New Life Groups -A Connecting Point for Small Group Leaders at New Life

6/27/10 Guide

2010-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

I Want Something Else

Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Week of 6/27/10

Getting Started

Do you have any fun plans for the summer? What do you normally do for the forth of July?

Digging Deeper (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7)

1) What did you take away from this week’s passage?

2) Read verse 1. What are some ways that we can “guard our steps” in approaching God?

When we approach God trivially, it’s because we’re not grasping the seriousness of the meeting. In reviewing Scripture we see that when people met God in supernatural ways, it drastically changed their posture of body and life. Consider that in a very real sense, God is no less present with us now than when he appeared in discernable ways. Therefore, our response should be similar. Our approach must be thoughtful, heartfelt, and prayerful if we are to recognize and respond appropriately to God.

3) Is there anything you do to prepare for worshipping God and listening to God on Sunday mornings?

Here are some passages that might provide principles to follow (Ex.23:19; Dt. 23:18; Ps. 122).

4) In verses 1 and 2, Solomon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God to listen intently? How can a person listen to God? What are they listening for? What are they listening to?

5) One way we hear God is by listening to and reading the Bible. What are some helpful habits that we can develop in reading the Bible? If you were to give a person tips on guarding their steps in approaching the Bible, what would you tell them?

Here are Nine Rules for Reading the Bible - HERE

6) Read verses 2 & 3. Solomon associates quantity of talking with sin. Look at the immediate context and compare this passage with Pro. 10:19 and James 3:1-8. Why is controlling how much you say (quantity) so important in protecting quality of what you say?

7) In verse 2, Solomon encourages us not to say too much by directing our attention God’s greatness and our smallness: “God is in heaven and we are on earth, so let your words by few.” Why is it that what we say and how much we talk reflect our awareness of these truths (or lack of awareness)?

Consider Calvin on the topic of knowing God and knowing ourselves - HERE

8) Verse 4 says to fulfill our vows to God for “He has no pleasure in fools.” Why is it foolish to make a vow to God and not fulfill it?

9) Solomon speaks of a person foolishly making vows to God. What might these vows to God look like today? How might delayed or unfulfilled vows reflect overconfidence upon ourselves and a trivialization of God?

10) Compare this passage with what Jesus says about vows in Matthew 5:33-37. In what way does Jesus add to and expand on the words of Solomon?

In Matthews 5:33-37, Jesus 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.

11) Have you made any vows before the Lord recently? What actions are you taking to fulfill you vow?

Put it Into Practice

In verse 7, Solomon encourages us to stand in awe of God. What attribute or characteristic of God are you particularly astounded by? What attribute of God do you need to be more awed by? Take some time this week to listen to what God says in the Bible about that characteristic.

6/20/10 Guide

2010-06-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I Want Something Else

Ecclesiastes 4:8-12

Week of 6/20/10

Getting Started

Who is one of your oldest friend that you still stay in touch with? How long have you known them?

This week we’re going to talk about relationships, in general, are you an introvert, an extrovert, a social butterfly or caterpillar?

Digging Deeper (Ecclesiastes 4:8-12)

1) What did you take away from the passage we looked at on Sunday?

2) Read verse 8. It describes someone who is lonely. What was one of the loneliest times of your life? How did it affect you? How does it seem to affect the man that Solomon speaks of?

3) In verse 8 the man who is working hard asks the question “For whom am I toiling?” Is there someone you’re working for? Who is it? Does having someone to work for giving more meaning to our work? What do think is the point of this passage?

4) Verse 9 says that two are better than one because they have a good return on their work. Share a project, or task that you tackled in the past, in which the help of someone else played a crucial role?

5)For fun - Each of the following projects go better with help. But if you had to pick just one, which one would you definitely want to have help with.

· Moving all your stuff to a new place

· Repainting the inside and outside of your home

· Putting in new landscaping

6) In verse 10 Solomon says that friendships make tough times easier. Share about a difficult time in your life in which people stepped in and helped you through it. Who was it that stepped in? What did they that helped?

7) In verse 11 Solomon says that relationships enable you to enjoy things that people can’t enjoy on their own. In the example given, two isolated people are two cold people. If you had to change the example, what would you say?

8) In verse 12 Solomon says that relationships provide safety. Use your small group as a reference. How does you small group provide spiritual safety?

Putting It Into Practice

Revisit question (7). Is there someone in your group that you can help? As individuals, is there someone in your life who is struggling that can use your help.

6/13/10 Guide

2010-06-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

I Want Something Else

Ecclesiastes 3

Week of 6/13/10

Getting Started

What are some areas in your life that you procrastinate in? What are some areas that you are punctual?

Digging Deeper (Ecclesiastes 3)

1) What did you take away from this past Sunday’s message?

2) Read through Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Go through each pair of terms and discuss what you might look for to determine whether it’s the right time to do these activities.

3) Reflect on last year and finish this phrase: “2009 was a time to ___________.”

4) Look ahead to this year and finish the phrase: “2010 is a time to _______________.”

5) Verse 7 says there is a time to be silent and time to speak. Share a time in your life when you realized it was either a time to speak up, or a time to be quiet.

6) Verse 8 tells us there is a time to love and a time to hate. Is it okay for a follower of Jesus to “hate” Give examples for your answer.

Scripture calls us to hate evil. Romans 12:9 ⁹Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Again, ^NIVPsalm 97:10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. The issues are (1) to what or whom are your to direct hate and (2) how do you express hatred towards evil. As to (1), we are clearly to hate the acts and consequences of sin, but what about the perpetrator of sin? God himself might serve as an example. He both hates and loves evil doers (Psalm 5: 5-6 with John 3:16). He love what they were created as and hates what they become. His love is so great, he works to restore them from their sin.

7) Read verses 9-10, 12-13, and 22 and answer these questions: (a) How and why is work a burden (vs.10)? (b) How is it the gift of God (vs.13)? (c) What are the ways that we can make too much of our careers? (d). What are the ways that we can make to little of our careers?

God created man to work, exercising a level of dominion over his surroundings (Psalm 8:5-8). Due to the fall, work becomes laden with pain and labor (Gen 3:17-19. And yet, there is still enough of God’s common grace in our work to provide for ourselves and families, love our neighbors, and delight in God’s provision through them.

8) In verse 11 Solomon says that God “set eternity in the hearts of men.” Do people instinctively know that God exists and that he has a purpose of our lives? What other passages speak of this? What are some ways that you might point a skeptic to see “eternity” in their hearts?

Some key passages are Romans 1:18-23; 2:14; Psalm 19. One might use our inescapable sense of morality and argue that God exists: 1. Moral laws exist. 2. Moral laws transcend physical laws. 3. Moral Laws need a Moral Law Giver. 4. God is that Moral Law Giver.

