Leader's Guide 12/06/09

Stand Up
The Week of December 6
Daniel 6:15-28

Getting Started

Who is one of the most courageous people you personally know? What about them shows courage?

Share a scene from a movie that best exemplifies courage?

Spiritual Growth Check Up

This story involves Daniel’s faithfulness and consistency in prayer. How are you doing in the area of prayer?

Digging Deeper

Read verses 13-16. How does the king respond to the news that Daniel had broken the new law he had just signed? Why was the king unable to help Daniel?

“The king was surprised and greatly upset. He seems to have known he was deceived and used by his officials, and that he made a foolish decision in signing the proposed law. He appears convinced that Daniel was innocent of any real crime. He probably recognizes by this time that the whole matter was a scheme cooked up by some of his other officials, so that Daniel’s promotion could be aborted. The one man in whom the king had complete confidence was now charged with a crime. Perhaps worst of all was the king’s growing realization that there was nothing he could do to stop Daniel’s execution.”

“The king was bound by the law of the Medes and the Persians. It would seem that the Medo-Persian empire, like our own nation, was a government of laws, and not of men. Signing this injunction into law as one of the “laws of the Medes and the Persians” was to make the law irrevocable. The king was powerless to save Daniel, in spite of his strong desire to do so.”

Read Matthew 5:33-37 and James 5:12. How do these verses address Darius’ decree? What are some examples of foolish vows or promises that we might make today? What kinds of vows should we make?

Whatever Jesus and James mean, they cannot mean that all forms of oath making are prohibited. Why? Jesus later in his life responds to an oath (Matt.26:63-64). The righteous angel of Revelation 10:6 is described has having “swore by him who lives forever and ever.” The apostle Paul calls God as his witness in verifying his intentions towards the Corinthians (2 Cor.1:23; cf. Gal 1:20). Even Jehovah swore by himself (Hebrews 6:13). Among these there are other numerous famous and celebrative oaths made throughout redemptive history: Jonathan and David (1Sam. 18:3,4; 20:16, 42; 2 Sam 21:7) The Jews with each other to serve God (1 Chron. 15:12-15; Neh 10:28-32) Moses to Caleb (Josh 14:9) Ruth to Naomi (Ruth 1:17) Boaz to Ruth (Ruth 3:13 Elisha to Elijah (2 Kings 2:2). In Matthew 5, Jesus was referring to the prevent practice of frivolous swearing. One commentator notes that a man might swear a false oath “a hundred thousand times and yet not be guilty of vain swearing.” This man would have justified his behavior of not following through with his oath by saying that he didn’t “swear by God.” He might have sworn by heaven, or by earth, or even by the hairs of his own head, but in his mind this isn’t swearing by God. As such, he regarded such oaths as not being binding. Jesus counters this prevalent philosophy of promise making by insisting that all things belong God. To swear by anything is tantamount to swearing by God. As such, our word should be so sure and solid that our “yes” or “no” should be good enough.

In verses 16-19 Darius frequently refers to God as Daniel’s God, or “your God.” Do you think that Darius was a genuine believer? What are some spiritual advantages for a non-Christian who has positive viewpoint of Jesus? What are some disadvantages?

Why was Daniel spared from death when many Old Testament saints were not? Does God spare everyone who is godly and has faith from danger or death?

“We are not told why God chose to deliver Daniel, while He allows others to suffer persecution and death and their oppressors to apparently prosper. In Hebrews 11 we find two kinds of saints: (1) those who were delivered from danger or death, and (2) those who were delivered through danger or death (see Hebrews 11:32-40). We should remember that our Lord was without sin, and yet God did not spare Him, but delivered Him up to suffer and to die. We can at best say that God purposes for some to suffer and even die to accomplish His purposes, and others He delivers for His purposes. It would seem in Daniel’s case that God delivered him as a reminder to the Jews that as He delivered Daniel, so He would deliver Israel from her captivity. Furthermore, Daniel’s life may also have been prolonged because God still had prophecies to reveal to him and through him (see Daniel 10:1ff.).”

Read verses 20-22. What are some less than godly ways Daniel might have responded Darius? Share with the group a circumstance in which you were or could have been gracious towards someone whose foolish decision affected you negatively.

In verse 26 Darius issues a decree that people “must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.” Is this a wise decree? Compare with Darius’ previous decree (vss.6-9). What’s the difference between legislating religion and morality?

Read verses 26-27. What are the three attributes of God described by Darius? How do they relate to each other? What response should we have to them?

1. Existence
2. Sovereignty
3. Love

Putting It Into Practice

Is there a situation, a decision, a relationship that requires courage in your life? Share that with the group and let them pray for you.

Is there something present in your life (or of someone you know) that has forced you to trust in a greater way that God exists, is sovereign, and cares for you? Spend some time praying for a greater realization of these things in your life.

