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Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 36
“What Really Matters”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. In what ways are wisdom and knowledge more valuable than wealth, power or fame?
2. What does Solomon’s answer to God’s question reveal about his character?
3. How can this story about Solomon shape your spiritual life?
2 Chronicles 1:7 NIV
“That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
2 Chronicles 1:8-10 NIV
“Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
2 Chronicles 1:11-12 NIV
God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Ananias and Sapphira were doing a good thing by donating to the poor. What turned a good thing into a bad thing?
2) How does focusing on our own appearance to others influence our motives? What’s negative or what’s positive about this?
3) When God is our only audience, how does that impact our attitude, conduct and actions?
4) Why do you think God dealt so harshly with Ananias and Sapphira?
5) In what ways can this story from Acts chapters four and five shape your spiritual life today?
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Acts 4:34-37 NIV
…that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5:1-4 NIV
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
Acts 5:5-6 NIV
When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
Acts 5:7-11 NIV
About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 34
“Something Jesus Prays For”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) If Jesus prays for his followers, what does that show about his attitude towards his disciples?
2) If you’ve ever felt like God rejects you – how does knowing Jesus prays for you impact those feelings?
3) In times of testing – what (ultimately) is success?
4) Why is being ONE as followers of Jesus so important? What does it mean to be ONE?
5) The definition of a disciple of Christ means that we follow the teachings of Jesus. Is it possible to be “one” with people who reject the teachings of Jesus? Explain your answer.
Luke 22:31-32 NIV
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:33-34 NIV
But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”
John 17:20-21 NIV
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 33
Serving – When it’s No Fun at All
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Has God ever interrupted your plans and it resulted in a blessing? Talk about it.
2) How can serving others when it’s inconvenient be good for us?
3) In what ways have you seen God multiply resources to help others?
4) The “Multitude” had two needs that Jesus addressed – name them. How does that shape the way we serve people as Christians?
Mark 6:30-33 NIV
The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.
Mark 6:34-36 NIV
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”
Mark 6:37-44 NIV
But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.” Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 32
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) How are public and private practices of faith different from each other?
2) Why would it be important to practice BOTH private and public expressions of faith?
3) What makes our secret practices of faith valuable in God’s Eyes?
4) What examples can you think of that might explain the difference between genuine (real) faith and the (external) appearance of faith?
Matthew 6:1 NIV
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:2-4 NIV
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:5-6 NIV
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 31
“Stay Small”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Based on these Bible verses… How do you define humility?
2) Why is faithfulness more important that giftedness?
3) What’s so important about faithfulness in small stuff?
4) How can a person “stay small” (humble) in their faith life?
1 Samuel 15:17, 28 NIV
Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, did you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel…” Samuel said to him, “The LORD has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you.”
Matthew 23:12 NIV
“For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 16:10-12 NIV
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 30
“Good Interruptions”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Have you ever experienced an interruption in life that had “God’s fingerprints” all over it? Explain.
2) How can interruptions help you to grow spiritually?
3) When faith is a 24/7 thing, how does it affect everyday life?
Matthew 8:5-10 NIV
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 29
Don’t Give Up
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Why is planting and harvesting a great example of what life is about?
2. What are some common reasons people set their faith in God on the shelf?
3. How can a person deal with feelings of “giving up” when it comes to planting and harvesting (spiritually)?
Galatians 6:9 NIV
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:7-8 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (8) Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 28
“Tax Collectors and Pharisees”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Have you ever sensed “being judged” in a religious setting? How did you feel and respond?
2) What is the difference between Jesus’ view of sinners and the Pharisees’ view of sinners?
3) What can modern day Christians learn from this story? Give an example of how you would apply this.
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Matthew 9:9-10. NIV
“As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.
Matthew 9:9-11-13 NIV
When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Romans 5:6-8 NIV
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 27
“Good teachers and the Right Tools”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Why is it important to “continue” to tap the wisdom of teachers even after we think we can handle stuff on our own?
2) If the Bible is compared to being a “tool chest”… What are some tools that the Scriptures provide in building spiritual life?
3) How can you help people understand the importance of the Bible in shaping a healthy understanding of a relationship with God?
2 Timothy 3:14 NIV
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 26
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) How did Jesus say that we should view the Scriptures?
2) What separates legalism from authentic healthy Christian faith?
3) What has been your view of “the Sabbath” from childhood? In what ways
is it being challenged or affirmed?
4) How has COVID19 affected your worship life? What needs to be fixed or restored?