9) In verse 14 Solomon makes a connection between God’s sovereignty and our worship. How do you feel towards God when you can’t change your circumstances? How can we cultivate worship in these circumstances?

10) In what ways is man like animals (19-22)?  In what way is he different?  What kind of test does God bring upon man (see 18)? 

Putting It Into Practice

Revisit question 2. Is there something that you feel that maybe you should stop or start doing? Share with the group and pray for God’s wisdom on the matter.

Verse 7 reminds us there is a time to speak. As a follower of Christ, one of the things we’re called to speak up for, is our faith. Who are you currently sharing your faith with?

All Church Prayer

This Sunday we will be honoring our volunteers. Take some time this week to ask God to encourage our volunteers in their service to Him by their service to others. Pray that God would continue to refresh and empower them for ministry.

Guide 5/23/10

2010-05-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

I Got The Power

2 Kings 6:8-22

Week of 5/23/10

Getting Started

This section of Scripture deals with having a 180-degree change of perspective. What’s a food that you once loved and now hate, or you once hated but now you love?

Digging Deeper

What did you take away from this past Sunday’s message?

Read verses 8-12. Elisha possesses the ability to know things and see things that most people don’t. Reading over 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, do you think that some of the gifts listed may include something similar to what Elisha possessed? Why or why not?

For further consideration, consult the first three messages on the general topic by Wayne Grudem - HERE

In verse 16 – 17, Elisha helps to give perspective to the servant. How does godly counsel help to change our perspective of challenge? How does ungodly counsel also influence how we view things?

Psalm 1; Pro.12:15;13:10;27:9.

In verse 17, Elisha prays for his servant to see the crisis from the proper perspective. What are some of the ways that prayer helps to give us a proper assessment of our problems? If you had to counsel someone on what to pray and how to pray in their difficulties, what would you say?

Prayer is in some way, inserting God into a circumstance; the exercised dependence on God.

Compare verse 17 with Ephesians 1:17-23. How does a rich understanding of the three truths of the gospel listed in Ephesians 1:17-23 empower us to live life well?

Read Psalm 119:18, in this prayer, someone is asking for their eyes to be opened? What is it that they want to see? Is that a good request? Why?

Read Numbers 22:31. When Balaam’s eyes were opened, what did He see? In both 2 Kings and Numbers 22, people needed their eyes opened to see angelic activity. Do you think angelic activity is common, or uncommon. Why?

In verses 21-22 Elisha leads the King to deal graciously with the Aramean army. What are some of the ways that we vent our stresses on people and circumstances when we don’t view them from God’s perspective? How does having God’s perspective on people and circumstances change how we handle them? Give some examples from your life.

In verse 23, Israel’s gracious actions towards the army resulted in the Arameans ceasing from raiding Israel’s territory. What’s the broader Biblical principle illustrated there. Can you think of other passages that describe this principle?

Romans 12:17-21 ¹⁷Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. ¹⁸If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. ¹⁹Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord. ²⁰"BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD." ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Putting it Into Practice

If God could open you eyes in one way, or one area, or one decision, what would it be?

Consider that it was Elisha’s prayer that gave his servant perspective. Is there anyone in your life who needs your prayer to help him or her in their time of trouble?

5/16/10 Guide

2010-05-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

I Got The Power

2 Kings 5

Week of 5/16/10

Getting Started

Have you ever broken a bone? Which one(s)? How?

Digging Deeper

This chapter tells of a commander who was healed of leprosy. What is leprosy? How might this condition have affected this man’s reputation and job-performance?

leprosy, in the OT a disorder affecting humans, fabrics, and houses. There are different types of leprosy that afflict persons (Lev. 13). Though it is not clear what these skin diseases are, it is certain that they are not modern leprosy (Hansen’s disease). The plague in fabrics and houses is described as greenish or reddish spots (Lev. 13:49; 14:37), thus indicating a type of mold or mildew.

Persons or objects afflicted with leprosy can pollute others. Anyone who enters a leprous house must bathe. If a person tarries there by eating or lying down, both bathing and laundering are necessary (Lev. 14:46-47). Surprisingly, the Bible says nothing about the effect of a leper’s impurity. The leper certainly polluted at least like a polluted house and probably like one who has an abnormal bodily discharge (Lev. 15:2-12; 5:6).

A leper is to be excluded from habitations (Lev. 13:45-46; cf. Num. 12:15; 2 Kings 7:3-4). When the person recovers from the affliction, purification rites are performed (Lev. 14:2-20, 21-32). Similar rites are performed for a renovated house (14:48-53; note that these rites are not as extensive as the healed leper’s). These purification rites are not for the removal of leprosy, but only for the removal of residual ritual impurity (see Mark 1:44). A rite for the curing of leprosy is found in the case of Naaman immersing in the Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5:10, 14).

Fabrics incorrigibly infected with leprosy are to be burned (Lev. 13:52, 55, 57) and building materials so infected must be discarded outside the habitation (14:40, 41, 45). There is some evidence that leprosy was considered a punishment from God for sin (cf. Num. 12:10-15; 2 Kings 5:27; 15:5; 2 Chron. 26:20-21).

The Gospels report that Jesus healed people afflicted with leprosy (e.g., Matt. 8:1-4; Luke 17:11-19) and he commissioned his disciples to do the same (Matt. 10:8). Jesus is also reported to have visited the home of Simon the leper (Mark 14:3), perhaps one of those he had healed. The data do not enable one to determine if this ‘leprosy’ was Hansen’s disease. ^[1]

In verse 2 we read of a young girl who was seized from her home by the Aramians? How does she respond to her captivity? What does she teach us about how we are to face difficult surroundings and people?

Instead of justly retaliating against her captors, she genuinely seeks their good. For application, see Matt. 5:38-48; 1Cor. 7:17-24; Eph. 6:5-8.

Read verse 7. Why do you think the king of Israel was so upset?

He believed this to be a foil for another invasion; a way “to pick a quarrel.” Further, he lacked the conviction that God could step in. Elisha asks why the king despaired? The question was rhetorical, pointing out the lack of confidence that the King had in God and his messenger.

In verses 9-10, it says that Elisha didn’t personally answer the door when Naaman arrived. Could Elisha have been testing Naaman by not personally welcoming him? Why would he have done something like this?