All Church Prayer Request – Please take time in your groups to pray for God’s hand of blessing on our church.

11/29/09 Leader's Guide

Stand Up
The Week of November 29th
Daniel 6

Getting Started

For Christmas and birthdays, do you tend to ask for things you want or need? Do you approach prayer in the same way?

Digging Deeper

In verses 1-3 we read that Daniel fared well in the political and military upheaval experienced as a result of the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon (5:30). What does that tell us about God’s provision for his people? Can you give an example in your life when God sustained you in the midst of difficulty?

God’s provision is not restricted to a government, economy, job, or a boss. These things are instruments through which God provides (Isa 31:1).

In verses 4-5 we discover that Daniel’s enemies “could find no corruption in him.” After reading 1 Peter 2:12 and Titus 2:7 & 8, discuss two or three things we can do or avoid to keep our behavior excellent among unbelievers.

Action – Do the right thing.
Attitude – Don’t be a jerk and stay humble.
Speech – What you say and how you say it.

In verse 5-7 Daniel’s enemies conspire to use his faith against him. Last week we asked whether we could think of other examples in the Bible where a person’s faith was used against them. This week, discuss the subtle and blatant ways our faith can be used against us today?

In verse 10 we read that Daniel’s prayer life was consistent regardless of external pressure or ease. Do you tend to pray more when you are experiencing pressure or pleasure? How can we cultivate a consistent prayer life like Daniel?

In verse 10 we also read that Daniel “got down on his knees.” What does this physical gesture in prayer signify?

“The Bible shows us many positions for prayer. We read in the Bible that Jesus did kneel when He prayed. Jesus was accompanied by His disciples as they prayed on the Mount of Olives. There were also times He prayed in a standing position as the disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Jesus instructed them in what we call the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). “There he told them, ‘Pray that you will not be overcome by temptation.’ He walked away, about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed” (Luke 22:40-41).

Sometimes prayer is spontaneous and takes a variety of physical positions. All of these examples illustrate acceptable ways of prayer. Scripture commands us to proclaim God's greatness by means of our bodies. Here are a few additional examples of ways God is pleased with our worship.

• Some danced and sang their prayers as Miriam did (Exodus 15:20).
• The Israelites bowed their heads in gratitude and worship (Exodus 12:27).
• Job fell to the ground to petition God (Job 1:20).
• The Levites stood and praised the Lord with a loud shout (2 Chronicles 20:19).
• “For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants of Korah. Come, everyone, and clap your hands for joy! Shout to God with joyful praise!” (Psalm 47:1).
• “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the LORD our maker” (Psalm 95:6).
• “Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp” (Psalm 149:3). “So wherever you assemble, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy” (1 Timothy 2:8).”

Verse 10 says that Daniel prayed, “giving thanks to his God, as he had done before.” Why is gratitude a proper expression of prayer? How does gratitude help to shape our prayers?

See Philippians 4:6; Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:17.

Verse 11 says that Daniel was “asking God for help” immediately upon hearing of the decree (vs.10; 2:18; 9:3; 10:12). Do you tend to act now and pray later, or pray now and act later? How do we avoid the extreme of self-sufficiency on the one hand (by acting) and irresponsibility on the other hand (by lounging)?

What are some other components that you see in Daniel’s prayer?

Why was the king unable to help save Daniel? What does this teach us about human solutions to our problems and prayer?

Putting It Into Practice

Have the group share what component of prayer they have most difficulty with. Spend some time praying for progress in this area.

11/22/08 Leader's Guide

Stand Up
The Week of November 22nd
Daniel 3

Getting Started

On Sunday we played songs that had the idea of heat, or fire. Can you think of other songs with lyrics about fire?

Do you have a phobia? If not, what’s the closet thing that you have to a phobia?

Digging Deeper

Read verse 1. What connections do you think there was between Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter 2 and his statue in chapter 3?

God revealed that Babylon was only one kingdom among many that would come and go, ultimately to be supplanted by the Kingdom of God. Perhaps Nebuchadnezzar refused to believe that “his” kingdom would have such a short shelf life, and so sought to defy the vision by constructing a statue that only represented Babylon.

Looking over verses 2-7, how did Nebuchadnezzar make it easy to worship the image? How did he make it difficult not too? Identify some environments in our lives that make compromise easy and righteousness hard? What are the particular ways that compromise is rewarded and righteousness is censured in these places?

He had a great PR campaign: he “persuaded” leadership to promote the new policy and found a great band and a catching song to cull the people to follow their leaders. The downside was death.

Read verses 8-12. How did the Chaldeans use the truth to place Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego in difficulty? How did the Chaldeans also use distortion? Can you think of other examples in the Bible where a person’s faith was used against them?

