(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.
For this week’s sermon, Pastor Dave focuses on Revelation 21:9.
RELATE:
Pastor Dave said that angels don’t select their own assignments. God assigns them. Do remember a time when you think God gave you an assignment? Tell about it. How did it turn out?
REVIEW:
From the sermon and other biblical references, share what you know about angels. (Suggested questions. Who are they? Where did they come from? What are they like? What do they do? What about fallen angels?)
In our study of Revelation, angels have had various assignments. Can you recall any of them? Recall other assignments given to angels in other books of the Bible.
Point IIA states that angels have authority to act because they’re working under God’s authority. Read Matthew 8:5-13. Whose authority was the centurion under? What kind of authority do you think he exercised? Why does Jesus make such a big deal about the centurion’s statement? (see verses 9 & 10)
Just like angels, we are given authority. How does “blaming” others take away our authority?
APPLICATION:
Read point IIIA. Discuss what it means and how we can apply it.
Refer back to question 3 in the review section. How does the issue of being under authority apply to us? What authority has God given believers? Do you have any stories about that authority being used properly? How about improperly?
Has God given you authority in some area that you’re not exercising appropriately?
Have you ever focused more on how people might respond to you carrying out the assignment God has given you than faithfully carrying out the assignment? Share about it. How did it work out?
DIG:
Read Matt 18:15-20. Verse 20 is often quoted in prayer meetings, but that isn’t the meaning of this passage. What is the core issue of these verses? Who’s exercising authority? What actions take place in the exercise of that authority? In this passage what is the promise God gives in the proper exercise of authority?
What principles from this text should guide our financial giving? How does your giving measure up to these principles? The main principle is that giving is a matter of the heart, not the amount. Another principle is that our giving patterns reflect our heart.
For each Scripture below, identify a principle(s) of financial giving. How do you measure up against them and what changes should you make to live these principles?
Proverbs 3:9 – giving off the top of our paychecks, as our first act with our finances, honors God Haggai 2:8, 1 Corinthians 4:2 – everything belongs to God, we are stewards who need to manage money according to God’s values Malachi 3:8-10 – we can rob God by not giving our tithes (10%) and offerings (above 10%)
Luke 12:34 - where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 - by giving to God we are store up a strong foundation in Heaven
Read Luke 20:45-21:4. What comparison is Jesus making between the scribes (teachers of the law) and the widow? How do you think we should apply this to our lives? Jesus publicly rebukes the Scribes and praises the widow. Remember last week’s lesson about the danger of looking only at the outside. In this passage, the danger is looking only at the amount given and not the heart behind it.
Jesus makes the point in verses 5 and 6 that the temple was not the important thing because it was destined for destruction. Our guest speaker, Moses, makes the point that people are our mission. Are there any “temples” (anything taking away from the importance of people) in your life? Be sure to pray for each other.
What are you doing to build into or invest in others? (see point IIIc and IIId)
Remembering last week’s dramatic presentation and the Brian Welch video, share about any opportunities you had to speak an “honest observation” recently.
This week the sermon is based upon questions submitted from the congregation. Just for fun…how many “7s” can you find in the questions this week?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Toward which end of the “understanding God’s Word” spectrum (“I don’t get any of it” or “I’ve got it pretty much figured out”) do you gravitate? What are the dangers of each? The danger of “I don’t get any of it” is that it could lead to discouragement and not reading or studying the Scripture at all. The danger of “I’ve got it pretty much figured out” is to read with a prideful, unteachable heart.
What are some of the benefits of God’s Word according to the following Scriptures? Which of these benefits do you need right now and why?
Psalm 119:9,11, 98 – keeps us from sin, makes us wise
Proverbs 6:22 – guides us
Romans 15:4 – gives us hope for the future
1 Peter 2:2 – GROW in spiritual maturity
Add your own (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – training in righteousness)
Add your own (Hebrews 4:12 – cuts to the heart, life changing)
What are some of the dangers of “looking at the outside”? How can you avoid “looking at the outside?” It is dangerous to look at the outside because the “outside” can be deceptive. Consider Jesus, King of Kings, who “on the outside” was born in a manger.
According to the following Scripture, what is the work of the Holy Spirit? Which of these would you like to experience more fully? Why?