When Elisha sent his assistant to answer the door in his place, he was communicating that the commander was subservient to the prophet of God, or better yet, the God that the prophet represented. It’s a fallen tendency for people in great positions to have too great of an opinion about themselves. If this were a test, it was designed to reveal the condition of the man’s soul – whether he was humble or arrogant. Isaiah 66:1-2 – “Thus says the LORD, "Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? "For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD. "But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

Read verse 11. Why do you think Namaan was angry? What was Namaan’s expectation? Was this a reasonable expectation? How can preconceived notions of how God works get in the way? Can you think of a time that God worked in a way that you didn’t expect?

It appears that Namaan was expecting some theatrical process of healing, as well as some supernatural manifestation. He believed that God only works in winds, earthquakes, and fires, when he is often to be found in the whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13).

Dipping in the Jordan River was probably an act of humility on Namaan’s part. In what ways does the Bible connect God’s power in someone’s life to his or her humility? Give some illustrations and statements of Scripture that address this? Can you think of a time when you had to humble yourself in the process of seeking help from God?

What are some other examples in Scripture where people placed too much trust in what God used to accomplish his will? Can you think ways that we might do the same today?

Consider Israel’s unhealthy dependency on the Ark of the Covenant (1Sam. 4:3&11).

In verses 13-14, Naaman’s servant persuaded him obey the prophet. What was his counsel? How was Elisha’s instruction a display of grace to Naaman?

Read verse 15. What effect did this healing have on Namaan? How did He respond? What can we learn from this response that we can put into practice?

Read verse 16. Why do you think Elisha refused to accept a gift? What does this show about Elisha?

Putting It Into Practice

How is your personal Bible reading going?

Communion Blurb

This week we’re celebrating communion in our small groups. If you’re not yet part of a group, visit one this week.

^[1]Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper's Bible dictionary (1st ed.) (555). San Francisco: Harper & Row.

4/11/10 Guide

2010-04-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

You Gotta Have Faith
1 Kings 17:1-16
Week of 4/11/10

Getting Started

In this week’s passage we meet a lady who is on her last meal. If you could have one last meal, what would it be?

Digging Deeper

What helped you the most from Sunday’s message?

Review 1 Kings 17:1-6. Up until verse 7, how had God been providing for Elijah?

Read Verses 7-9. Up to this point, God had been providing for Elijah in a miraculous way apart from any other human participation. In this next phase God puts Elijah in a place where He is required to ask for help from another person, a widow. If you were Elijah, what would be the difficult part of relying on birds? What would be the hard part about asking the widow for help? Would it be harder for you to trust God to provide through means of a bird, or the means of another human being? How do you think the variation of how God worked kept Elijah on his feet spiritually?

One might suspect that having to rely on birds and a widow kept Elijah humble in some degree. As a man who spoke with God and through which God did mighty deeds, Elijah must be clearly aware that God uses all sorts of people, events, and things to accomplish his work.

Moreover, the variation of how God provided for Elijah might check the human tendency to look to the means of God’s provision for God provision, rather than to look to God, regardless of the way that God provides.

Read verses 10-12. Elijah discovers that God’s promised source for food (i.e., the widow) actually doesn’t have any food and is herself desperate for some. How might Elijah have explained this apparent dead-end if he lacked faith in God’s word?

He might have questioned God’s promise to provide through a widow, and so sought for provision somewhere else besides God’s ordained source.

When Elijah meets up with this lady, she is on her last meal. Why do you think God waited till then to arrange this miracle? Can you think of other times in the Bible when God waited till the last minute to provide help?

Often God waits until the last minute to shatter all delusions that we are self-sufficient.

Exodus 14:13 13 And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.

Jeremiah 3:23 23 Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

2 Corinthians 4:7 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;

In verse 12, the widow has reached the point of resignation and despair due to conditions outside of her control. If someone were at that point in life at your group right now, how would you encouraged without offering meaningless platitudes?

In verse 13, Elijah prefaces his remarks with “Don’t be Afraid.” What about Elijah’s comments in verse 13 could she find scary?

In verses 13-14, Elijah tells the woman that if she gives what little she did have to him first (“first make a small cake of bread for me…), God would step in to supply her needs. Why do you think that God asks the widow to “first make a small cake of bread for me” prior to miraculously providing for her? Why not multiply the flour and water, and then ask the widow to share from a newly increased food supply?

Can you think of other times in the Bible, when someone gave what they had, and then got it back several times over? Are there any other Bible passages that address this?

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written, "HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER." 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 22:9 Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.

Luke 6:38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you

In verse 13, the widow is told “Don’t be afraid” because “this is what the LORD the God of Israel says…” (vs.14). What’s the relationship between the Bible and cultivating faith? Give some examples of how someone might use Scriptures in tough times.

Putting It Into Practice.What’s one way you can put this week’s passage into practice?

We are challenging our members to be consistent in daily Bible reading. How are you doing presently with the Bible Reading Challenge?

All Church PrayerIn addition to praying for each other’s needs, take some time as a group and pray for God to continue to create a hunger for His Word, and a discipline to relate to Him through it regularly.

3/28/10 Guide

2010-03-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

Who’s Your One?

Week of 2/28/10

Luke 15:1-7

Getting Started

What are some marketing slogans/jingles that you wish you could erase from your memory?

Digging Deeper

1) What was one thing that stood out to you from last Sunday’s message? Read Luke 15:1-7 and discuss the ways that Sunday’s talk relates to this parable.

2) Verse 1 says that the tax collectors and sinners “gathered around to hear him.” What was it about Jesus that attracted the irreligious to hang with him? How do we develop this quality?

3) Since becoming a Christian, how hard has it been to maintain relationships with non-believers? Why?

4) Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep in response to the comments found in verses 1 and 2. How does the parable address the specific concerns of the Pharisees and teachers of the law?

5) In verse 4 we see the phrase, “go after.” Where else in Scripture can you find encouragement to “go after” lost people? What do you suspect to be ineffective ways of “going after” people?

Matthew 20:4; 28:19; Mark 1:38, 16:15; Luke 4:43, 9:60, 19:10; Acts 16:10, Romans 1:14-15

6) How does Jesus (the good shepherd) fulfill this image of seeking out a lost sheep through his incarnation, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection?

7) Look up the word “lost” from verse 4 in your concordance and find the definition for the Greek word. How does this help us view people the way that Jesus did rather than the way the religious leaders did?

The Strong’s Concordance number for lost is 622. The Greek word is apollumee. It means to destroy, to put out of the way entirely, abolish, put an end to, ruin, render useless, to kill, to declare that one must be put to death, to perish, be lost, ruined, destroyed.

8) Often, when we people talk about evangelism, they refer to the “go and tell” method and the “come and see” approach. What are those two phrases describing? Which are you more involved with?

