What are some of the “currents” pulling at the faith of American Christians? Which tug on you the most? Why? Debt, pornography, American Dream, TV, sports, comfort, recreation, image, vanity
What do you think “neglect” looked like in the lives of the Hebrew Christians? What might it look like in the life of a believer today? For example, Hebrew Christians neglected meeting together (Hebrews 10:23). Look at the Scripture references for point 1b. Today, neglecting includes failure to pray, to meet with other believers, to give, to serve, to evangelize. This might be a good time to review the Bethel Membership Covenant.
Discuss the following statement: Grace covers the penalty of sin but not the consequences. God’s grace covers the penalty for sin. It does not negate the principle of reaping and sowing. Neither does it cause the Lord to be lenient. And no, it does not eliminate the consequences of sin.
According to Hebrews 1:1-14, Jesus is:
the Ultimate Revelation of God (2)
the Eternal Heir of all things (2)
the Creator of the worlds (2,10)
the Essence of Deity (3)
the Personality of Deity (3)
the Upholder of all things (3)
the Redeemer (3)
the Ultimate Sacrifice (3)
the Seated one (3)
Superior to the angels (4)
God’s Son (5)
God’s Firstborn (6)
the Righteous One (8,9)
the Unchanging One (12)
Ruler of all (13)
Believers “hold on” by knowing Jesus. Which of the above have helped you “hold on” to your faith and why?
Discuss: Being accepted by the Lord is one thing. Pleasing the Lord is another. You could use a parent-child or spouse relationship to demonstrate this concept.
Gospel in Action: Reach out to an unbelieving friend/coworker and ask them “how can I pray for you?” Then, pray for them on the spot out loud.
Read 2 Timothy 1:3-14 and discuss the following questions.
What is your family’s Christian heritage? Who in your family influenced you most in your faith? If not a family member, who influenced you?
What do you think Lois and Eunice did to influence Timothy’s faith? What might you do to influence your family for Christ? What about those outside your family?
What “fears” (2 Timothy 1:7) do you think you need to overcome? How do they limit you?
Imagine that you truly put aside your spirit of “fear” and live in a spirit of “power, love, and self-discipline.” What would be the results of living this way?
What are the essential elements of the gospel message? Why do you think Paul is reminding Timothy of the Gospel message in this passage? This tract, How Can I Be Sure?, outlines the Gospel essentials.
Do you know a believer who is feeling defeated and needs to be reminded of the Gospel message? What from the sermon can you use to encourage them?
Pastor Dave spoke about music being more than just words and melody. Music can have a message for us. Can you think of any song that has spoken to your heart? When I was 18, Bobby Brown, “Every Little Step I Take” – I thought of it as the Lord being with me wherever I was. — Kelli
“Blessed Be Your Name” by Matt Redman – this song has ministered to my heart, that even in the difficult times, particularly in light of being diabetic, I can say “Blessed be your name.” — Dave
Ephesians 5:18-20 shows that music can reflect the condition of our hearts. What does your playlist/music preferences reflect about your heart? For those of you who are unfamiliar, a playlist refers to a customized list of songs, usually found on an MP3 player or computer.
Discuss some recent songs that reflect something about our current culture. For example, this week’s top songs, according to Billboard.com include “Rude Boy,” “Young Forever,” “Break Your Heart,” “Need You Now.” Don’t spend too much time on this one.
Have you ever “heard God’s voice” through something other than the Scripture (e.g. circumstances, conscience, a song, a random comment, etc.)? Review and discuss these principles and related Scriptures for discerning God’s voice. How would you apply them?
Is it consistent with God’s Word? (Deuteronomy 4:2, 1 John 2:4-6)
Does it lead you away from God? (Deuteronomy 13:1-4)
Is it consistent with God’s character? (Exodus 34:6-7, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 1:15-16)
Are you submitting to the Lord in prayer? (Psalm 19:13, Philippians 4:6, James 4:6-7, 13)
Have you sought wise counsel? (Proverbs 15:22)
Ask if anyone in the group has a specific issue they’d like to run these principles against.
Can you give an illustration of “when leaders sink, others suffer?” In what ways did others suffer? King David – his family suffered because of his adultery. There was death…of a marriage, a child, a husband.