The Chaldeans facilitated a clash between values of these three and the government. They knew that neither the Jews or the pagan government would back down, which would certainly mean death for the men.

Read verses 13-18. What are the two convictions that these Jews shared with Nebuchadnezzar? Are both convictions of faith? How are they the same and different? What does this tell us about believing in Jesus?

1. God will save us. 2. Even if he doesn’t, we’re not giving in. Both are convictions of faith. To see the similarity and contrast, look at Hebrews 11:32-40.

Read verses 19-23. How did Nebuchadnezzar respond to Shadrach, Meshach and Abed- nego’s faith? In what way did the three submit to Nebuchadnezzar’s authority? In what ways can we fail to fully obey God in our attempts to live courageously for him?

Read verses 24-26. Who was the mysterious 4th man who was seen with Daniel’s friends in the furnace? What’s the significance?

Perhaps this was an appearance of Christ. This might foreshadow the salvation of Jesus who saves us from the wrath to come

. Why is no mention made of Daniel in chapter 3?

How is the issue in chapter 3 similar to the problem Daniel and his three friends faced in chapter 1? How and why is their response different in chapter 3 than in chapter 1? How is their outcome different?

“Both chapters deal with submission to God and to human government. In chapter 1, the four Jews served God and government, offending neither God nor the government. In chapter 3, they had to choose God or government, being unable to serve both at the same time. Thus, in chapter 3, godly men had to obey God by disobeying government.
In chapter 1, Nebuchadnezzar did not realize the superior wisdom of Daniel and his three friends. In chapter 3, the king clearly understands the issue is over whose god is more powerful, his god or the God of the Hebrews. In both chapters, Daniel and his friends are promoted, but in the latter Nebuchadnezzar recognizes God working miraculously to deliver His servants and acknowledges the superiority of their God over his.”

How did these men’s faithfulness to God subsequently affect the Jews in Babylon, the King of Babylon, and those who conspired against these three men? What does this teach us about obedience?

“Daniel’s three friends are delivered and even promoted because of their faithfulness, and are included in the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11 (see verses 32-34).Their deliverance reversed Nebuchadnezzar’s requirement of the Jews to bow down. It also protected Jewish worship by promising punishment for any who would seek to hinder their worship. Nebuchadnezzar is humbled to some degree and given greater revelation concerning the God of the Jews. Nebuchadnezzar understands in chapter 2 that the God of the Israelites is the source of wisdom and knowledge. He learns in chapter 3 that He also intervenes in human history to deliver His people. The enemies of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were shown the folly of their own “faith” and the power of the God of the Jews to preserve and deliver them. The reader of the account is reminded that God is the only Deliverer. Deliverance comes from God, to the people of God. Deliverance is complete. It will keep us through the fire of tribulation and adversity.”

Putting It Into Practice

Where do you need courage this week? Take some time to seek God for strength.

11/08/09 Leader's Guide

Real Relationships

The Week of November 8th

Getting Started:

1) If someone you cared about (brother, sister, son or daughter) was getting married, what questions would you want them to think through?

2) How can setting goals such as, marrying by a certain age, marrying someone with a certain career, or someone one with certain physical characteristics help in your search for a spouse? How can it hurt?

Going Deeper:

3) 1 Corinthians 7:36 talks about a man who is acting improperly toward his fiancé. What are some ways to mishandle engagement?

· Getting engaged if you’re unsettled about the relationship.

· Making the ceremony the sole object of preparation rather than the relationship.

· Prolonging engagement unnecessarily.

4) Verse 36 talks about getting along in years, what role should age play in a major life decision (e.g. marriage, going to college, changing careers, having children, etc)?

Age seems to be an important consideration. Let’s take marriage as an example, if you’re getting married at a younger age, you need to assess whether one has the emotional maturity to commit to the relation, the resolve to nurture the relationship through college and career placement, and how kids will factor into the previous two considerations. Consider the following stats on the divorce rate among those who marry young: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=363986.

On the other hand, the challenges of marrying later are these: (a) sexual purity, (b) companionship, (c) fertility, (d) social pressure to marry earlier.

5) This week’s message encouraged us to settle matters “in our own mind”. Why do you think someone might get married without having the matter settled in his or her own mind? What steps do you take to have peace of mind when you make decisions?

6) We are called to make important decisions “under no compulsion”. What advice can you share to remove guilt or obligation from the decision making process?

Often people make bad decisions when they unjustifiably pressured to make a decision.

7) Verse 39 tells us a believer must marry a believer. Why is this important? How important is this to you personally? Why?

8) What advice would you give a single person to help confirm their future spouse has a real relationship with Jesus Christ?

They lead their personal and social life in a way that brings honor to Christ, including how they relate to their prospective spouse.

9) Do you think there are situations (e.g. pregnancy) where getting married becomes an obligation? What Biblical reasons would you offer to support your view?