The “go and tell” method could be described as evangelism proper. In other words, it is the activity of preaching the Good News to people from your own mouth.The “come and see” method is inviting someone to a setting where the Good News is being preached by someone other than you.

Putting it into practice:

This past week we were challenged to invite our “one” to church. Spend some time discussing what it means to have a “One,” as well as what might be the next steps of reaching out to them.

Distribute some fliers for the Easter service to your group members. Take some time to pray for our Easter service. Ask God to use our personal invitations and fliers to draw people to hear and respond to the gospel.

3/21/10 Guide

2010-03-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

When You Need A Miracle
Mark 9:14-29
Week of 3/21/10

Getting Started

Have you ever run out of gas? How many times? Where? What did you do?

Digging Deeper

1) Read verses 14-17. What do you think was being debated between the disciples and scribes concerning the boy’s condition? Should the disciples have been doing something different than arguing? What are some ways that we tend spiritualize challenges to avoid being practical?

2) In verse 17, why do you think the father says to Jesus, “I brought you my son…” when he had in fact brought him to Jesus’ disciples? What does this tell us about the importance of representing Jesus well to people?

3) In verses 17,18 and 20, we have a vivid description of the effects of demon possession. How might some explain the son’s condition medically? How can we tell if a condition like this is spiritual or purely medical?

Keep the following considerations in mind.

Humans are a soul/body entity. The soul or the body can affect the soul, and the body or the soul can affect the body. For example, my hands may shoot up in the air due to some pure physical reflex (like a brain surgeon pressing on a certain portion of my brain), or because my soul desires to express worship to God. As applied the immediate subject, a person may experience a physical condition (such as epilepsy, some form of mental illness, death) for either physical or spiritual reasons. A person may be epileptic because of a malfunction of something in the brain due purely physical reasons, or because of demonic influence.

People may mistakenly handle a condition thinking it to be a physical one when it is a spiritual one. People may handle a condition thinking it to be a spiritual one when it is a physical one. The determination will sometimes be difficult.

It appears that at least in some of the cases in the New Testament, those demon-possessed displayed behavior that could not be explained physically. So with this boy, in Luke’s account, the spirit is described as “mauling him” when he leaves Luke 9:42. As Jesus approaches, the spirit “slams him to the ground.” In Mark, we read of a demoniac who display’s supernatural strength (5:1-5).

There also seems to be a presence of malevolence and evil that is not true of purely physical condition. The demoniacs are described as extremely violent (Mark 5). In Matthew’s account of this boy’s deliverance, the father describes him being thrown into fire and water (Matthew 17:15). This has the earmarks of a force purposely trying to harm this boy.

Perhaps this is where the gift of “distinguishing spirits” kicks in (1 Cor. 12:10).

4) Read verse 19. How did Jesus respond to unbelief? Was his frustration directed towards his disciples? Why?

The disciples experienced an atmosphere that should have promoted a faith great enough to help this boy. They were commissioned with authority over demons (Mark 3:15), and had it modeled throughout Jesus’ ministry.

5) The father entreats Jesus saying, “If you can help us, take pity on us” (vs. 22). How is the father’s faith challenged by his son’s (1) history and (2) his own vagueness on who Jesus is?

As to his son’s history, it is very natural to be resigned to live with a condition that has been ongoing. As to his vagueness, the father wasn’t sure if Christ could heal his son.

6) In verse 23, Jesus says “Everything is possible for him who believes.” How do we explain this verse in a way that encourages people to have confidence that God will act, while avoiding the extreme expectation that God will always act?

On the one hand, notice that the text doesn’t say everything will be actual for him who believes, but “possible.” “Everything” must certainly be qualified by God’s revealed will and secret will. On the other hand, the point of this passage is to encourage people to have an increased confidence that God will do things that seem to be impossible for us.

7) Read verse 24. Take a circumstance that you’re in or have been and fill in the following blanks: “I do believe you for __________; help me overcome my unbelief with _________.”

8) Compare verses 28 & 29 with verses 17 & 18. How could the urgency of the moment and the presence of the crowd have moved the disciples to skip the prayer necessary for this exorcism? Give an example of when you allowed the pressure of the moment to prevent you from taking the time necessary to seek God for guidance? What was the outcome?

9) Comparing the above verses once again, how might have the disciples’ attempt to help this child without prayer be an indication of self-reliance?

10) What is the relationship of growing faith and quality prayer? What are some biblical examples?

Putting It Into Practice

Spend some time discussing and praying for areas in your lives where you need greater faith.

Celebrate with Communion

3/7/10 Guide

2010-03-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

When You Need A Miracle

Mark 5:21-43/ Luke 8:40-56

Week of 3/07/10

Getting Started

What super-power would you most like to have?

Digging Deeper

1. Read verses 21-29. Both Jarius and the woman display desperation for Jesus’ intervention. How were they the same? How were they different?

2. Read Luke 8:43 and Mark 5:25-26. When it comes to healing, what is the relationship between prayer and doctors?

All healing comes from God.
Most healing comes from God through instruments (doctors, medicine, etc…)
Some healing comes directly from God apart from instruments.
Prayer can occasion God healing with and apart from instruments.

3. Read James 5:14. When you get sick, is your first thought to call a doctor or call the church, to take medicine or pray?

4. In verse 28 the woman believes that “if I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Which assumption do you most often pray with: the assumption that God is eager to answer, or that He is reluctant? Why?

Mark 11:24 ²⁴Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. ⁹Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? ¹¹If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Matthew 21:22 "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

5. In verse 30, Jesus postpones his trip to Jarius’ house. Why would both Jarius and the woman have preferred for Jesus to continue on? In what ways do you think Jesus’ delay benefits both the woman and Jarius? How do delays similarly serve us?

The delay draws the woman out to be instructed by Jesus about the nature of her healing, as well as to make public to us her act of faith as an encouragement to trust in Christ.
The delay results in a circumstance that would require nothing short of divine intervention, moving Jarius and the skeptics of his home to have a greater faith in the person and power of Jesus.

6. Verse 30 asks, “Who touched my clothes?” Do you think Jesus knew who touched him? If not, why? If so, how would this question have helped this woman?

“It does appear to be absurd that Christ should pour out his grace without knowing on whom he was bestowing a favor. There is not less difficulty in what he shortly afterwards says, that he perceived that power had gone out from him: as if, while it flowed from him, it was not a free gift bestowed at those times, and on those persons, whom he was pleased to select. Beyond all question, he knowingly and willingly cured the woman; and there is as little doubt that he drew her to himself by his Spirit, that she might obtain a cure: but he puts the question to her, that she may freely and publicly make it known. If Christ had been the only witness of his miracle, his statements might not perhaps have been believed: but now, when the woman, struck with dread, relates what happened to her, greater weight is due to her confession.” (Calvin)

7. In Luke 8:48, Jesus says to the woman, “Your faith has healed you.” What did this woman do that showed faith? What does Jesus mean when He says that her faith healed her? Does faith have some type of healing power? - HERE

8. In verse 35, some men report to Jarius, “Your daughter is dead…Why bother the teacher any more?” What faith-hurdle did Jarius’ face with this news? How was he to overcome it?