Read Hebrews 13:17. What are the character qualities of a good leader? a good follower? Leaders keep watch. They do it with joy and without groaning. The do it knowing they will give account. Good followers obey and submit.
How can the Lord “leave a place” since He is omnipresent? Why does He leave? What does it say about God that He usually takes “the last train” as in American Pie? What attracts Him to a place, a life? The sermon will answer this. We think it has something to do with God removing His favor.
1. Can you, as a group, give some Scriptural references about the attributes of God’s Words as recorded in His Word (hint: our text is one)? What are some of those attributes?
2. Have you ever “heard God’s voice” through a medium other than the Scripture (e.g. circumstances, conscience, a song, a random comment, etc.)? If so, can you share about that? How can a person be sure that it was God’s voice and not something else?
3. What would be one of the most significant songs of the previous century, if you were to list songs for their influence on you personally?
4. Review Matthew 12:34b. When in your life have you seen the truth of this verse played out in your presence? (When have words revealed someone else’s heart? When have they revealed your own heart?)
5. Can you think of a song which is popular now, or was recently, which reveals something about our national culture?
6. Can you give an illustration of “when leaders sink, others suffer”? How close have you been personally to such a situation? Can you as a group think of biblical illustrations?
7. What command does the Lord give to leaders in Romans 12:8? What might that involve for the leader? What might it look like in a leader who leads that way?
8. How can followers support those who lead them?
9. How can the Lord “leave a place” since He is omnipresent? What “makes Him leave”? (How is it true that He usually takes “the last train” as in American Pie?) What attracts Him to come to a place, a life?
10. How does music reveal our hearts (see Eph. 5:18 for one example)? What kind of music is your heart playing these days? What does that reveal about your heart state?
(Kelli graduated seminary on Saturday! Way to go Kelli! Dave Stone took vacation to work on his house after the laundry room flooded, so there’s no “behind-the-scenes” commentary this week.)
Revelation 22:1-5
RELATE
Which of your favorite tales has a “and they lived happily ever after” ending? Can you recall a movie, even though it may not have used those specific words, that concluded with a similar type of ending? In these stories, what is the plot like before the happy ending?
REVIEW
What are the crowns and related Scriptures from the sermon? Can you think of any others? What moves God to give each type of crown? Could someone have none or more than one?
Type of crown——————-Why it’s given——————–Related Scripture
Name the H’s in 4H. How are they relevant to Revelation 22:1-5?
Share any new or changed concept you’ve gained about your future with the Lord.
Dave’s new book (”The Proper Care and Feeding of Eternal Life”) implies that a believer needs to take action to keep his/her eternal life healthy. What are some chapter titles you would include?
APPLICATION
How is it that we can be created both in the “image of God” and also be “servants?” In what ways can we be servants and reflect the image of God now?
How does Revelation 22:1-5 help make your “helmet of the hope of our salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8) stronger?
How do these verses help us understand that our future in heaven is fulfilling and challenging rather than boring?
Did you share one of last week’s tracts with someone? If so, how did it go?
Practice using one of the tracts from the bulletin with another person in your group and pray for an opportunity to share it with someone.
Practice memorizing Romans 8:1 in groups of two. As a whole group, discuss what you think this verse means. for levity, use a creative way to break into groups of two
REVIEW
Is there anything from the sermon that particularly challenged or confused you?
What is the difference between “sins” and “sin?” sin nature versus acts of sin
How is the “law of sin” like the “law of gravity”?
APPLICATION
For the list below, provide an opposite behavior that is Spirit-filled.
lying
self sufficiency
selfishness
worry
prayerlessness
fear
lust
gossip/slander
drunkenness
over spending
over eating
What is the difference between living a moral life and living the same kind of life “in the Spirit?” How does this make the Good News really good? motivation to please men, fear of consequences, based upon childhood training (e.g., earn salvation) versus the motivation of responding to God’s love, walking in the Spirit, cultivating your relationship with God, and seeing fruit of the Spirit that is good behavior.
DIG
Case Study in walking in the Spirit:
Ebenezer is selfish and would like to change so he thinks of others’ interest more than his own. How could the following questions help him walk in the Spirit?