Putting It Into Practice:

10) Share one way you can use the principles in this week’s passage in a decision or relationship other than marriage.

11) Are you facing a major decision, ask the group to pray for you.

10/25/09 Leader's Guide

Real Relationships
The Week of October 25th

Getting Started:

1) Growing up, what role did faith play in your family? To what degree were your parents on the same page spiritually?

2) In what relationship or role is it hardest for you to actively express your faith? At work, with certain friends, at family reunions, with neighbors, with brothers or sisters?

Going Deeper:

3) In 1 Corinthians 7:12 & 13, it appears that in deciding whether to stay or deciding to leave, the decision falls to the unbeliever. Why does the unbeliever get to make the decision whether not the marriage will work?

One reason that Paul gives relates to the spiritual condition of the unbelieving spouse – perhaps Paul thinks that such a departure may repel the spouse from the gospel, and continuation may attract the spouse to the gospel.

4) Read verse 14. Sanctify means to make holy. How can an unbelieving person be sanctified through their spouse?

To “sanctify” can simply mean “to set apart” for something or to someone. When a mechanic lays out his tools as he is preparing to work on a car, he does so in order to have quick access to them. The tools are within reach of the mechanic, prepared for him to use. Paul seems to be saying that given the proximity of an unbelieving spouse to the work of God in the believing spouse, they experience a special exposure to the gospel, and so are more prone to having God seize their life.

5) What does it mean for children to be unclean? What does it mean for them to be holy? Malachi 2:14-15 may offer some help.

Paul argues from the obvious to the less obvious. It was obvious to believers that though their children are born in sin (Psalm 51:5), yet given the exposure to and training in the gospel in a family setting, they could have confidence that their children would be far more prone to accept the gospel (Proverbs 22:6). As such they are considered “clean.” Paul then uses this connection to establish that an unbelieving spouse is similarly “clean” or “sanctified” by the presence of the believing spouse, therefore under girding his earlier point that it is best for a believing spouse to remain with an unbelieving spouse unless they chose otherwise.

6) In verse 15 it says that if an unbeliever leaves let them leave, the believing spouse is not bound. What does it mean to not be “bound”? For example, does this mean they are free to remarry?

“Bound” seems to mean constrained to remain unmarried because the divorce was considered unjustified.

7) In what way can the departure of an unbelieving spouse allow a believer to “live in peace” (vs. 16) What is the point of this phrase?

Trying to force a union of two people when one only desires such a union is a recipe for strife and drama in a home. Paul later on suggests that though the unbelieving spouse is “sanctified” by the believing spouse, such a condition doesn’t guarantee the salvation of the unbeliever. In fact, one may infer that a believing spouse who insists on the continuation of the marriage with an unbeliever despite the latter’s protest, may actually end up repelling the unbeliever from the gospel. See questions 3.

8) Verse 16 talks about the unbelieving spouse being saved. What advice would you give to someone married to unbeliever who wanted to influence their spouse toward Christ?

Putting It Into Practice:

9) What can you do this week to bring God into a mismatched relationship?
10) Do you know someone who is struggling as the sole believer in a difficult relationship or job situation? What can you do to encourage them?

10/18/09 Leader's Guide

Real Relationships

The Week of October 18^th

Getting Started:

1) What couple do you know who have been married the longest?

2) Think of a long term relationship in your life. What have been some of the keys to making it work?

Going Deeper:

3) In verse 8, Paul tells those who are unmarried and widow that it would be good for them to remain unmarried? What are some of the advantages to being single? What are some of the challenges to being single?

Advantages - In verses 32 – 35, Paul says that those who are single are more apt to be free from concern, allowing them to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord. Spouses can get distracted from the Lord with each other.

Disadvantages – There’s peer pressure to get married; there’s the challenge of loneliness; there’s the challenge of sexual purity.

4) In verse 9, we find one of the reasons for getting married: to deal with lust. How would you counsel a couple who desires to get married for sexual reasons, even though they don’t appear to be ready for a marriage commitment?

They need to slow down in the physical department – diffusing as much temptation to allow them to focus on those neglected areas.

They need to speed up in the relational department – proactively working on those areas that will make them ready for the marriage commitment.

5) In verse 10-11, we see that God commands that we stay married. How does viewing this as a commandment affect your relationship with your spouse?

6) Verse 10 tells a wife not to separate from her husband. When could separating for a season be a good idea? When would it be a bad idea? What other options could you share?

7) Verse 11 Brings up the topic of divorce. How has divorce impacted your life? Do you have friends or family members who are divorced? Have you gone through a divorce? Drawing from your experience, what challenges have you faced as a result of divorce?

8) In what situations do you believe that God allows divorce? What Bible passages could you point to support your view?