9. Read Luke 8:49. Why do you think the people were advising Jairus to stop bothering Jesus? What does this tell you about who they thought Jesus was or wasn’t?

Putting It Into Practice

Spend some time praying for those who are sick (both inside and outside your group).

2/28/10 Guide

2010-02-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

When You Need A Miracle

Luke 5:1-11

Week of 2/28/10

Getting Started

This week’s story starts out on a beach by the Sea of Galilee. What’s the nicest beach you’ve been to? If you could go to any beach this year, which one would it be?

Today’s passage involved fishing? Have you ever been fishing? Do you like fishing? If so, what’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught?

Digging Deeper

Here’s a good resource as you examine this passage:

Resource 1 - HERE

Resource 2 - HERE

In this story, Jesus meets up with Peter right as Peter is calling it quits. After a hard night of unsuccessful fishing He’s packing up to go home. Is there a situation, a relationship, or other setting in which you feel like calling it quits? If you can, share about that with the group? How do you encourage a person who has reached that point?

What did Jesus tell Simon to do when Jesus had finished teaching the people? How might have Jesus’ requests been viewed as (1) uninformed, (2) inconvenient, and (3) counterproductive?

In verse 5, when Jesus asks Peter to give fishing a second shot, Peter points out he has “worked hard” but caught nothing. In what ways might the previous night’s experience and/or expertise of Peter (He was a professional fisherman) contribute to a less than enthusiastic desire to try again.

Are you currently facing a situation where you have “worked hard” but are not seeing much in the way of results/success?

In this passage Jesus asks Peter to try again. But sometimes it’s okay to stop trying. How can a person know when it’s okay to call it quits versus when it’s still to early give up? How do you know whether a “closed door” is a challenge to overcome by faith or an expression of God’s will to be accepted? What are some examples in the Bible of both?

Based on Peter’s response in verse 5, why do you think he was willing to try again? Do you think He did it out of faith? Out of obedience? Out of the pressure of being put on the spot? What do you think?

Verse 6 says, “they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.” Have you ever ventured out in faith expecting more than you had and received far more than you expected (cf. vs.9)? Explain?

Read verse 8, how does Peter respond? Why do you think he responds this way? What are some other examples of people responding in a similar way?

Read verse 10. How does Jesus respond to Peter's plea for him to leave? Why doesn't Jesus address Peter's sinfulness at this point? What does Jesus talk about instead?

How might this experience help to prepare the disciples for ministry? Are there particular principles you might derive concerning making disciples? How would they relate to your “One”?

Putting It Into Practice

What’s one thing you learned from this story that you can put into practice?

Are you facing a situation where you need to get back in the boat and try again? If so, ask the group for prayer?

2/14/10 Guide

2010-02-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Slay the Me-Monster

Philippians 1:1-11

Week of 2/14/10

Getting Started

In honor of Valentine’s Day, what’s your favorite and least favorite Romance movie?

When you think of the selfless service of others, what are some modern examples that come to mind?

Digging Deeper

1) In verse 1:1, Paul describes himself and Timothy as “servants” (NIV) or “bond-servants” (NASB) of Christ “to the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi.” What is “bond-service?” How is bond-service to Jesus linked to our service to our fellow believers? (cf. with Exodus 21:1-12)?

HERE

2) Read verses 2-5. This past week we learned that Paul lived for others by praying deeply for others rather than just for himself. Practically speaking, how does praying for others help us in our fight against the Me-Monster? What are some concrete ways to make your prayers other-centered?

3) Read Job 42:10. The passage suggests a cause and effect relationship between Job’s intercession for others and his personal blessings. Can you think of other passages that confirm this? Is there an experience in your life that confirms this?

HERE

4) Read verse 6. According to this passage, why should a genuine believer have confidence that he or she will stand before God blameless? What are some bad reasons to have assurance of salvation? Do you have the assurance of your salvation?

HERE

5) We often pray for others when they are in crisis and that the bad things in their life would get better (and rightly so). Read verses 4-9 and note the ways that Paul’s prayer is different than how we often pray? Do you need to adjust the way that you pray for other?

6) Review Paul’s prayer in verses 9-11 in a couple translations. What do you take Paul to be praying for? How is this connected to living for others?

7) This past week we also learned that Paul lived for others by investing spiritually in them. Reread verses 3-8. What are some tips that we can take from Paul’s example to cultivate gospel-centered relationships with others?

Putting It Into Practice

Discuss and plan a way to encourage someone in his or her faith this week.

2/07/10 Guide

2010-02-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Don’t You Forget About Me

Ezekiel 33

Week of 2/07/10

Getting Started

What’s better: Winter or Summer Olympics? Why?

Digging Deeper

In verses 1-7, we read that God appoints both a “sword” against his people and a “watchmen” to warn of this sword. What does this tell us about how God works in the world? Has God recently used an “instrument” to act in your life?

God has chosen to use instruments through which to work. He provides for kids through their parents; he provides for parents through employers; he protects families and business through government; he works through our faith; performs miracles through physical phenomena. This means that God is far more active in our lives than we might have imagined. It might be good to explore how God works in and through us and others in an everyday basis.

In verses 8-9, God warns Ezekiel that if he doesn’t proactively seek to dissuade a man from his wicked ways, “I will hold you accountable for his blood.” Compare this with Acts 18:6; 20:26-27. What does this mean (vs.9)? Does this apply to us? Why is God so insistent on the matter?

See John Calvin’s remarks on this passage: HERE

Imagine you’re a hearer of Ezekiel’s message. It’s clear that God is not pleased with your life, but what in verses 8-16 might give you hope that you can change?

Ezekiel is called to bring a difficult message to God’s people. When bringing a challenging message it’s been said, “it’s not merely what you say, but how you say it.” How is this confirmed in verses 8, 11, 12, 14? See how this is played out in Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:24-26. What are some less than persuasive ways we can present the love of God in the gospel?

Ezekiel isn’t merely to pronounce judgment on his people, but is to use the impending judgment to persuade them to turn to God. It is in this persuasion that Ezekiel must use tact and caution in addressing Israel’s faults redemptively. Consider in 2 Timothy 2:24-26 that God tends to grant repentance to lost people when his messengers share the gospel in gentleness and kindness.