Why do you want to change? Is your motivation Spirit-led?
When do you struggle most? What are the setups for when this sin typically occurs in your life…when you’re hungry, angry, lonely, tired, for example.
What truths do you need to turn to? (see Mark 10:45, Galatians 2:20, Philippians 2:3-4)
What desires do you need to turn from? self-sufficiency, self-promotion, self-serving, self-gratification
What stops you from changing? lies we believe about God, thinking I’m the center of the universe, we minimize our sin, we think the consequences are better if we don’t change
What strategies will reinforce your faith and repentance? (see Psalm 119:9-11, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Timothy 2:22, 1 John 1:9, 2:15-17)
How can we support one another in changing? (see John 15:14, Romans 14:15, Ephesians 4:15, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Homework: think about your own areas of struggle and answer the same questions so you can experience a Spirit-filled life. Share with your group next week.
Have you had any career moves? Were they positive or negative? Why? Career moves could include moving from part-time to full-time or from one field to another field.
REVIEW
Is there anything from the sermon that particularly challenged or confused you?
Read Philippians 2:5-11. How was Jesus’ death a “good career move?” His career move was from suffering servant to exalted King. It was good for many reasons: He obeyed the Father, He glorified the Father, He is now glorified and highly exalted. Many more people will benefit from Jesus’ career move.
What’s the difference between being “baptized into Christ” (see Romans 6:3) and “water baptism?” Do the truths of Romans 6 apply to believers who have not been baptized by water?
People will want to know if these truths apply even apart from water baptism. We, as leaders, need to direct them to the question, “If you are a believer, why have you not been baptized?” See question 1 in Application section. Water baptism is a physical picture of the spiritual reality of being baptized into Christ.The truths of Romans 6 do apply to believers who have not been baptized by water.
What does it mean that a person can be a “slave to sin?” What does it look like? What is the solution? Being a slave to sin means you have no freedom to not sin. It looks like habitual sin, bondage, shame, hopelessness. The solution is trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus to cover your sins and free you from being a slave to sin. It’s key that people understand Jesus’ death provided not only forgiveness of sins, but also a new life (freedom to not sin).
APPLICATION
Have you been baptized by water? If so, share what was significant about it? If not, what is keeping you from being baptized by water? Use this as an opportunity to encourage one another with baptism stories. It’s also an opportunity to poke those in your group toward baptism. Jesus commanded us to make disciples by teaching and baptizing. To be baptized is to obey Jesus (see Matthew 28:18-20).
How could it be that a believer (freed from being a slave to sin) might still obey sin when it comes calling? Make sure your group understands that believers still sin (see Romans 7:21-24). Believers have a choice to not sin because of what Christ did. The remainder of this life is a working out a greater and more fuller belief that we are freed from sin.
What sins take you out when they “rattle their chains” and command you to obey? The next two questions might go best in gender-specific groups. Be sure to encourage one another with the truth of the Gospel–that we are freed from sin. And know that it takes perseverance, hard work, and discipline to continue in Christ.
Do you really believe you are freed from being a slave to sin? Discuss. This is the crux of the Gospel. Use this question to expose core beliefs.
Share with an unchurched person one thing you have learned from the sermon this week. Who is that person? What might you share?
DIG
In Romans, Paul discusses how to be dead to sin and alive in Christ. Look at the passages below and discuss the questions that follow.
Romans 6:11 – How do you “count/consider/reckon/calculate” yourself dead to sin? Realize there is a choice. Don’t let sin get you down. Realize God reckons you as dead to sin if you believe the Gospel.Reckoning means to think in a way that moves us to appropriate actions.
Romans 6:13 – How do you “offer/present” yourself to God and not to sin? Believe the Gospel. Review the Gospel. Do the things that God calls us to…we have to activate our will, to make decisions, with our body.
Romans 8:5 – How do you “set” your mind on the things of the Spirit? Pray. Read/meditate upon/memorize Scripture. Think about Heaven.
Romans 13:14 – How do you “clothe/put on” the Lord Jesus Christ and “make no provision for/do not think about” gratifying the sinful nature? “Clothe/put on” by doing holy things (see Colossians 3:12-17). “Make no provision” to gratify the sinful nature by doing the holy things and making it hard to do the unholy things (see Colossians 3:5-9).