Here are some of the grounds for divorce that some have offered from Scripture:

Adultery

Abandonment/Neglect

Abuse

See the following link for a reasonable treatment of the topic: HERE -

9) Verse 11 tells separated spouses to remain unmarried or else reconcile. If you had a Christian friend who was separated and saw no hope for reconciliation, what would you tell them to do? What Biblical backing would you have for your advice?

Putting It Into Practice:

10) Are you facing a relationship conflict. What can you do to work through the problem?

11) Do you know a marriage that is struggling, what could you do to reach out and help?

12) Take time to pray for the marriages in our church.

10/11/09 Leader's Guide

Real Relationship

The Week of October 11th

Getting Started:

What couple do you know that who models a healthy relationship? How do they do that?

Going Deeper:

Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-5. Verse 4 tell us that as a married person, our body is no longer our own. What else have you given up in marriage as “no longer your own”. How difficult was that change?

A person gives up most forms of independence: relational, financial, emotional, etc. Marriage should be marked by interdependence.

Looking at verse 5, why do you think Paul warned against depriving your spouse of physical intimacy? Why is this concept important to the overall relationship?

“Some in Corinth were trying to practice celibacy within marriage. Apparently this refraining from sex within marriage was a unilateral decision of one partner, not a mutually agreed-on decision (vv. 3-4). Such a practice sometimes led to immorality on the part of the other mate (v. 5b; cf. v. 2). Paul commanded that they stop this sort of thing unless three conditions were met: (a) The abstention from sexual intercourse was to be a matter of mutual consent on the part of both husband and wife. (b) They were to agree beforehand on a time period at the end of which normal intercourse would be resumed. (c) This refraining was to enable them to devote themselves to prayer in a concentrated way” (The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures)

What is your view of physical intimacy as a debt you owe your spouse? How does verse 5 affect your view?

What practical advice could you offer a newlywed couple to achieve “mutual consent” in the area of physical intimacy?

1. Have you clearly communicated about the issue? If not, do so.

2. Have you considered your spouses’ needs, desires (or lack thereof), and emotions and lived for their benefit? If not, do so.

3. See next questions

Read I Peter 3:1 and 1 Peter 3:7. How should we approach the discussion when reaching the “mutual consent” discussed in 1 Corinthians 7:5?

What practical point was Paul trying to make? How would you rewrite that verse in your own words to make the same point?

Spouses need to relate sexually. It’s an important part of life, and so should not be overlooked as something needing proactive attention.

In what ways does lack of physical intimacy invite temptation? Who is ultimately responsible when temptation strikes?

Read Ephesians 5:25-31. Why is this responsibility placed on the husband?

What do you find most challenging about these passages? What do you find most liberating about these passages?

Putting It Into Practice:

For married couples: Have a discussion with your spouse about the satisfaction with physical intimacy in your marriage. For singles: Share your plan to stay sexually pure until marriage.

Prayerfully consider how you can honor God in your physical relationship in marriage.

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10/04/09 Leader's Guide

Glued

The Week of October 4th

Getting Started

1) What was your first computer? What was the size of the hard drive and speed of your Internet connection?

2) Share one of your (current) favorite websites to visit?

Digging Deeper

Read Matthew 5:27 -28 and answer these questions:

3) In Matthew 5:27 Jesus tell us not “lust”. In your opinion, when does looking turn to lusting? When does noticing someone is attractive turn to something wrong?

4) What advice would you give to someone who struggles with lust?

5) Read Job 31:1 – What did Job do to avoid lust? What could it look like to make a covenant with your eyes?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:18 and answer these questions:

6) 1 Corinthians 6:18 says to “flee” from sexual immorality. The word “flee” means to “run to safety” or “run to escape from danger” Can you think of a Biblical example of someone who fled to avoid immorality? What happened to them?

7) Can you think of a Biblical example of someone who didn’t get up and leave when tempted by immorality? What happened to them?

8) What safeguards do you have in your life to stay clear of immorality? Can you think of times in the past you made a decision to take yourself out of a tempting situation?

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 and answer these questions

9) What is the connection/contrast in verse 3 between sanctification and sexual immorality?

10) Verse 4 says that we need to “learn” to control our bodies in a way that honorable.According to Titus 2:11-12, what teaches us to say “no” to the wrong desires?

11) Read verse 5 – Acting out in passionate lust is a sign of someone who doesn’t know God. How does knowing God help us avoid that? What about God can we know that will help us avoid immorality?

Putting it Into Practice

What’s one thing you can away from this week’s topic?

9/27/09 Leader's Guide

Glued
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Week of September 27th

Getting Started

1) What thought, truth, conviction, etc, has stood out to you most during our “Glued” series?

2) Have you seen sexual values change over your lifetime, if so, how?

Digging Deeper

3) Verse 13 says, “the body is not meant for sexual immorality.” What activities does Scripture regard as sexual immorality? Are there any grey areas?

