice in prayer, have people lay hands on you and invite the Holy Spirit to “open you ears” to hear God’s voice. If led by God, pray for gifts of the Spirit to be distributed abundantly in your small group.
•Is there something you’re asking God for discernment about? Pray with one or two others and practice listening for God’s leading. Test words and visions openly and graciously.
•If the whole area of listening for God’s voice, or being led in small and big ways by the Spirit, is really foreign and uncomfortable – consider reading a book or doing a bible study outside of the group with one or two others on hearing God’s voice.
September 25, 2011
Living Moral Lives in a Confused (or filthy) World (1 Peter 1:13-2:3)
Click here to download the Study Guide in PDF
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
It’s been observed that the new generation of young adults—those in their twenties and even thirties—are unable to make moral decisions. They do not know how to determine right from wrong. The dominant message this generation has grown up with is tolerance. Moral issues are never talked about in schools or on college campuses because they are considered “too controversial.” So in our very pluralistic society, everything is relative and all morals are individualistic. It could be said that adults of all ages view morality this same way.
For the follower of Jesus, however, there is a standard outside of us as individuals. Morals are not relative to everyone’s personal opinion. That is because God is the source or the measure for all morality. The bible teaches us that God is holy and He expects those who follow Him to be holy as well. From Leviticus 19, we learn that holiness is not religious superiority (“holier than thou”) but rather it is about being different—different from the larger culture and community. Holiness should affect all of life, which means God’s people are to be different from those around them in multiple ways and not just in the area of religious practices.
Here is how we can become holy, moral followers of Jesus:
1.We must hope in the future. We must have a goal we are aiming at in order to resist pressure from the world around us to conform.
2.We must fear the Lord. Children who obey their fathers do so out of reverence and fear. They know there will be consequences for disobedience.
3.We must be changed on the inside. We must actually become a certain kind of person in order to live a holy and moral life that pleases God.
4.We must be connected in fellowship with other believers. Human behavior is re-enforced by the community or group of people we are around. We must remain in close relationship with other Christians in order to live holy (differently) from the rest of society.
5.We must be nurtured in God’s Word. The only way for us to grow and change and be different (holy/moral) is to take in massive quantities of God’s Word, the bible.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Have you ever struggled to determine what the right thing to do in a situation was—at work or school or perhaps in your extended family? Discuss.
•Share one or two ways you feel as a Christian you are different from the rest of society (beyond going to church on Sunday rather than mowing the lawn).
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Background:
V.1
•Paul links this next portion of Romans with all that preceded. In light of everything that God has done to secure salvation for us (God’s mercy) what does Paul tell us to do? (It may be helpful to imagine a literal scene of a sacrifice to bring home what Paul is talking about.)
•According to the Phillips’ translation, Paul says this is an act of intelligent worship. Other translations say “reasonable” worship. What do you think Paul is trying to say here?
•Why do you think Paul makes a point to say living sacrifice? Why do you think he specifies body rather than just saying “present yourselves?”
•Let’s bring this down to earth! Practically, how do you do this? How do you “present your body as a living sacrifice?” What are some ways we do this or steps in this process?
•Think of some times you actually felt like you did this. Share your experience with the group.
V.2
•First, do you believe that the world around you is trying to get you to conform? If not, why do you believe this? If so, in what ways have you observed this?
•Share some specific ways you have personally experienced pressure from the world around you to conform.
•Share areas of your life that you have been able to resist that pressure and how you, as a Christian, are truly different from those around you.
•Paul says that the key to being different from the world (holy) is through the renewing of our minds. Why do you think Paul starts here—with our minds? Explain the connection between our thoughts/beliefs and our actions/behaviors. Share an example with the group from your own life of how changing your thoughts and beliefs about something resulted in change in habits and behaviors.
The source for all of God’s thoughts and information about His will for us is the bible. Therefore, the way for us to renew/remold our thinking is through knowing the bible.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
•List all the things these two passages tell us about the bible.
•Describe an example of how the bible has “rebuked, corrected or trained” you?
•Both passages describe God’s Word as having life (God-breathed; alive and active)—more than just words on a page. In what ways have you specifically experienced the “living action” of the bible? (Or, how has the living God spoken into your life through the words on the page?)
MINISTRY APPLICATION
The Holy Spirit may be highlighting a specific area of life where those in your group have conformed to pressure from the world—an area where they are not living differently from those around them. It could be their speech or how they are spending their money or what they are looking at on line or a heart attitude. This is an opportunity for the group to experience grace from God through one another. You may want to have the group break down into twos and threes (men with men/women with women) and confess to one another any area in which they are struggling and then pray for “renewed thinking” that is in accordance with God’s Word.
Click here to download the Study Guide in WORD
INTERACTING WITH THE SERMON
SYNOPSIS OF THE SERMON
It’s been observed that the new generation of young adults—those in their twenties and even thirties—are unable to make moral decisions. They do not know how to determine right from wrong. The dominant message this generation has grown up with is tolerance. Moral issues are never talked about in schools or on college campuses because they are considered “too controversial.” So in our very pluralistic society, everything is relative and all morals are individualistic. It could be said that adults of all ages view morality this same way.