Verse 10 records a sentiment common for many in Israel: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down…how can we live?” What false conclusions were they drawing from their sinfulness?

They were concluding that they had reached the point of no return.

Read verse 11. What is God telling the people about His heart toward them? Why does He share this? What is God’s plea in verse 11, how is He asking them to respond?

As much as God’s message has been heavy on judgment, God wanted them to hear His desire to avoid judgment.

Read verses 12-16. God warns both the godly and ungodly not to infer wrongly from their past actions. What conclusions were they to avoid? Why is there a tendency to infer these wrong conclusions?

Verse 16 says that if someone turns from evil, none of their sins will be remembered. In what way does God not remember our sins?

Putting It Into Practice

Who are you reaching out? Who is your One?

Share about progress, and/or your most recent contact with this person?

How can the group pray for you as you share God’s love with this person?

1/31/10 Guide

2010-01-25T16:28:00.000-08:00

Don’t You Forget About Me

Ezekiel 16

Week of 1/31/10

Getting Started

Super bowl is the most watched American broadcast and the second-largest day for U.S. food consumption (after Thanksgiving Day). Do you plan on watching? If not, what will you do? If so, which team are you rooting for?

Digging Deeper

Read Ezekiel 16:1-3. God reminds Israel of their “Canaanite” ancestry. Why does God say that the Jews were originally “Gentile?” How can overlooking or forgetting the junk in our past become dangerous to us in the present (cf. vss. 22 & 43)?

Recall that Abram was a gentile when God called him (Genesis 11:27-32). What made him “Jewish” was the salvation call of God upon his life. In the same way, we gentiles are “Jewish” by faith, though many of us non-Jewish by ancestry (Romans 2:28-29; Gal 3:29)

As to “forgetting the junk in our past,” consider: Matthew 3:9 “⁹ And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

In verses 3-5, God goes even further by portraying Israel as an unwanted newborn that is regarded unclean by her Gentile parents. Why would the Gentiles look upon Israel as unclean (cf. 3, 45)? What are some examples in Scripture and in life when people played down their sin?

Consider that this passage relates Israel as a mixture of two Canaanite nations. As such, the offspring of this mix-marriage would be considered by both Gentile nations to be tainted and diluted; an irony for sure.

In verses 6-14, Israel is described as being revived and raised by God (vss.6-7). Further, she is portrayed as being married to and crowned by the LORD (vss.8-14). Does this image describe Israel’s history to Ezekiel’s time? If so, what periods are represented by each picture in the image?

Perhaps the breakdown would be something like the following:

· Rejected Infant: From the call of Abraham to bondage in Egypt.

· Rescued: Exodus to the Covenant at Sinai

· Married: Covenant at Sinai onward.

· Crowned: The Establishment of a Monarchy with David.

Read verses 15-16. Israel regarded their borrowed-beauty as if were a native beauty. Paul says, “What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Cor. 4:7). How did the Israelites do this? What are some gifts from God that we tend treat as if they were our own?

Reread verse 16 and compare it with verses 31-35. Why does God regard Israel as more detestable than a prostitute? What is spiritual prostitution (cf. Ezekiel 13:16-19 & Hosea 2:1-13)? What does it look like in 21^st century Southern California?

According to the passage, prostitutes charge for sex. Israel is like a prostitute to pays men to have sex with her.

Read verses 20-21. How does forgetting God affect those who are closest to us?

In verses 37-42, the things that Israel pursued to get pleasure ultimately caused her great pain. Can you think of Biblical characters that experienced this truth? Have you?

The empires (e.g. Assyria and Babylon) that allured Israel with their corrupted cultures end up afflicting, destroying, and disposing them.

Verses 59-63 foretell the redemptive work of Jesus. What are the two covenants referred to in verse 60? How does the gospel cause us to “remember” (vs.61 & 63) and receive the Lord (vs.62)?

The first covenant was the Mosaic covenant and the second one is the gospel. The gospel changes our hearts to repent from our sins and receive Christ as Savior.

Putting it Into Practice

The apostle John instructs the church at Sardis to “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent” (Rev 3:3). What’s one milestone in your walk that you remember well? In what area of your life has your intensity in following Jesus decreased? Take sometime as a group to repent and pray.

1/24/10 Guide

2010-01-21T14:06:00.000-08:00

Small Group Guide

1. On Sunday, several examples were given of instances when God brought judgment on a people, but also made a way for some to be saved. Can you think of examples in the Bible when this happened?

2. Read Ezekiel 9:4. Why do you think God spared those who “grieve and lament” over all the evil that was being done? Why was this sorrow pleasing to God? What does grieving tell us about their relationship with God?

3. Throughout the Bible God is described as a God of compassion. (see Psalm 103:8, Psalm 145:8) But in Ezekiel 9:5 God instructs the guards to kill “without showing pity or compassion?” How do passages like Ezekiel 9 fit into our understanding of God as compassionate?

4. In Ezekiel 9:6, God’s final instruction to the guards is to “Begin at my sanctuary” Why might God want them to start there? Is there an importance or symbolism in the fact that judgment would begin at God’s house? According to 1 Peter 4:17 where does judgment “begin”? Why would it begin there?

5. In Revelation 7, God tells the angels to hold off on judgment until God’s servants can be “sealed”, in Ezekiel 9 it’s a “mark”, but both cases God identifies those who we will be saved. With that in mind, think through the following questions.

Note to small group leaders. The following questions are designed to help people think through the Holy Spirit as God’s seal, or mark, that guarentees our salvation.

o What is the modern day “mark” that someone is truly a believer in God?

o Read Ephesians 1:13-14 – According to this passage, what is the mark or seal of someone who truly believes in God.

o In Revelation 7, God’s servants are sealed, according to 2 Corinthians 1:22, what is the “seal” that shows we belong to God?

o How can we tell that God lives in us? What does 1 John 3:24 and 1 John 4:13 say?

o In what way is the Holy Spirit the mark of a true believer. How can you tell if you have the Holy Spirit in your life?

6. In Ezekiel and Revelations we see a picture of people being saved from the wrath that is coming down upon humankind. According to 1 Thessalonians 1:10, who saves us from the coming wrath we will face? How does He save us from the coming wrath?

7. On Sunday we took a quick look at the Passover. According to 1 Corinthians 5:7 who is our Passover lamb? What connection can you see between Christ and the Passover

Putting it into practice - The title for this week’s message was don’t wait until it’s too late to get right with God. The hope is that everyone in our small groups will have a right relationship with God and an assurance of salvation. With that in mind, think through the following questions

8. What is the scariest part for you about facing God on the day of Judgment?

Note to Small Group Leaders – Use the responses to this question to help members identify if their fear is normal and flows from general uncertainty, or if the fear comes from knowing their lives are not right with God,.