Some activities that are sexually immoral outside of the marriage bond: vaginal sex, oral sex, phone sex (now its “text-sex”), petting, exposure of sexual organs, etc...

Some activities that are sexually immoral at all times: pornography, voyeurism, homosexuality, bestiality, etc...

4) Verse 13 says “Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food.” Is it sinful to have sexual desires? If it isn’t sinful, at what point do they become sinful?

Having sexual desires for someone other than your spouse is a sign of the fall (like physical sickness is also a sign of the fall); its an indication of the imperfect state we’re in. With that said, God commands us to by the Spirit put to death the deeds and desires of the flesh, which presumes bad desires. As soon as we entertain these desires either mentally or physically, these desires have become sinful. You can’t stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can’t stop it from nesting on your head.

5) Verses 12, 13, and 18 appear to contain slogans on sexuality borrowed by Christians to justify their immoral behavior. What are some slogans or phrases prevalent in our culture? Spend some time and examine them with Scripture.

“If it feels good, do it”
“If it doesn’t hurt anyone, do it.”
“It’s my body to do as I please.”
“It’s natural, so it must be right.”

6) Reread the three “do you not know” passages (vs. 15, 16, and 19). Which of these statements do you find as the most compelling reason to avoid immorality?

7) Read verse 17, what does it mean to “unite” ourselves with the Lord

The Bible gives images like the uniting of head to body, roof to house, husband and wife, and branch tree. All of these images point to a radical identification that we have with Jesus.

8) In verse 18, Paul says that a person who commits sexual immorality “sins against his own body.” How have you witnessed that sexual mistakes can be more painful and damaging than other mistakes?

9) Verse 20 says “you were bought at a price at a price.” Who bought you? What was the cost this person paid? And how does this help us avoid immorality?

A reflection of the passion of Christ on the cross should be more than sufficient to fight unholy passions.

Putting It Into Practice

10) Suppose a couple who is dating is struggling with keeping boundaries in their physical relationship. If they came to you for advice, what would you tell them?

11) What can a married person do to set boundaries with friends/co-workers of the opposite sex? What activities could become dangerously close to crossing a line? For example, is going to lunch okay? What about sharing marriage problems? At what point could fun banter turn into flirting?

12) What safeguards can a Christian put in place regarding TV, movies, novels, the internet, etc?

13) What safeguards do you have in your life to protect against sexual immorality?

Leader's Guide 9/20/09

Glued
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
The Week of September 20th

Getting Started

How were your ideas about sex formed? What has been your main influences?

How does discussing sex in a spiritual or church setting make you feel? Do you feel that same way discussing sex in other social settings? Why do you think there’s a difference, especially when the Bible speaks so much about sex?

Digging Deeper

Read 1 Corinthians 6:12. How does this relate to physical intimacy? How do we distinguish between “permissible” and beneficial”?

Paul does not mean that immoral things are permissible when he says “everything is permissible,” for he had just declared, “neither sexually immoral, idolaters nor adulterers…will inherit the kingdom of God.” Its likely that “everything is permissible” was a slogan some Corinthian Christians used to justify living as close to disobedience as they possible could. In terms of sexuality, they were those who asked, “how far can we go” with the intention going that far. Paul argues that though technically it may be permissible, yet such behavior may be destructive (see verse 12 and next question).

What did Paul mean in verse 12 when he said, “I will not be mastered by anything”? How does this relate to sexual sin?

When you live near the line of compromise, you put yourself in an environment where sin is easier, which makes you vulnerable to the mastery of sin. God would say to Cain, “Sin is crouching at the door, and its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Gen 4:7). Sin is deceitful and destructive. To treat sin casually is like treating a hungry ravenous lion casually. Eventually, it will pounce and devour. In application, given the power, allure, and devastation of sexual immorality, keep clear of any sightings of it.

How would you answer this question, “Why would God give me these desires if He did not want me to act on them? (i.e. “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” – vs. 13).

This question assumes that natural desires, as we experience them now, are God-given. This fails to recognize that nature is fallen. As a result, we have a propensity to twist all sorts of things that may be good in ways that are bad. There’s a good ambition, and yet our hearts can twist this into self-glorification. There’s a good fear, but our hearts may twist it to cowardice. Food and drink are wonderful gifts, but our hearts may abuse these things. The same is true with human sexuality. It appears that some at Corinth were suggesting that just as all hunger demands eating, then all sexual desire requires fulfillment. “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” appears to be another slogan adopted by the Corinthians to justify immoral living. Paul response by saying that “God will destroy both” This may be taken as meaning that God’s goal in salvation is to destroy our "body," in so far as it is sinful, so as to liberate us to a glorified physical body that have appetites of righteousness. The fact that God will “rid us of this body of death” (Rom 7:24) tells us that our present desires aren’t the best barometer for determining what is right or wrong.