Describe the three-fold progressive strategy of our enemy to “undisciple” us (see John 10:10). Describe Jesus’ counter-strategy. The thief comes to (1) steal, (2) kill, and (3) destroy. Jesus (1) came that we might have (2) life, and have life (3) abundantly.
What are some of the rocks (obstacles to faith) that you’ve experienced or seen other people face? How were the rocks removed? Share any rocks that you’re wrestling with now. As people share rocks they are facing discuss as a group how to help do some “rock removal.” Examples of rocks include theory of evolution, existence of God, the truthfulness of the Bible, existence of God and suffering, sexism (Jesus is male), etc.
Point 2
Why did Lazarus “stink?” What is the spiritual parallel? Lazarus stunk because he was dead and his body was rotting. Ephesians 2:1 says that we are dead in our trespasses and sins.
People, whether good or bad, reek if they do not believe in Jesus. Agree or disagree? Discuss. Romans 3:1-18,23 says that none are righteous and all have sinned. Isaiah 64:6 says that all our “righteous deeds” are like a polluted garment (aka filthy rags).The point of this question is expose what people really believe, e.g., “I do more good things than bad things so I’m OK” or “good people aren’t really going to hell” or “a loving God wouldn’t send anybody to hell.”
When you came to faith, how did you become aware of your own stink? Awareness of sin is fundamental to realizing you need the Savior. It’s not a “plus/minus” game, it only takes one sin to be found guilty of all God’s law. This is a good opportunity to share as a group Christlike transformation that has occurred and is occurring in lives. For example, mine (Kelli) would be from liar to truth teller, from rebellious wife to submissive wife (for Chris), from people-pleaser to God-pleaser (for Dave).
Point 3
It is a Lord-assigned task for believers to unwrap each other from their rags. How have others helped you to change your thinking, attitudes, or behaviors and thereby “unwrap some of your rags?” (Chris) I’ve needed people to point out the rags. Sometimes we’re so “wrapped up” in them that we cannot see them. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us to spur each other on toward love and good deeds and not to forsake gathering together.
Did you or anyone you know respond to any of the three options on the back of the welcome card? If so, how can you (or your group) follow up?
Is there an unbeliever you could help with rock removal? Strategize with your group how you can help remove that rock. For example, if the rock is the truthfulness of Scripture, consider how your group could address that rock by studying the Bible’s history.
Is there a believer you could help with rag removal? Strategize with your group how you can help unwrap the rags. The key to unwrapping rags is Scripture (see John 8:32). You have to be willing to risk saying something to someone before you can help them. Relationships give you an open door to be involved in someone’s life. You must also pay attention to the Holy Spirit and speak when He says speak and obey. For all rags, identify key Scriptures (truths) that will bring freedom. Meditate on, memorize and believe in those truths. For some “rags” there are other practical helps. For example, if the rags are marital problems consider attending a marriage class or counseling or asking another couple to mentor. If the rags are financial trouble, consider attending Financial Peace University.
This week’s questions will focus in on personal areas of struggle. To facilitate transparent sharing, consider breaking into gender specific groups.
1. Evaluate your walk as a follower of Jesus in the last two months: Note that it’s just in the last two months…we’re trying to help people be specific. The goal of these questions: acknowledge the problem, identify points of temptation, and make decision early to avoid it.
What specific things have you done to stay on the path? - daily Bible reading, accountability, reviewing the Gospel regularly, fasting, prayer
Identify an area where you have wandered off the path. - eg. For me (Kelli) Discontentment
Do you tend to fail in a specific area repeatedly? - yes, especially if I look at Target ads or shop online…seeing things I want for my home makes me discontent with what I have.
Why is this your tendency? it’s my tendency because I expose myself to the Target ads/online shopping
What do you need to do to avoid this pitfall? I’ve learned not to look at the Target ads; to be thankful and develop a heart of gratitude. And, when I do “need” I use cash..
2. Read Proverbs 6:12-19. Identify the seven abominations and give an example of each. When have you been involved in any of these and brought trouble to yourself or others as a result? How do these practices impact our personal witness? our Christian unity? our reputation in the community/at work/in our family? the reputation of Jesus?