9. On a scale of 1 to (“Ten” being “absolutely sure” and “one” being “very uncertain”) How confident are you that your sins have been forgiven by Jesus and that you have eternal life? What could help you bolster confidence in your spiritual standing before God?

Note to Small Group Leaders – use this question as an opportunity to help people think through assurance of salvation. If a group member seems unsure of salvation, here are two opportunities to point them towards.

1) On Tuesday, February 2^nd our topic at Accelerate is “God’s Guarentee Your Going to Heaven”

2) An abbreviated version of “God’s Guarentee Your Going to Heaven” is available online at http://newlifemessages.blogspot.com/2009/10/gods-guarantee.html

Praying for the Church - Take time during your small group prayer time to pray for the church. Please pray that God would strengthen our church and help us grow in our faith.

Leader's Guide 12/06/09

2009-12-02T09:53:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T11:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T10:27:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

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.

10/04/09 Leader's Guide

2009-09-30T10:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

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.

8/28/09 Leader's Guide

2009-08-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

Torn

Job 38 - 42

The Week of August 28th

Getting Started

On Sunday we played songs in which the title asked a question (example – Should I Stay our Should I Go). Think of another song that asks a question.

Reviewing the Book of Job

1. What did you learn about God from the book of Job? Maybe it was new insight, or something that was reinforced.

2. What did you learn about how to respond to suffering from the book of Job?

3. Has the book of Job changed how you view the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?”.

Digging Deeper

4. God challenges Job by asking at least three kinds of questions: (1) “do you know” questions, (2) “were you there” questions, and (3) “can you do” questions. Answer the following related questions:

What are the things that God points out to exalt His knowledge and wisdom (38:4-5, 18-20; 39:1-4, 26-27)? How should God’s wisdom help us when we’re suffering?

After God asked a series of tough questions about the origin and operation of creation, in 38:21 He sarcastically adds, “Surely you know, for you were already born! You have lived so many years?” What’s the point of this sarcasm? How might we succumb to a youthful arrogance even in an older age?

In 40:4, Job declares, “I am unworthy-how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth?” How are silence and humility linked (Eccl. 5:5; Pro. 18:2)?

5) In 40:2, Job declares that God “can do all things” and that no plan of his “can be thwarted?” If God’s plans can’t be thwarted, does this mean that everything that happens is God’s will? If so, how does that help with human suffering? If not, how does that help with human suffering?

6) In Job 42:3 Job recognizes that what was happening was beyond his understanding. Can you think of something that happened to you that looking back, still doesn’t make sense. What response should a Christian have to something like that? For example, let’s say a parent loses a child, and several years later is wondering, “what possible God can come out of this?” What advice would you give them?

7) Job 42: 11 says that Job was comforted “over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him.” Was it God or Satan that brought the trouble on God? What was God’s role? What part did Satan play?

8) In Job 42:12, it says that God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. Compare the number of sheep, camels in Job 42:12, to the numbers in Job 1:2. What do you notice?

Putting it Into Practice

9) Thinking over the book of Job as a whole, what the one lesson that has impacted you the most? How will this lesson impact your life?

8/24/09 Leader's Guide

2009-08-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

Torn
Job 3 - 37
The Week of August 24th

Getting Started

1) We’ve had some hot days this summer. What’s the hottest place you’ve ever visited?

2) Who is your one? – We’re inviting each of our members to have one person they are reaching out to. Who is that person for you? What have you done to share with them? How can we best pray for them?

Digging Deeper

In Job chapters 4 through 37, the advice of Job’s “three friends,” or “comforters,” is recorded, as well as Job’s responses. These men took the position that Job’s suffering was the result of sin in his life. Read these verses listed below and answer the following questions: 7:20, 13:3, 13:24, 19:7, 23:3-5, 23:8-9, and 30:20.

3) How is Job’s response different here than in chapters 1 & 2? What does this difference tell you about some of the emotional and theological turbulence we face in suffering?

There does seem to be a shift in Job’s posture towards God. It was one that moved God to address him in the later chapters of the book. It was also that for which he repented of (Job 42:1-7). Yet all things considered, God rebukes Job’s friends saying, “they have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has” (42:7). Job was on good ground, but his position was less than perfect and worthy of some face time before God. This reminds us that we can hold good ground in a way that may deserve better.

4) Job wonders whether God is absent, or passively observing him, or purposely opposing him. Have you ever experienced a similar feeling? How do we maintain our faith when God seems to be something different than a kind Father in Jesus?

On the authority of God word as he testifies of himself that he is all love and no anger towards those who are in Jesus Christ. We must resist what experience may strongly suggests, and affirm that in such experience, we conquer through Jesus (cf. Romans 8:28-39).

5) Job seeks to state his case to God. What does he hope to accomplish? Was this a bad request by Job? Compare this with Hebrews 4:16. What does it mean that we are to boldly approach the throne of grace? Can we rudely approach the throne of grace?

He hopes to receive a clear explanation for how he can be innocent and suffer the way he does. Since God never gives him an explanation, it seems that God would rather have Job trust that there is an explanation rather than trying to get one.

As one studies the dialogue between Job and his friends (chapters 4-37), some principles regarding God’s character emerge. Read the verses listed below and answer the following question: Job 9:14-15, 10:8, 12:10, 14:13-14, 16:19-21, 19:25-26, 21:22, and 23:13.

6) God is Judge, Creator, Sustainer, Advocate, and Sovereign. What do these attributes of God mean? How do God’s attributes affect Job in trouble? How should these realities affect you and I?

Judge – God is morally upright / God will deal righteously with Job.
Creator – God made all things / God has the authority over Job.
Sustainer – God upholds all things / Job existence is always God-dependant.
Sovereign – God controls all things / God has a handle on good and bad things.
Advocate – God is for us in Jesus. / God is for Job.

Chapters 32-37 record the words of another “friend” named Elihu (32:6). He told Job that he needed to humble himself before God and see “trials” as a purification process. He concluded that suffering is God’s method to “chasten” us (33:12-28) and to “teach” us (35:10-11). After reading 33:12-28, answer these questions:

7) Was Elihu’s conviction that God uses pain to purify us a sound conviction? Did it apply to Job, who is called upright and blameless? Does it apply to us?

Though Job was “blameless,” was still sinful (Romans 3:23). We are to consider trouble in life as a way that God gets us more like Jesus and less like ourselves (Hebrews 12:3-11).