John 14:16 – He is a comforter
John 16:8 – convicts us of sin
John 16:12-14 – illuminates the Word of God, gives us understanding and insight
Romans 8:11 – raises the dead
Romans 8:15-16 – guarantee of salvation, our assurance of salvation
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit restrains (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7)? What will happen when God removes the Holy Spirit? Share a time when the Holy Spirit used you to restrain evil. The removal of the Holy Spirit is not dealing with God’s omnipresence, but rather has to do with his direct indwelling of believers. When the restrainer is removed it signals the end of the “church age” (that began with Pentecost) in which the Spirit indwells believers.
Think about the John 3 monologue and Brian Welch’s testimony. How did Nicodemus and Brian Welch respond to the truth spoken to them? How can you prepare yourself to speak the truth in opportune moments? John 19:39 indicates Nicodemus responded with belief.
To whom (unbeliever) in your sphere of influence should you speak truth? Name them and have the group pray for you. My (Kelli) whole family has been prayed for over the last twenty years and it has been a tremendous blessing for me and my group to see answered prayers. We’ve seen God move in many lives. Keep on praying!
Pastor Dave is moving on to Revelation 21:1-8 this week and will not cover the last two bullets from last Sunday’s review.
A note to you the leader: We are praying for your strength, creativity, endurance and love for your people as you continue to make disciples in your small group. Do not grow weary in doing good. I know this time of the year can be “flat”. Our hope for this week is you will catch a glimpse of what God is doing in lives of your people.
Relate
Think about a “moving day experience.” Was it happy or sad, why? as always, the goal here is to have some fun and give everyone an opportunity to share.
Review
Discuss anything from Sunday’s message that confused or challenged you. This is a good opportunity to review the outline and read the passage outloud. Hopefully, you are opening the Bible weekly but this gives you a chance weekly.
Describe what is revealed about our “new home.” (Where will it be, who will be there, what will it look like?) It will be a restored planet Earth, believers and Christ will be there, it is beautiful, no sea, God is the light, no temple, no suffering or pain.
What “old things” will not be with us anymore in our new home? death, mourning, crying, pain, sin
How can a believer “send things on ahead” to his/her new home? Hopefully Pastor Dave covers this in depth in his 3rd point. Rev. 14:13, Matt. 6:19-21, and 1 Tim. 6:17-19 are his talking points. He is also referring to the Treasure Principle. Practically speaking it sounds like giving, good deeds, sharing the gospel are things we can “send ahead”.
Application
What “good stuff” are you sending ahead? Brainstorm other ideas of “good stuff” you could send ahead. (One starter scripture: 1 Tim 6:7-19) see notes above for Review #4. Our hope is that your group will have a robust time discussing the concept. However, it is CRITICAL to note these things do not save us! It is an issue of our response to being saved by the free gift of Jesus’ blood and resurrection. Jesus and His work is the treasure and we give everything to follow.
How do you set your heart and mind on your new home? (Col 3:1-5) Since our theme this year is “hope,” how does this stimulate yours? Again, this is personal sharing/brainstorming. Practical ideas might be music during the day that reminds us of Jesus, reading the Word, reading the obituaries, etc. Remember from Pastor Dave at the Leadership Launch, hope has two parts: desired future outcome (reign with Him in the new heaven/new earth) and an expectation of fulfillment (God says so and He does not lie). Our new home should bring us hope in the midst of suffering.
Read Rev 21:3. What do you think about God living with you? How does it make you feel? What do you think it will be like? It will be interesting to see if your people are indifferent, comforted, or scared about the idea of living with God. This is the fulfillment of the new covenant promised in Jer. 30:22 and should be our hope. We are praying for honest sharing on this question so you can gage the spiritual maturity of your group.
Is there a specific “old thing” that YOU are looking forward to “having no more?” (e.g. rejection, poverty, disease, unrighteous leadership, marital disharmony, etc.) Again, we hope you steer away from the general and get specific. For example, I will be thrilled to have no more disease personally after seeing disease torment our daughter. This might be a good question for gender-specific sharing, especially if there is marital discord.
Dig
Reread Rev 21:3. What does it mean that “God will be with them and be their God?” How is this different from what believers experience now?
This question is designed to have you 1)review the attributes of God, 2) discuss how we relate to God now, and 3) how will it be better/different in our new home.
God is with us always (Ps. 139.7-10; Heb. 13:5). He is Spirit (Jn. 1:18, 4:24) and present everywhere (omnipresent). Jeremiah 30:22 prophesies this a part of the new covenant we have in Jesus – he has given us a new heart and His Spirit is within us as a guarantee of more to come. However, some of the differences include: Christ will be with us physically in our new home, we will be glorified – no sin and be able to see perfectly God’s glory.