Verse 13 says “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. What is Paul trying to say in this passage, in what way is our body meant for the Lord and the Lord for our body?

God has put a down payment on our body. His intention is to redeem it applying Jesus’ righteousness to it in the resurrection. In the meantime, our bodies are on “layaway.” As such, you don’t mess with another man’s property when it is on “layaway.” Similarly, you don’t misuse your body when it doesn’t belong to you, but to God (vs.19).

In verse 14 Paul introduces the subject of the resurrection, how does this fit into his discussion of sexual immorality?

See previous answers.

Verses 16-17 show a healthy and unhealthy example of oneness. In what practical ways can we apply these truths to our relationships to bring oneness?

(1) Share an oneness with God: Couples often have “independent” relationships with God. It’s important for our spousal relationships to be centered on doing discipleship together. (2) Be a one-man woman and a one-woman man: Just as Jesus requires complete fidelity to him, just as he is completely faithful to us, we are called to express that same time of unrelenting devotion in our marriages (Ephesians 5:22-33).

In verse 18, Paul says “Flee immorality.” What are some specific things that we should flee from that are approved by our culture? What are some practical ways to flee these accepted expressions of sexuality?

What do you watch, listen to, think about, and talk about? Job makes a covenant with his eyes not to look a woman with lust (Job 31:1). Paul says that we are to think on what ever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Solomon says that one who listens to gossip is just as bad as the gossip. He’ll also spend most of Proverbs speaking about how a fool spouts out folly.

How do we flee? Like Joseph! (Gen 39:12).

In verse 18 Paul says “all other sins a man commits are outside his body.” What does he mean?

The word “other” doesn’t appear in the Greek text. It actually reads, “All sins a man commits are outside his body.” This appears to be another Corinthian slogan (cf. verse 12 & 13) that communicates a conviction that sexual sin had no spiritual consequences. Paul states that we are God’s temple. Just as to commit sexual immorality in the temple would be to profane the sacred place, so to commit sexual immorality with the temple (your body) is to do the same. He says pointedly in 3:17 that if anyone destroys the temple, God will destroy him (cf. 1 Cor 5:5; 11:30).

In verse 19-20, Scripture says that you are “a temple of the Holy Spirit” and so need to “honor God with your body.” How does viewing your body as a sanctuary of God help you to think about sexual sin?

Handle your body the way the priests were to minister in the sanctuary: with fear and trembling.

Putting It Into Practice

If your friend came to you for help with a sexual sin, what practical biblical advice could you offer? Where would you find it in the bible?

9/13/09 Leader's Guide

Glued

The Week of September 13^th

Getting Started:

Do you believe the church community should address the subject of sex more or less? Why?

What are some of the positive and negative ways the media portrays sex? What do you think should change? What should stay the same?

Positive: The topic of sexuality is seen as important and requiring dialogue in some media contexts.

Negative: Often, the boundaries of sexuality are broadened to fit each person’s preference. Typically monogamy is viewed as that which stifles expression. The irony is that our culture often considers that it has a high view of sexuality, but Biblically our culture cheapens sexuality by removing the important boundaries set for expression. It’s like the guy who says he loves his racecars, but keeps entering them in crash derbies.

What are some of the positive and negative ways the church portrays sex? What needs to change? What should stay the same?

Positive: The church has been strong on the boundaries of sexuality.

Negative: The church has been weak on celebrating human sexuality, as well as instructing people clearly on the topic.

Digging Deeper

One of God’s purposes for sex is to create oneness in a marriage. In what ways can sex create oneness? In what ways can it be divisive?

Sex creates oneness…

Physically – Most obviously, it create oneness through physical touch. It connects one of the greatest physical pleasures to another person.

Emotionally – There can be emotional alignment. Studies link regular sexual activity in married couples to the longevity of their marriages.

Spiritually – Body and spirit are connected, and so sexuality and spirituality are connected. If violating God’s plan for human sexuality is something with negative spiritual consequences (i.e. sin), then obeying God’s plan for sexuality is something with positive spiritual consequences.

"Sex can be a wonderful cementer or a terrible wedge.” Dr. Linda Banner

Read Genesis 2:24. In what ways are we “united”? What does it mean to be “one flesh”?

After God had declared that everything he had created was “good,” there was one thing he said wasn’t: man was alone (Genesis 2:18). Which means that God created Adam “incomplete,” needing the union of another. To illustrate the dependency of man and women on each other, God took one of Adam’s rib from his body and formed Eve. The illustration was that Adam was missing something that must be very much a part of him . In their marital union and sexual connection, we have the union (even reuniting) with the result that Adam and Eve are made complete.

Genesis 2:25 says they were naked and felt no shame, after sin entered the world, they covered themselves. While there is much theological symbolism there, in what ways do you think sin has affected sex in marriage?