Matthew 5:17-18 NIV
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Matthew 5:19 NIV
Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:20 NIV
For I tell you that unless your righteousness (salvation) surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Deuteronomy 5:1 NIV
Moses summoned all Israel and said: Hear, Israel, the decrees and laws I declare in your hearing today. Learn them and be sure to follow them.
Deuteronomy 5:3 NIV
It was not with our ancestors that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today.
Deuteronomy 5:12 NIV
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you.
Deuteronomy 5:15 NIV
Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NIV
So be careful to do what the LORD your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.
Stories of Hope
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 25
“Lone Rangers”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) What does fellowship mean to you?
2) How does fellowship with other Christians help you grow?
3) What kind of isolation threatens spiritual health?
4) What are some ways to overcome isolation?
Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 24
“Good Dirt”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Why is “The Parable of the Sower” a good way to describe our disposition towards God?
2) How does wealth or worry potentially affect our faith life?
3) What do the words “good dirt” mean to you?
4) If you needed to improve your “dirt” – what would you do?
Mark 4:2-9 NIV
He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: “Listen! A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times.” Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”
Mark 4:10-12 NIV
When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, “ ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!’ “
Mark 4:13-20 NIV
Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 23
“Loving When it’s Difficult”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Why did Jesus say we should love our enemies?
Is God’s goodness for everyone? Explain…
What makes the kind of love practiced in “The Way” different?
Matthew 5:43-45 NIV
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
2 Peter 3:9 NIV
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Matthew 5:46-47 NIV
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
Matthew 5:48 NIV
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 22
“Words Matter”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Can the way we use our tongue undermine our faith? Explain.
2) What does the consistent use of hateful words towards others say about our professed relationship with God?
3) How can words cause damage? What kind of damage?
James 3:2 NIV
“We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”
1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.””
James 3:3-4 NIV
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.”
James 3:5-6 NIV
“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
James 3:7-9 NIV
“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.”
1 John 4:20-21 NIV
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
James 3:10-12 NIV
“Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NIV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 21
“Timing is Everything”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Have you ever been disappointed by what God allowed to happen?
How did you, or how are you dealing with disappointment?
2) God is all knowing, all powerful, and all present…
What does this mean in how God sees things and how we see things?
3) How would you explain the fact that just because God CAN do anything doesn’t imply God WILL do anything?
4) In what ways does the story of Lazarus offer HOPE?
John 11:1, 3-4 NIV
“Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha… So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
John 11:6-7 NIV
“So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
John 11:11-15 NIV
“After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
John 11:17, 20-22 NIV
On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days… When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
John 11:23-27 NIV
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
John 11:33-35 NIV
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.”
John 11:38-42 NIV
Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
John 11:43-44 NIV
When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 20
“Security”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Have you ever been angry with God in a time of adversity?
How did you resolve that anger? or did you?
2) In what way is God like a fortress?
3) How would you describe earnestly “seeking God”?
4) Why do you think King David trusted God?
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Psalms 27:1-3 NIV
“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”
Psalms 27:4-6 NIV
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.”
Psalms 27:7-10 NIV
“Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.”
Psalms 27:11-12 NIV
Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.
Psalms 27:13-14 NIV
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 19
“Wisdom”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
What separates wisdom from knowledge?
How does a person obtain wisdom?
The ultimate source of wisdom is…? Why?
Proverbs 2:1-5 NIV
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6-8 NIV
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
Proverbs 2:9-11 NIV
“Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 18
“Boldness”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) What separates a healthy kind of fear from a hurtful kind of fear?
2) Can healthy fears ever hurt us? Explain your answer.
3) How can a person learn to trust God with their fears?
Isaiah 43:1 NIV
“But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 17
“Gratitude”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Based on this passage… How does God feel about our suffering?
2) What separates the Samaritan leper from the rest of the lepers?
3) How does thankfulness impact our lives? Our relationships?
Luke 17:11-13 NIV
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
Luke 17:14 NIV
When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.”
Leviticus 14:1-2 NIV
“The LORD said to Moses, “These are the regulations for any diseased person at the time of their ceremonial cleansing, when they are brought to the priest:”
Luke 17:15-16 NIV
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.”
Luke 17:17-19 NIV
“Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Discipleship in a Pandemic World – Part 16
“Mansplaining The Almighty”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1) Have you ever been guilty of doing what Job’s friends did? Talk about it.
2) How can praying for someone who offended you actually help you?
3) What separates real wisdom about God from “religious mansplaining”?
Job 38:1-3 NIV
“Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
Job 42:2-6 NIV
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job 42:7-8 NIV
“After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.”
Job 42:9 NIV
” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.”
Job 42:10 NIV
“After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”
Teaching on Faith — by Mike Socha
When Somebody Becomes a Nobody
John 13:2-5
The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.