Haughty eyes is to think better of yourself after looking at someone else (comparison).
Lying tongue…there is a range of deceit, from white lies to tax fraud.
Hands that shed innocent blood…from hatred to murder.
Heart that devises wicked plans…from manipulation to adultery to wild parties.
Feet that make haste to run to evil…having no boundaries, if it feels good, do it.
False witness…from slander to gossip.
Sows discord among brothers…from complaining to stubbornness toward authority.
These practices impact our personal witness negatively. Who would follow Christ if this is what He represents?
3. Read Romans 7:21-25; 8:1-2, 35-39:
Do you identify with Paul’s struggle? Use this question as a barometer for your group. Encourage those who struggle by noting that the Holy Spirit is helping them fight back. Warn those who do not struggle with sin that they may not be saved.
Does the war with sin discourage you? Or does it encourage you to pray that Jesus returns quickly?
How does Romans 8:1-2, 35-39 give you hope in your struggle with sin? Not even sin or our struggle can separate us from the love of God in Jesus. This is what motivates us to stay in the battle, to fight, to persevere.
4. Who among your unchurched friends is experiencing difficult circumstances? Pray for them. Is there anything from this discussion or the sermon that you could share with them as encouragement?
Share a story (lovingly and with permission) about a relative’s quirky habit which may have initially irritated you but now endears them to you.
Read Revelation 21:9-22:5. Is New Jerusalem a place you would pick as a vacation spot? Why or why not? What’s missing in the description that would make you want to go there? Ask people what attracts them to the city. Chris wants to see Jesus’ face. Bob wants to see the crystal clear water…how deep can you see? I (Dave Stone) want to know what restaurants will be there. Kelli likes that she wouldn’t need sunscreen. Bob thinks that New Jerusalem is so much better, there is hardly a way for us to begin to understand how great it really is.
REVIEW
Is there anything from the sermon that particularly challenged or confused you?
What was John’s first impression of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:11a? John’s first impression of New Jerusalem is that the glory of God radiates from it. If we were to “reconstruct” the city according to John’s description, it would not have the glory of God.
What is temporary about this current world? What is not? We expect Pastor Dave to offer some good insights into this question during point 1. One of the temporary things mentioned in the text is the curse (and all that comes with it--pain, sorrow, tears, death, etc.). As has been said before during our study of Revelation, the Word of God and people are not temporary.
According to Revelation 21:27, what is required to be a citizen of New Jerusalem? Your name needs to be in the Lamb’s book of life. We’re still hearing reports of people saying they are not sure their name is written in the Lamb’s book of life. Use this as an opportunity to ask the people in your group.
APPLICATION
In the next week, share with an unchurched person how and why you were involved with ShareFest. Who might you share with, and what would you say?
What attracts you most to the New Jerusalem? This question can reveal what our hearts value. Hint: note that all these jewels and gold are used merely as construction materials. So the real valuable things must be something else. (Bob) Just think, even the pavement is beautiful! I (Dave Stone) am looking forward to being free from the battle with sin, it will have been put to death in me completely.
God describes the New Jerusalem in terms of light and riches because it is His dwelling place. Today, if you are a believer, you are His dwelling place. What light and riches are in your life that demonstrate the glory of God? Encourage people not to just think about the totality of their life, but individual things they have done or tend to do because of their belief in Jesus. For example, I get angry but I don’t say anything, I put myself out for other people, I give some of my money so that others’ lives would be better, etc.
DIG
What do you learn about the “glory of God” in each of the following passages?
Psalm 19:1 -- the heavens declare the glory of God
Romans 1:19-27 -- This passage has a different response to the glory of God than the sermon’s passage. You either embrace the glory of God or the glory of something else (Paul mentions idols…for more information on modern day idols, see Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods, by the way, Tim Keller is one of the speakers at this year’s Global Leadership Summit.) Here is Tim on why he wrote Counterfeit Gods:
2 Corinthians 4:6 -- We can share the light of the knowledge of the glory of God when we speak the truth of the Gospel.
Hebrews 1:3 -- Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God, the perfect imprint.
Revelation 21:23 -- The glory of God brings light.