For the follower of Jesus, however, there is a standard outside of us as individuals. Morals are not relative to everyone’s personal opinion. That is because God is the source or the measure for all morality. The bible teaches us that God is holy and He expects those who follow Him to be holy as well. From Leviticus 19, we learn that holiness is not religious superiority (“holier than thou”) but rather it is about being different—different from the larger culture and community. Holiness should affect all of life, which means God’s people are to be different from those around them in multiple ways and not just in the area of religious practices.
Here is how we can become holy, moral followers of Jesus:
1.We must hope in the future. We must have a goal we are aiming at in order to resist pressure from the world around us to conform.
2.We must fear the Lord. Children who obey their fathers do so out of reverence and fear. They know there will be consequences for disobedience.
3.We must be changed on the inside. We must actually become a certain kind of person in order to live a holy and moral life that pleases God.
4.We must be connected in fellowship with other believers. Human behavior is re-enforced by the community or group of people we are around. We must remain in close relationship with other Christians in order to live holy (differently) from the rest of society.
5.We must be nurtured in God’s Word. The only way for us to grow and change and be different (holy/moral) is to take in massive quantities of God’s Word, the bible.
In 5 minutes or less, briefly give a synopsis of this week’s sermon. What insight, principle, or observation from this weekend’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling? Explain.
GETTING THE CONVERSATION STARTED
These questions can be used as ice-breakers in the beginning OR interwoven between the questions below to draw the group into the discussion.
•What are one or two things from this weekend’s sermon that really stood out to you?
•Have you ever struggled to determine what the right thing to do in a situation was—at work or school or perhaps in your extended family? Discuss.
•Share one or two ways you feel as a Christian you are different from the rest of society (beyond going to church on Sunday rather than mowing the lawn).
SCRIPTURE STUDY
Background:
The book of Romans is Paul’s most thorough and eloquent explanation of the gospel: God’s plan of salvation. Throughout the letter, Paul is “making his case” for Christianity like a skillful lawyer arguing in a court room. Some of the major themes areRomans 12:1-2:(***consider deleting the scripture text to reduce printing pages)
•All people are sinners and condemned before God.
•God’s plan to save sinners is righteousness through trusting in Christ (“justification by faith”) and not through works or keeping the law.
•Through the Spirit of God, we are set free from both the power of sin in our lives and the curse of the law over our lives.
It is based upon what we as Christians believe that Paul now begins in chapter 12 to tell us how we as Christian should live.
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Consider also J. B. Phillips New Testament translation:
1-2 With eyes wide open to the mercies of God, I beg you, my brothers, as an act of intelligent worship, to give him your bodies, as a living sacrifice, consecrated to him and acceptable by him. Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity.
V.1
•Paul links this next portion of Romans with all that preceded. In light of everything that God has done to secure salvation for us (God’s mercy) what does Paul tell us to do? (It may be helpful to imagine a literal scene of a sacrifice to bring home what Paul is talking about.)
•According to the Phillips’ translation, Paul says this is an act of intelligent worship. Other translations say “reasonable” worship. What do you think Paul is trying to say here?
•Why do you think Paul makes a point to say living sacrifice? Why do you think he specifies body rather than just saying “present yourselves?”
•Let’s bring this down to earth! Practically, how do you do this? How do you “present your body as a living sacrifice?” What are some ways we do this or steps in this process?
•Think of some times you actually felt like you did this. Share your experience with the group.
V.2
•First, do you believe that the world around you is trying to get you to conform? If not, why do you believe this? If so, in what ways have you observed this?
•Share some specific ways you have personally experienced pressure from the world around you to conform.
•Share areas of your life that you have been able to resist that pressure and how you, as a Christian, are truly different from those around you.
•Paul says that the key to being different from the world (holy) is through the renewing of our minds. Why do you think Paul starts here—with our minds? Explain the connection between our thoughts/beliefs and our actions/behaviors. Share an example with the group from your own life of how changing your thoughts and beliefs about something resulted in change in habits and behaviors.
The source for all of God’s thoughts and information about His will for us is the bible. Therefore, the way for us to renew/remold our thinking is through knowing the bible.
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3)
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
•List all the things these two passages tell us about the bible.
•Describe an example of how the bible has “rebuked, corrected or trained” you?
•Both passages describe God’s Word as having life (God-breathed; alive and active)—more than just words on a page. In what ways have you specifically experienced the “living action” of the bible? (Or, how has the living God spoken into your life through the words on the page?)
MINISTRY APPLICATION
Below you’ll see some options for ministry time with your group. We always encourage you to reserve time in your group to pray for one another and wait on the Holy Spirit.Getting more of God’s Word into our minds, our hearts and our lives happens through the daily discipline of reading the bible. It is through the daily taking in of what God says, perhaps combined with the shutting off of what the world says, that will result in the transformation of our thinking and change in our lives. Be prepared to share about the importance of daily bible reading and bible memorization. Make some practical suggestions to everyone in the group on how to cultivate this habit in their lives. You may want to get some bible reading plans from the church for your group to help people get started.
The Holy Spirit may be highlighting a specific area of life where those in your group have conformed to pressure from the world—an area where they are not living differently from those around them. It could be their speech or how they are spending their money or what they are looking at on line or a heart attitude. This is an opportunity for the group to experience grace from God through one another. You may want to have the group break down into twos and threes (men with men/women with women) and confess to one another any area in which they are struggling and then pray for “renewed thinking” that is in accordance with God’s Word.
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