8) Was the timing of Elihu’s pronouncement good or bad? Discuss the importance of saying the right things at the right time. What are some sensitive ways of encouraging people in their faith when they’re struggling with faith?

Read Job 9:32-34 and answer the following questions.

9) Job asks for someone to arbitrate between him and God. Do we have someone to arbitrate between God and ourselves? (Read 1 Timothy 2:5). In what way does Jesus serve as a mediator?

Putting Into Practice

10) Silence is golden. Can you think of a person who needs someone simply to listen to them without offering explanations and solutions? Find that person and listen.

11) Review the attributes of God covered earlier. Pray that this week you would have an appropriate response to the “Godness” of God.

8/17/09 Leader's Guide

2009-08-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Torn

Job 2

The Week of August 17th

Getting Started

1) As we head toward the end of summer. What’s did you do this summer that was the most fun?

2) Bible Reading Challenge – We’re inviting each of members to read a chapter of the Bible each day. How are you doing in the area of personal Bible study?

Digging Deeper

3) “When it rains, it pours.” With one storm after another, difficulty poured into Job’s life. Describe a time in your life when it poured? How did you cope?

4) In verse 1, it says that “on another day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord.” Do fallen angels have unlimited access to God? In what sense are they “fallen” angels? Why do you suppose fallen angels would present themselves to the Lord?

We shouldn’t think of “fallen” in terms of geography, like “my 5 year old fell from the top bunk.” We should think of the term relationally and morally. The angels that are referred in this passage are fallen morally and relationally from God, but not necessarily geographically from God. Consider other instances in which Satan or demons have access to God.
*The angel who volunteered to deceive Ahab (1 Kings 22:19-23).
*Satan’s accusation against Joshua the High Priest before the LORD (Zech. 3:1).
*Satan seeks permission from God to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31).
*John says that Satan is the accuser of the brothers, “who accuses them before our God day and night” (Rev. 12:10).

5) In verse 3, God asks once again (1:8), “Have you considered my servant Job?” Why does God bring Job to Satan’s attention again?

God used this opportunity to vindicate Himself and Job. The reminder to Satan of his failure incenses Satan, moving him to bellow, “Skin for Skin!” Some commentators say that Satan is suggesting that Job maintained his integrity because it cost him only the “skin” of his livestock and family. So Satan downplays his failure by downplaying Job’s suffering.

God also uses this question to incite Satan’s next request, and therefore moving towards a deeper vindication of God and Job.

6) In verse 3, God says that Job “maintains his integrity.” In verse 9, Job’s wife asks, “Are you still holding on to your integrity?” What is integrity? How do you get it and keep in the midst of adversity?

“Integrity” is from the same root as “blameless” (2:9; 27:5; and 31:6). In other words, despite the losses he incurred, Job still did not tarnish his perfect record (Alden, R. L.). How did he get it and keep it in the midst of adversity? This continued right-standing with God was due to grace through faith (Jude 1:24 & 25). This grace created in Job a love for God that eclipsed everything else, so that if everything in life should be taken, that love would remain. Note Jesus’ comments on this topic: Matthew 6:19-33.

7) In verse 4, Satan says, “A man will give all he has for his own life.” What are you willing to sacrifice to keep your life? What would move you to sacrifice your life?

We’ve heard stories about how sudden poverty or tragedy brings out the worst in people, moving them to betray and even kill those closest to them. Yet, we also have counter-examples of people who with selfless disregard put themselves in harms way for strangers. What do you think makes the difference in those two extreme environments?

Jim Elliot, “He is no fool to give up that which he cannot keep (his life) in order to gain that which he cannot lose (his life).”

8) In verse 4, Satan says that if Job’s health were taken, surely Job would “curse” God. What does it mean to “curse” God? Are there subtle ways of cursing God that we might be in danger of?

Remember, the challenge to Job’s faith was to maintain that God was simultaneously completely sovereign and completely good, even when circumstances strongly suggested otherwise. Since Job affirmed God’s complete control, to “curse” seems to refer to “charging God with wrongdoing” (1:22). That is, affirming that God is all-powerful but not all-good. Here are some subtle ways that we may come close to this:

*Affirming God’s hand in our difficulties, but not equally affirming that God is accomplishing righteous and praise worthy goals through these difficulties. Put differently, we’re loud when it comes to the first, and silent when it comes to the second.

*Attempting to appease God through good works + faith in Jesus. In so doing, we are suspecting that God isn’t really fully for us in Jesus Christ. The idea is that Jesus may temper God’s displeasure towards us, but to really get God off of our back, we have to perform various activities. If we don’t, God will use his power against us. This makes God guilty of double jeopardy: punishing sins twice. This is charging God of wrongdoing.

There’s also another way to charge God wrongly. Instead of questioning his goodness, one may question is power. So the issue isn’t that something is morally wrong with God, but something is “spiritually” wrong with God. Here are some ways we can come close to this:

*Emphasizing the power of freewill to determine the realities in our lives.

*Understating the power of God’s will in controlling creation.

*Overstating Satan’s power in controlling creation.

*Asserting that God’s knowledge of future events is uncertain.

9) Compare verses 6 & 7 with the prior assaults? How are they the same? How are they different?

We have (1) natural evil (when natural phenomena interact with humans), (2) human evil, (3) the unexplained, and (4) the loss of health. Whereas Satan was involved with 1-3, verse 7 shows him as particularly active in inflicting sickness on Job.

10) In verse 9, Job’s wife counsels Job “to curse God and die.” Do you think that the greatest temptations come from our friends or enemies? Give some Scriptural examples.

Significant temptation may come through those closes to us:

*Adam and Eve (Gen. 3)

*Samson and Delilah (Judges 16)

*Solomon and his Wives (1 Kings 11:4)

*Peter and Jesus (Matt. 16:22-23)

It might be good to discuss some practical ways friends can ensure righteousness in their relationships.

11) In verse 10, Job responds to his wife, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” Do you have a hard time (1) accepting good from God or (2) accepting trouble? Give some examples of “trouble” that you’ve accepted?

Some people have difficulty believing God would be kind to them. Others have difficulty believing God could ever have been angry with them. In the gospel, God is always kind to us, and so we should maintain a humble confidence in our relationship with God. Outside of the gospel, God is angry at our rebellion against him. We should be driven to Jesus as a result.

12) Verses 11-13 describe the response of Job’s friends to his suffering. In what ways did they seek to comfort him? Were their efforts sincere?

Putting into Practice

13) Notice the power of a small group in verses 11-13. Take some time and consider if there is someone that your group can extend grace and kindness towards this week. Plan it and do it!.