Augustine speculates that prior to sin, both Adam and Eve had amazing control over their bodies (they were “sovereigns” of their bodies). But when they refused to have God has the sovereign of their lives, one of God’s punishments was to take away their control over their bodies. The shame they felt in the garden was the sense that they were no longer in the same control of their sexuality that they had prior to the fall. This was an unmistakable sign that they had fallen from grace.

In 1 Corinthians 6:16 is a reference to Genesis 2:24. What is God pointing out by applying a marriage verse (Gen 2:24) to sleeping with a prostitute?

God is showing (1) the power and significance of the physical union of sex (one becomes one flesh with a prostitute – becoming part of her) and (2) how our physical union affects our relationship with Christ. As if to say, if you’re a Christian, you are one with Christ. If as a Christian you engage in sexual immorality, becoming one flesh with someone (in this case a prostitute), then you are “uniting” Christ with immorality.

Read Proverbs 5:15-20. What image does Solomon use to encourage his son to stay faithful to his wife? How does the image make his point?

Read Proverbs 5:21-23. What are some consequences Solomon lists for those who ignore God’s design for sexuality?

(1) God’s displeasure (vs.21)

(2) Consequences (spiritual, emotional, physical*) that our difficult to reverse (vs.22).

(3) Spiritual Wandering (vs.23)

*”At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will have a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. HPV, or human papillomavirus, comes in both low- and high-risk forms; low-risk HPV can cause genital warts, and high-risk can cause cervical and other cancers.”

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Putting It Into Practice:

What can we do this week to guard ourselves against unwanted and unbiblical sexual messages?

9/07/09 Leader's Guide

Small Group Questions for the Week of September 7th

Getting Started

1) Faith Essentials: We’re inviting our members to join us for our Faith Essentials Workshop that starts September 15^th. This time is designed to equip you in knowing what you believe and why you believe it. If interested sign up at the information table or email groups@newlifecommunitychurch.net

2) What do you find to be most difficult about sharing your faith: desire (wanting to share it) or delivery (knowing how to share it)? Why?

3) Who is the one person you would most like to see come to faith in Christ?

Digging Deeper (2 Corinthians 5:10-21)

Motive for Mission

4) In verses 11, Paul says that knowing the “fear of the Lord” motivates him to try to “persuade men.” According to the previous verse, what does Paul fear from God? How should fear of God move us to love our neighbors with the gospel? How do we avoid guilt-motivated evangelism?

In the previous verses, Paul speaks of the judgment seat of Christ where he will give account to Jesus for the stewardship of the gospel. The fear is rooted in displeasing Jesus by failing to love one's neighbor with the good news. A proper fear of God should help to motivate us to obey Christ in all areas of life. One potential downside is when "fear" or "guilt" serve as the only things that motivate us. This passage also addresses the "love of Christ" as a fueling factor.

5) In verse 12-13, the apostle says that his mission work wasn’t motivated by a desire to promote himself? What are some of the ways that we can be motivated to share Christ with bad motives?

(a) to show off to others. (b) to gain a following. (c) to have a big church for the sake of having one.

6) In verse 14, Paul says that Christ’s love compels (i.e. motivates) him and his company. What is it about Christ’s love that makes mission for Paul a non-negotiable? Do you think that evangelism is required of all believers?

Though the apostles had a special apostolic call to promote the gospel, we are all called to share God's love to everyone.

7) In verse 16, Paul declares, “We regard no one from a worldly point of view.” What are some ways that we can discriminate against people, even with the good news? Why should the love of Christ compel us to fight against discrimination?

(a) to think people are too far gone for the gospel. (b) to purposely limit you evangelism to people just like you. Christ died for all men, therefore we're called to share with all without discrimination.

Method for Mission

8) In verse 19, it says that God committed to us the “message of reconciliation.” Some have said, “preach the gospel, and use words if necessary.” Using verse 19, what’s wrong with this statement?

If its all good deeds without a verbal presentation of Jesus, people are left up to their own imaginations as to why you did what you did. We would be leaving people to infer the gospel from our good deeds. Chances are they won't.

9) Verse 20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” In our age, what does it mean for someone to be an ambassador of a country? What are some practical tips that we can borrow from this earthly example to help us in our promotion of the gospel?

10) Verse 20, Paul uses words like “appeal” and “implore” as how he presented to truth to people. It’s been said people don’t care what you know until they know that you care. How did this truth figure into to Paul’s life of mission? What are some practical ways we can build credibility with people for the sake of the gospel? What are some practical ways we ruin our credibility?

11) In verse 21, what are the truths in Paul’s summary of the gospel that are important to share with people? Why are they important?

Putting it Into Practice

12) Who’s Your One: Spend some time and discuss some tactful ways to reach out to your one. Spend some time and pray for them.