Seeing the Unseen
Revelation 16:13
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)
- Add your own (Psalm 19:8 – rejoices the heart)
For more benefits of God’s Word, see Core Discipleship Curriculum module 1-God’s Word: What is the Bible and How Do I Use It?
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
- Galatians 5:22-23 – produces fruit
- 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 – restrainer
For more on the work of the Holy Spirit, see Core Discipleship Curriculum module 2-God: Who Is He and What’s So Great About Him?
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!